Anti-n3pglu amyloid beta antibodies and uses thereof
Anti-N3pGlu Aβ antibodies with specific HCVR and LCVR sequences effectively target and reduce Aβ plaques, addressing the need for selective plaque reduction in diseases like Alzheimer's, with high affinity and minimal non-specific binding.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/CN2025/091622
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-04-28
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-28
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-06
AI Technical Summary
There is a need for novel anti-N3pGlu Aβ monoclonal antibodies that can effectively target and reduce plaque levels in conditions characterized by Aβ peptide deposition, such as Alzheimer's disease, with high affinity and selectivity.
Development of anti-N3pGlu Aβ antibodies and antigen-binding fragments with specific HCVR and LCVR sequences, including HCDR and LCDR combinations, which exhibit high binding affinity and selectivity for N3pGlu Aβ peptide while minimizing binding to hAβ1-40 and hAβ1-42, and are administered in pharmaceutical compositions.
The antibodies demonstrate high affinity and selectivity for N3pGlu Aβ peptide, reducing plaque levels and potentially slowing cognitive decline and functional decline in patients, while minimizing non-specific binding to other cells and proteins.
Smart Images

Figure CN2025091622_06112025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Anti-N3pGlu Amyloid Beta Antibodies and Uses thereofTechnical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to antibodies that selectively bind N3pGlu Amyloid Beta peptide and their use in treating conditions or diseases characterized by deposition of Amyloid Beta (Aβ, also referred to as Abeta) peptide.Background
[0002] The Aβ peptide in circulating form is composed of 38-43 amino acids (mostly 38, 40 or 42 amino acids) resulting from the cleavage of a precursor protein, amyloid precursor protein (APP) . Conversion of Aβ from soluble to insoluble forms having high β-sheet content and the deposition of these insoluble forms as neuritic and cerebrovascular plaques in the brain has been associated with a number of conditions and diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) , Down's syndrome, and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) .
[0003] The deposits found in plaques are comprised mainly of a heterogeneous mixture of Aβ peptides. N3pGlu Aβ, also referred to as N3pE or Aβp3-42, is a truncated form of the Aβ peptide found only in plaques. N3pGlu Aβ lacks the first two amino acid residues at the N-terminus of Aβ and has a pyroglutamate which was derived from the glutamic acid at the third amino acid position. Although N3pGlu Aβ peptide is a minor component of the deposited Aβ in the brain, studies have demonstrated that N3pGlu Aβ peptide has aggressive aggregation properties and accumulates early in the deposition cascade.
[0004] There is still a need for novel anti-N3pGlu Aβ monoclonal antibodies to engage the target in vivo (i.e. plaque binding) and subsequently lower plaque levels.Summary
[0005] The antibodies within the scope of the present invention are therapeutically useful N3pGlu Aβ peptide antagonists possessing a number of desirable properties. The present antibodies bind human N3pGlu Aβ peptide with high affinity and excellent selectivity compared to hAβ1-40 and / or hAβ1-42.
[0006] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an anti-N3pGlu Aβ antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof.
[0007] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising the antibody of or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present disclosure.
[0008] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides methods or uses of the antibody of or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present disclosure or the pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure.
[0009] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides one or more DNA molecules, each of them independently comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present disclosure.
[0010] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a mammalian cell comprising the DNA molecules of the present disclosure.
[0011] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a process for producing the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present disclosure.
[0012] Drawings
[0013] Figure 1 shows the experimental results of the hN3pGlu Aβ binding tests with P-061 to P-070.
[0014] Figure 2 shows the experimental results of the hAβ1-40 or hAβ1-42 binding tests with P-061 to P-070.
[0015] Figure 3A and Figure 3B show the binding activity between the anti-hN3pGlu Aβ antibody with hN3pGlu Aβ protein.
[0016] Figure 4A and Figure 4B show the binding activity between the anti-hN3pGlu Aβ antibody with hAβ1-40 or hAβ1-42 proteins.
[0017] Figure 5A to Figure 5F show the non-specific binding activities of the anti-hN3pGluAβ antibodies.
[0018] Figure 6 shows the phagocytic activity of BV2 cells mediated by anti-hN3pGlu Aβ antibody against Aβ aggregates.Detailed Description of the invention
[0019] In one aspect, the present invention provides an anti-N3pGlu Aβ antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, comprising a HCVR (heavy chain variable region) and a LCVR (light chain variable region) , wherein, the HCVR comprises HCDR1, HCDR2, and HCDR3, and the LCVR comprises LCDR1, LCDR2, and LCDR3; wherein:
[0020] the HCDR1 comprises GFX1FX2SYPMS (SEQ ID NO: 1) ; wherein, X1 is selected from S, N, T, G, or A; X2 is selected from T, A, G, N, or D;
[0021] the HCDR2 comprises AISGX3X4GSTYYADSVKG (SEQ ID NO: 2) ; wherein, X3 is selected from G, A, S, or N; X4 is selected from T, A, S, or G;
[0022] the HCDR3 comprises AREGX5X6GSYYX7GFDY (SEQ ID NO: 3) ; wherein, X5 is selected from N, S, A, G, or T; X6 is selected from A, T, or S; X7 is selected from S, A or T;
[0023] the LCDR1 comprises RASQZ1Z2GZ3WLA (SEQ ID NO: 4) ; wherein, Z1 is selected from N, or S; Z2 is selected from I, or V; Z3 is selected from N, or D;
[0024] the LCDR2 comprises QZ4SZ5LES (SEQ ID NO: 5) ; wherein, Z4 is selected from S, T, or A; Z5 is selected from A, S, N, or T;
[0025] the LCDR3 comprises QHYKGSZ6WT (SEQ ID NO: 6) ; wherein, Z6 is selected from Y, or F.
[0026] In some embodiments, the HCDR1 comprises GFX1FX2SYPMS (SEQ ID NO: 85) ; wherein, X1 is selected from S, N, or G; X2 is selected from A, N, or D;
[0027] the HCDR2 comprises AISGX3X4GSTYYADSVKG (SEQ ID NO: 86) ; wherein, X3 is selected from A, or S; X4 is selected from A, S, or G;
[0028] the HCDR3 comprises AREGNX6GSYYX7GFDY (SEQ ID NO: 87) ; wherein, X6 is selected from A, T, or S; X7 is selected from S, or A;
[0029] the LCDR1 comprises RASQNZ2GZ3WLA (SEQ ID NO: 88) ; wherein, Z2 is selected from I, or V; Z3 is selected from N, or D;
[0030] the LCDR2 comprises QZ4SZ5LES (SEQ ID NO: 89) ; wherein, Z4 is selected from S, T, or A; Z5 is selected from A, S, or N;
[0031] the LCDR3 comprises QHYKGSYWT (SEQ ID NO: 39) .
[0032] In some embodiments, the HCDR1 comprises GFX1FX2SYPMS (SEQ ID NO: 90) ; wherein, X1 is selected from N, or G; X2 is selected from A, or D;
[0033] the HCDR2 comprises AISGX3X4GSTYYADSVKG (SEQ ID NO: 91) ; wherein, X3 is selected from A, or S; X4 is selected from A, or G;
[0034] the HCDR3 comprises AREGNX6GSYYX7GFDY (SEQ ID NO: 92) ; wherein, X6 is selected from A, or S; X7 is selected from S, or A;
[0035] the LCDR1 comprises RASQNVGZ3WLA (SEQ ID NO: 93) ; wherein, Z3 is selected from N, or D;
[0036] the LCDR2 comprises QZ4SZ5LES (SEQ ID NO: 94) ; wherein, Z4 is selected from T, or A; Z5 is selected from S, or N;
[0037] the LCDR3 comprises QHYKGSYWT (SEQ ID NO: 39) .
[0038] In some embodiments:
[0039] (a) the HCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 19, the HCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 20, the HCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 21, the LCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 43, the LCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 44, and the LCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 45;
[0040] (b) the HCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 22, the HCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 23, the HCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 24, the LCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 46, the LCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 47, and the LCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 48;
[0041] (c) the HCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 16, the HCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 17, the HCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 18, the LCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 37, the LCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 38, and the LCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 39;
[0042] (d) the HCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 7, the HCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 8, the HCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 9, the LCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 37, the LCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 38, and the LCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 39;
[0043] (e) the HCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 10, the HCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 11, the HCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 12, the LCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 40, the LCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 41, and the LCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 42;
[0044] (f) the HCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 13, the HCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 14, the HCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 15, the LCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 37, the LCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 38, and the LCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 39;
[0045] (g) the HCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 25, the HCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 26, the HCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 27, the LCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 49, the LCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 50, and the LCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 51;
[0046] (h) the HCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 28, the HCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 29, the HCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 30, the LCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 49, the LCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 50, and the LCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 51;
[0047] (i) the HCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 31, the HCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 32, the HCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 33, the LCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 43, the LCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 44, and the LCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 45; or
[0048] (j) the HCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 34, the HCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 35, the HCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 36, the LCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 49, the LCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 50, and the LCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 51.
[0049] In some embodiments, the HCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 7, the HCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 8, the HCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 9, the LCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 37, the LCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 38, and the LCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 39. In some embodiments, the HCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 10, the HCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 11, the HCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 12, the LCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 40, the LCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 41, and the LCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 42. In some embodiments, the HCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 13, the HCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 14, the HCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 15, the LCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 37, the LCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 38, and the LCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 39. In some embodiments, the HCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 16, the HCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 17, the HCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 18, the LCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 37, the LCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 38, and the LCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 39. In some embodiments, the HCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 19, the HCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 20, the HCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 21, the LCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 43, the LCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 44, and the LCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 45. In some embodiments, the HCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 22, the HCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 23, the HCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 24, the LCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 46, the LCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 47, and the LCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 48. In some embodiments, the HCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 25, the HCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 26, the HCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 27, the LCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 49, the LCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 50, and the LCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 51. In some embodiments, the HCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 28, the HCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 29, the HCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 30, the LCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 49, the LCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 50, and the LCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 51. In some embodiments, the HCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 31, the HCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 32, the HCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 33, the LCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 43, the LCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 44, and the LCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 45. In some embodiments, the HCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 34, the HCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 35, the HCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 36, the LCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 49, the LCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 50, and the LCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 51.
[0050] In some embodiments, the antibody is selected from a murine antibody, a chimeric antibody, a humanized antibody, or a fully human antibody. In some embodiments, the antibody is a humanized antibody.
[0051] In some embodiments, the antibody comprises a framework region (FR) (such as FR1, FR2, FR3 and / or FR4) of human antibodies.
[0052] In some embodiments, the HCVR of the antibody comprises 0 to 20 (such as 0 to 10, 1 to 10, 1 to 9, 1 to 8, 1 to 7, 1 to 6, 1 to 5, 1 to 4, 1 to 3, 1 to 2, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20) different amino acids comparative to the any one of SEQ ID NO: 52 to SEQ ID NO: 61 (such as SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 57 or SEQ ID NO: 55) and the sequence difference is formed by insertion, deletion, and / or substitution of an amino acid of HCVR when the sequence difference exists.
[0053] In some embodiments, the LCVR of the antibody comprises 0 to 20 (such as 0 to 10, 1 to 10, 1 to 9, 1 to 8, 1 to 7, 1 to 6, 1 to 5, 1 to 4, 1 to 3, 1 to 2, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20) different amino acids comparative to any one of SEQ ID NO: 62 to SEQ ID NO: 66 (such as SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 65, or SEQ ID NO: 62) and the sequence difference is formed by insertion, deletion, and / or substitution of an amino acid of LCVR when the sequence difference exists.
[0054] In some embodiments, the HCVR of the antibody comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 70%(such as at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, at least 99.1%, at least 99.2%, at least 99.3%, at least 99.4%, at least 99.5%, at least 99.6%, at least 99.7%, at least 99.8%, at least 99.9%or 100%) sequence identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 52 to SEQ ID NO: 61 (such as SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 57 or SEQ ID NO: 55) and the sequence difference is formed by insertion, deletion, and / or substitution of amino acids of HCVR when the sequence difference exists.
[0055] In some embodiments, the LCVR of the antibody comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 70%(such as at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, at least 99.1%, at least 99.2%, at least 99.3%, at least 99.4%, at least 99.5%, at least 99.6%, at least 99.7%, at least 99.8%, at least 99.9%or 100%) sequence identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 62 to SEQ ID NO: 66 (such as SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 65, or SEQ ID NO: 62) and the sequence difference is formed by insertion, deletion, and / or substitution of an amino acid of LCVR when the sequence difference exists.
[0056] In some embodiments, the sequence difference of HCVR and / or LCVR is formed by substitution and the substitution is conservative substitution when the sequence difference exists.
[0057] In some embodiments:
[0058] (a) the HCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 56 and the LCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 64;
[0059] (b) the HCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 57 and the LCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 65;
[0060] (c) the HCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 55 and the LCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 62;
[0061] (d) the HCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 52 and the LCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 62;
[0062] (e) the HCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 53 and the LCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 63;
[0063] (f) the HCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 54 and the LCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 62;
[0064] (g) the HCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 58 and the LCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 66;
[0065] (h) the HCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 59 and the LCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 66;
[0066] (i) the HCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 60 and the LCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 64; or
[0067] (j) the HCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 61 and the LCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 66.
[0068] In some embodiments, the sequence difference of HCVR or LCVR exists outside any one of CDRs and only exists in the framework region when the sequence difference exists.
[0069] In some embodiments:
[0070] (a) the HCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 56 and the LCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 64;
[0071] (b) the HCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 57 and the LCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 65;
[0072] (c) the HCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 55 and the LCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 62;
[0073] (d) the HCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 52 and the LCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 62;
[0074] (e) the HCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 53 and the LCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 63;
[0075] (f) the HCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 54 and the LCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 62;
[0076] (g) the HCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 58 and the LCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 66;
[0077] (h) the HCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 59 and the LCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 66;
[0078] (i) the HCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 60 and the LCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 64; or
[0079] (j) the HCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 61 and the LCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 66.
[0080] In some embodiments, the HCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 52 and the LCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 62. In some embodiments, the HCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 53 and the LCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 63. In some embodiments, the HCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 54 and the LCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 62. In some embodiments, the HCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 55 and the LCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 62. In some embodiments, the HCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 56 and the LCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 64. In some embodiments, the HCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 57 and the LCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 65. In some embodiments, the HCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 58 and the LCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 66. In some embodiments, the HCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 59 and the LCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 66. In some embodiments, the HCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 60 and the LCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 64. In some embodiments, the HCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 61 and the LCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 66.
[0081] In some embodiments, the antibody comprises a heavy chain constant region and a light chain constant region. In some embodiments, the heavy chain constant region is the heavy chain constant region of human IgG1 or IgG4. In some embodiments, the heavy chain constant region is the heavy chain constant region of human IgG1. In some embodiments, the light chain constant region is the human kappa light chain constant region.
[0082] In some embodiments, the HC of the antibody comprises 0 to 30 (such as 0 to 10, 1 to 10, 1 to 9, 1 to 8, 1 to 7, 1 to 6, 1 to 5, 1 to 4, 1 to 3, 1 to 2, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30) different amino acids comparative to any one of SEQ ID NO: 67 to SEQ ID NO: 76 (such as SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 72, or SEQ ID NO: 70) and the sequence difference is formed by insertion, deletion, and / or substitution of an amino acid of HC when the sequence difference exists.
[0083] In some embodiments, the LC of the antibody comprises 0 to 30 (such as 0 to 10, 1 to 10, 1 to 9, 1 to 8, 1 to 7, 1 to 6, 1 to 5, 1 to 4, 1 to 3, 1 to 2, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30) different amino acids comparative to any one of SEQ ID NO: 77 to SEQ ID NO: 81 (such as SEQ ID NO: 79, SEQ ID NO: 80, or SEQ ID NO: 77) and the sequence difference is formed by insertion, deletion, and / or substitution of an amino acid of LC when the sequence difference exists.
[0084] In some embodiments, the HC of the antibody comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 70% (such as at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, at least 99.1%, at least 99.2%, at least 99.3%, at least 99.4%, at least 99.5%, at least 99.6%, at least 99.7%, at least 99.8%, at least 99.9%or 100%) sequence identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 67 to SEQ ID NO: 76 (such as SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 72, or SEQ ID NO: 70) and the sequence difference is formed by insertion, deletion, and / or substitution of amino acids of HC when the sequence difference exists.
[0085] In some embodiments, the LC of the antibody comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 70% (such as at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, at least 99.1%, at least 99.2%, at least 99.3%, at least 99.4%, at least 99.5%, at least 99.6%, at least 99.7%, at least 99.8%, at least 99.9%or 100%) sequence identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 77 to SEQ ID NO: 81 (such as SEQ ID NO: 79, SEQ ID NO: 80, or SEQ ID NO: 77) and the sequence difference is formed by insertion, deletion, and / or substitution of an amino acid of LC when the sequence difference exists.
[0086] In some embodiments, the sequence difference of HC and / or LC is formed by substitution and the substitution is conservative substitution when the sequence difference exists.
[0087] In some embodiments, the antibody comprises a heavy chain (HC) and a light chain (LC) , wherein:
[0088] (a) the HC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 71 and the LC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 79;
[0089] (b) the HC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 72 and the LC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 80;
[0090] (c) the HC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 70 and the LC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 77;
[0091] (d) the HC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 67 and the LC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 77;
[0092] (e) the HC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 68 and the LC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 78;
[0093] (f) the HC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 69 and the LC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 77;
[0094] (g) the HC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 73 and the LC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 81;
[0095] (h) the HC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 74 and the LC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 81;
[0096] (i) the HC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 75 and the LC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 79; or
[0097] (j) the HC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 76 and the LC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 81.
[0098] In some embodiments, the sequence difference of HC and / or LC exists outside any one of CDRs and only exists in the framework region (s) and / or constant region (s) when the sequence difference exists.
[0099] In some embodiments:
[0100] (a) the HC comprises SEQ ID NO: 71 and the LC comprises SEQ ID NO: 79;
[0101] (b) the HC comprises SEQ ID NO: 72 and the LC comprises SEQ ID NO: 80;
[0102] (c) the HC comprises SEQ ID NO: 70 and the LC comprises SEQ ID NO: 77;
[0103] (d) the HC comprises SEQ ID NO: 67 and the LC comprises SEQ ID NO: 77;
[0104] (e) the HC comprises SEQ ID NO: 68 and the LC comprises SEQ ID NO: 78;
[0105] (f) the HC comprises SEQ ID NO: 69 and the LC comprises SEQ ID NO: 77;
[0106] (g) the HC comprises SEQ ID NO: 73 and the LC comprises SEQ ID NO: 81;
[0107] (h) the HC comprises SEQ ID NO: 74 and the LC comprises SEQ ID NO: 81;
[0108] (i) the HC comprises SEQ ID NO: 75 and the LC comprises SEQ ID NO: 79; or
[0109] (j) the HC comprises SEQ ID NO: 76 and the LC comprises SEQ ID NO: 81.
[0110] In some embodiments, the HC comprises SEQ ID NO: 67 and the LC comprises SEQ ID NO: 77. In some embodiments, the HC comprises SEQ ID NO: 68 and the LC comprises SEQ ID NO: 78. In some embodiments, the HC comprises SEQ ID NO: 69 and the LC comprises SEQ ID NO: 77. In some embodiments, the HC comprises SEQ ID NO: 70 and the LC comprises SEQ ID NO: 77. In some embodiments, the HC comprises SEQ ID NO: 71 and the LC comprises SEQ ID NO: 79. In some embodiments, the HC comprises SEQ ID NO: 72 and the LC comprises SEQ ID NO: 80. In some embodiments, the HC comprises SEQ ID NO: 73 and the LC comprises SEQ ID NO: 81. In some embodiments, the HC comprises SEQ ID NO: 74 and the LC comprises SEQ ID NO: 81. In some embodiments, the HC comprises SEQ ID NO: 75 and the LC comprises SEQ ID NO: 79. In some embodiments, the HC comprises SEQ ID NO: 76 and the LC comprises SEQ ID NO: 81.
[0111] In some embodiments, the antibody is monoclonal antibody.
[0112] In some embodiments, the antibody comprises two heavy chains and two light chains.
[0113] In some embodiments, the antigen-binding fragment is selected from Fab, Fab', F (ab') 2, Fv, or scFv.
[0114] In one aspect, the present invention provides an anti-N3pGlu Aβ antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, comprising a HCVR (heavy chain variable region) and a LCVR (light chain variable region) , wherein:
[0115] (a) the HCVR comprises a HCDR1, a HCDR2, and a HCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 56 and the LCVR comprises a LCDR1, a LCDR2, and a LCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 64;
[0116] (b) the HCVR comprises a HCDR1, a HCDR2, and a HCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 57 and the LCVR comprises a LCDR1, a LCDR2, and a LCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 65;
[0117] (c) the HCVR comprises a HCDR1, a HCDR2, and a HCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 55 and the LCVR comprises a LCDR1, a LCDR2, and a LCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 62;
[0118] (d) the HCVR comprises a HCDR1, a HCDR2, and a HCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 52 and the LCVR comprises a LCDR1, a LCDR2, and a LCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 62;
[0119] (e) the HCVR comprises a HCDR1, a HCDR2, and a HCDR3 n SEQ ID NO: 53 and the LCVR comprises a LCDR1, a LCDR2, and a LCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 63;
[0120] (f) the HCVR comprises a HCDR1, a HCDR2, and a HCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 54 and the LCVR comprises a LCDR1, a LCDR2, and a LCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 62;
[0121] (g) the HCVR comprises a HCDR1, a HCDR2, and a HCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 58 and the LCVR comprises a LCDR1, a LCDR2, and a LCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 66;
[0122] (h) the HCVR comprises a HCDR1, a HCDR2, and a HCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 59 and the LCVR comprises a LCDR1, a LCDR2, and a LCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 66;
[0123] (i) the HCVR comprises a HCDR1, a HCDR2, and a HCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 60 and the LCVR comprises a LCDR1, a LCDR2, and a LCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 64; or
[0124] (j) the HCVR comprises a HCDR1, a HCDR2, and a HCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 61 and the LCVR comprises a LCDR1, a LCDR2, and a LCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 66;
[0125] Each of the HCDR1, the HCDR2, the HCDR3, the LCDR1, the LCDR2 and the LCDR3 is independently defined according to Kabat, IMGT, Chothia, AbM, and / or Contact.
[0126] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides an anti-N3pGlu antibody or antigen-binding fragment which competitively binds to the same epitope with the above-mentioned antibody or antigen-binding fragment.
[0127] In some embodiments, the antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof has a KD at 25℃ of less than 1 × 10-9 M for human N3pGlu Aβ peptide. In some embodiments, the anti-N3pGlu Aβ antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof has a KD at 25℃ of less than 1 × 10-10 M for human N3pGlu Aβ peptide. In some embodiments, the anti-N3pGlu Aβ antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof has a KD at 25℃ of less than 1 × 10-11M for human N3pGlu Aβ peptide. In some embodiments, the KD is tested according to Example 4 in the present disclosure.
[0128] In some embodiments, the antibody specifically binds to human N3pGlu Aβ compared with the human Aβ1-40 and / or human Aβ1-42. In some embodiments, the specific binding to human N3pGlu Aβ compared with the human Aβ1-40 and / or human Aβ1-42 is tested according to Example 3 in the present disclosure.
[0129] In some embodiments, the antibody has not non-specific binding to one or more (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6) cells selected from CHO-S, MCF7, MRC-5, Jurkat E6-1, HUVEC and / or HEK-293. In some embodiments, the non-specific binding is tested according to Example 5 in the present disclosure.
[0130] In some embodiments, the antibody or the antigen-binding fragment is characterized by one or more of the following item (i) to item (xv) :
[0131] Item (i) . maintains or increases the affinity to hN3pGlu Aβ as compared to a reference antibody, determined by the method of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or surface plasmon resonance (SPR) ;
[0132] Item (ii) . has reduced affinity to hAβ1-40 as compared to a reference antibody, determined by the method of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) surface plasmon resonance (SPR) ;
[0133] Item (iii) . has reduced affinity to hAβ1-42 as compared to a reference antibody, determined by the method of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) surface plasmon resonance (SPR) ;
[0134] Item (iv) . has reduced affinity to CHO-Scell as compared to a reference antibody, determined by the method of determined by the method of fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) ;
[0135] Item (v) . has reduced affinity to MCF7 cell as compared to a reference antibody, determined by the method of determined by the method of fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) ;
[0136] Item (vi) . has reduced affinity to MRC-5 cell as compared to a reference antibody, determined by the method of determined by the method of fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) ;
[0137] Item (vii) . has reduced affinity to Jurkat E6-1 cell as compared to a reference antibody, determined by the method of determined by the method of fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) ;
[0138] Item (viii) . has reduced affinity to HUVEC cell as compared to a reference antibody, determined by the method of determined by the method of fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) ;
[0139] Item (ix) . has reduced affinity to HEK-293 cell as compared to a reference antibody, determined by the method of determined by the method of fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) ;
[0140] Item (x) . has increased phagocytic activity of BV2 cells against Aβ aggregates as compared to a reference antibody;
[0141] Item (xi) . has increased the percentage reduction of Aβ1-42 levels in the cortical area of brain after treatment with the antibody, as compared to a reference antibody;
[0142] Item (xii) . has a KD at 25℃ of less than 1 × 10-8 M for human N3pGlu Aβ peptide;
[0143] Item (xiii) . specifically binds to human N3pGlu Aβ compared with the human Aβ1-40 and / or human Aβ1-42;
[0144] Item (xiv) . competitively binds to the same epitope;
[0145] Item (xv) . has not non-specific binding to one or more cells selected from CHO-S, MCF7, MRC-5, Jurkat E6-1, HUVEC and HEK-293;
[0146] the reference antibody has a HCVR of SEQ ID NO: 95 and a LCVR of SEQ ID NO: 96; or
[0147] the reference antibody has a HC of SEQ ID NO: 97 and a LC of SEQ ID NO: 98.
[0148] In one aspect, the present disclosure also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising the antibody of or antigen-binding fragment thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
[0149] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides:
[0150] (a) a method of treating or preventing a condition or disease characterized by deposition of Aβ;
[0151] (b) a method of slowing functional decline in a patient diagnosed with a condition or disease characterized by deposition of Aβ;
[0152] (c) a method of slowing cognitive decline in a patient diagnosed with a condition or disease characterized by deposition of Aβ;
[0153] (d) a method of reducing brain Aβ amyloid plaque load in a patient diagnosed with a condition or disease characterized by deposition of Aβ; or
[0154] (e) a method of preventing memory loss or cognitive decline in an asymptomatic patient having low levels of Aβl-42 in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or Aβ plaques in the brain;
[0155] wherein, the method comprises administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present disclosure, or the pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure.
[0156] In one aspect, the present disclosure also provides the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present disclosure or the pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure for use in therapy.
[0157] In one aspect, the present disclosure also provides the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present disclosure or the pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure for use:
[0158] (a) in the treatment or prevention of a condition or disease characterized by deposition of Aβ;
[0159] (b) in slowing cognitive decline in a patient diagnosed with a condition or disease characterized by deposition of Aβ;
[0160] (c) in slowing functional decline in a patient diagnosed with a condition or disease characterized by deposition of Aβ;
[0161] (d) in reducing brain Aβ amyloid plaque load in a patient diagnosed with a condition or disease characterized by deposition of Aβ; or
[0162] (e) in preventing memory loss or cognitive decline in an asymptomatic patient having low levels of Aβl-42 in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or Aβ plaques in the brain;
[0163] (f) as a medicament.
[0164] In one aspect, the present disclosure also provides a use of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof or the pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure in the manufacture of a medicament:
[0165] (a) for the treatment or prevention of a condition or disease characterized by deposition of Aβ;
[0166] (b) for slowing cognitive decline in a patient diagnosed with a condition or disease characterized by deposition of Aβ;
[0167] (c) for slowing functional decline in a patient diagnosed with a condition or disease characterized by deposition of Aβ;
[0168] (d) for reducing brain Aβ amyloid plaque load in a patient diagnosed with a condition or disease characterized by deposition of Aβ;
[0169] (e) for preventing memory loss or cognitive decline in an asymptomatic patient having low levels of Aβl-42 in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or Aβ plaques in the brain.
[0170] In some embodiments of the method, for use or the use of present invention, the condition or disease characterized by deposition of Aβ is selected from Alzheimer’s disease, Down’s syndrome, or amyloid angiopathy (CAA) . In some embodiments, the condition or disease characterized by deposition of Aβ is Alzheimer’s disease. In some embodiments, the condition or disease characterized by deposition of Aβ is Down’s syndrome. In some embodiments, the condition or disease characterized by deposition of Aβ is amyloid angiopathy. In some embodiments, the Alzheimer’s disease is selected from prodromal AD (sometimes also referred to as Aβ-related mild cognitive impairment, or MCI) , mild AD, moderate AD, and severe AD.
[0171] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides one or more DNA molecules, each of them independently comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention. In some embodiments, one DNA molecule comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide having any one of SEQ ID NO: 67 to SEQ ID NO: 81.
[0172] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a mammalian cell comprising the DNA molecules of the present invention. In an embodiment the mammalian cell line is a Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) or Hamster embryonic kidney (HEK) cell line.
[0173] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a process for producing the anti-N3pGlu antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present disclosure, the process comprises cultivating the mammalian cell of claim 34 or 35 under conditions such that the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof is expressed, and recovering the expressed antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof. The present disclosure includes the antibody obtainable by the process of the present disclosure as described immediately above.
[0174] In order to facilitate the understanding of the present disclosure, some technical and scientific terms are specifically defined below. Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all other technical and scientific terms used herein have the meanings generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs.
[0175] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise” , “have” , “include” , and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to” . and “comprise” comprises “essentially comprise” and “consist of” .
[0176] As used herein, “and / or” means any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, a composition containing A and / or B can be construed as a composition containing A, a composition containing B, or a composition containing both A and B.
[0177] All numbers, such as pH, temperature, time, concentration, and molecular weight, including ranges, are approximate values. They are appropriately varied in increments of 1.0 or 0.1, or optionally varied by + / -15%, 10%, 5%, or 2% (+ or -) . It should be understood that the term “about” precedes all numbers. It should also be understood that the reagents described herein are merely exemplary, and their equivalents are known in the art. When referring to measurable values such as amounts or concentrations, the term “about” as used herein means variations within 20%, 10%, 5%, 1%, 0.5%, or 0.1%of the specified amount.
[0178] As used herein, “at least 70%sequence identity” at each occurrence is meant to at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, 99.1%, 99.2%, 99.3%, 99.4%, 99.5%, 99.6%, 99.7%, 99.8%, 99.9%sequence identity or 100%sequence identity. As used herein, “at least 90%” sequence identity of the HC or the LC means at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%or 99%sequence identity or 100%sequence identity.
[0179] The three-letter and single-letter codes for amino acids used herein are as described in J. biol. chem, 243, p3558 (1968) .
[0180] “N3pGlu Aβ” or “hN3pGlu Aβ” refers to human N3pGlu Aβ (SEQ ID NO: 82) .
[0181] “Aβ1-40” or “hAβ1-40” refers to human Aβ1-40 (SEQ ID NO: 83) .
[0182] “Aβ1-42” or “hAβ1-42” refers to human Aβ1-40 (SEQ ID NO: 84) .
[0183] Note: pE refers to pyroglutamate.
[0184] “Antibody” is used in the broadest sense and encompasses a variety of antibody structures, including, but not limited to monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies; monospecific antibodies, multiple specific antibodies (e.g., bispecific antibodies) and the like; and full length antibodies, and antibody fragments (or antigen-binding fragments, or antigen binding portions) so long as they exhibit the desired antigen-binding activity. An antibody may refer to an immunoglobulin, a tetrapeptide chain structure formed by linking two identical heavy chains and two identical light chains by interchain disulfide bonds. The heavy chain constant regions of immunoglobulin differ in their amino acid composition and arrangement, and thus in their antigenicity. Accordingly, immunoglobulins can be divided into five classes, or isotypes of immunoglobulins, namely IgM, IgD, IgG, IgA and IgE, with their corresponding heavy chains being μ chain, δ chain, γ chain, α chain and ε chain, respectively. Ig of the same class can be divided into different subclasses according to differences in the amino acid composition of the hinge regions and the number and positions of disulfide bonds of the heavy chains; for example, IgG can be divided into IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4. Light chains are divided into κ or λ chains according to differences in the constant regions. Each of the five classes of Ig may have a κ chain or λ chain. In the antibody heavy and light chains, sequences of about 110 amino acids near the N-terminus vary considerably and thus are referred to as variable regions (V regions) ; the remaining amino acid sequences near the C-terminus are relatively stable and thus are referred to as constant regions (C regions) . The variable regions comprise 3 hypervariable regions (CDRs) and 4 framework regions (FRs) with relatively conservative sequences. The 3 hypervariable regions determine the specificity of the antibody and thus are also known as complementarity determining regions (CDRs) . Each of the LCVRs (VLs) and the HCVRs (VHs) consists of 3 CDR regions and 4 FR regions arranged from the amino terminus to the carboxyl terminus in the following order: FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, FR3, CDR3, and FR4. The 3 CDR regions of the light chain refer to LCDR1, LCDR2, and LCDR3; and the 3 CDR regions of the heavy chain refer to HCDR1, HCDR2, and HCDR3.
[0185] The antibody, or the nucleic acid encoding the same, is provided in isolated form. As used herein, the term “isolated” refers to a protein, peptide or nucleic acid that is not found in nature and is free or substantially free from other macromolecular species found in a cellular environment. “Substantially free” , as used herein, means the protein, peptide or nucleic acid of interest comprises more than 80% (on a molar basis) of the macromolecular species present, preferably more than 90%and more preferably more than 95%.
[0186] A variety of analysis methods can be used to identify each of CDRs by Kabat, Chothia, AbM, IMGT, and / or Contact etc. The Kabat Complementarity Determining Regions (CDRs) are based on sequence variability and are the most commonly used (Kabat et al., Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, 5th Ed. Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD. (1991) ) . Chothia CDRs refer instead to the location of the structural loops (Chothia and Lesk, J. Mol. Biol. 196: 901-917 (1987) ) . The AbM CDRs represent a compromise between the Kabat CDRs and Chothia CDRs, and are used by Oxford Molecular's AbM antibody modeling software. The “Contact” CDRs are based on an analysis of the available complex crystal structures. The residues from each of these CDRs are noted below.
[0187] CDRs may comprise “extended CDRs” as follows: 24-36 or 24-34 (LCDR1) , 46-56 or 50-56 (LCDR2) and 89-97 or 89-96 (LCDR3) in the LCVR and 26-35 (HCDR1) , 50-65 or 49-65 (HCDR2) and 93-102, 94-102, or 95-102 (HCDR3) in the HCVR. The variable domain residues are numbered according to Kabat et al., supra, for each of these definitions.
[0188] It should be understood that though the CDRs of the present disclosure are defined by the “extended CDRs” , the other CDRs of the present disclosure defined by other methods such as Kabat, AbM, Chothia, Contact, or combination thereof (such as the combination of Kabat and Chothia) are included by the present disclosure.
[0189] The expression “Kabat numbering” or “Kabat position” and variations thereof, refers to the numbering system used for heavy-chain variable domains or light-chain variable domains of the compilation of antibodies in Kabat et al., supra. Using this numbering system, the actual linear amino acid sequence may contain fewer or additional amino acids corresponding to a shortening of, or insertion into, a FR or CDRs of the variable domain. For example, a heavy-chain variable domain may include a single amino acid insert (residue 52a according to Kabat) after residue 52 of H2 and inserted residues (e.g. residues 82a, 82b, and 82c, etc. according to Kabat) after heavy-chain FR residue 82. The Kabat numbering of residues may be determined for a given antibody by alignment at regions of homology of the sequence of the antibody with a “standard” Kabat numbered sequence.
[0190] “Monoclonal antibody” or “mAb” refers to an antibody obtained from a population of substantially homogeneous antibodies, i.e., the individual antibodies included in the population are identical except for possible naturally occurring mutations that may be present in minor amounts. Monoclonal antibodies are highly specific, being directed against a single antigenic site. Furthermore, in contrast to polyclonal antibody preparations, which typically include different antibodies directed against different determinants (epitopes) , each monoclonal antibody is directed against a single determinant on the antigen. The modifier “monoclonal” indicates the characteristics of an antibody obtained from a population of substantially homogeneous antibodies and is not to be construed as requiring production of the antibody by any particular method. mAb of the present disclosure preferably exist in a homogeneous or substantially homogeneous population. Complete mAb contains 2 heavy chains and 2 light chains.
[0191] The term “fully human antibody” includes antibodies having variable and constant regions derived from human germline immunoglobulin sequences. The fully human antibody of the present disclosure may include amino acid residues not encoded by human germline immunoglobulin sequences (e.g., mutations introduced by random or site-specific mutagenesis in vitro or by somatic mutations in vivo) . However, the term “fully human antibody” does not include antibodies in which CDR sequences derived from the germline of another mammalian species (such as rabbits) have been grafted into human framework sequences (i.e., “humanized antibody” ) .
[0192] The term “humanized antibody” , also known as a CDR-grafted antibody, refers to an antibody produced by grafting non-human CDR sequences into the framework of variable regions of a human antibody. Such an antibody can overcome the strong immune response induced by the chimeric antibody because of carrying many non-human protein components. To avoid the decrease in activity caused by the decrease in immunogenicity, the variable regions can be subjected to minimum back-mutation to maintain activity. The identification of residues to consider for back-mutation can be carried out as follows:
[0193] When an amino acid falls under the following category, the framework amino acid of the human germline sequence that is being used (the “acceptor framework” ) is replaced by a framework amino acid from a framework of the parent antibody compound (the “donor framework” ) :
[0194] (a) the amino acid in the human framework region of the acceptor framework is unusual for human frameworks at that position, whereas the corresponding amino acid in the donor immunoglobulin is typical for human frameworks at that position;
[0195] (b) the position of the amino acid is immediately adjacent to one of the CDRs; or
[0196] (c) any side chain atom of a framework amino acid is within about 5-6 angstroms (center-to-center) of any atom of a CDR amino acid in a three-dimensional immunoglobulin model.
[0197] When each of the amino acids in the human framework region of the acceptor framework and a corresponding amino acid in the donor framework is generally unusual for human frameworks at that position, such amino acid can be replaced by an amino acid typical for human frameworks at that position. This back-mutation criterion enables one to recover the activity of the parent antibody compound.
[0198] Another approach to generating human engineered antibodies exhibiting similar functional properties to the antibody compounds disclosed herein involves randomly mutating amino acids within the grafted CDRs without changing the framework and screening the resultant molecules for binding affinity and other functional properties that are as good as or better than those of the parent antibody compounds. Single mutations can also be introduced at each amino acid position within each CDR, followed by assessing the effects of such mutations on binding affinity and other functional properties. Single mutations producing improved properties can be combined to assess their effects in combination with one another.
[0199] Further, a combination of both foregoing approaches is possible. After CDR grafting, one can back-mutate specific framework regions in addition to introducing amino acid changes in the CDRs. This methodology is described in Wu et al. (1999) J. Mol. Biol. 294: 151-162.
[0200] Applying the teachings of the present disclosure, a person skilled in the art can use common techniques, e.g., site-directed mutagenesis, to substitute amino acids within the presently disclosed CDR and framework sequences and thereby generate further variable region amino acid sequences derived from the present sequences. All alternative naturally occurring amino acids can be introduced at a specific substitution site. The methods disclosed herein can then be used to screen these additional variable region amino acid sequences to identify sequences having the indicated in vivo functions. In this way, further sequences suitable for preparing humanized antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof in accordance with the present disclosure can be identified.
[0201] In some embodiments, amino acid substitution within the frameworks is restricted to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 positions within any one or more of the 4 light chain and / or heavy chain framework regions disclosed herein. In some embodiments, amino acid substitution within the CDRs is restricted to one, two, or three positions within any one or more of the 3 light chain and / or heavy chain CDRs. Combinations of the various changes within these framework regions and CDRs described above are also possible.
[0202] Humanized antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof encompassed by the present disclosure include molecules wherein any one or more of framework regions 1 to 4 is substantially or fully human, i.e., wherein any of the possible combinations of individual substantially or fully human framework regions 1 to 4, is present. For example, this includes molecules in which framework region 1 and framework region 2, framework region 1 and framework region 3, framework region 1, 2, and 3, etc., are substantially or fully human. Substantially human frameworks are those that have at least about 80%sequence identity to a known human germline framework sequence. Preferably, the substantially human frameworks have at least about 85%, about 90%, about 95%, or about 99%sequence identity to a known human germline framework sequence.
[0203] The term “chimeric antibody” refers to an antibody obtained by fusing variable regions of an antibody of a first species to constant regions of an antibody of a second species, which can reduce an immune response induced by the antibody of the first species. As an example, the chimeric antibody is established by firstly establishing rabbits secreting a rabbit specific monoclonal antibody, isolating the antibody, then cloning a constant region gene of fully human antibody as required, linking the rabbit variable region gene and the human constant region gene into a chimeric gene, inserting the chimeric gene into a human vector, and finally expressing chimeric antibody molecules in a eukaryotic industrial system or prokaryotic industrial system. The constant region of the fully human antibody may be selected from the group consisting of the heavy chain constant regions of human IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4 or variants thereof, preferably comprising human IgG1 or IgG4 heavy chain constant regions.
[0204] Monoclonal antibodies of the present disclosure and antigen-binding fragments thereof can be produced, for example, by recombinant technologies, phage display technologies, synthetic technologies, e.g., CDR-grafting, or combinations of such technologies, or other technologies known in the art. For example, mice can be immunized with human N3pGlu Aβ or fragments thereof, the resulting antibodies can be recovered and purified, and determination of whether they possess binding and functional properties similar to or the same as the antibody compounds disclosed herein can be assessed by the methods disclosed essentially as described in Examples below. Antigen-binding fragments can also be prepared by conventional methods. Methods for producing and purifying antibodies and antigen-binding fragments are well known in the art and can be found, for example, in Harlow and Lane (1988) Antibodies, A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, chapters 5-8 and 15, ISBN 0-87969-314-2.
[0205] The term “bind to hN3pGlu Aβ” refers to being able to interact with hN3pGlu Aβ or an epitope thereof, wherein the hN3pGlu Aβ or the epitope thereof is derived from humans.
[0206] The term “antigen” refers to a molecule used for immunization of an immunocompetent vertebrate to produce an antibody that recognizes the antigen or to screen an expression library (e.g., particularly phage, yeast or ribosome display library) . Herein, the antigen includes a target molecule that is specifically recognized by the antibody, and a portion or a mimic of a molecule used in an immunization process for producing the antibody or in library screening for selecting the antibody. The antibody of the present disclosure binds to human N3pGlu Aβ, monomers and polymers (e.g., dimers, trimers, etc. ) of human N3pGlu Aβ.
[0207] The term “epitope” refers to a site on an antigen to which an immunoglobulin or an antibody binds. An epitope may be formed from contiguous amino acids, or noncontiguous amino acids juxtaposed by tertiary folding of the protein. An epitope formed from contiguous amino acids is generally retained after exposure to a denaturing solvent, while an epitope formed by tertiary folding is generally lost after a denaturing solvent treatment. An epitope generally comprises, for example, at least 3-15 amino acids in a unique spatial conformation. Methods for determining what epitope is bound by a given antibody are well known in the art and include an immunoblotting assay, an immunoprecipitation assay, and the like. Methods for determining the spatial conformation of an epitope include techniques in the art and techniques described herein, such as X-ray crystallography and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance.
[0208] The term “specifically bind” , “specifically bound” , “specific binding” or “selective binding” refers to binding of an antibody to an epitope on a predetermined antigen. Generally, an antibody binds to a predetermined antigen or epitope thereof with an equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) of about less than 10-7 M or even less and with an affinity that is at least twice (such as 2, 5, 10, 100 or 1000 fold) as high as its affinity for binding to a non-specific antigen other than the predetermined antigen or the epitope thereof (or non-specific antigens other than closely related antigens, e.g., human Aβ1-40, human Aβ1-42 etc. ) , when determined by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) techniques in an instrument using human N3pGlu Aβ or an epitope thereof as an analyte and the antibody as a ligand. The term “antigen-recognizing antibody” is used interchangeably herein with the term “specifically bound” antibody.
[0209] “Binding affinity” or “affinity” is used herein as a measure of the strength of a non-covalent interaction between two molecules (e.g., an antibody or a portion thereof and an antigen) . The binding affinity between two molecules can be quantified by determining the dissociation constant (KD) . KD can be determined by measuring the kinetics of complex formation and dissociation using, for example, the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) method (Biacore) . The rate constants corresponding to the association and dissociation of a monovalent complex are referred to as the association rate constant Ka (or Kon) and the dissociation rate constant Kd (or Koff) , respectively. KD = Kd / Ka. The value of the dissociation constant can be determined directly by well-known methods and can be calculated by methods such as those described by Caceci et al (1984, Byte 9: 340-362) even for complex mixtures. For example, KD can be determined by using a dual filtration nitrocellulose filter binding assay such as that disclosed by Wong &Lohman (1993, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90: 5428-5432) . Other standard assays for evaluating the binding ability of an antibody to a target antigen are known in the art and include, for example, ELISA, western blot, RIA and flow cytometry, as well as other assays exemplified elsewhere herein. The binding kinetics and binding affinity of the antibody can also be evaluated by standard assays known in the art, such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR) , for example, by using the BiacoreTM system or KinExA. The binding affinities associated with different molecular interactions, e.g., the binding affinities of different antibodies for a given antigen, can be compared by comparing the KD values of antibody / antigen complexes. Similarly, the specificity of an interaction can be evaluated by determining and comparing the KD value for the interaction of interest (e.g., a specific interaction between an antibody and an antigen (such as hN3Glu Aβ) ) with the KD value for an interaction not of interest (e.g., a control antibody, such as hAβ1-40, h Aβ1-42) .
[0210] The terms “inhibition” and “blocking” are used interchangeably and encompass both partial and complete inhibition / blocking. Inhibition / blocking of hN3Glu Aβ preferably reduces or alters the normal level or type of activity that occurs when hN3Glu Aβ binding occurs without inhibition or blocking. Inhibition and blocking are also intended to include any measurable decrease in hN3Glu Aβ binding affinity when in contact with an anti-hN3Glu Aβ antibody as compared to hN3Glu Aβ not in contact with an anti-hN3Glu Aβantibody.
[0211] The term “treating” (or “treat” or “treatment” ) refers to processes involving a slowing, interrupting, arresting, controlling, stopping, reducing, or reversing the progression or severity of an existing symptom, disorder, condition, or disease, but does not necessarily involve a total elimination of all disease-related symptoms, conditions, or disorders associated with the anti-hN3pGlu Aβ antibody.
[0212] The antibodies of the present disclosure can be used as medicaments in human medicine, administered by a variety of routes. Most preferably, such compositions are for parenteral administration. Such pharmaceutical compositions can be prepared by methods well known in the art (See, e.g., Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 19ed. (1995) , A. Gennaro et al., Mack Publishing Co. ) and comprise an antibody as disclosed herein or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent, or excipient.
[0213] The results of the following assays demonstrate that the monoclonal antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof of the present disclosure are useful for treating a condition associated with Aβ peptide activity such as Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome, and CAA.
[0214] “Homology” or “sequence identity” refers to sequence similarity between two polynucleotide sequences or between two polypeptides. When positions in two compared sequences are occupied by identical nucleotides or amino acid monomer subunits, e.g., if the position of each of two polypeptides / DNA molecules is occupied by an identical nucleotide, the molecules are homologous at that position. The homology percentage between two sequences is a function of the number of matching or homologous positions shared by the two sequences divided by the number of positions compared x 100%. For example, if 6 out of 10 positions are matched or homologous when two sequences are optimally aligned, the two sequences are 60%homologous. Generally, when two sequences are aligned, comparison is performed to obtain the maximum homology percentage. On the other hand, “sequence difference” between two polynucleotide sequences or between two polypeptides refers to: when positions in two compared sequences are occupied by different nucleotides or amino acid monomer subunits, e.g., if the position of each of two polypeptides / DNA molecules is occupied by a different nucleotide, the molecules are heterologous at that position. The heterology percentage between two sequences is a function of the number of mismatching or heterologous positions shared by the two sequences divided by the number of positions compared x 100%. For example, if 4 out of 10 positions are mismatched or heterologous when two sequences are optimally aligned, the two sequences are 40%heterologous. Generally, when two sequences are aligned, comparison is performed to obtain the maximum homology percentage.
[0215] “Optional” or “optionally” means that the event or circumstance subsequently described may, but does not necessarily, occur, and that the description includes instances where the event or circumstance occurs or does not occur.
[0216] As used herein, the terms “nucleic acid” , “nucleic acid molecule” , “nucleic acid sequence” , “nucleotide sequence” and “polynucleotide” are used interchangeably and refer to a polymerized form of nucleotides (ribonucleotides or deoxyribonucleotides) of any length. Accordingly, the term includes, but is not limited to, single-stranded, double-stranded DNA or RNA, cDNA, DNA-RNA hybrids, or polymers composed of purine and pyrimidine bases or other natural, chemically or biochemically modified, non-natural or derivative nucleotide bases.
[0217] As used herein, “express” or “expression” refers to the process by which a nucleic acid sequence is transcribed into mRNA and / or the process by which the transcribed mRNA is subsequently translated into a peptide, polypeptide, amino acid sequence, or protein. If the nucleic acid sequence is derived from genomic DNA, expression may include the splicing of mRNA in eukaryotic cells.
[0218] As used herein, when the term “encodes” is applied to a nucleic acid sequence, it means that if, in its natural state or when manipulated by methods well-known to those skilled in the art, it can be transcribed to produce mRNA and / or translated to produce a polypeptide, then it is referred to as a nucleic acid sequence that “encodes” a polypeptide. The antisense strand is the complement of such a nucleic acid and can be used to derive the coding sequence.
[0219] When referring to specific molecules, biological materials, or cellular substances, “equivalent” or “functional variant” refer to those that have minimal homology while still maintaining the required structure or function. Non-limiting examples of equivalent polypeptides include polypeptides that have at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, or at least about 99%identity with a reference polypeptide (such as the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment described in the present disclosure) ; or polypeptides encoded by polynucleotides that have at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, or at least about 99%identity with a reference polynucleotide (such as a polynucleotide encoding the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment described in the present disclosure) .
[0220] Equivalents with one or more amino acid modifications compared to the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment described in the present disclosure are also encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure, provided that the one or more amino acid modifications do not affect or substantially do not affect the ability of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment described in the present disclosure such as one or more of item (i) to item (xi) . As used herein, amino acid modifications can be amino acid substitutions, deletions, or insertions. Amino acid substitutions can be conservative or non-conservative. Conservative substitutions (also known as conservative mutations, conservative replacements, or conservative variations) are amino acid substitutions in a protein that change a given amino acid to a different amino acid with similar biochemical properties (such as charge, hydrophobicity, or size) . As used herein, “conservative substitution” refers to the replacement of an amino acid residue with another biologically similar residue. Examples of conservative substitutions include the replacement of one hydrophobic residue such as isoleucine, valine, leucine, or methionine with another; or the replacement of one charged or polar residue with another, such as arginine replacing lysine, glutamate replacing aspartate, and glutamine replacing asparagine, etc. Other exemplary examples of conservative substitutions include the following changes: alanine to serine; asparagine to glutamine or histidine; aspartate to glutamate; cysteine to serine; glycine to proline; histidine to asparagine or glutamine; lysine to arginine, glutamine, or glutamate; phenylalanine to tyrosine; serine to threonine; threonine to serine; tryptophan to tyrosine; tyrosine to tryptophan or phenylalanine; and so on.
[0221] As used herein, the term “subject” generally refers to a mammal. Mammals include but are not limited to domesticated animals (such as cows, sheep, cats, dogs, and horses) , primates (such as humans and non-human primates, such as monkeys) , rabbits, and rodents (such as mice and rats) . The term “primate” generally refers to monkey and ape species, and includes monkey species such as monkeys from the genus Macaca (such as the cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) and / or the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) ) and baboons (such as the chacma baboon (Papio ursinus) ) , as well as marmosets (species from the genus Callithrix) , squirrel monkeys (species from the genus Saimiri) , and tamarins (species from the genus Saguinus) , and ape species such as the chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) , and also includes Homo sapiens.
[0222] The term “vector” generally refers to a nucleic acid molecule capable of self-replication in a suitable host, which transfers the inserted nucleic acid molecule into host cells and / or between host cells. The vectors may include those mainly used for inserting DNA or RNA into cells, those mainly used for replicating DNA or RNA, and those mainly used for the transcription and / or translation expression of DNA or RNA. The vectors also include those with multiple of the above-mentioned functions. The vector can be a polynucleotide that, when introduced into a suitable host cell, is capable of being transcribed and translated into a polypeptide. Typically, by culturing suitable host cells containing the vector, the vector can produce the desired expression product.
[0223] As used herein, the term “cell” generally refers to an individual cell, cell line, or cell culture that may or already contains a plasmid or vector including the nucleic acid molecule described in the present disclosure, or that is capable of expressing the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment described in the present disclosure. The cells may include the progeny of a single host cell. Due to natural, accidental, or deliberate mutations, the progeny cells may not be completely identical in morphology or genome to the original parental cells, but as long as they are capable of expressing the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment described in the present invention. The cells can be obtained by transfecting cells in vitro using the vector described in the present invention. The cells can be prokaryotic cells (such as Escherichia coli) , or eukaryotic cells (such as yeast cells, COS cells, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, HeLa cells, HEK293 cells, COS-1 cells, NS0 cells, or myeloma cells) . In some cases, the cells can be mammalian cells. For example, the mammalian cells can be CHO-K1 cells.
[0224] As used herein, the term “recombinant cell” generally refers to a cell into which a recombinant expression vector has been introduced. The recombinant host cells include not only a certain specific type of cell, but also the progeny of these cells.
[0225] As used herein, “pharmaceutical composition” generally refers to a formulation that exists in a form that allows the biological activity of the active ingredient to be effective and does not contain additional components that are unacceptably toxic to the subject to whom the composition will be administered. The composition is sterile. A “sterile” composition is one that is sterilized or free of all living microorganisms and their spores.
[0226] As used herein, “kit” generally refers to a packaged product containing components for administering the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment of the present disclosure to treat or prevent diseases associated with abnormal accumulation or deposition of amyloid-like proteins. The components of the kit may be contained in separate vials (i.e., a kit with separate parts) or provided in a single vial. The kit may contain reagents such as buffers, protein-stabilizing reagents, signal-generating systems (e.g., fluorescence signal-generating systems) , antibodies, control proteins, and test containers. The kit may also include instructions for performing the described methods. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the kit may further include an administration device capable of administering the pharmaceutically active ingredient in the kit (e.g., the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment of the present disclosure) to a subject in an appropriate manner.
[0227] As used herein, “one or more” refers to one or more than one, but the maximum value is limited by the context, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 1 to 2, 1 to 3, 1 to 4, 1 to 5, 1 to 6, 1 to 7, 1 to 8, 1 to 9, 1 to 10, 1 to 11, 1 to 12, 1 to 13, 1 to 14.
[0228] The term “a condition or disease characterized by deposition of Aβ” is a disease that is pathologically characterized by Aβ deposits in the brain or in brain vasculature. This includes diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome, and cerebral amyloid angiopathy. A clinical diagnosis, staging or progression of Alzheimer's disease can be readily determined by the attending diagnostician or health care professional, as one skilled in the art, by using known techniques and by observing results. This generally includes some form of brain plaque imagining, mental or cognitive assessment (e.g. Clinical Dementia Rating -summary of boxes (CDR-SB) , Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) or Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive (ADAS-Cog) ) or functional assessment (e.g. Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study-Activities of Daily Living (ADCS-ADL) . The Alzheimer's disease includes clinical Alzheimer's disease and pre-clinical Alzheimer's disease. "Clinical Alzheimer's disease" as used herein is a diagnosed stage of Alzheimer's disease. It includes conditions diagnosed as prodromal Alzheimer's disease, mild Alzheimer's disease, moderate Alzheimer's disease and severe Alzheimer's disease. The term "pre-clinical Alzheimer's disease" is a stage that precedes clinical Alzheimer's disease, where measurable changes in biomarkers (such as CSF Aβ42 levels or deposited brain plaque load by amyloid PET) indicate the earliest signs of a patient with Alzheimer's pathology, progressing to clinical Alzheimer's disease. This is usually before symptoms such as memory loss and confusion are noticeable.
[0229] The following Examples and assays demonstrate that the antibodies of the present disclosure are useful for treating a disease characterized by deposition of Aβ, such as of Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome, and CAA. It should be understood however, that the following Examples are set forth by way of illustration and not limitation, and that various modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0230] Example 1: Screening of Anti-hN3pGlu Aβ Monoclonal Antibodies
[0231] The antigen hN3pGlu Aβ protein was diluted in sterile PBS to a final concentration of 10μg / mL. The immunotubes were coated with 500μL of the diluted hN3pGlu Aβ protein solution at 4℃ overnight. Simultaneously, a negative control (PBS-coated immunotubes) was set up. The immunotubes were blocked with 4%skim milk / PBST and incubated at 37℃ for 1 hour. Simultaneously, the phage antibody library was blocked with 4%skim milk, 50μg of Aβ1-40 and 50μg of Aβ1-42. After blocking, the phage antibody library (approximately 3×1012) was added to the immunotubes for antibody-antigen binding. After incubation at 37℃ for 1 hour, the unbound phages with PBS (T) were washed away, and then the phage antibodies (phage-abs) were eluted with 0.1 M HCl-Glycine, and the eluted phages were neutralized with 1.5 M Tris-HCl (pH 8.8) .
[0232] 10mL of TG1 bacterial culture at the logarithmic growth phase was infected with approximately 535μL of the neutralized phages. The infected bacterial cultures were incubated at 37℃ for 30 minutes, followed by shaking at 37℃ and 220 rpm for an additional 30 minutes. An appropriate volume of bacterial culture was taken to the plate and determined the colony-forming units (CFU) . The remaining bacteria was centrifuged and spread onto 2YTCG agar plates for incubation overnight at 37℃. The next day, colonies were collected from the 2YTCG plates and resuspended in 50mL of 2YTCG medium. When the colonies grew to the logarithmic growth phase, then to the culture was added 20μL M13KO7 helper phage (pfu=1×1013) . The culture was shaken overnight at 28℃. The next day, the supernatant was recovered and performed routine PEG precipitation. The obtained secondary phage antibody library was used for the next round of screening. The panning process was repeated for a total of three rounds, according to the same steps as described above.
[0233] After panning, the well-separated monoclonal colonies were separately inoculated into 1mL of 2YTCG medium (Chloramphenicol: 34μg / ml, Glucose: 2%) . The cultures were then shaken at 220 rpm at 37℃ overnight. The next day, the cultures were transferred to a new 96-well deep well plate and infected with M13KO7 helper phage to each well. After infection, the cultures were centrifuged at 4000 rpm and 4℃ for 15 minutes and then the supernatant was discarded, and the bacterial pellet was resuspended in 2YTCK medium (Chloramphenicol: 34μg / ml, Kanamycin: 100μg / ml) . The cultures were then shaken at 220 rpm overnight at 28℃. The amplified phage supernatant was collected for ELISA identification. Sequencing of the positive clones yielded a total of 10 antibody sequences, designated as P-061 to P-070. The amino acid sequences of the heavy chain variable region (HCVR) and the light chain variable region (LCVR) are shown in Table 1, and the corresponding CDR regions are shown in Table 2.
[0234] Table 1: Amino Acid Sequences of the heavy chain variable regions (HCVR) and light chain variable regions (LCVR) for P-061 to P-070 and P-002.
[0235] Table 2. Amino Acid Sequences of CDRs for P-061 to P-070
[0236] Note: Each of CDRs is defined by HCDR1 (26-35) , HCDR2 (50-65) , HCDR3 (93-102) , LCDR1 (24-34) , LCDR2 (50-56) and LCDR3 (89-97) respectively, wherein, the variable domain residues are numbered according to Kabat et al., supra, for each of these definitions.
[0237] The 10 clones were performed phage display and precipitation to obtain highly pure phage-abs. Remternetug was prepared into a phage-ab using the same method and was named P-002. The HCVR and LCVR of P-002 are shown in Table 1. The binding ability and specificities of phage-abs were assessed using gradient dilution ELISA. The 96-well ELISA plates were separately coated with 1μg / mL of hN3pGlu Aβ, 1μg / mL of hAβ1-40, and 1μg / mL of hAβ1-42 proteins. For hN3pGlu Aβ binding test, the phage-abs were performed 3-fold gradient dilutions (totaling 10 gradients) and added to 96-well ELISA plates. For hAβ1-40 and hAβ1-42 binding test, the phage-abs were added to 96-well ELISA plates at a concentration of 3mg / ml. After incubation, HRP-conjugated mouse anti-M13 monoclonal antibody (SinoBiological, 11973-MM05T-H) was used to detect the binding of phage-abs to hN3pGlu Aβ, hAβ1-40, and hAβ1-42 proteins. For hN3pGlu Aβ binding tests, the experimental results are shown in Figure 1 For hAβ1-40 and hAβ1-42 binding tests, the experimental results are shown in Figure 2. The EC50 values for the binding of phage-abs to hN3pGluAβ were analyzed using GraphPad Software and shown in Table 3.
[0238] Table3: The binding activities of phage-abs to hN3pGluAβ
[0239] As shown in Figure 1, all 10 and P-002 phage-abs can specifically bind to hN3pGlu Aβ protein in a dose-dependent manner. The binding activity of the 10 phage-abs is stronger than that of the control antibody P-002. As shown in Figure 2, the 10 phage-abs do not bind to hAβ1-40 and hAβ1-42 proteins.
[0240] Example 2: Expression and Purification of Anti-hN3pGlu Aβ Antibodies
[0241] The selected P-061 to P-070 phage-abs were expressed as full-length monoclonal antibodies in ExpiCHO cells (Thermo, USA) for further characterization studies. The heavy chain variable region / light chain variable region of each phage-abs were inserted into the pCDNA3.4 vectors with the heavy chain constant region of human IgG1 / the human kappa light chain constant region using XbaI / EcoRV restriction sites to construct the expression vectors. The Promega EndoFree Maxi Plasmid Kit (Promega, USA, Cat#: A2496) and the ExpiCHO Transfection Kit (Thermo, USA, Cat#: A29129) were used for plasmids extraction and antibody expression.
[0242] Plasmids pCDNA3.4-P-061 to pCDNA3.4-P-070 were resuspended in 4mL OptiPRO-SFM complexation medium, and 320μl of ExpiFectamine CHO reagent were resuspended in 4mL OptiPRO-SFM complexation medium. The reagent was then slowly added to the plasmids, and the mixture was thoroughly mixed by inversion. This mixture was added to 100mL of ExpiCHO cells (at a density of 6×106 cells / mL) and incubated on a shaking platform at 37℃ and 5%CO2 for 12-14 days. Feed and enhancer were added on the first day post-transfection, followed by the addition of feed on the fifth day. The cell culture supernatant was collected by centrifugation at 12,000 rpm for 15 minutes and then passed through a Protein A affinity column (Nanomicro, China, Cat#: 17010-250100) for affinity purification.
[0243] The column was washed 3-4 times with PBS, and the antibodies were eluted with 0.1M pH 3.0 Glycine-HCl, followed by neutralization to pH 6.0 with 1.5M Tris-HCl (pH 9.0) . The eluted antibodies were ultrafiltered and concentrated using a 30K ultrafiltration membrane. The purified monoclonal antibodies were stored in PBS buffer (pH 6.0) , and their concentration were determined using a UV5Nano spectrophotometer (Millipore, USA) . The purified monoclonal antibodies were named X-061 to X-070 and further characterized. Remternetug was prepared as a full-length monoclonal antibody using the same method and was named X-002. The HC and LC of X-002 are shown in Table 4.
[0244] Table 4 Heavy chain (HC) and light chain (LC) for X-061 to X-070 and X-002
[0245] Example 3: Detection of Binding Activity between Anti-hN3pGlu Aβ Antibody and hN3pGlu Aβ, hAβ1-40, hAβ1-42 Proteins
[0246] The 96 well ELISA plates were coated with 100μl of 1μg / mL hN3pGlu Aβ, hAβ1-40, and hAβ1-42 overnight at 4℃ respectively. The ELISA plates were then blocked with 4%skim milk / PBST (200μL / well) at room temperature for 1 hour. After blocking, the ELISA plates were washed three times with PBST (200μL / well) . The anti-hN3pGlu Aβ antibodies were diluted with PBST starting from 1μM and subjected to four-fold serial dilutions, resulting in 11 dilution gradients. The diluted samples were added to the blocked ELISA plate (100μL / well) and incubated at room temperature for 1 hour. After washing three times with PBST (200μL / well) , 100μL of Goat Anti-Human IgG, Monkey ads-HRP antibody (diluted 1: 5000 in PBST, Southernbiotech, Cat#: 2049-05) were added to each well and incubated at room temperature for 1 hour. After another round of washing with PBST (three times, 200μL / well) , 100μL of TMB substrate solution (Thermo, Cat#no. : 002023) were added to each well for color development. The reactions were stopped with 100μL of 1N HCl after sufficient color development. Absorbance was measured at 450 nm wavelength using a spectrophotometer. GraphPad Software was used to analyze the data. The experimental results were presented in Figure 3A, Figure 3B, Figure 4A and Figure 4B.
[0247] As shown in Figure 3A and Figure 3B, the anti-hN3pGlu Aβ antibodies exhibit strong binding activity with the hN3pGlu Aβ protein in a dose-dependent manner. The binding activity of the 10 antibodies except X-062 is stronger than that of the control antibody X-002. As depicted in Figure 4A and Figure 4B, the anti-hN3pGlu Aβ antibodies do not bind to hAβ1-40 or hAβ1-42 proteins. The EC50 values for the binding of the antibody to hN3pGlu Aβ protein are presented in Table 5.
[0248] Table 5: Binding Activities of Anti-hN3pGlu Aβ Antibody to hN3pGlu Aβ Protein
[0249] Example 4: Affinity Determination of Anti-hN3pGlu Aβ Antibodies
[0250] The affinity of X-061 and X-063 to X-070 antibodies for hN3pGlu Aβ protein were measured using the capture method (BIAcore T200) . Anti-His antibodies were immobilized on the surface of a CM5 chip. The hN3pGlu Aβ protein was diluted with HBS-EP buffer (Cat#: BR-1006-69, Cytiva) to a concentration of 1μg / mL, ensuring approximately 100 response units (RU) of protein captured onto the chip. X-061, X-064, X-067 and X-068 antibodies were diluted with HBS-EP buffer to different concentrations (350, 175, 87.5, 43.75, 21.875, 10.9375, 5.46875, 2.734375, 1.3671875μg / ml) . X-063, X-066 antibodies were diluted with HBS-EP buffer to different concentrations (200, 100, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.125, 3.0625, 1.53125, 0.765625μg / ml) . X-065, X-069 and X-070 antibodies were diluted with HBS-EP buffer to different concentrations (10, 5, 2.5, 1.25, 0.625, 0.3125, 0.15625, 0.078125μg / ml) . The antibodies at different concentrations flowed over the immobilized surface. The chip was regenerated using a 10mM Glycine pH 1.5 solution. The association rate constant (Ka) , dissociation rate constant (Kd) , and equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) values for antibodies X-061, X-063 to X-070 were determined using the Biacore T200 Evaluation Software and are presented in Table 6.
[0251] Table 6: Affinity of Anti-hN3pGlu Aβ Antibodies for hN3pGlu Aβ Antigen
[0252] It can be observed that antibodies X-063, X-065 to X-070 exhibit higher affinity for the hN3pGlu Aβ protein compared to X-002.
[0253] Example 5. Non-specific binding detection of anti-hN3pGluAβ antibodies.
[0254] FACS was used to assess the non-specific binding of anti-hN3pGluAβ antibodies to CHO-S / MCF7 / MRC-5 / Jurkat E6-1 / HUVEC / HEK-293 cells. The cells were collected and centrifuged at 300g for 5 minutes. The supernatants were removed and cells were resuspended in PBS, followed by a second centrifugation to remove the supernatant. Cells were then resuspended in 1%FBS-PBS solution and adjusted to a concentration of 5×105 cells / ml. The cells were added to a U-bottom 96-well plate (100μl per well) . After centrifugation at 300g for 5 minutes, the 1%FBS-PBS solution was removed. Anti-hN3pGluAβ antibodies were diluted with 1%FBS-PBS to a final concentration of 400μg / ml. 100μl of the antibody dilution was added to the cell pellet, mixed well, and incubated at 4℃ for 1 hour. The samples were washed twice with 1%FBS-PBS, 500μl per well, and centrifuged to remove the supernatant. Goat anti-Human IgG (H+L) Secondary Antibody, Alexa FluorTM 488 (diluted 1: 500) , was added to the cell pellet (100μl per well) , and incubated at 4℃ for 30 minutes. The samples were washed twice with 1%FBS-PBS (500μl per well) . Finally, cells were resuspended in 150μl of 1%FBS-PBS and analyzed using a flow cytometer. FlowJo software was used for data analysis. The experimental results were presented in Figure 5A to Figure 5F. As shown in Figures 5A to 5F, the antibodies X-061, X-063 to X-068do not bind to all the mentioned cells. The X-061, X-063 to X-068 antibodies have high specificity and will improve in vivo safety.
[0255] Example 6. Detection of phagocytic activity of BV2 cells mediated by anti-hN3pGlu Aβ antibody against Aβ aggregates.
[0256] BV-2 cells (mouse microglia) were trypsinized, resuspended in complete medium (5×105cells / mL) , and plated in a 96-well plate (100μL / well) . After overnight adhesion (37℃, 5%CO2) , Fucoidan (100μg / mL) was added to select wells for 30 min. Antibodies and pHrodo iFL-labeled h-N3pGlu Aβ aggregates were diluted in ADCP buffer (basal medium, 20 mM HEPES, 1%BSA, 1%antibiotics) , mixed (1: 1) , and pre-incubated (37℃, 30 min) . The mixture was added to cells and incubated for 2 h. Reactions were stopped on ice, and cells were washed (PBS) , trypsinized, neutralized, and centrifuged (300×g, 5min) . After two washes (PBS+1%FBS) , cells were resuspended and analyzed by flow cytometry (FSC / SSC gating, FITC+%) . FlowJo software was used for data analysis. The experimental results were presented in Figure 6.
[0257] As shown in Figures 6, the antibodies X-061, X-063 to X-066 all effectively mediated the phagocytic activity of BV2 cells against Aβ aggregates. The phagocytic activity mediated by X-061, X-063, X-065, X-066 was stronger than that mediated by X-002. The phagocytic activity mediated by X-064 was comparable to that mediated by X-002. FACS data were analyzed using GraphPad Software, and the EC50 values for phagocytic activity are shown in the Table7.
[0258] Table 7: The phagocytic activity of BV2 cells mediated by anti-hN3pGlu Aβ antibody
[0259] Example 7: The Effect of Anti-N3pGlu Aβ Antibody on Aβ plaque in Mouse Brains
[0260] To evaluate the effect of X-065 antibody on Aβ plaque in mouse brains, 5×FAD transgenic mice were used. A total of 17 male mice (20 weeks old, custom-bred) were randomly divided into four groups with 4-5 mice per group. The mice were dosed at 12.5 mg / kg once a week for a total of 10 doses, with an isotype and vehicle control group set up. At 29 weeks, one hemisphere of the brain was collected from each animal for Aβ1-42 detection, and the percentage reduction in Aβ1-42 was calculated relative to the vehicle group.
[0261] As shown in the Table9 and Table 9, X-065 significantly reduced Aβ1-42 levels in cerebral cortex and hippocampus of the brain.
[0262] Table 8: The percentage reduction of cerebral cortex Aβ1-42 levels in 5×FAD mice after treatment with anti-hN3pGlu Aβ antibody
[0263] Table 9: The percentage reduction of hippocampus Aβ1-42 levels in 5×FAD mice after treatment with anti-hN3pGlu Aβ antibody
[0264] 5×FAD transgenic mice were used to evaluate the effect of X-064 and X-066 antibodies on brain Aβ plaque. A total of 11 female mice (8 weeks old, custom-bred) were randomly divided into three groups with 3-4 mice per group. The dosing regimen was 20mg / kg once a week for the first 2.5 months, followed by 40mg / kg once a week from 2.5 to 4.5 months, with a total of 22 doses. An isotype control group was also set up. At 29 weeks, one hemisphere of the brain was collected from each animal for Aβ1-42 detection in brain tissue, and the percentage reduction in Aβ1-42 was calculated relative to the C-hIgG1 group.
[0265] As shown in the Table 10, X-064 and X-066 significantly reduced cerebral cortex Aβ1-42 levels in 5×FAD mice.
[0266] Table 10: The percentage reduction of cerebral cortex Aβ1-42 levels in 5×FAD mice after treatment with anti-hN3pGlu Aβ antibody
Claims
1.An anti-N3pGlu Αβ antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, comprising a HCVR (heavy chain variable region) and a LCVR (light chain variable region) , wherein, the HCVR comprises HCDR1, HCDR2, and HCDR3, and the LCVR comprises LCDR1, LCDR2, and LCDR3; wherein:the HCDR1 comprises GFX1FX2SYPMS (SEQ ID NO: 1) ; wherein, X1 is selected from S, N, T, G, or A; X2 is selected from T, A, G, N, or D;the HCDR2 comprises AISGX3X4GSTYYADSVKG (SEQ ID NO: 2) ; wherein, X3 is selected from G, A, S, or N; X4 is selected from T, A, S, or G;the HCDR3 comprises AREGX5X6GSYYX7GFDY (SEQ ID NO: 3) ; wherein, X5 is selected from N, S, A, G, or T; X6 is selected from A, T, or S; X7 is selected from S, A or T;the LCDR1 comprises RASQZ1Z2GZ3WLA (SEQ ID NO: 4) ; wherein, Z1 is selected from N, or S; Z2 is selected from I, or V; Z3 is selected from N, or D;the LCDR2 comprises QZ4SZ5LES (SEQ ID NO: 5) ; wherein, Z4 is selected from S, T, or A; Z5 is selected from A, S, N, or T;the LCDR3 comprises QHYKGSZ6WT (SEQ ID NO: 6) ; wherein, Z6 is selected from Y, or F.2.The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to claim 1, wherein:the HCDR1 comprises GFX1FX2SYPMS (SEQ ID NO: 85) ; wherein, X1 is selected from S, N, or G; X2 is selected from A, N, or D;the HCDR2 comprises AISGX3X4GSTYYADSVKG (SEQ ID NO: 86) ; wherein, X3 is selected from A, or S; X4 is selected from A, S, or G;the HCDR3 comprises AREGNX6GSYYX7GFDY (SEQ ID NO: 87) ; wherein, X6 is selected from A, T, or S; X7 is selected from S, or A;the LCDR1 comprises RASQNZ2GZ3WLA (SEQ ID NO: 88) ; wherein, Z2 is selected from I, or V; Z3 is selected from N, or D;the LCDR2 comprises QZ4SZ5LES (SEQ ID NO: 89) ; wherein, Z4 is selected from S, T, or A; Z5 is selected from A, S, or N;the LCDR3 comprises QHYKGSYWT (SEQ ID NO: 39) .3.The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to claim 2, wherein:the HCDR1 comprises GFX1FX2SYPMS (SEQ ID NO: 90) ; wherein, X1 is selected from N, or G; X2 is selected from A, or D;the HCDR2 comprises AISGX3X4GSTYYADSVKG (SEQ ID NO: 91) ; wherein, X3 is selected from A, or S; X4 is selected from A, or G;the HCDR3 comprises AREGNX6GSYYX7GFDY (SEQ ID NO: 92) ; wherein, X6 is selected from A, or S; X7 is selected from S, or A;the LCDR1 comprises RASQNVGZ3WLA (SEQ ID NO: 93) ; wherein, Z3 is selected from N, or D;the LCDR2 comprises QZ4SZ5LES (SEQ ID NO: 94) ; wherein, Z4 is selected from T, or A; Z5 is selected from S, or N;the LCDR3 comprises QHYKGSYWT (SEQ ID NO: 39) .4.The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein:(a) the HCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 19, the HCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 20, the HCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 21, the LCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 43, the LCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 44, and the LCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 45;(b) the HCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 22, the HCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 23, the HCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 24, the LCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 46, the LCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 47, and the LCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 48;(c) the HCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 16, the HCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 17, the HCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 18, the LCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 37, the LCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 38, and the LCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 39;(d) the HCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 7, the HCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 8, the HCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 9, the LCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 37, the LCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 38, and the LCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 39;(e) the HCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 10, the HCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 11, the HCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 12, the LCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 40, the LCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 41, and the LCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 42;(f) the HCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 13, the HCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 14, the HCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 15, the LCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 37, the LCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 38, and the LCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 39;(g) the HCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 25, the HCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 26, the HCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 27, the LCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 49, the LCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 50, and the LCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 51;(h) the HCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 28, the HCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 29, the HCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 30, the LCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 49, the LCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 50, and the LCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 51;(i) the HCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 31, the HCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 32, the HCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 33, the LCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 43, the LCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 44, and the LCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 45; or(j) the HCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 34, the HCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 35, the HCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 36, the LCDR1 comprises SEQ ID NO: 49, the LCDR2 comprises SEQ ID NO: 50, and the LCDR3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 51.5.The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, the antibody is selected from a murine antibody, a chimeric antibody, a humanized antibody, or a fully human antibody.6.The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to claim 5, wherein, the antibody is a humanized antibody.7.The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, the antibody comprises a framework region (FR) of human antibodies.8.The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, the HCVR of the antibody comprises 0 to 20 different amino acids comparative to the any one of SEQ ID NO: 52 to SEQ ID NO: 61 and the sequence difference is formed by insertion, deletion, and / or substitution of an amino acid of HCVR when the sequence difference exists.9.The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, the LCVR of the antibody comprises 0 to 20 different amino acids comparative to any one of SEQ ID NO: 62 to SEQ ID NO: 66 and the sequence difference is formed by insertion, deletion, and / or substitution of an amino acid of LCVR when the sequence difference exists.10.The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, the HCVR of the antibody comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 70%sequence identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 52 to SEQ ID NO: 61 and the sequence difference is formed by insertion, deletion, and / or substitution of amino acids of HCVR when the sequence difference exists.11.The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, the LCVR of the antibody comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 70%sequence identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 62 to SEQ ID NO: 66 and the sequence difference is formed by insertion, deletion, and / or substitution of an amino acid of LCVR when the sequence difference exists.12.The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein, the sequence difference of HCVR and / or LCVR is formed by substitution and the substitution is conservative substitution when the sequence difference exists.13.The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 10 to 12 wherein:(a) the HCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 56 and the LCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 64;(b) the HCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 57 and the LCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 65;(c) the HCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 55 and the LCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 62;(d) the HCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 52 and the LCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 62;(e) the HCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 53 and the LCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 63;(f) the HCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 54 and the LCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 62;(g) the HCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 58 and the LCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 66;(h) the HCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 59 and the LCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 66;(i) the HCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 60 and the LCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 64; or(j) the HCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 61 and the LCVR has at least 70%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 66.14.The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to claims 8 to 13, wherein, the sequence difference of HCVR or LCVR exists outside any one of CDRs and only exists in the framework region when the sequence difference exists.15.The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein:(a) the HCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 56 and the LCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 64;(b) the HCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 57 and the LCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 65;(c) the HCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 55 and the LCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 62;(d) the HCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 52 and the LCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 62;(e) the HCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 53 and the LCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 63;(f) the HCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 54 and the LCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 62;(g) the HCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 58 and the LCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 66;(h) the HCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 59 and the LCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 66;(i) the HCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 60 and the LCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 64; or(j) the HCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 61 and the LCVR comprises SEQ ID NO: 66.16.The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein, the antibody comprises a heavy chain constant region and a light chain constant region.17.The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein, the heavy chain constant region is the heavy chain constant region of human IgG1 or IgG4.18.The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to claim 17, wherein, the heavy chain constant region is the heavy chain constant region of human IgG1.19.The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein, the light chain constant region is the human kappa light chain constant region.20.The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein, the HC of the antibody comprises 0 to 30 different amino acids comparative to any one of SEQ ID NO: 67 to SEQ ID NO: 76 and the sequence difference is formed by insertion, deletion, and / or substitution of an amino acid of HC when the sequence difference exists.21.The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein, the LC of the antibody comprises 0 to 30 different amino acids comparative to any one of SEQ ID NO: 77 to SEQ ID NO: 81 and the sequence difference is formed by insertion, deletion, and / or substitution of an amino acid of LC when the sequence difference exists.22.The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein, the HC of the antibody comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 70%sequence identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 67 to SEQ ID NO: 76 and the sequence difference is formed by insertion, deletion, and / or substitution of amino acids of HC when the sequence difference exists.23.The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein, the LC of the antibody comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 70%sequence identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 77 to SEQ ID NO: 81 and the sequence difference is formed by insertion, deletion, and / or substitution of an amino acid of LC when the sequence difference exists.24.The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein, the sequence difference of HC and / or LC is formed by substitution and the substitution is conservative substitution when the sequence difference exists.25.The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to any one of claims 1 to 19, 22 to 24, wherein, the antibody comprises a heavy chain (HC) and a light chain (LC) , wherein:(a) the HC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 71 and the LC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 79;(b) the HC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 72 and the LC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 80;(c) the HC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 70 and the LC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 77;(d) the HC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 67 and the LC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 77;(e) the HC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 68 and the LC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 78;(f) the HC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 69 and the LC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 77;(g) the HC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 73 and the LC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 81;(h) the HC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 74 and the LC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 81;(i) the HC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 75 and the LC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 79; or(j) the HC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 76 and the LC has 90%sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 81.26.The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to any one of claims 20 to 25, wherein, the sequence difference of HC and / or LC exists outside any one of CDRs and only exists in the framework region (s) and / or constant region (s) when the sequence difference exists..27.The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein:(a) the HC comprises SEQ ID NO: 71 and the LC comprises SEQ ID NO: 79;(b) the HC comprises SEQ ID NO: 72 and the LC comprises SEQ ID NO: 80;(c) the HC comprises SEQ ID NO: 70 and the LC comprises SEQ ID NO: 77;(d) the HC comprises SEQ ID NO: 67 and the LC comprises SEQ ID NO: 77;(e) the HC comprises SEQ ID NO: 68 and the LC comprises SEQ ID NO: 78;(f) the HC comprises SEQ ID NO: 69 and the LC comprises SEQ ID NO: 77;(g) the HC comprises SEQ ID NO: 73 and the LC comprises SEQ ID NO: 81;(h) the HC comprises SEQ ID NO: 74 and the LC comprises SEQ ID NO: 81;(i) the HC comprises SEQ ID NO: 75 and the LC comprises SEQ ID NO: 79; or(j) the HC comprises SEQ ID NO: 76 and the LC comprises SEQ ID NO: 81.28.The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein, the antibody is monoclonal antibody.29.The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein, the antibody comprises two heavy chains and two light chains.30.The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein, the antigen-binding fragment is selected from Fab, Fab', F (ab') 2, Fv, or scFv.31.An anti-N3pGlu Αβ antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, comprising a HCVR (heavy chain variable region) and a LCVR (light chain variable region) , wherein:(a) the HCVR comprises a HCDR1, a HCDR2, and a HCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 56 and the LCVR comprises a LCDR1, a LCDR2, and a LCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 64;(b) the HCVR comprises a HCDR1, a HCDR2, and a HCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 57 and the LCVR comprises a LCDR1, a LCDR2, and a LCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 65;(c) the HCVR comprises a HCDR1, a HCDR2, and a HCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 55 and the LCVR comprises a LCDR1, a LCDR2, and a LCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 62;(d) the HCVR comprises a HCDR1, a HCDR2, and a HCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 52 and the LCVR comprises a LCDR1, a LCDR2, and a LCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 62;(e) the HCVR comprises a HCDR1, a HCDR2, and a HCDR3 n SEQ ID NO: 53 and the LCVR comprises a LCDR1, a LCDR2, and a LCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 63;(f) the HCVR comprises a HCDR1, a HCDR2, and a HCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 54 and the LCVR comprises a LCDR1, a LCDR2, and a LCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 62;(g) the HCVR comprises a HCDR1, a HCDR2, and a HCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 58 and the LCVR comprises a LCDR1, a LCDR2, and a LCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 66;(h) the HCVR comprises a HCDR1, a HCDR2, and a HCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 59 and the LCVR comprises a LCDR1, a LCDR2, and a LCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 66;(i) the HCVR comprises a HCDR1, a HCDR2, and a HCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 60 and the LCVR comprises a LCDR1, a LCDR2, and a LCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 64; or(j) the HCVR comprises a HCDR1, a HCDR2, and a HCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 61 and the LCVR comprises a LCDR1, a LCDR2, and a LCDR3 in SEQ ID NO: 66;Each of the HCDR1, the HCDR2, the HCDR3, the LCDR1, the LCDR2 and the LCDR3 is independently defined according to Kabat, IMGT, Chothia, AbM, and / or Contact.32.The antibody or antigen-binding fragment of any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein the antibody or the antigen-binding fragment is characterized by one or more of the following item (i) to item (xv) :Item (i) . maintains or increases the affinity to hN3pGlu Aβ as compared to a reference antibody, determined by the method of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or surface plasmon resonance (SPR) ;Item (ii) . has reduced affinity to hAβ1-40 as compared to a reference antibody, determined by the method of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) surface plasmon resonance (SPR) ;Item (iii) . has reduced affinity to hAβ1-42 as compared to a reference antibody, determined by the method of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) surface plasmon resonance (SPR) ;Item (iv) . has reduced affinity to CHO-S cell as compared to a reference antibody, determined by the method of determined by the method of fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) ;Item (v) . has reduced affinity to MCF7 cell as compared to a reference antibody, determined by the method of determined by the method of fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) ;Item (vi) . has reduced affinity to MRC-5 cell as compared to a reference antibody, determined by the method of determined by the method of fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) ;Item (vii) . has reduced affinity to Jurkat E6-1 cell as compared to a reference antibody, determined by the method of determined by the method of fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) ;Item (viii) . has reduced affinity to HUVEC cell as compared to a reference antibody, determined by the method of determined by the method of fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) ;Item (ix) . has reduced affinity to HEK-293 cell as compared to a reference antibody, determined by the method of determined by the method of fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) ;Item (x) . has increased phagocytic activity of BV2 cells against Aβ aggregates as compared to a reference antibody;Item (xi) . has increased the percentage reduction of Aβ1-42 levels in the cortical area of brain after treatment with the antibody, as compared to a reference antibody;Item (xii) . has a KD at 25℃ of less than 1 × 10-8 M for human N3pGlu Αβ peptide;Item (xiii) . specifically binds to human N3pGlu Αβ compared with the human Αβ1-40 and / or human Αβ1-42;Item (xiv) . competitively binds to the same epitope;Item (xv) . has not non-specific binding to one or more cells selected from CHO-S, MCF7, MRC-5, Jurkat E6-1, HUVEC and HEK-293; the reference antibody has a HCVR of SEQ ID NO: 95 and a LCVR of SEQ ID NO: 96; orthe reference antibody has a HC of SEQ ID NO: 97 and a LC of SEQ ID NO: 98.33.A pharmaceutical composition comprising the antibody of or antigen-binding fragment thereof of any one of claims 1 to 32, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.34.(a) A method of treating or preventing a condition or disease characterized by deposition of Αβ;(b) A method of slowing functional decline in a patient diagnosed with a condition or disease characterized by deposition of Αβ;(c) A method of slowing cognitive decline in a patient diagnosed with a condition or disease characterized by deposition of Αβ;(d) A method of reducing brain Αβ amyloid plaque load in a patient diagnosed with a condition or disease characterized by deposition of Αβ; or(e) A method of preventing memory loss or cognitive decline in an asymptomatic patient having low levels of Αβl-42 in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or Αβ plaques in the brain;wherein, the method comprises administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of any one of claims 1 to 32, or the pharmaceutical composition of claim 33.35.The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of any one of claims 1 to 32 or the pharmaceutical composition of claim 33 for use in therapy.36.The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of any one of claims 1 to 32 or the pharmaceutical composition of claim 33 for use:(a) in the treatment or prevention of a condition or disease characterized by deposition of Αβ;(b) in slowing cognitive decline in a patient diagnosed with a condition or disease characterized by deposition of Αβ;(c) in slowing functional decline in a patient diagnosed with a condition or disease characterized by deposition of Αβ;(d) in reducing brain Αβ amyloid plaque load in a patient diagnosed with a condition or disease characterized by deposition of Αβ; or(e) in preventing memory loss or cognitive decline in an asymptomatic patient having low levels of Αβl-42 in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or Αβ plaques in the brain;(f) as a medicament.37.A use of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of any one of claims 1 to 32 or the pharmaceutical composition of claim 33 in the manufacture of a medicament:(a) for the treatment or prevention of a condition or disease characterized by deposition of Αβ;(b) for slowing cognitive decline in a patient diagnosed with a condition or disease characterized by deposition of Αβ;(c) for slowing functional decline in a patient diagnosed with a condition or disease characterized by deposition of Αβ;(d) for reducing brain Αβ amyloid plaque load in a patient diagnosed with a condition or disease characterized by deposition of Αβ; or(e) for preventing memory loss or cognitive decline in an asymptomatic patient having low levels of Αβl-42 in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or Αβ plaques in the brain.38.The method according to claim 34, the use according to claim 36 or the use according to claim 37, wherein, the condition or disease characterized by deposition of Αβ is selected from Alzheimer’s disease, Down’s syndrome, or amyloid angiopathy (CAA) .39.The method according to claim 34 or 38, the use according to claim 36 or 38 or the use according to claim 37 or 38, wherein, the condition or disease characterized by deposition of Αβ is Alzheimer’s disease.40.The method according to claim 34, 38 or 39, the use according to claim 36, 38 or 39 or the use according to claim 37, 38 or 39, wherein, the Alzheimer’s disease is selected from prodromal AD, mild AD, moderate AD, and severe AD.41.One or more DNA molecules, each of them independently comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of any one of claims 1 to 32.42.A mammalian cell comprising the DNA molecules of claim 41.43.A process for producing the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the process comprises cultivating the mammalian cell of claim 42 under conditions such that the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof is expressed and recovering the expressed antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof.
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