Therapeutic molecules that bind TNF alpha

Abstract

The present invention relates to methods for engineering the variable region of antibodies or antigen binding fragments thereof that bind TNF alpha to reduce the effect of anti-drug antibodies. In one aspect, there is provided a monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, wherein an amino acid sequence of the antibody or fragment thereof is engineered to reduce immunogenicity of the antibody or fragment thereof when the antibody or fragment thereof is administered to a subject, wherein the amino acid sequence is engineered to comprise one or more N-X-S and / or N-X-T sequence motifs in a variable region of the monoclonal antibody or fragment thereof, and wherein X is any amino acid other than proline.

Description

[0001] THERAPEUTIC MOLECULES THAT BIND TNF ALPHA

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to engineered / modified antibodies that bind TNF alpha, particularly antibodies with a modified variable region and uses thereof.

[0004] Background

[0005] Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) represent a major class of protein therapeutics, accounting for more than 50% of all new approvals in the last few years (Walsh et al, 2022). With diverse indication areas including cancer, infection, and inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, they are indeed the fastest growing sector of biologies in the pharmaceutical industry (Torre et al, 2023). Despite the clinical success of mAbs, challenges in their development and therapeutic activity remain, most notably of which is the immune responses that are triggered upon therapeutic administration to patients. Immune responses are observed in response to nonhuman sequences, predominantly murine-derived, that are found in the mAb protein therapeutic. Seminal work to deimmunize mAb therapeutics was the humanization of mAbs which replaces non-human sequences with human ones. This process generates mAbs made up of almost entirely human sequences, except for the complementarity-determining region (CDR), the portion of the antibody that binds its target, i.e. TNF-alpha, which remains murine-derived. This strategy of humanization can reduce immunogenicity but does not eliminate it all together. Indeed, even some fully human mAbs with human sequences in both the CDR and the rest of the antibody structure still elicit unwanted immune responses (Wang et al, 2016).

[0006] The immunogenic potential of mAbs mainly manifests in anti-drug antibody (ADA) generation (Hwang et al, 2005; Winter et al, 1994; Vaughan et al, 1996). The presence of ADAs has significant clinical impact, altering the drug’s pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) properties, and lowering serum half-life and bioavailability, thereby ultimately reducing drug efficacy (Atzeni et al, 2013; De Groot et al, 2007; Hansel et al, 2010). Additionally, ADAs have a significant impact on the drug safety, leading to serious adverse immune responses in patients and longer non-remission times (de Vries et al, 2007; Yanai et al, 2011).

[0007] ADAs are emerging as a major clinical hurdle in newly developed biotherapeutics including bispecific antibodies and multi-specific products that are entering the clinic, such as cancer immunotherapies (Zhou et al, 2022). Despite hundreds of bispecifics in clinical development, only a handful have been approved, with failed bispecifics highlighting immunogenicity as one of the key challenges in development (Wei et al, 2022). These atypical antibodies contain highly engineered sequences that can trigger immunogenic responses (Ma et al, 2021). Therefore, the present invention represents a significant contribution to the art. The inventors’ targeted structure-based antibody engineering strategy could also be applied to therapeutics outside of traditional monoclonal antibody therapeutics that are otherwise hindered by the development of anti-drug antibodies.

[0008] ADAs can be categorized into two types of antibodies: neutralizing ADAs which associate with the target binding site in the CDR of the therapeutic and prevent target binding, thereby inhibiting the biological activity of the therapeutic, and non-neutralizing ADAs which bind outside of the target binding site and do not inhibit the biological activity of the therapeutic but still impact the PK and PD of the drug (Shankar et al, 2014; Krieckaert et al, 2010). Although neutralizing ADAs are more problematic as they block the therapeutic mode of action, both types of ADAs can increase the clearance of the protein therapeutic from circulation, reducing efficacy (Liu et al, 2018).

[0009] Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a or TNF-alpha) is a cytokine that has pleiotropic effects on various cell types. It has been identified as a major regulator of inflammatory responses and is known to be involved in the pathogenesis of some inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Physiologically, TNF-a is a crucial component for a normal immune response. TNF-a can activate the immune system to regulate; however, the inappropriate or excessive production of TNF-a can be harmful and may lead to disease, in particular inflammatory disease. Antibodies that bind TNF-alpha and block singalling, i.e. TNF-a inhibitors have been successfully developed and applied in the clinical treatment of diseases (see Yang et al, Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Mar 8;22(5):2719).

[0010] The clinical issue is exemplified by a class of mAb therapeutics called anti-TNF mAbs (including anti-TNF-alpha mAbs), used to treat autoimmune diseases. Anti-TNF mAbs, including adalimumab and infliximab, are first-line treatments for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Favourable clinical outcomes are associated with high trough levels of anti-TNF mAbs (Paintaud et al, 2009; Yarur et al, 2016; Vande Casteele et al, 2015; Mazor et al, 2014). Conversely, low trough levels are linked with clinical deterioration which is often accompanied by the presence of ADAs.

[0011] ADAs can be categorized into two types of antibodies: neutralizing ADAs which associate with the target binding site in the CDR of the therapeutic and prevent target binding, thereby inhibiting the biological activity of the therapeutic, and non-neutralizing ADAs which bind outside of the target binding site and do not inhibit the biological activity of the therapeutic but still impact the PK and PD of the drug (Shankar et al, 2014; Krieckaert et al, 2010). Although neutralizing ADAs are more problematic as they block the therapeutic mode of action, both types of ADAs can increase the clearance of the protein therapeutic from circulation, reducing efficacy (Liu et al, 2018).

[0012] Anti-TNF mAbs suffer from a high rate of both neutralizing and non-neutralizing ADAs, with up to 83% and 54% of autoimmune disease patients developing ADAs against infliximab and adalimumab, respectively (Strand et al, 2017; Hsu et al, 2014). The presence of ADAs commonly results in a loss of response of the therapeutic which ultimately requires switching the treatment plan. For example, anti-drug antibodies against adalimumab are strongly associated with discontinuation of adalimumab treatment (Baert et al, 2016). As such, clinical approaches have been developed to reduce immunogenicity related to anti-TNF mAb treatments. This includes administration of methotrexate with infliximab, which reduces ADA formation in rheumatoid arthritis patients, or administration of azathioprine in combination with adalimumab that reduces immunogenicity (Maini et al, 1998; Ruffolo et al, 2010; Anderson et al, 2005; Garces et al, 2013). However, these immunosuppressive approaches have severe and harmful side effects, which presents an issue for autoimmune disease patients whose treatment is lifelong.

[0013] Recent efforts investigating the association of ADAs with anti-TNF mAbs have been essential to understanding the immunogenic response at the molecular level. Previous work identified a restricted region on adalimumab and infliximab to which neutralizing ADAs bind, indicating that ADAs to adalimumab and infliximab were highly confined to the target binding site within the CDR in 97% and 90% of human serum samples tested, respectively (Schie et al, 2015). Indeed, the presence of ADAs against adalimumab and infliximab prevent the anti-TNF mAbs from binding to TNF, thereby neutralizing its therapeutic activity.

[0014] Therefore, it can be seen that there is a need to develop antibodies which are resistant to the effect of ADAs while also maintaining their binding capacity so as to achieve their intended therapeutic effect, in particular in anti-TNF alpha therapy.

[0015] Summary

[0016] The inventors have surprisingly shown that the binding of ADAs to an anti-TNF-alpha antibody can be reduced by glycosylating one or more residue that is involved in the binding of antigen or located in proximity thereto in a variable region of the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof. Glycosylation of such residue is predicted to result in reduced ADA binding, ADA response, immunogenicity and / or unwanted side effects of the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof in medical treatments. Less ADA binding results in reduced clearance. In particular and surprisingly, the inventors have shown that ADA binding can be reduced by glycosylating one or more residue in a CDR1 , 2 and / or 3 regions of the heavy and / or light chain of an anti-TNF-alpha antibody that binds to ADAs. The inventors have also shown that such modification can be made without / without substantially impacting the therapeutic potential of the antibody, i.e. binding to its target TNF-alpha.

[0017] Thus, the inventors of the present invention have surprisingly found that certain modifications to introduce glycosylation sites can be successfully made to a target sequence of the variable region, including a CDR, of an anti-TNF-alpha antibody, which enables the antibodies to maintain their high specificity and affinity to their target and at the same time reduce ADA binding to an anti-TNF-alpha antibody. Such antibodies may therefore benefit from reduced ADA generation and reduced ADA binding to the antibody when administered to a subject while still achieving their desired binding / therapeutic effect. Even more surprisingly, the inventors of the present invention have identified mutations and modifications that can be made within the CDR regions and are particularly effective at reducing ADA binding, while maintaining target binding activity.

[0018] Summary of the invention

[0019] In one aspect, the invention relates to an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof that binds TNF-alpha comprising a modified amino acid sequence in the variable region wherein said amino acid sequence is modified to comprise one or more N-X-S and / or N-X-T sequence motifs wherein X is any amino acid other than proline.

[0020] In one embodiment, said antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof has reduced ADA binding.

[0021] In one embodiment, a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region or a region within 20, e.g. 10 amino acid residues of a framework region adjacent to a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region is modified.

[0022] In one embodiment, one or more amino acid residue located in a variable region is substituted with N, T or S.

[0023] In one embodiment, a N-X-S / T sequence motif is inserted into an amino acid residue sequence.

[0024] In one embodiment, a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region or a region or within 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 amino acid residues of a framework region adjacent to a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region is modified.

[0025] In one embodiment, said one or more motif is located in an epitope for antigen binding or in proximity thereto. In one embodiment, a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region is modified.

[0026] In one embodiment, the one or more amino acid residue is substituted with N.

[0027] In one embodiment, the one or more amino acid residue is substituted with T.

[0028] In one embodiment, the one or more amino acid residue is substituted with S.

[0029] In one embodiment, said variable region is a heavy chain variable region or light chain variable region. In one embodiment, the epitope is a linear epitope or a confirmational epitope.

[0030] In one embodiment, said fragment is selected from a F(ab')2, Fab, Fv, scFv, heavy chain, light chain, variable heavy (VH), variable light (VL) chain, CDR region, single VH, VHH or VL domain, maxibodies, minibodies, intrabodies, diabodies, triabodies, tetrabodies, and bis-scFv, and polypeptides that contain at least a portion of an immunoglobulin that is sufficient to confer specific antigen binding to the polypeptide.

[0031] In one embodiment, said antibody or fragment is conjugated to another moiety.

[0032] In one embodiment, the other moiety is a therapeutic moiety, half-life extending moiety, toxin or label. In one embodiment, said antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof is N-glycosylated at the N-X-S / T sequence motif.

[0033] In one embodiment, said antibody is selected from adalimumab, infliximab, golimumab, certolizumab or ozoralizumab.

[0034] In one embodiment, said antibody is selected from adalimumab.

[0035] In one embodiment, said antibody is selected from adalimumab and comprises one or more of the following amino acid substitutions: W53N, Y101N, L102N and A105N. In one embodiment, said antibody is selected from adalimumab and comprises the following amino acid substitutions: S100N and L102T. In another aspect, the invention relates to a nucleic acid encoding an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof as described above.

[0036] In another aspect, the invention relates to a vector comprising a nucleic acid as described above.

[0037] In another aspect, the invention relates to a host cell comprising a nucleic acid according as described above or a vector as described above.

[0038] In another aspect, the invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof as described above and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

[0039] In another aspect, the invention relates to an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof as described above or a pharmaceutical composition as described above for use in the treatment of an inflammatory disease.

[0040] In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of treating of an inflammatory disease comprising administering antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof as described above or a pharmaceutical composition as described above to a subject.

[0041] In one embodiment, said inflammatory disease is lupus, erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, hidradenitis suppurativa, Crohn’s Disease, ulcerative colitis, plaque psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), uveitis or non-radiographic Spondyloarthritis.

[0042] In one embodiment, said antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof is administered together with another therapy.

[0043] In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof that binds TNF-alpha comprising modifying the amino acid sequence of the variable region to comprise one or more N-X-S and / or N-X-T sequence motifs wherein X is any amino acid other than proline. In one embodiment, said one or more motif is located in an epitope for antigen binding or in proximity thereto. In one embodiment, one or more amino acid residue located in a variable region is substituted with N, T or S to introduce a N-X-S / T sequence motif.

[0044] In one embodiment, a N-X-S / T sequence motif is inserted into an amino acid residue sequence located in an epitope for binding ADAs or in proximity thereto.

[0045] In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of

[0046] a) substituting one or more amino acid residue in a variable region with a N, S or T to introduce a N-X-S / T sequence motif and wherein said one or more amino acid residue is located in an epitope for antigen binding and

[0047] b) expressing a nucleotide sequence or nucleic acid encoding the modified antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof in a suitable host cell or host organism.

[0048] The invention also relates to a method for reducing the ADA response of an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof with reduced immunogenicity that binds TNF-alpha comprising modifying the amino acid sequence of the variable region to comprise one or more N-X-S and / or N-X-T sequence motifs wherein X is any amino acid other than proline.

[0049] In one embodiment, said one or more motif is located in an epitope for antigen binding ADAs or in proximity thereto. In one embodiment, one or more amino acid residue located in a variable region is substituted with N, T or S to introduce a N-X-S / T sequence motif.

[0050] In one embodiment, a N-X-S / T sequence motif is inserted into an amino acid residue sequence located in an epitope for antigen binding or in proximity thereto.

[0051] In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of

[0052] a) substituting one or more amino acid residue in a variable region with a N, S or T to introduce a N-X-S / T sequence motif and wherein said one or more amino acid residue is located in an epitope for antigen binding and

[0053] b) expressing a nucleotide sequence or nucleic acid encoding the modified antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof in a suitable host cell or host organism.

[0054] In one embodiment, said variable region is a heavy chain variable region or light chain variable region. In one embodiment, the one or more amino acid residue is located in a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region or within 20, e.g.

[0055] 10 amino acid residues of a framework region adjacent to a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region.

[0056] In one embodiment, the one or more amino acid residue is located in a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region or within 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 amino acid residues of a framework region adjacent to a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region.

[0057] In one embodiment, the one or more amino acid residue is located in a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region.

[0058] In one embodiment, the one or more amino acid residue is replaced with N.

[0059] In one embodiment the one or more amino acid residue is replaced with T.

[0060] In one embodiment, the one or more amino acid residue is replaced with S.

[0061] In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of assessing binding of the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof to its target and / or assessing binding ADAs to the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof.

[0062] In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of determining which one or more residue in the variable region is located in an epitope for antigen binding.

[0063] In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of determining which one or more residue in the variable region is located in an epitope for ADA binding.

[0064] In one embodiment, the epitope is a linear epitope or a confirmational epitope.

[0065] In one embodiment, said fragment is selected from a F(ab')2, Fab, Fv, scFv, heavy chain, light chain, variable heavy (VH), variable light (VL) chain, CDR region, single VH, VHH or VL domain, maxibodies, minibodies, intrabodies, diabodies, triabodies, tetrabodies, and bis-scFv, and polypeptides that contain at least a portion of an immunoglobulin that is sufficient to confer specific antigen binding to the polypeptide.

[0066] In one embodiment, the antibody is selected from adalimumab, infliximab, golimumab, certolizumab or ozoralizumab.

[0067] In one embodiment, said antibody is selected from adalimumab.

[0068] In one embodiment, said antibody is selected from adalimumab and wherein the substitutions comprises one or more of the following amino acid substitutions: W53N, Y101N, L102N and A105N. In one embodiment, said antibody is selected from adalimumab and wherein the substitutions comprises the following amino acid substitutions: S100N and L102T. In one embodiment, the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof comprises a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO. 10 to 19.

[0069] In one embodiment, antibody is selected from infliximab.

[0070] In one embodiment, the antibody is selected from infliximab and wherein the substitutions comprises one or more of the following amino acid substitutions: R100N, Y102T, Y103T, Y103N, G104T, G104N, Y107T, S105N T106N, D108Twith reference to SEQ ID NO: 4.

[0071] In one embodiment, the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof comprises a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO. 20 to 26.

[0072] The invention also relates to a kit comprising antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof as described above and optionally instructions for use.

[0073] The invention also relates to a binding molecule comprising antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof as described above.

[0074] In one embodiment, said binding molecule comprises a second antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof which binds to the same or a different target.

[0075] In another aspect, the invention relates to an antibody or antigen binding fragment obtained or obtainable by a method according to a method as described herein.

[0076] Figures

[0077] The invention is further described in the following non-limiting figures.

[0078] FIGURE 1. Adalimumab glycovariant design showing 4 separate sites identified that can each individually be mutated to an Asn in order to generate an N-X-S / T sequon in the CDR region of adalimumab that blocks ADA interaction. Four separate adalimumab variants were generated: W53N, Y101 N, L102N, and A105N. FIGURE 2. Expression of adalimumab glycovariants in different CHO cells.

[0079] FIGURE 3. PNGase F assay showing representative data showing that the change in MW is a result of additional N-glycans expressed a CHO cell.

[0080] FIGURE 4. TNFa binding assay showing representative data showing the adalimumab variant Y101N interacting with soluble TNFa.

[0081] FIGURE 5. A) ADA binding assay showing complete disruption of monoclonal ADAs binding to W53N, Y101N, L102N, and A105N variants of adalimumab. Monoclonal ADAs were added to every condition. B) ADA binding assay showing complete disruption of monoclonal ADAs binding to Y101 N and sustained binding of monoclonal ADAs with Y101A and Y101Q mutations indicating the presence of the N-glycan at this site is crucial for disrupting ADA binding. Monoclonal ADAs were added to every condition.

[0082] FIGURE 6. ADA binding assay showing disruption of L102N variant binding to polyclonal ADAs.

[0083] FIGURE 7. ELISA-based out-competition assay carried out using serum from A) ankylosing spondylitis patients and B) and C) rheumatoid arthritis patients. Results show that the adalimumab variant L102N represented in orange significantly reduces unwanted immune clearance compared to market leader Humira® (adalimumab) shown in black. Error bars, S.D. (n = 3). FIGURE 8. Infliximab mutant design showing 1 site that was mutated to an Asn in order to generate an N-X-S / T sequon in the CDR region of infliximab that blocks ADA interaction (R100N and T106N).

[0084] FIGURE 9. Expression of the infliximab variant R100N in a glycan-engineered CHO cell line.

[0085] FIGURE 10. ADA binding assay showing complete disruption of monoclonal ADAs binding to infliximab variants with N-glycans positioned at R100, N101 , Y102, G104, or S105.

[0086] FIGURE 11. In vivo studies in BALB / C mice, a) and b) show body weight variation in BALB / C mice, c) shows clinical score average for each condition.

[0087] Detailed description of the embodiments

[0088] The embodiments of the invention will now be further described. In the following passages, different embodiments are described. Each aspect so defined may be combined with any other aspect or aspects unless clearly indicated to the contrary. In particular, any feature indicated as being preferred or advantageous may be combined with any other feature or features indicated as being preferred or advantageous.

[0089] Generally, nomenclatures used in connection with, and techniques of, cell and tissue culture, pathology, oncology, molecular biology, immunology, microbiology, genetics and protein and nucleic acid chemistry and hybridization described herein are those well-known and commonly used in the art. The methods and techniques of the present disclosure are generally performed according to conventional methods well-known in the art and as described in various general and more specific references that are cited and discussed throughout the present specification unless otherwise indicated. See, e.g., Green and Sambrook et aL, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 4th ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. (2012); Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibodies: From Bench to Clinic, Zhiqiang An (Editor), Wiley, (2009); and Antibody Engineering, 2nd Ed., Vols 1 and 2, Kontermann and Duebel, eds., Springer-Verlag, Heidelberg (2010).

[0090] Enzymatic reactions and purification techniques are performed according to manufacturer's specifications, as commonly accomplished in the art or as described herein. The nomenclatures used in connection with, and the laboratory procedures and techniques of, analytical chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, and medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry described herein are those well-known and commonly used in the art. Standard techniques are used for chemical syntheses, chemical analyses, pharmaceutical preparation, formulation, and delivery, and treatment of patients. Suitable assays to measure the properties as set out above are also described in the examples.

[0091] The inventors of the present invention have in particular found that the impact of ADAs can be reduced by engineering, i.e. modifying certain amino acid sequence motifs into the variable region of an anti-TNF-alpha antibody, particularly the CDRs, which allow for their subsequent modification. This subsequent modification may be referred to as a co-translational and / or post-translational modification, and within the context of the present invention refers to co- and / or post-translational N-linked glycosylation.

[0092] In all aspects of the invention, “engineered” or “modified” refers to any amino acid modification of a target sequence, e g. a reference or wild type sequence. Modification may be the substitution of a reference amino acid residue, insertion of one or more amino acid into a reference sequence or deletion of one or more amino acid. Sequence motifs as described herein may be introduced into the amino acid sequence of the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof by several routine methods known to those in the art.

[0093] The invention relates to modified anti-TNF-alpha antibodies or antigen binding fragments thereof.

[0094] In a first aspect, the invention relates to an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof that binds TNF-alpha comprising a modified amino acid sequence in the variable region wherein said amino acid sequence is modified to comprise one or more N-X-S and / or N-X-T sequence motifs wherein X is any amino acid other than proline. The antibody has reduced ADA binding.

[0095] Thus, following modification, the sequence comprises one or more N-X-S and / or N-X-T sequence motifs.

[0096] In one embodiment, said one or more motif is located in an epitope for antigen binding or in proximity thereto.

[0097] In one embodiment, one or more amino acid residue located in a variable region is substituted with N, T or S to introduce a N-X-S / T sequence motif and wherein said amino acid residue is located in an epitope for antigen binding or in proximity thereto.

[0098] In one embodiment, a N-X-S / T sequence motif is inserted into an amino acid residue sequence located in an epitope for antigen binding or in proximity thereto.

[0099] In one embodiment, one or more amino acid residue located in variable region is substituted with N, T or S to introduce a N-X-S / T sequence motif wherein said amino acid residue is located in an epitope for antigen binding or in proximity thereto.

[0100] In one embodiment, the variable region is a VH region.

[0101] In one embodiment, the one or more amino acid residue is located in one or more VH CDR region, e.g. CDR1 , CDR2 and / or CDR3.

[0102] In one embodiment, 1 , 2, 3, 4 or more residues are modified according to the invention. The term “in proximity” thereto refers to any amino acid that is close to the epitope, e.g. referring to the linear amino acid sequence, within 20, e.g. 10, e.g. 1 to 10, amino acid residues adjacent to the amino acid residue located in the epitope (i.e. the 20, e.g. 10 residues located N or C terminally of the respective residue) that forms part of the epitope. Adjacent to” includes residues either side, i.e. N or C terminally. The term may also refer to residues that are in close conformational proximity to the epitope.

[0103] Thus, an amino acid sequence of the antibody or fragment thereof is engineered by altering a target sequence of an anti-TNF-alpha antibody, e.g. a reference, e.g. a wild type amino acid residue to introduce a N-X-S / T sequence motif, thereby reducing ADA binding and / or immunogenicity of the antibody or fragment thereof when the antibody or fragment thereof is administered to a subject. Target sequence refers to the antibody sequence which is modified. This can also be described as a reference sequence. Reference sequence thus refers to the amino acid sequence that is being altered. Wild type refers to the native residue or sequence of the antibody or fragment thereof. Reference sequence may refer to the native, i.e. wild type sequence, but a skilled person would know that it can also encompass a sequence of the antibody or fragment thereof that has also been engineered in other ways to achievable other desirable outcomes and thus no longer has a native sequence.

[0104] The antibody or fragment thereof of the invention exhibits reduced ADA binding and / or immunogenicity when administered to an individual, e.g. an individual that is receiving treatment with said antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof.

[0105] ‘X’ may be any canonical or non-canonical amino acid other than proline. A canonical amino acid may be any of the 20 naturally occurring amino acids. A non-canonical amino acid may be any amino acid that is not one of the 20 naturally occurring amino acids. Non-canonical amino acids may arise from chemical modifications (which may occur by synthetic or natural means) to naturally occurring amino acids.

[0106] The term "antibody" as used herein broadly includes, but is not limited to, any immunoglobulin (Ig) molecule, or antigen binding portion thereof, comprised of four polypeptide chains, two heavy (H) chains and two light (L) chains, or any functional fragment, mutant, variant, or derivation thereof, which retains the essential epitope binding features of an Ig molecule.

[0107] In a full-length antibody, each heavy chain is comprised of a heavy chain variable region or domain (abbreviated herein as HCVR) and a heavy chain constant region. The heavy chain constant region is comprised of three domains, CH1 , CH2 and CH3. Each light chain has a light chain variable region or domain (abbreviated herein as LCVR) and a light chain constant region. The light chain constant region is comprised of one domain, CL.

[0108] The heavy chain and light chain variable regions can be further subdivided into regions of hypervariability, termed complementarity determining regions (CDR), interspersed with regions that are more conserved, termed framework regions (FR). Each heavy chain and light chain variable region are composed of three CDRs and four FRs, arranged from amino-terminus to carboxy-terminus in the following order: FR1 , CDR1 , FR2, CDR2, FR3, CDR3, FR4.

[0109] Immunoglobulin molecules can be of any type (e.g., IgG, IgE, IgM, IgD, IgA and IgY), class (e.g., lgG1 , lgG2, IgG 3, lgG4, lgA1 and lgA2) or subclass.

[0110] The term "CDR" or “CDR region” refers to the complementarity-determining region within antibody variable sequences. There are three CDRs in each of the variable regions of the heavy chain and the light chain, which are designated CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3, for each of the variable regions. The term "CDR set" refers to a group of three CDRs that occur in a single variable region capable of binding the antigen. The exact boundaries of these CDRs can be defined differently according to different systems known in the art.

[0111] The Kabat Complementarity Determining Regions (CDRs) are based on sequence variability and are the most commonly used (Kabat et al., (1971) Ann. NY Acad. Sci. 190:382-391 and Kabat, et al., (1991) Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, Fifth Edition, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NIH Publication No. 91-3242). Chothia refers instead to the location of the structural loops (Chothia and Lesk J. Mol. Biol. 196:901 -917 (1987)). The Kabat numbering system is generally used when referring to a residue in the variable domain (approximately residues 1-107 of the light chain and residues 1 -113 of the heavy chain). Another system is the ImMunoGeneTics (IMGT) numbering scheme. The IMGT numbering scheme is described in Lefranc et al., Dev. Comp. Immunol., 29, 185-203 (2005).

[0112] The system described by Kabat is used herein unless otherwise mentioned, but alternatively IMGT or other numbering systems can be used. The terms "Kabat numbering", "Kabat definitions" and "Kabat labelling" are used interchangeably herein. These terms, which are recognized in the art, refer to a system of numbering amino acid residues which are more variable (i.e., hypervariable) than other amino acid residues in the heavy and light chain variable regions of an antibody, or an antigen binding portion.

[0113] The antibody may be human, humanized or chimeric. In one embodiment, the antibody may be canine or feline.

[0114] A “chimeric antibody” is a recombinant protein that contains the variable domains including the complementarity determining regions (CDRs) of an antibody derived from one species, preferably a rodent antibody, while the constant domains of the antibody molecule are derived from those of a human antibody.

[0115] A “humanised antibody” is a recombinant protein in which the CDRs from an antibody from one species; e.g., a rodent antibody, are transferred from the heavy and light variable chains of the rodent antibody into human heavy and light variable domains (e.g., framework region sequences). The constant domains of the antibody molecule are derived from those of a human antibody. In certain embodiments, a limited number of framework region amino acid residues from the parent (rodent) antibody may be substituted into the human antibody framework region sequences.

[0116] Humanisation is typically undertaken since non-human antibodies will evoke an undesirable immune reaction when administered to a human subject. Non-human sequences may be derived from, but are not limited to, murine-derived antibodies, porcine-derived antibodies, bovine-derived antibodies, ovine-derived antibodies, simian-derived antibodies, leporine-derived antibodies, feline-derived antibodies, canine-derived antibodies, ursine-derived antibodies, piscine-derived antibodies and so on. The process of humanising antibodies most often involves the use of recombinant DNA techniques with which the skilled person will be familiar.

[0117] As used herein, the term “monoclonal antibody” or “mAb” is given its usual meaning in the art and refers to a monospecific antibody that is produced from homogeneous cells that are each clones of the same origin parent cell or cell line. The resultant antibodies are identical in sequence and therefore bind to the same epitope. In contrast to monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies (pAbs) are made from several different immune cells and have affinity for the same antigen but different epitopes. Monoclonal antibodies require production in laboratories whereas polyclonal antibodies can be found naturally, for example within the human body. In one embodiment, the antibodies of the present invention may be monoclonal antibodies.

[0118] As used herein, the term “antigen binding region” as used herein refers to an antibody, antigen binding fragment thereof or antibody mimetic.

[0119] The term "antigen binding site" refers to the part of the antibody or antibody fragment that comprises the area that specifically binds to an antigen. An antigen binding site may be provided by one or more antibody variable domains. An antigen binding site is typically comprised within the associated VH and VL of an antibody or antibody fragment.

[0120] The term antibody as used herein also includes antibody fragments. Specifically, the invention also extends to antibody fragments. Antibody fragments are functional fragments of a full-length antibody, that is they retain the target specificity of a full antibody.

[0121] An antibody fragment is a portion of an antibody, for example a Fab (Fragment, antibody), F(ab')2, Fv, scFv (single chain variable chain fragments), heavy chain, light chain, variable heavy (VH) chain, variable light (VL) chain, CDR region, single VH or single VL domain, single VHH domain (nanobody), maxibodies, minibodies, intrabodies, diabodies, triabodies, tetrabodies, and bis-scFv, and polypeptides that contain at least a portion of an immunoglobulin that is sufficient to confer specific antigen binding to the polypeptide. Therefore, an antibody fragment comprises an antigen binding portion.

[0122] Thus, in one embodiment, the fragment is selected from a F(ab')2, Fab, Fv, scFv, heavy chain, light chain, variable heavy (VH), variable light (VL) chain, CDR region, single VH, VHH or VL domain, maxibodies, minibodies, intrabodies, diabodies, triabodies, tetrabodies, and bis-scFv, and polypeptides that contain at least a portion of an immunoglobulin that is sufficient to confer specific antigen binding to the polypeptide.

[0123] An “Fv" is the minimum antibody fragment which contains a complete antigen- recognition and -binding site. This fragment consists of a dimer of one heavy- and one light-chain variable region domain in tight, non-covalent association. From the folding of these two domains emanate six hypervariable loops (3 loops each from the H and L chain) that contribute the amino acid residues for antigen binding and confer antigen binding specificity to the antibody. However, even a single variable domain (or half of an Fv comprising only three HVRs specific for an antigen) has the ability to recognize and bind antigen, although at a lower affinity than the entire binding site.

[0124] "Single-chain Fv" also abbreviated as "sFv" or "scFv" fragments (~25kDa) comprise of the two variable domains, VH and VL connected into a single polypeptide chain. Naturally, VH and VL domain are non-covalently associated via hydrophobic interaction and tend to dissociate. However, stable fragments can be engineered by linking the domains with a hydrophilic flexible linker to create a single chain Fv (scFv).

[0125] A diabody is a non-covalent dimer of a scFv fragment comprising the heavy chain variable region and light chain variable region connected by a small peptide linker. A triabody is a trimer of ScFvs, and a tetrabody is a tetramer of ScFvs.

[0126] A minibody is composed a single pair of ScFvs which are linked via a disulphide bond in a constant region of the heavy chain (known as the CH3 domain). Minibodies may be monospecific or bispecific. Further, a minibody may be generated by the addition of a third binding domain onto, for example, the constant region of the minibody.

[0127] The smallest antigen binding fragment is the single variable fragment, namely the single variable heavy (VH) or single variable light ( L) chain domain. VH and VL domains respectively are capable of binding to an antigen. Binding to a light chain / heavy chain partner respectively or indeed the presence of other parts of the full antibody is not required for target binding. The antigen-binding entity of an antibody, reduced in size to one single domain (corresponding to the VH or VL domain), is generally referred to as a “single domain antibody” or “single immunoglobulin variable domain”. A single domain antibody (~12 to 15 kDa) thus consists of either the VH or VL domain, but it does not comprise other parts of a full length antibody. Single domain antibodies derived from camelid heavy chain only antibodies that are naturally devoid of light chains as well as single domain antibodies that have a human heavy chain domain have been described (Muyldermans J BiotechnoL 2001 Jun;74(4):277-302; Holliger Nat BiotechnoL 2005 Sep;23(9):1126-362). Antigen binding single VH domains have also been identified from, for example, a library of murine VH genes amplified from genomic DNA from the spleens of immunized mice and expressed in E. coli (Ward et al., 1989, Nature 341 : 544-546). Ward et al. named the isolated single VH domains "dAbs" for "domain antibodies." The term "dAb" or “sdAb” as used herein generally refers to a single immunoglobulin variable domain (VH, VHH or VL) polypeptide that specifically binds antigen. Such a molecule only has the VH or VL binding domain respectively but does not comprise other parts of a full-length antibody. Unless otherwise specified, as used herein, the term refers to a single domain antibody that has a VH domain. For use in therapy, human single domain antibodies are often preferred, primarily because they are not as likely to provoke an immune response when administered to a patient.

[0128] The terms “single domain antibody”, “sdAb”, “VH domain antibody”, “single VH domain antibody”, “VH single domain antibody”, “single variable domain", “single variable domain antibody", “single variable heavy chain domain antibody" or immunoglobulin single variable domain (ISV)” are thus all well known in the art and describe the single variable fragment of an antibody that binds to a target antigen. These terms are used interchangeably herein.

[0129] Antibodies can be engineered to certain formats well known in the art and can, for example be multispecific, e.g. bispecific or trispecific. Other well-known formats are dual affinity retargeting antibodies (DARTs), as well as bi- and tri-specific killer engager antibodies (BiTE, BiKEs and TriKEs) and Tandem diabodies (TandAbs). Such formats are within the scope of the invention.

[0130] A binding molecule as used herein comprises an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof.

[0131] The terms “antigen(s)” and “epitope(s)” are well established in the art and refer to the portion of a protein or polypeptide which is specifically recognized by a component of the immune system, e.g. an antibody or a T-cell / B-cell antigen receptor. As used herein, the term “antigen(s)” encompasses antigenic epitopes, e.g. fragments of antigens which are recognized by, and bind to, immune components. Epitopes can be recognized by antibodies in solution, e.g. free from other molecules. Epitopes can also be recognized by T-cell antigen receptors when the epitope is associated with a class I or class II major histocompatibility complex molecule.

[0132] The term “antigen” as used herein therefore refers to the protein or polypeptide which is specifically recognised by the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof according to the invention, i.e. TNF alpha. The terms antigen and target antigen are used interchangeably herein. By target, e.g. therapeutic target, is therefore meant the protein or polypeptide the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof according to the invention specifically binds, i.e. TNF alpha.

[0133] The term “epitope” or “antigenic determinant” refers to a site on the surface of an antigen to which an immunoglobulin, antibody or antibody fragment specifically binds. Generally, an antigen has several or many different epitopes and reacts with many different antibodies. The term “specifically” includes linear epitopes and conformational epitopes.

[0134] Epitopes within protein antigens can be formed both from contiguous amino acids (usually a linear epitope) or non-contiguous amino acids juxtaposed by tertiary folding of the protein (usually a conformational epitope). Epitopes formed from contiguous amino acids are typically, but not always, retained on exposure to denaturing solvents, whereas epitopes formed by tertiary folding are typically lost on treatment with denaturing solvents. An epitope typically includes at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14 or 15 amino acids in a unique spatial conformation. Methods for determining what epitopes are bound by a given antibody or antibody fragment (i.e., epitope mapping) are well known in the art and include, for example, immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation assays, wherein overlapping or contiguous peptides are tested for reactivity with a given antibody or antibody fragment. One method is Pepscan, a procedure for mapping and characterizing epitopes involving the synthesis of overlapping peptides and analysis of the peptides in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), see Westwood and Hay, Epitope Mapping: A Practical Approach, Oxford University Press, 2001. Competition assays can also be used to determine if a test antibody binds to the same epitope as a reference antibody.

[0135] In one embodiment, the epitope for binding antigen is linear or conformational.

[0136] The degree of competition can be expressed as a percentage of the reduction in binding. Such competition or indeed binding can be measured using a real time, label-free bio-layer interferometry assay, e.g., on an Octet RED384 biosensor (Pall ForteBio Corp ), ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays) or SPR (surface plasmon resonance), HTRF; flow cytometry; fluorescent microvolume assay technology (FMAT) assay, Mirrorball, high content imaging based fluorescent immunoassays, radioligand binding assays, biolayer interferometry (BLI), surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and thermal shift assays.

[0137] Binding of ADAs to the antigen binding region can neutralise the activity of the antibody. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors have found that ADAs bind to residues in the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof that are located in an epitope for antigen binding or in proximity thereto, e.g. within 10 residues N or C terminally thereof. In one embodiment, an epitope for antigen binding or part thereof is located in a heavy chain and / or light chain CDR1 , 2 or 3 region. Moreover, if the epitope is located within a CDR region, residues within 10 residues N- or C terminally may also be involved in antigen binding and may be altered to introduce glycosylation site(s) as the addition of a glycan at the engineered motif may also interfere with ADA binding. In one embodiment, an epitope for antigen binding or part thereof is located in a heavy chain CDR1 , 2 or 3 region.

[0138] The term “anti-drug antibody” or “ADA” as used herein denotes an antibody produced by the adaptive immune system of the recipient of an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof, e.g. a therapeutic antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof against said therapeutic antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof after administration thereof to the recipient. Thus, as used herein, in one embodiment, ADAs according to the invention are formed in response to the administration of the drug (i.e. treatment-emergent ADAs) and the term does not include pre-existing antibodies that bind the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof. In another embodiment, the term “ADA” includes pre-existing antibodies that bind the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof. In one embodiment, “ADA” include both, ADAs formed in response to the administration of the drug and pre-existing antibodies. ADAs bind an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof. ADA binding can be measured using routine techniques and examples are provided herein.

[0139] The term “immunogenicity” as used herein denotes the potential of a therapeutic antibody or fragment thereof to induce an immune response in humans or animals. Immunogenicity occurs when the immune system perceives “foreignness” in the biological product and launches specific immune responses against it. During drug development, immunogenicity can be assessed by the measurement of non-neutralizing or neutralising anti-drug antibodies (ADA) that bind specifically to the biological and neutralize it.

[0140] The aim of engineering a variable region (including a CDR) of an antibody as described herein is to reduce the immunogenicity of the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof. The immunogenic potential of monoclonal antibodies is mainly manifested in the generation of ADAs. The presence of ADAs has significant clinical impact, altering the drug’s pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, and lowering serum half-life and bioavailability, thereby ultimately reducing drug efficacy and safety. Therefore, it can be seen that engineering certain modifications into antibodies to reduce their immunogenicity, whether an immune response is reduced or consequences following an immune response are reduced, is advantageous, especially for therapeutic antibodies which may otherwise be hindered by ADAs when trying to bind target. An antibody or fragment thereof according to the present invention may reduce an immune response in that ADAs do not form, and / or may block an interaction with any ADAs that do form. In one embodiment, the interaction is blocked.

[0141] The term “ADA response” as used herein refers to the generation and / or blocking of ADAs, thus leading to immunogenicity which results in adverse impacts on drug safety and efficacy.

[0142] As reviewed in Gunn et al, Clin Exp Immunol. 2016 May;184(2):137-46, ADAs include neutralizing antibodies (NAb) that bind to the drug and inhibit its pharmacological function by preventing target binding and nonneutralizing antibodies (non-NAb) that bind to sites on the drug molecule that do not affect target binding and thereby do not impact the drug's pharmacodynamic activity. Non-NAb are often referred to as ‘binding antibodies’.

[0143] NAbs can inhibit drug activity soon after the drug is administered, but non-NAb do not inhibit the pharmacodynamic activity of the drug; however, the latter can lower the drug's systemic exposure just as well by increasing the rate of drug clearance, resulting in a clinically similar outcome to that of Nabs - reduced clinical efficacy. Both types of ADA can form immune complexes upon binding drug, which are cleared by the reticuloendothelial system leading to complete elimination within days.

[0144] Methods for the detection measurement of the ADA response, including ADA binding to antibodies, are well known, for a review see Gunn et al, supra and Suh et al, Sep Sci. 2022 Jun;45(12):2077-2092. These methods include the use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) methods, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and bio-layer interferometry (BLI) and High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC)-based methods.

[0145] Methods for epitope mapping of ADAs are also well know and include methods mentioned above, including ELISA-based epitope mapping, see also for example Schick et al, MAbs 2022 Jan-Dec;14(1), Stubenrauch et al, Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, Volume 114, 10 October 2015, Pages 296-304; Scharnetzki et al, Molecular Genetics and Metabolism Volume 131, Issues 1-2, September-October 2020, Pages 229-234. A skilled person would therefore be able to determine the residues of an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof that are involved in the binding of ADAs.

[0146] In one embodiment, the epitope in the antibody or antigen fragment thereof to which ADAs bind is a linear epitope ora confirmational epitope. In otherwords, the one or more amino acid residue ofthe variable region, e.g. CDR region ofthe antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof is involved in binding of ADAs by forming part of a linear of conformational epitope. Assays that can be used to determine the epitope are described above.

[0147] According to the invention, ADA binding of a modified antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof is reduced. Reduction is compared to the unmodified antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof, e.g. the reference sequence. Reduction can be by at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 70%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%. In one embodiment, ADA binding is substantially abolished.

[0148] The term "isolated" refers to a moiety that is isolated from its natural environment. For example, the term "isolated" refers to an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof that is substantially free of other antibodies or antibody fragments. Moreover, an isolated antibody or antigen fragment thereof is substantially free of other cellular material and / or chemicals. Antibodies or antigen binding fragments thereof of the invention are preferably isolated.

[0149] According to the invention, the antibody binds TNF-alpha. Other names for TNF-alpha are TNF-a, Tumor Necrosis Factor and Tumor Necrosis Factor Ligand Superfamily Member 2. TNF-alpha is a multifunctional proinflammatory cytokine that belongs to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily. This cytokine is mainly secreted by macrophages. It can bind to, and thus functions through its receptors TNFRSF1A / TNFR1 and TNFRSF1 B / TNFBR. The sequence reference in uniport is P01375. TNF-alpha refers to the soluble and membrane-bound form.

[0150] The amino acid sequence of human TNF-alpha is shown below.

[0151] SEQ ID NO: 1

[0152] STESMIRDVELAEEALPKKTGGPQGSRRCLFLSLFSFLIVAGATTLFCLLHFGVIGPQREEFPRDLSLISPLA QAVRSSSRTPSDKPVAHWANPQAEGQLQWLNRRANALLANGVELRDNQLVVPSEGLYLIYSQVLFKGQ GCPSTHVLLTHTISRIAVSYQTKVNLLSAIKSPCQRETPEGAEAKPWYEPIYLGGVFQLEKGDRLSAEINRPD YLDFAESGQVYFGIIAL

[0153] An antibody according to the invention binds TNF-alpha, e.g. SEQ ID NO: 1 or a functional variant thereof that has at least 75%, 85%, 85%, 90% or 95% sequence identity thereto.

[0154] In one embodiment, an antibody according to the invention is an inhibitor of TNF-alpha.

[0155] The binding of TNF to TNFRI and TNFRII activates several signaling pathways, including transcription factor activation (nuclear factor-KB), proteases (caspases), and protein kinases (c-Jun N-terminal kinase, MAP kinase). This signaling leads to activation of the target cell leading to the inflammatory and immune response by releasing several cytokines and apoptotic pathway initiation. Thus, the biological effects of TNF include activation of other cells. Anti-TNF-alpha antibodies can cause apoptosis of TNF-alpha expressing cells. They also sequester soluble / secreted TNFa, preventing it from binding to the TNFRs.

[0156] The term "TNF-alpha binding antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof’ refers to a molecule capable of specifically binding to the human TNF-alpha. The binding reaction may be shown by standard methods, for example with reference to a negative control test using an antibody of unrelated specificity.

[0157] An antibody of the invention, "which binds" or is “capable of binding” an antigen of interest, e.g. TNF-alpha, is one that binds the antigen with sufficient affinity such that the antibody is useful as a therapeutic agent in targeting a cell or tissue expressing the antigen.

[0158] Binding molecules of the invention, including the single domain antibodies and multivalent or multispecific binding agents described herein, bind specifically to human TNF-alpha. In other words, binding to the TNF-alpha antigen is measurably different from a non-specific interaction. As demonstrated in the examples, the single domain antibodies of the invention do not cross react with mouse TNF-alpha. Preferably, the single domain antibodies of the invention bind to human TNF-alpha and also bind to cyno TNF-alpha.

[0159] The term "specific binding" or "specifically binds to" or is "specific for" a particular polypeptide or an epitope on a particular polypeptide target as used herein can be exhibited, for example, by a molecule having a KD for the target of at least about 10-4 M, alternatively at least about 10-5 M, alternatively at least about 10-6 M, alternatively at least about 10-7 M, alternatively at least about 10-8 M, alternatively at least about 10-9 M, alternatively at least about 10-10 M, alternatively at least about 10-11 M, alternatively at least about 10-12 M, or greater. In one embodiment, the term "specific binding" refers to binding where a molecule binds to a particular polypeptide or epitope on a particular polypeptide without substantially binding to any other polypeptide or polypeptide epitope. According to the invention, there may be one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, or more than eleven modifications to the antibody variable region. As the skilled person will appreciate, oligomerisation of the chains into a dimer of heavy chains and a dimer of light chains means that the single mutant may be duplicated across each chain in the dimer. Therefore, a single mutation may be in effect duplicated across each chain. Therefore, an antibody may have two, four, six, eight, twelve, fourteen, sixteen, eighteen, twenty or twenty-two mutations present. In one embodiment, there is one modification in one or more the variable region(s).

[0160] In one embodiment of the invention, the variable region of the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof that is modified is a heavy chain variable region or light chain variable region.

[0161] In one embodiment, a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region or a region within 20, e.g. 1 to 20, e.g.10, e.g. 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 amino acid residues of a framework region adjacent to a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region is modified. In other words, the one or more amino acid residue that is modified according to the invention is located in CDR region within 20, e.g. 1 to 20, e g. 1-10, e.g. 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 amino acid residues of a framework region adjacent to a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region.

[0162] Amino acids within the CDRs can be defined using the Kabat method. CDRs in the heavy chain refer to CDR1 residues H31-H35, CDR2 residues H50-65, CDR3 residues H95-H102. CDRs in the light chain refer to CDR1 residues L24-L34, CDR2 residues L50-L56, CDR3 residues L89-L97. Insertions of residues in any of the CDRs can occur which are named from A-Z. For example, CDR3 of the heavy chain of adalimumab has 4 insertions after residue 100 and are thus named 100A-D, followed by residue 101.

[0163] In one embodiment, a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region ora region within 1 , 2, 3, 4 or 5 amino acid residues of a framework region adjacent to a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region is modified.

[0164] In one embodiment, a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region is modified.

[0165] In one embodiment, the one or more amino acid residue that is substituted to form the N-X-S / T sequence motif is located in a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region or within 20, e.g. 10, e.g. 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 amino acid residues of a framework region adjacent to a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region.

[0166] Residues within 10, amino acid residues of a framework region adjacent to a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region refers to the 10 residues immediately N-terminal or immediately C-terminal of the CDR1 , 2 or 3 region with reference to the linear amino acid sequence.

[0167] All, some, or one of the variable regions or CDRs of the engineered antibody may be engineered to comprise one or more sequence motifs. The sequence motifs may be engineered into variable regions or CDRs of the heavy chain or light chain. In one embodiment, the one or more amino acid residue is located in a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region or within 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 amino acid residues of a framework region adjacent to a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region.

[0168] In one embodiment, the one or more amino acid residue is located in a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region.

[0169] In a separate aspect, the invention also relates to an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof that binds TNF-alpha comprising a modified amino acid sequence wherein one or more amino acid residue located in a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region or within 20, e.g. 10 amino acid residues of a framework region adjacent to a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region is substituted with N, T or S to introduce a N-X-S / T sequence motif wherein X is any amino acid other than proline and wherein said amino acid residue is located in an epitope for binding antigen, i.e. TNF alpha.

[0170] As used herein, the term “sequence motif’ is given its usual meaning in the art and refers to an amino acid sequence that is usually conserved and related to a discrete biological function. A sequence motif may also be referred to as a “consensus sequence” or a “sequon”.

[0171] In the context of glycosylation of target proteins, an oligosaccharide may be transferred to selected residues within certain sequence motifs within polypeptide chains. In particular, glycosylation sites are characterized by the N-X-S / T sequon, which acts as an acceptor sequence for N-linked glycosylation. An N-X-S / T sequence motif is a sequence of amino acids having an asparagine residue upstream of an ‘X’ amino acid, where X can be any amino acid other than proline, followed by a serine or threonine residue.

[0172] N-glycosylation is thus a post-translational modification (PTM) attached to asparagine (Asn or N) amino acid residues within the N-(X)-S / T sequon, where X is any amino acid residue except proline, while S is serine and T is threonine. An N-glycan is formed. This PTM in antibodies can take place naturally or be introduced through engineering at both fragment crystallizable region (Fc) and fragment antigen-binding (Fab) variable region. This most frequent and complex PTM plays an important role in antibody functions and properties. N-glycosylation in the constant Fc region is well characterized in all human antibody isotypes and modulates the Fc-mediated immune response through Fc receptors and complement system protein interaction.

[0173] In one embodiment, this sequence motif can be created by engineering into the amino acid sequence of an antibody or fragment thereof an asparagine residue upstream of any suitable X-S / T sequence. However, in another embodiment, it is also possible that the N-X-S / T sequence motif is created by engineering into the amino acid sequence of an antibody or fragment thereof a serine or threonine residue downstream of any suitable N-X sequence. For example, engineering can be through an amino acid substitution of an existing residue with N, S or T or alternatively, a de novo residue may be inserted. For example, an amino acid wild type residue X1 located in a sequence motif X1XS (wherein X is any amino acid and the two X may or may not be identical amino acids) is replaced with N to yield a NXS motif. Similarly, a wild type residue X1 located in a sequence motif NXX1 (wherein X is any amino acid and the two X may or may not be identical amino acids) is replaced with N to yield a NXS motif.

[0174] In one embodiment, the one or more (wild type) amino acid residue is replaced with N. In one embodiment, the one or more (wild type) amino acid residue is replaced with T. In one embodiment, the one or more (wild type) amino acid residue is replaced with S.

[0175] In another embodiment, it is also possible to engineer into the sequence an entire N-X-S / T sequence motif, in particular where there is no suitable N or S / T available. For instance, in an amino acid sequence in which there are no suitable N-X or X-S / T sequence, or where, if there is a suitable N-X or X-S / T sequence, this sequence may be hidden within an inaccessible portion of the three-dimensional structure of the protein so that no (or insufficient) co- or post-translational modifications may be made to the N.

[0176] Thus, in one embodiment, one wild type residue is replaced to yield the N-X-S / T sequence motif. In another embodiment, two or three wild type residues are replaced to yield the N-X-S / T sequence motif.

[0177] The ‘X’ amino acid is not to be proline, as proline is known in the art to disrupt protein structures for example by breaking alpha helices within the secondary protein structure. Studies have indicated a lack of glycosyl-acceptor capabilities of sequons where ‘X’ is proline, potentially due to their inability to adopt a turn or loop conformation which permits the interaction between the hydroxy amino acid and the asparagine residue. In some embodiments, X’ may be a canonical or a non-canonical amino acid. Where ‘X’ is a canonical amino acid, ‘X’ may be any of the following amino acids: alanine (A, Ala), arginine (R, Arg), asparagine (N, Asn), aspartate (D, Asp), cysteine (C, Cys), glutamate (E, Glu), glutamine (Q, Gin), (G, Gly), histidine (H, His), isoleucine (I, He), leucine (L, Leu), lysine (K, Lys), methionine (M, Met), phenylalanine (F, Phe), proline (P, Pro), serine (S, Ser), threonine (T, Thr), tryptophan (W, Trp), tyrosine (Y, Tyr), or valine (V, Vai).

[0178] The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to the present invention may comprise one or more engineered N-X-S and / or N-X-T sequence motifs, for example one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven or more than eleven N-X-S and / or N-X-T sequence motifs, for example between one and five N-X-S and / or N-X-T sequence motifs, for example one or two N-X-S and / or N-X-T sequence motifs.

[0179] The N-X-S and / or N-X-T sequence motifs is a motif for glycosylation. Therefore, in one embodiment, the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof may be engineered to comprise N-linked oligosaccharides on these sequence motife. An antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof according to the present invention may be modified by the addition of oligosaccharides, such as glycans, to its amino acid sequence. As described herein, glycans may be N-linked in that they are added to nitrogen atoms, for example on asparagine residues within the amino acid sequence of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof. N- glycans may be incorporated onto existing asparagine residues within existing N-X-S and / or N-X-T sequence motifs, or onto N-X-S and / or N-X-T sequence motifs that have been engineered into the amino acid sequence. In one embodiment, one or more N-linked oligosaccharides engineered into a variable region of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof. In another embodiment, one or more N-linked oligosaccharides are engineered into a CDR of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof. Thus, in one embodiment, an amino acid sequence of the antibody or fragment thereof is engineered to comprise one or more glycans in a complementarity-determining region (CDR).

[0180] As explained above, amino acid modifications may include, but are not limited to, deletions, substitutions / replacements, and insertions. Deletion mutations involve the loss of an amino acid, resulting in a frameshift or decrease in the length of the amino acid sequence. Insertion mutations involve the addition of an amino acid, resulting in a frameshift or increase in the length of the amino acid sequence. Substitution mutations involve the replacement of one amino acid for another. Substitution mutations can be conservative or non-conservative. Any amino acid may be modified, for example any of alanine (A, Ala), arginine (R, Arg), asparagine (N, Asn), aspartate (D, Asp), cysteine (C, Cys), glutamate (E, Glu), glutamine (Q, Gin), (G, Gly), histidine (H, His), isoleucine (I, He), leucine (L, Leu), lysine (K, Lys), methionine (M, Met), phenylalanine (F, Phe), proline (P, Pro), serine (S, Ser), threonine (T, Thr), tryptophan (W, Trp), tyrosine (Y, Tyr), and valine (V, Vai). According to the present invention, any suitable amino acid may be substituted for an asparagine residue, a serine residue or a threonine residue. Several methods are well known in the art for inducing amino acid modifications. As will be readily understood by the skilled person, a nucleic acid molecule encoding the modified amino acid sequence of interest may be generated by several means (i.e., de novo synthesis) which are known in the art.

[0181] Any such amino acid modification may be present in the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof according to the invention. The modification may involve the addition of one or more glycans to the amino acid sequence of the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof. As used herein, the term “glycan” may refer to sugar-containing compounds linked so as to form a chain. The term may also refer to sialic acids and GIcNAcs. By “sugar" we intend units such as glucose, mannose, fucose, galactose and fructose. Examples of glycans include, but are not limited to, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, polyethylene glycols (PEG), and polypropylene glycols (PPG). Oligosaccharides may be, but are not limited to, glycans such as N-glycans, O-glycans, and C-glycans. It is a preference of the present invention for the amino acid sequence to be modified by the addition of N-linked oligosaccharides, for example glycans, in particular N-glycans. The addition of glycans to an amino acid sequence is known as glycosylation.

[0182] As used herein, the term “glycosylation” refers to the process by which oligosaccharides (glycan moieties) are attached to a target molecule, such as proteins and lipids. The skilled person will readily recognise that this process is vital for both the functioning and stability of the protein. Oligosaccharides are carbohydrates consisting of chains or polymers of monosaccharides (single sugar molecules). Glycosylation is a form of co-translational and post-translational modification of proteins in which carbohydrates are conjugated or covalently attached onto a protein. In biology, the process of glycosylation is an enzyme-catalysed reaction, and may involve enzymes such as oligosaccharyltransferase (OSTs) and glycosyltransferases. Within mammalian cells, glycosylation primarily occurs within the rough endoplasmic reticulum, cytoplasm, and nucleus. There are two major types of glycosylation: N-glycosylation (also known as “N-linked glycosylation”) and O-glycosylation (also known as “O-linked glycosylation”), with the former being the most prevalent. There is also C-glycosylation (also known as “C-linked glycosylation”) which occurs when a glycan is linked to a carbon atom on a tryptophan side chain. In N-glycosylation, glycans are attached to the nitrogen atoms of amino acids (for example, asparagine and arginine). In O-glycosylation, glycans are attached to the oxygen atoms of a hydroxyl group on amino acids (for examine, serine, threonine, and tyrosine). Accordingly, in the context of the present invention, the addition of “N-glycans” to an amino acid sequence of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof is of particular interest.

[0183] In one embodiment, there may be one or more glycans engineered into a CDR of the antibody or antigenbinding fragment thereof. Where there are two or more than two glycans, the glycans may be of the same type or of different types. There may be one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, or more than eleven glycans engineered into a CDR of a single chain. As described herein, the skilled person will appreciate that, once expressed, the chains oligomerise such that a dimer of heavy chains and a dimer of light chains is present in a single antibody. Therefore, a single glycan may be in effect duplicated across each chain. Therefore, an antibody may have two, four, six, eight, twelve, fourteen, sixteen, eighteen, twenty or twenty-two glycans present in a CDR. However, the preference is that there may be one glycans engineered into a CDR (i.e., one per chain monomer in a dimer such that the glycan is in effect duplicated). One or more CDRs may be engineered to comprise one or more glycans. All, some, or one of the CDRs of the engineered antibody may be engineered to comprise one or more glycans. The glycans may be engineered into CDRs of the heavy chain and / or light chain. For example, one or more glycans may be present on a heavy chain. One or more glycans may be present on a light chain. One or more glycans may be present on a heavy chain and a light chain.

[0184] In accordance with another of the invention, an amino acid sequence of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof is engineered to reduce immunogenicity of the antibody or fragment thereof when the antibody or fragment thereof is administered to a subject, wherein the amino acid sequence is engineered to comprise one or more N-linked oligosaccharides in a variable region of the monoclonal antibody or antigenbinding fragment thereof. In one embodiment, the N-linked oligosaccharides may be N-glycans. In one embodiment, the monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof is engineered to comprise one or more N-linked oligosaccharides in a complementarity-determining region (CDR) of the monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof or antibody. Again, there may be one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, or more than eleven N-linked oligosaccharides engineered into the antibody variable region(s). For example, there may be one or two N-linked oligosaccharides engineered into the variable region(s), more for example into the CDR. One or more CDRs may be engineered to comprise one or more N-linked oligosaccharides. All, some, or one of the CDRs of the antibody may be engineered to comprise one or more N-linked oligosaccharides. The N-linked oligosaccharides may be engineered into CDRs of the heavy chain and / or light chain. For example, one or more N-linked oligosaccharides may be present on a heavy chain. One or more N-linked oligosaccharides may be present on a light chain. One or more N-linked oligosaccharides may be present on a heavy chain and a light chain.

[0185] In one embodiment, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof is engineered to comprise one or more N-glycans in a complementarity-determining region (CDR) of the monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof or antibody. In this aspect, the N-linked oligosaccharides may be incorporated onto existing asparagine residues within the antibody sequence, or those which have been engineered into the antibody sequence as described herein. The possible amino acids to be mutated and the combinations thereof on to which N-linked oligosaccharides may be incorporated may be as described herein.

[0186] For example, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven or more than eleven N-linked oligosaccharides may be included. The N-linked oligosaccharides may be incorporated onto asparagine residues which are naturally present in the antibody sequence, or which have been engineered into the antibody sequence. In one embodiment, the N-linked oligosaccharides may be N-glycans.

[0187] The advantage of using oligosaccharides such as N-glycans as the preferred modification is that these moieties are naturally occurring and therefore represent an attractive option for reducing immunogenicity and immune reactivity of antibodies. A further benefit is that N-glycans can be easily added to amino acid sequences, for example in a cell which expresses (or is engineered to express) the amino acid sequences. This means that no additional post-expression, purification or further modification steps are required. Additionally, due to the array of N-glycans, the particular type (i.e. , shape, modifications, size) and number N-glycans can be adapted in accordance with the desired function.

[0188] For example, whether the N-glycan is capped or afucosylated can impact the activity of the amino acid sequence to which it is attached, as described below.

[0189] The skilled person will appreciate that any suitable type of oligosaccharides may be incorporated onto the amino acid sequence of the antibody or fragment thereof. Oligosaccharides are chains of monosaccharide units. An oligosaccharide may be a trisaccharide, for example nigerotriose, maltotriose, melezitose, maltotriulose, raffinose, and kestose. An oligosaccharide may be a tetrasaccharide, for example nigerotetraose, maltotetraose, lychnose, nystose, sesamose, and stachyose. An oligosaccharide may be a pentasaccharide, a hexasaccharide (for example a-Cyclodextrin), a heptasaccharide, an octasaccharide, a nonasaccharide, a decasaccharide and so on. The core structures of N-linked oligosaccharides are often, but not always, pentasaccharides.

[0190] N-glycans can be classified into three types. Firstly, oligomannose N-glycans, in which only mannose residues are present. Secondly, complex N-glycans, in which “antennae” initiated by GIcNAc extend the core. Thirdly, hybrid N-glycans, in which mannose extends the Mana1-6 arm of the core and one or two GIcNAc-initiated antennae extend the Mana1-3 arm. The preference of the present invention is for the N-glycans to be complex N-glycans.

[0191] In one embodiment, the complex N-glycan may be bi-antennary, in that it comprises two antennas. In another embodiment, the complex N-glycan may be tri-antennary, in that it comprises three antennas. In another embodiment, the complex N-glycan may be tetra-antennary, in that it comprises four antennas.

[0192] N-glycans may or may not be afucosylated. Afucosylation is the process by which fucose residues are removed from carbohydrate chains. Therefore, in one embodiment, the complex N-glycan may be afucosylated. In another embodiment the complex N-glycan may not be afucosylated. Afucosylation may be achieved via expressing the glycosylated proteins in a cell with a Fut8 gene knock-out. This knock-out removes expression of the sole enzyme that is responsible for core fucosylation. The advantage of removing core fucosylation stems is that afucosylation is known in the art to optimise the amino acid sequence to which the N-glycan is added. Afucosylation has been found to generate significant increases in antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity of antibodies N-glycosylated on the Fc fragment (Shields et al, 2002). N-glycans may be capped, for example with sialic acids and / or galactose residues. In one embodiment, the N-glycans are capped with sialic acid. The type of capping on the terminal residue can greatly impact function. Galactose-capped terminal residues can experience enhanced ADCC as described above and complement activation (Raju 2008). Sialic acid-capped residues may result in anti-inflammatory properties. Further, sialic acid-capped residues reduce uptake by the ASGPR receptor. The ASGPR receptor binds to exposed galactose residues and increases clearance of the therapeutic. Therefore, by covering the exposed galactose residues with sialic acid caps, ASGPR-mediated clearance can be reduced (Anthony et al, 2009; Wang, 2019, p.63-75). The skilled person will appreciate that there are several different types of sialic acids that may or may not be present as a cap. In one embodiment, the complex N-glycan may be capped. In another embodiment, the complex N-glycan may not be capped. In some embodiments, the complex N-glycan may be capped with a2,6-linked sialic acid residues. The advantage of the a2,6-linker is that this represents a humanised version of the sialic acid cap. For instance, in CHO cells, sialic acids are linked with an a2,3 linker, however the a2,6 is known to be less immunogenic in humans. Therefore, the addition of the a2,6-linked sialic acid cap to N-glycans added onto the amino acid sequences described herein has the additional effect of further reducing or blocking immunogenicity and therefore reducing hindrances to or enhancing the therapeutic effectiveness of the drug.

[0193] In any aspect of the invention, in one embodiment, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof or antibody may comprise afucosylated bi-antennary complex N-glycans capped with a2,6-sialic acids In another embodiment, the monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof or antibody may comprise afucosylated tri-antennary complex N-glycans capped with a2,6-sialic acids. In another embodiment, the monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof or antibody may comprise afucosylated tetra-antennary complex N-glycans capped with a2,6-sialic acids. Any antibody of the present invention may be modified so as to comprise any form of the N-glycans described herein. The N-glycan profile or N-glycosylation profile may be homogenous in that all of the N-glycans added to the amino acid sequence are of the same type. The N-glycan profile may alternatively be heterogeneous in that there are varying degrees of each glycan at each site in a population of a protein produced. As used herein, the term “N-glycosylation profile” refers to the site of N-glycosylation and the type of N-glycan present at the site on the surface of the fully folded protein. The N-glycosylation profile therefore reflects both the degree of N-glycosylation site occupancy and the type of individual N-glycans on a fully folded protein. As would be appreciated by the skilled person, in determining the N-glycosylation profile, the degree of N-glycosylation site occupancy and type of N-glycans present will reflect the profile of all proteins in a given population of proteins (i.e., those proteins present in a sample). In particular, in the context of the present invention, the term “N-glycosylation profile” refers to the global profile of the degree of N-glycosylation site occupancy and type of N-glycans present in a given population of recombinant proteins. For example, in the context of the present invention, an improved glycosylation profile consists of an increase in the degree of N-glycosylation site occupancy on the recombinant protein with consistent N-glycan moieties that are reproducible between production batches of recombinant protein. Mass spectroscopy can be utilised in order to determine the % N-glycosylation occupancy of a given protein.

[0194] In accordance with all aspects of the invention, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof specifically binds to tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFa). In one embodiment, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof specifically binds to TNFa may be, prior to engineering, any of adalimumab, infliximab, golimumab, certolizumab or ozoralizumab or an antigen-binding fragment thereof. The full wild type sequences of the VH and VL sequences some of these antibodies are given herein as SEQ ID NOs: 2-9. A summary of these antibodies is shown in Table 1.

[0195] Name Type Source Target Therapeutic use(s) Adalimumab mAb Human TNF-a Rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's, plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, newborn hemolytic disease.

[0196] Infliximab mAb Chimeric TNF-a Rheumatoid arthritis, plaque psoriasis,

[0197] psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's, colitis.

[0198] Golimumab mAb Human TNF-a Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis,

[0199] ankylosing spondylitis.

[0200] Certolizumab Fab’ Human TNF-a Crohn's, rheumatoid arthritis, axial

[0201]

[0202] spondyloarthritis, psoriasis arthritis.

[0203] The sequences of these antibodies are given below, with the CDR regions underscored. In one embodiment, the amino acid sequence of any of these antibodies or fragment thereof is engineered to comprise one or more N-X-S and / or N-X-T sequence motifs in a CDR of the antibody or fragment thereof. Given that the sequences may be engineered to comprise an N-X-S and / or N-X-T sequence motif in the variable region (or a CDR), in a more preferred embodiment, amino acid sequence of the antibody or fragment thereof may be engineered to comprise one or more N-linked oligosaccharides in its variable region (or a CDR). Again, there may be one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, or more than eleven modifications to the antibody variable region(s). For example, there may be one or two modifications to the variable region(s), more preferably to the CDR. One or more CDRs may be engineered to comprise one or more sequence motifs. All, some, or one of the CDRs of the engineered antibody may be engineered to comprise one or more sequence motifs. The sequence motifs may be engineered into CDRs of the heavy chain and / or light chain. For example, one or more sequence motifs may be present on a heavy chain. One or more sequence motifs may be present on a light chain. One or more sequence motifs may be present on a heavy chain and a light chain.

[0204] In the present invention, with regard to the numbering of the modified amino acids in adalimumab glycovariants of the invention, the numbering is with reference to the wild type heavy chain adalimumab amino acid sequence as shown as SEQ ID NO: 2 (using consecutive numbering from the N terminus). Similarly, for exemplary mutations in other non-limiting examples of TNF- alpha antibodies provided herein, the numbering is with reference to the wild type heavy chain amino acid sequence of that antibody (using consecutive numbering from the N terminus).

[0205] SEQ ID NO: 2 (adalimumab heavy chain)

[0206] EVQLVESGGGLVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFDDYAMHWVRQAPGKGLEWVSAITWNSGHIDYADSVEGRFT ISRDNAKNSLYLDMNSLRAEDTAVYYCAKVSYLSTASSLDYWGQGTLVTVSSASTKGPS' / FPLAPSSKSTS GGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPS NTKVDKKVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWY VDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYNSTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQV YTLPPSRDELTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQ QGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK

[0207] Note that the constant region of the adalimumab heavy chain is shown in italics and spans amino acid residues A122 to K451 of SEQ ID NO: 2. The variable region (VH) is not in italics. CDRs are underlined.

[0208] SEQ ID NO: 3 (adalimumab light chain) DIQMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASQGIRNYLAWYQQKPGKAPKLLIYAASTLQSGVPSRFSGSGSGTDF TLTISSLQPEDVATYYCQRYNRAPYTFGQGTKVEIKRT' / AAPS' / F / FPPSDFQ / - / <SGTAS' / ' / C / - / -A / / VFYPRF AKVQWKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSPVTKSFNRG EC

[0209] Note that the constant region of the adalimumab light chain is shown in italics and spans amino acid residues R108 to C214 of SEQ ID NO: 3. The variable region (VL) is not in italics. CDRs are underlined. SEQ ID NO: 4 (infliximab heavy chain) EVKLEESGGGLVQPGGSMKLSCVASGFIFSNHWMNWVRQSPEKGLEWVAEIRSKSINSATHYAESVKGR FTISRDDSKSAWLQMTDLRTEDTGVYYCSRNYYGSTYDYWGQGTTLTVSSASTKGPSI / FPMPSSKSTS GGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPS NTKVDKKVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWY VDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYNSTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQV YTLPPSRDELTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQ QGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK

[0210] Note that the constant region of the infliximab heavy chain is shown in italics and spans amino acid residues A121 to K450 of SEQ ID NO: 4. CDRs are underlined.

[0211] SEQ ID NO: 5 (infliximab light chain) DILLTQSPAILSVSPGERVSFSCRASQFVGSSIHWYQQRTNGSPRLLIKYASESMSGIPSRFSGSGSGTDFT

[0212] L

[0213]

[0214] SINTVESEDIADYYCQQSHSWPFTFGSGTNLEVKPT' / AAPS' / F / FPPSDEQ / - / <SGTAS' / I / C / - / -A / / VFYPREA KVQWKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSPVTKSFNRGE C

[0215] Note that the constant region of the infliximab light chain is shown in italics and spans amino acid residues R108 to C214 of SEQ ID NO: 5. CDRs are underlined.

[0216] SEQ ID NO: 6 (golimumab heavy chain) QVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFIFSSYAMHWVRQAPGNGLEWVAFMSYDGSNKKYADSVKGRF TISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCARDRGIAAGGNYYYYGMDVWGQGTTVTVSSASTKGPS' / FP / .A PSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYIC NVNHKPSNTKVDKKVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDP EVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYNSTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKG QPREPQVYTLPPSRDELTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTV DKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK

[0217] Note that the constant region of the golimumab heavy chain is shown in italics and spans amino acid residues A127 to K456 of SEQ ID NO: 6. CDRs are underlined.

[0218] SEQ ID NO: 7 (golimumab light chain) EIVLTQSPATLSLSPGERATLSCRASQSVYSYLAWYQQKPGQAPRLLIYDASNRATGIPARFSGSGSGTDF TLTISSLEPEDFAVYYCQQRSNWPPFTFGPGTKVDIKPTIZ4APSI / F / FPPSDEQLKSGTASI / ' / CZ-Z- / VA / FYPR EAKVQWKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSPVTKSFNR GEO Note that the constant region of the golimumab light chain is shown in italics and spans amino acid residues R109 to C215 of SEQ ID NO: 7. CDRs are underlined.

[0219] SEQ ID NO: 8 (certolizumab heavy chain) EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGYVFTDYGMNVWRQAPGKGLEWMGWINTYIGEPIYADSVKGRFT FSLDTSKSTAYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCARGYRSYAMDYWGQGTLVTVSSASTKGPS' / FPMPSSKSTSG GTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSN TKVDKKVEPKSCDKTHTCAA

[0220] Note that the constant region of the certolizumab heavy chain is shown in italics and spans amino acid residues A119 to A229 of SEQ ID NO: 8. CDRs are underlined.

[0221] SEQ ID NO: 9 (certolizumab light chain) DIQMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCKASQNVGTNVAWYQQKPGKAPKALIYSASFLYSGVPYRFSGSGSGTD FTLTISSLQPEDFATYYCQQYNIYPLTFGQGTKVEIKR7~' / AAPS' / F / FPPSDEQ / .KSGTAS' / ' / C / . / .A / / \ / FYPRE AKVQWKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSPVTKSFNRG EC

[0222] Note that the constant region of the certolizumab light chain is shown in italics and spans amino acid residues R108 to C214 of SEQ ID NO: 9. CDRs are underlined.

[0223] In one embodiment, the modified antibody is Adalimumab. Adalimumab is an entirely humanized monoclonal antibody against TNF-a which is subcutaneously self-administered. It is the most used and studied biologic medication for the treatment of adulthood non-infectious uveitis since its approval in 2016. Infliximab (Remicade®) is a chimeric monoclonal antibody used since 2001. It has 25% murine and 75% humanized domains. Its use is FDA-approved for RA, psoriatic arthritis, IBD, and AS, but not for non-infectious uveitis. It is only intravenously administered, usually in conjunction with methotrexate to prevent the generation of antibodies against the drug. Infliximab is associated with multitude of side effects on systemic administration such as congestive heart failure, reactivation of latent tuberculosis, and increased risk of infections, all of which can be minimized by administering the drug intravitreally. Golimumab (Simponi®) is a fully humanized monoclonal antibody, subcutaneously administered with a dose of 50 mg every 4 weeks.

[0224] Adalimumab is an anti-TNFa therapeutic used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, however upto 50% of patients develop resistance to adalimumab through ADAs which sequesters the therapeutic activity of adalimumab. The inventors of the present invention have engineered adalimumab to contain novel N-glycan sites in the variable region that disrupt ADA binding. Using a panel of genetically engineered mammalian cells, the inventors of the present invention have expressed variants of adalimumab with different N-glycan profiles and selected the optimal type of N-glycans. Preventing ADA formation with adalimumab may allow for reduced patient resistance and long-term use of this effective autoimmune disease (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis) treatment.

[0225] The sequences of the heavy chain and light chain of adalimumab are given above as SEQ ID NOs: 2 and 3, respectively. The CDRs of adalimumab are shown by the underlined residues and were defined using the Kabat numbering scheme (Kabat et al. 1979), a numbering scheme with which the skilled person will be familiar. In one embodiment, the one or more mutation is in SEQ ID NOs: 2 or 3. In one embodiment, the one or more mutation is in SEQ ID NO: 27. In one embodiment, the one or more mutation is in SEQ ID NO: 28, 29 and / or 30. In one embodiment, the one or more mutation is in SEQ ID NO: 31. In one embodiment, the one or more mutation is in SEQ ID NO: 32, 33 and / or 34.

[0226] The amino acids shown in bold indicated in SEQ ID NOs: 2 and 3 are examples of those which may be modified. These amino acids correspond to W53, Y101, L102, A105 and S100 of the heavy chain of adalimumab. Specifically within the scope of the invention are mutations of one or more of W53N, Y101N, L102N and A105N of the heavy chain of adalimumab. All of these amino acids are located within the heavy chain variable region. In one embodiment, the modified amino acid comprises the following amino acid substitutions: S100N and L102T.

[0227] In particular, mutations W53N, Y101N, L102N, L102T, A105N and S100N are positioned within one of the CDRs of the heavy chain. As disclosed herein, the amino acid modifications may be in the variable region, or, more specifically, in the CDR of an antibody. The inventors of the present invention have found in particular that, contrary to strong prejudice in the art, modification of the amino acids highlighted herein in the CDR is especially effective at reducing ADA binding to the modified antibody while maintaining the ability of the modified antibody to bind to its target.

[0228] In all aspects of the invention, the engineered monoclonal antibody comprises means for binding TNFa and a modified variable region, such as a CDR region, comprising a glycan binding site, such as an N-glycan binding site, wherein the antibody has reduced immunogenicity as compared to the same antibody prior to engineering when administered to a subject. The invention comprises methods for treating a subject using said antibody.

[0229] Even more surprising is that the inventors have found that the mutations to the CDRs are more effective at reducing ADA binding than the mutations to the variable region outside of the CDRs.

[0230] The monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof may comprise a sequence according to SEQ ID NOs: 2 and / or 3, or sequences having at least 70% identity thereto whilst retaining a modification that reduces immunogenicity as described herein. For example, the monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof may comprise a sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% identity to any of SEQ ID NOs: 2 and / or 3 and includes a modification that reduces immunogenicity as described herein.

[0231] Thus, as described in various embodiments, variants of these antibodies are included with at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to the non-variant sequence, but which retain the modification which reduces immunogenicity, are also within the scope of the invention.

[0232] As used herein, the term "homology" or “identity” generally refers to the percentage of amino acid residues in a sequence that are identical with the residues of the reference polypeptide with which it is compared, after aligning the sequences and in some embodiments after introducing gaps, if necessary, to achieve the maximum percentage homology, and not considering any conservative substitutions as part of the sequence identity. Thus, the percentage homology between two amino acid sequences is equivalent to the percentage identity between the two sequences. Neither N- or C-terminal extensions, tags or insertions shall be construed as reducing identity or homology. Methods and computer programs for the alignment are well known. The percentage identity between two amino acid sequences can be determined using well known mathematical algorithms. Sequence identity is commonly defined with reference to the algorithm GAP (Wisconsin GCG package, Accelerys Inc, San Diego USA). GAP uses the Needleman and Wunsch algorithm to align two complete sequences, maximising the number of matches and minimising the number of gaps. Generally, default parameters are used, with a gap creation penalty equalling 12 and a gap extension penalty equalling 4. Use of GAP may be preferred but other algorithms may be used, e.g. BLAST, e.g. psi-Blast algorithm, the Smith-Waterman algorithm supra, generally employing default parameters. Sequence identity may be defined using the Bioedit, ClustalW algorithm. Alignments can be performed using Snapgene and based on MUSCLE (Multiple Sequence Comparison by Log-Expectation) algorithms.

[0233] A variant of an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof as described herein has at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to the non-variant sequence, but retains the modification which reduces immunogenicity.

[0234] In one embodiment, the modification in a variant is a conservative sequence modification. As used herein, the term "conservative sequence modifications" is intended to refer to amino acid modifications that do not significantly affect or alter the binding characteristics of the antibody containing the amino acid sequence. Such conservative modifications include amino acid substitutions, additions and deletions. Modifications can be introduced into an sdAb of the invention by standard techniques known in the art, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis. Conservative amino acid substitutions are ones in which the amino acid residue is replaced with an amino acid residue having a similar side chain. Families of amino acid residues having similar side chains have been defined in the art. These families include amino acids with basic side chains (e.g., lysine, arginine, histidine), acidic side chains (e.g., aspartic acid, glutamic acid), uncharged polar side chains (e.g., glycine, asparagine, glutamine, serine, threonine, tyrosine, cysteine, tryptophan), nonpolar side chains (e.g., alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, proline, phenylalanine, methionine), beta-branched side chains (e.g., threonine, valine, isoleucine) and aromatic side chains (e.g., tyrosine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, histidine). Thus, one or more amino acid residues within the CDR regions of a single domain antibody of the invention can be replaced with other amino acid residues from the same side chain family and the altered antibody can be tested for retained function (i.e. , TNF-alpha binding) using the functional assays described herein.

[0235] In the context of adalimumab, any of W53N, Y101N, L102N and / or A105N may be modified. In one embodiment, S100N and L102T are modified.

[0236] Any combination ofthese modifications is intended to be covered. In another embodiment, there may be one or more modifications in only the light chain or only the heavy chain.

[0237] In one embodiment, the modification in the variant antibody or fragment thereof is W53N, Y101N, L102N and / or A105N. Any combination of these modifications is intended to be covered. In one embodiment, the modification is W53N. In one embodiment, the modification is Y101N. In one embodiment, the modification is L102N. In one embodiment, the modification is A105N. In one embodiment, the modification in the variant antibody or fragment thereof is S100N and L102T.

[0238] Examples of possible variants of adalimumab are given below as SEQ ID NOs: 10 to 12 with the mutant residue(s) shown in bold font. Where either the heavy or light chain comprises a mutation, the other chain may be the unmodified chain, giving rise to a single mutant antibody. The variants shown below have mutations in the VH. The VL or light chain may be unmodified. The wild type VL CDRs, VL or light chain sequences may be as provided herein. Thus, the antibody may comprise a VH as shown below and a VL of adalimumab as shown herein.

[0239] Variant: single mutation in the VH (L102N)

[0240] SEQ ID NO: 10 EVQLVESGGGLVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFDDYAMHWVRQAPGKGLEWVSAITWNSGHIDYADSVEGRFT ISRDNAKNSLYLDMNSLRAEDTAVYYCAKVSYNSTASSLDYWGQGTLVTVSS

[0241] Variant: single mutation in the VH (W53N)

[0242] SEQ ID NO: 11 EVQLVESGGGLVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFDDYAMHWVRQAPGKGLEWVSAITNNSGHIDYADSVEGRFTI SRDNAKNSLYLDMNSLRAEDTAVYYCAKVSYLSTASSLDYWGQGTLVTVSS

[0243] Variant: single mutation in the VH (A105N)

[0244] SEQ ID NO: 12 EVQLVESGGGLVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFDDYAMHVWRQAPGKGLEVWSAITWNSGHIDYADSVEGRFT ISRDNAKNSLYLDMNSLRAEDTAVYYCAKVSYLSTNSSLDYWGQGTLVTVSS

[0245] Variant: single mutation in the VH (Y101N)

[0246] SEQ ID NO: 13 EVQLVESGGGLVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFDDYAMHVWRQAPGKGLEVWSAITWNSGHIDYADSVEGRFT ISRDNAKNSLYLDMNSLRAEDTAVYYCAKVSNLSTASSLDYWGQGTLVTVSS

[0247] Variant: double mutation in the VH of adalimumab (S100N + L102T)

[0248] SEQ ID NO: 14 (variant VH) EVQLVESGGGLVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFDDYAMHWVRQAPGKGLEVWSAITWNSGHIDYADSVEGRFTI SRDNAKNSLYLDMNSLRAEDTAVYYCAKVNYTSTASSLDYWGQGTLVTVSS

[0249] Thus, the monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof may comprise a VH sequence according to any of SEQ ID NOs: 10 to 14, or a sequence (or sequences) having at least 70% identity thereto provided the modification is present as shown above. For example, the monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof may comprise a sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% identity to any of SEQ ID NOs: 10 to 14, or any combination thereof.

[0250] These combinations of chains are examples of single mutant antibodies, in that only one mutation is present in one of the heavy or light chains. However, there may also be double mutant antibodies in which two mutations are present.

[0251] An antibody comprises two single chains and two heavy chains, since the expressed chains form a dimer of heavy chains and a dimer of light chains. The chains in each dimer are held together via disulphide bonds. Therefore, the skilled person will appreciate that the single mutants described above of SEQ ID NOs: 10 to 14 feature a single mutation in the DNA which encodes either the light or heavy chain, and the resultant variant antibodies may therefore comprise the single mutation duplicated across that chain. By way of example, the variant which comprises a single mutation in the heavy chain (L102N) may comprise two identical heavy chains with the L102N mutation, and two identical unmodified light chains. The single mutant is in effect duplicated across the dimerised mutant chains.

[0252] Two or more of any of the abovementioned mutations may be present in any individual heavy or light chain.

[0253] In one embodiment, an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to the present invention, where prior to modification the antibody is adalimumab, may comprise the L102N mutation in the heavy chain. The L102N mutation may be present as a single mutation (see SEQ ID NO: 10). The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly found that L102N variants are especially efficient at blocking ADAs from binding to the antibody in vitro. Therefore, in one embodiment, the monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof may comprise a sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 10 and the light chain of SEQ ID NO: 3 or VL according to SEQ ID NO: 31, or sequences having at least 70% identity thereto; or at least 75%, or at least 80%, or at least 85%, or at least 90%, or at least 91%, or at least 92%, or at least 93%, or at least 94%, or at least 95%, or at least 96%, or at least 97%, or at least 98%, or at least 99% identity to SEQ ID NOs: 10 and 3 where said variant comprises the L102N mutation.

[0254] In one embodiment, an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to the present invention, where prior to modification the antibody is adalimumab, may comprise the W53N mutation in the heavy chain. The W53N mutation may be present as a single mutation (see SEQ ID NO: 11). The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly found that W53N variants are especially efficient at blocking ADAs from binding to the antibody in vitro. Therefore, in one embodiment, the monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof may comprise a sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 11 and the light chain of SEQ ID NO: 3 or VL according to SEQ ID NO: 31 , or sequences having at least 70% identity thereto; or at least 75%, or at least 80%, or at least 85%, or at least 90%, or at least 91%, or at least 92%, or at least 93%, or at least 94%, or at least 95%, or at least 96%, or at least 97%, or at least 98%, or at least 99% identity to SEQ ID NOs: 10 and 3 where said variant comprises the W53N mutation.

[0255] In one embodiment, an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to the present invention, where prior to modification the antibody is adalimumab, may comprise the A105N mutation in the heavy chain. The A105N mutation may be present as a single mutation (see SEQ ID NO: 12). The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly found that A105N variants are especially efficient at blocking ADAs from binding to the antibody in vitro. Therefore, in one embodiment, the monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof may comprise a sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 12 and the light chain of SEQ ID NO: 3 or VL according to SEQ ID NO: 31, or sequences having at least 70% identity thereto; or at least 75%, or at least 80%, or at least 85%, or at least 90%, or at least 91%, or at least 92%, or at least 93%, or at least 94%, or at least 95%, or at least 96%, or at least 97%, or at least 98%, or at least 99% identity to SEQ ID NOs: 12 and 3 where said variant comprises the A105N mutation.

[0256] In one embodiment, an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to the present invention, where prior to modification the antibody is adalimumab, may comprise the Y101N mutation in the heavy chain. The Y101N mutation may be present as a single mutation (see SEQ ID NO: 13). The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly found that Y101 N variants are especially efficient at blocking ADAs from binding to the antibody in vitro. Therefore, in one embodiment, the monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof may comprise a sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 13 and the light chain of SEQ ID NO: 3 or VL according to SEQ ID NO: 31, or sequences having at least 70% identity thereto; or at least 75%, or at least 80%, or at least 85%, or at least 90%, or at least 91%, or at least 92%, or at least 93%, or at least 94%, or at least 95%, or at least 96%, or at least 97%, or at least 98%, or at least 99% identity to SEQ ID NOs: 12 and 3 where said variant comprises the Y101N mutation. In one embodiment, an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to the present invention, where prior to modification the antibody is adalimumab, may comprise the S100N and L102T mutation in the heavy chain. The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly found that S100N and L102T variants are especially efficient at blocking ADAs from binding to the antibody in vitro. Therefore, in one embodiment, the monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof may comprise a sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 14 and the light chain of SEQ ID NO: 3 or VL according to SEQ ID NO: 31, or sequences having at least 70% identity thereto; or at least 75%, or at least 80%, or at least 85%, or at least 90%, or at least 91%, or at least 92%, or at least 93%, or at least 94%, or at least 95%, or at least 96%, or at least 97%, or at least 98%, or at least 99% identity to SEQ ID NOs: 14 and 3 where said variant comprises the S100N and L102T mutations.

[0257] In one embodiment, the adalimumab variant, for example as shown above, may comprise one or more additional mutation to increase binding affinity.

[0258] The mutation to increase binding affinity may be selected from one or more of the following: V93I, D62Q and / or S55G. In one embodiment, the mutation is V93I and D62Q. In one embodiment, the mutation is V93I and S55G. In one embodiment, the mutation is S55G and D62Q. In one embodiment, the mutation is S55G, D62Q and V93I.

[0259] Sequences within the scope of the invention are shown below with mutations shown in bold font. Thus, the invention relates to an antibody having CDRs 1 , 2 and 3 as shown below in the VH sequences. In one embodiment, the antibody comprises a VH amino acid sequence as shown below (SEQ ID Nos. 15-18). The VH may be paired with a VL as shown herein for adalimumab.

[0260] The following variants have affinity enhancing mutations in addition.

[0261] Variant: double mutation in the VH of adalimumab (S100N + L102T) + 1 affinity enhancing mutation (V93I) SEQ ID NO: 15 (variant VH) EVQLVESGGGLVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFDDYAMHWVRQAPGKGLEWVSAITWNSGHIDYADSVEGRFTI SRDNAKNSLYLDMNSLRAEDTAIYYCAKVNYTSTASSLDYWGQGTLVTVSS

[0262] Variant: double mutation in the VH of adalimumab (S100N + L102T) + 2 affinity enhancing mutations (D62Q + V93I)

[0263] SEQ ID NO: 16 (variant VH) EVQLVESGGGLVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFDDYAMHWVRQAPGKGLEVWSAITWNSGHIDYAQSVEGRFTI SRDNAKNSLYLDMNSLRAEDTAIYYCAKVNYTSTASSLDYWGQGTLVTVSS Variant: double mutation in the VH of adalimumab (S100N + L102T) + 2 affinity enhancing mutations (S55G + V93I)

[0264] SEQ ID NO: 17 (variant VH) EVQLVESGGGLVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFDDYAMHWVRQAPGKGLEVWSAITWNGGHIDYADSVEGRFTI SRDNAKNSLYLDMNSLRAEDTAIYYCAKVNYTSTASSLDYWGQGTLVTVSS

[0265] Variant: double mutation in the VH of adalimumab (S100N + L102T) + 2 affinity enhancing mutations (S55G + D62Q)

[0266] SEQ ID NO: 18 (variant VH) EVQLVESGGGLVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFDDYAMHWVRQAPGKGLEWVSAITWNGGHIDYAQSVEGRFT ISRDNAKNSLYLDMNSLRAEDTAIYYCAKVNYTSTASSLDYWGQGTLVTVSS

[0267] Variant: double mutation in the VH of adalimumab (S100N + L102T) + 3 affinity enhancing mutations (S55G + D62Q +V93I)

[0268] SEQ ID NO: 19 (variant VH) EVQLVESGGGLVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFDDYAMHWVRQAPGKGLEVWSAITWNGGHIDYAQSVEGRFT ISRDNAKNSLYLDMNSLRAEDTAIYYCAKVNYTSTASSLDYWGQGTLVTVSS

[0269] In one embodiment, the antibody has a modified amino acid which comprises the following amino acid substitutions: S100N and L102T and comprises one or more affinity enhancing mutation as shown above. In one embodiment, the affinity enhancing mutation is V93L

[0270] As for the adalimumab variants according to SEQ ID NOs: 10 to 14, the skilled person will appreciate that any of infliximab, golimumab, certolizumab, according to SEQ ID NOs: 4 to 9 may be modified so as to engineer one or more N-X-S and / or N-X-T sequence motifs in a variable region (e.g. in a CDR) according to the various aspects of the invention. In all aspects of the invention as appropriate, modifications to the variable region may include modifications to amino acids located inside and / or outside of a CDR. An asparagine residue may be incorporated upstream of any suitable X-S / T sequence, or a serine or threonine residue may be incorporated downstream of any suitable N-X sequence.

[0271] In one embodiment, infliximab may be modified so as to engineer one or more N-X-S and / or N-X-T sequence motifs in a variable region (or a CDR) according to the various aspects of the invention. For example, in one embodiment, the heavy chain of infliximab (SEQ ID NO. 4) or the light chain of infliximab (SEQ ID NO. 5) may comprise one or more mutation. In one embodiment, the mutation is in the heavy chain.

[0272] In one embodiment, the one or more mutation is in SEQ ID NO: 35. In one embodiment, the one or more mutation is in SEQ ID NO: 36, 37 and / or 38. In one embodiment, the one or more mutation is in SEQ ID NO: 39. In one embodiment, the one or more mutation is in SEQ ID NO: 40, 41 and / or 42. In one embodiment, the mutation is at one or more of position R100, Y102, Y103, G104, Y107, T106, D108, S105. In one embodiment, the mutation comprises one or more of R100N, Y102T, Y103T, Y103N, G104T, G104N, Y107T, S105N T106N, D108T. In one embodiment, the mutation comprises R100N and Y102T. In one embodiment, the mutation comprises Y102N and G104T. In one embodiment, the mutation comprises S105N and Y107T. In one embodiment, the mutation comprises T106N and D108T.

[0273] Exemplary mutant sequences within the scope of the invention are shown below. The variants shown below have mutations in the VH. The VL and light chain may be unmodified. The VL and light chain sequences are provided herein. Thus, in one embodiment, the invention relates to an antibody comprising CDRs1, 2 and 3 as shown below in SEQ IDs Nos 20-24. In one embodiment, the invention relates to an antibody comprising a VH as shown below in SEQ IDs Nos 20-24.

[0274] Variant: double mutation in the heavy chain of infliximab (R100N + Y102T), see residues in bold

[0275] SEQ ID NO: 20 (variant VH) EVKLEESGGGLVQPGGSMKLSCVASGFIFSNHWMNVWRQSPEKGLEWVAEIRSKSINSATHYAESVKGR FTISRDDSKSAVYLQMTDLRTEDTGVYYCSNNTYGSTYDYWGQGTTLTVSSA

[0276] Variant: single mutation in the heavy chain of infliximab (Y103T), see residue in bold

[0277] SEQ ID NO: 21 (variant VH) EVKLEESGGGLVQPGGSMKLSCVASGFIFSNHWMNWVRQSPEKGLEWVAEIRSKSINSATHYAESVKGR FTISRDDSKSAVYLQMTDLRTEDTGVYYCSRNYTGSTYDYWGQGTTLTVSSA

[0278] Variant: double mutation in the heavy chain of infliximab (Y102N + G104T), see residues in bold

[0279] SEQ ID NO: 22 (variant VH) EVKLEESGGGLVQPGGSMKLSCVASGFIFSNHWMNWVRQSPEKGLEVWAEIRSKSINSATHYAESVKGR FTISRDDSKSAVYLQMTDLRTEDTGVYYCSRNNYTSTYDYWGQGTTLTVSSA

[0280] Variant: single mutation in the heavy chain of infliximab (Y 103N), see residue in bold

[0281] SEQ ID NO: 23 (variant VH) EVKLEESGGGLVQPGGSMKLSCVASGFIFSNHWMNWVRQSPEKGLE WAEIRSKSINSATHYAESVKGR FTISRDDSKSAVYLQMTDLRTEDTGVYYCSRNYNGSTYDYWGQGTTLTVSSA

[0282] Variant: single mutation in the heavy chain of infliximab (G104N), see residue in bold

[0283] SEQ ID NO: 24 (variant VH) EVKLEESGGGLVQPGGSMKLSCVASGFIFSNHWMNWVRQSPEKGLEVWAEIRSKSINSATHYAESVKGR FTISRDDSKSAVYLQMTDLRTEDTGVYYCSRNYYNSTYDYWGQGTTLTVSSA

[0284] Variant: double mutation in the heavy chain of infliximab (S105N + Y107T), see residues in bold

[0285] SEQ ID NO: 25 (variant VH) EVKLEESGGGLVQPGGSMKLSCVASGFIFSNHWMNWVRQSPEKGLEWVAEIRSKSINSATHYAESVKGR FTISRDDSKSAVYLQMTDLRTEDTGVYYCSRNYYGNTYDYWGQGTTLTVSSA

[0286] Variant: double mutation in the heavy chain of infliximab (T106N + D108T), see residues in bold

[0287] SEQ ID NO: 26 (variant VH) EVKLEESGGGLVQPGGSMKLSCVASGFIFSNHWMNWVRQSPEKGLEWVAEIRSKSINSATHYAESVKGR FTISRDDSKSAVYLQMTDLRTEDTGVYYCSRNYYGSNYTYWGQGTTLTVSSA

[0288] As explained above, the single mutant is in effect duplicated across the dimerised mutant chains.

[0289] Two or more of any of the above mentioned mutations may be present in any individual heavy or light chain.

[0290] In one embodiment, an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to the present invention, where prior to modification the antibody is adalimumab, may comprise the mutations R100N and Y102T in the heavy chain. The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly found that these variants are especially efficient at blocking ADAs from binding to the antibody in vitro. Therefore, in one embodiment, the monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof may comprise a sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 20 and the light chain of SEQ ID NO: 5 or the VL of SEQ ID NO: 39, or sequences having at least 70% identity thereto; or at least 75%, or at least 80%, or at least 85%, or at least 90%, or at least 91%, or at least 92%, or at least 93%, or at least 94%, or at least 95%, or at least 96%, or at least 97%, or at least 98%, or at least 99% identity to SEQ ID NOs: 20 and 5 where said variant comprises the two mutations.

[0291] In one embodiment, an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to the present invention, where prior to modification the antibody is adalimumab, may comprise the mutation Y103T in the heavy chain. The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly found that these variants are especially efficient at blocking ADAs from binding to the antibody in vitro. Therefore, in one embodiment, the monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof may comprise a sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 21 and the light chain of SEQ ID NO: 5 or the VL of SEQ ID NO: 39, or sequences having at least 70% identity thereto; or at least 75%, or at least 80%, or at least 85%, or at least 90%, or at least 91%, or at least 92%, or at least 93%, or at least 94%, or at least 95%, or at least 96%, or at least 97%, or at least 98%, or at least 99% identity to SEQ ID NOs: 21 and 5 where said variant comprises the Y103T mutation. In one embodiment, an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to the present invention, where prior to modification the antibody is adalimumab, may comprise the mutations Y102N and G104T in the heavy chain. The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly found that these variants are especially efficient at blocking ADAs from binding to the antibody in vitro. Therefore, in one embodiment, the monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof may comprise a sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 22 and the light chain of SEQ ID NO: 5 or the VL of SEQ ID NO: 39, or sequences having at least 70% identity thereto; or at least 75%, or at least 80%, or at least 85%, or at least 90%, or at least 91%, or at least 92%, or at least 93%, or at least 94%, or at least 95%, or at least 96%, or at least 97%, or at least 98%, or at least 99% identity to SEQ ID NOs: 22 and 5 where said variant comprises the two mutations.

[0292] In one embodiment, an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to the present invention, where prior to modification the antibody is adalimumab, may comprise the mutation Y103N in the heavy chain. The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly found that these variants are especially efficient at blocking ADAs from binding to the antibody in vitro. Therefore, in one embodiment, the monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof may comprise a sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 23 and the light chain of SEQ ID NO: 5 or the VL of SEQ ID NO: 39, or sequences having at least 70% identity thereto; or at least 75%, or at least 80%, or at least 85%, or at least 90%, or at least 91%, or at least 92%, or at least 93%, or at least 94%, or at least 95%, or at least 96%, or at least 97%, or at least 98%, or at least 99% identity to SEQ ID NOs: 23 and 5 where said variant comprises the Y103N mutation.

[0293] In one embodiment, an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to the present invention, where prior to modification the antibody is adalimumab, may comprise the mutation G104N in the heavy chain. The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly found that these variants are especially efficient at blocking ADAs from binding to the antibody in vitro. Therefore, in one embodiment, the monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof may comprise a sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 24 and the light chain of SEQ ID NO: 5 or the VL of SEQ ID NO: 39, or sequences having at least 70% identity thereto; or at least 75%, or at least 80%, or at least 85%, or at least 90%, or at least 91%, or at least 92%, or at least 93%, or at least 94%, or at least 95%, or at least 96%, or at least 97%, or at least 98%, or at least 99% identity to SEQ ID NOs: 24 and 5 where said variant comprises the G104N mutation.

[0294] In one embodiment, an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to the present invention, where prior to modification the antibody is adalimumab, may comprise the mutations S105N and Y107T in the heavy chain. The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly found that these variants are especially efficient at blocking ADAs from binding to the antibody in vitro. Therefore, in one embodiment, the monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof may comprise a sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 25 and the light chain of SEQ ID NO: 5 or the VL of SEQ ID NO: 39, or sequences having at least 70% identity thereto; or at least 75%, or at least 80%, or at least 85%, or at least 90%, or at least 91%, or at least 92%, or at least 93%, or at least 94%, or at least 95%, or at least 96%, or at least 97%, or at least 98%, or at least 99% identity to SEQ ID NOs: 25 and 5 where said variant comprises the two mutations. In one embodiment, an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to the present invention, where prior to modification the antibody is adalimumab, may comprise the mutations T106N and D108T in the heavy chain. The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly found that these variants are especially efficient at blocking ADAs from binding to the antibody in vitro. Therefore, in one embodiment, the monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof may comprise a sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 26 and the light chain of SEQ ID NO: 5 or the VL of SEQ ID NO: 39, or sequences having at least 70% identity thereto; or at least 75%, or at least 80%, or at least 85%, or at least 90%, or at least 91%, or at least 92%, or at least 93%, or at least 94%, or at least 95%, or at least 96%, or at least 97%, or at least 98%, or at least 99% identity to SEQ ID NOs: 26 and 5 where said variant comprises the two mutations.

[0295] The concept of engineering the variable region or CDR of an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof to comprise one or more N-linked oligosaccharides thus applies to different antibodies that bind TNF-alpha. Therefore, in accordance with a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, comprising one or more N-linked oligosaccharides in a variable region of the monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof. Any suitable antibody, especially those which are targeted by ADAs, may be selected to be engineered as such. Again, there may be one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, or more than eleven N-linked oligosaccharides engineered into the antibody variable region(s). For example, there may be one or two N-linked oligosaccharides engineered into the variable region(s), more preferably into the CDR. One or more variable regions or CDRs may be engineered to comprise one or more N-linked oligosaccharides. All, some, or one of the variable regions or CDRs of the antibody may be engineered to comprise one or more N-linked oligosaccharides. The N-linked oligosaccharides may be engineered into variable regions or CDRs of the heavy chain and / or light chain. For example, one or more N-linked oligosaccharides may be present on a heavy chain. One or more N-linked oligosaccharides may be present on a light chain. One or more N-linked oligosaccharides may be present on a heavy chain and a light chain.

[0296] Therefore, in accordance with any aspect of the invention, the monoclonal antibody or fragment thereof may comprise a sequence according to any of SEQ ID NOs: 10 to 26, or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% identity thereto but retaining the modification.

[0297] Where the monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof specifically binds to TNFa, and the antibody is, prior to engineering, adalimumab, the unmodified antibody may comprise a sequence according to SEQ ID NOs: 2 and / or 3 or sequences having at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% sequence identity thereto. In one embodiment, the variant antibody may comprise a sequence according to any of SEQ ID NOs: 10 to 19 as disclosed herein, or a sequence variant as disclosed herein.

[0298] Where the monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof specifically binds to TNFa, and the antibody is, prior to engineering, infliximab, the unmodified antibody may comprise a sequence according to SEQ ID NOs: 4 and / or 5 or sequences having at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% sequence identity thereto. In one embodiment, the variant antibody may comprise a sequence according to any of SEQ ID NOs: 20 to 26 as disclosed herein, or a sequence variant as disclosed herein.

[0299] Where the monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof specifically binds to TNFa, and the antibody is, prior to engineering, golimumab, the unmodified antibody may comprise a sequence according to SEQ ID NOs: 6 and / or 7, or sequences having at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% sequence identity thereto.

[0300] Where the monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof specifically binds to TNFa, and the antibody is, prior to engineering, certolizumab, the unmodified antibody may comprise a sequence according to SEQ ID NOs: 8 and / or 9 or sequences having at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% sequence identity thereto.

[0301] In a preferred embodiment, the one or more N-linked oligosaccharides may be engineered into a CDR of the monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof. In another preferred embodiment, the monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof may be engineered to comprise one or more N-glycans in a variable region, e.g. VH, or a CDR of the monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof.

[0302] Nucleic acids, vectors, hosts

[0303] In another aspect, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule, e.g. an isolated nucleic acid molecule, comprising a nucleic acid encoding an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof as defined above, particular an antibody or fragment thereof comprising SEQ ID NOs. 10 to 26.

[0304] The term "nucleic acid," "polynucleotide," or "nucleic acid molecule" refers to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or ribonucleic acid (RNA), or a combination of a DNA or RNA. RNA includes in vitro transcribed RNA, synthetic RNA or mRNA sequence. The nucleic acid construct may further comprise a suicide gene. The construct may be in the form of a plasmid, vector, transcription or expression cassette.

[0305] In another aspect, the invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid construct comprising a nucleic acid as defined above. The construct may be in the form of a plasmid, vector, transcription or expression cassette.

[0306] The nucleic acid can be cloned into a number of types of vectors. For example, the nucleic acid can be cloned into a vector including, but not limited to a plasmid, a phagemid, a phage derivative and a cosmid. Vectors of particular interest include expression vectors, replication vectors, probe generation vectors, and sequencing vectors. The vectors can be suitable for replication and integration eukaryotes. Typical cloning vectors contain transcription and translation terminators, initiation sequences, and promoters useful for regulation of the expression of the desired nucleic acid sequence. In one embodiment, the vector is an in vitro transcribed vector, e.g., a vector that transcribes RNA of a nucleic acid molecule described herein. The expression vector may be provided to a cell in the form of a viral vector. Viral vector technology is well known in the art and is described, for example, in Sambrook et al. (Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York, 2013). A number of viral based systems have been developed for gene transfer into mammalian cells. For example, retroviruses such as adenovirus vectors can be used. In one embodiment, a lentivirus vector is used.

[0307] To produce the antibodies, monoclonal antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof, the aforementioned expression vectors are used for stable transfection or transient transfection of a host cell, such as a mammalian cell. A stable transfection refers to any method in which genes are integrated into the host genome of a cell that allows for stable expression of the genes under the control of a constitutive or inducible promoter. A stable transfection allows for integration into the host genome thus the gene is replicated, and the expression of the genes are sustained long-term. A transient transfection refers to any method in which genes are introduced and expressed under the control of a constitutive or inducible promoter. A transient transfection does not allow for integration into the host genome thus the gene is not inherited during cell division, and the expression of the genes is therefore for a finite period of time. The expression vector may be a plasmid.

[0308] In a further aspect, the invention also relates to an isolated cell or cell population comprising one or more nucleic acid construct or vector as described above. In one embodiment, the cell is an isolated recombinant host cell comprising one or more nucleic acid construct as described above. The host cell may be a bacterial, viral, plant, mammalian or other suitable host cell.

[0309] Such host cells are well known in the art and many are available from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). These host cells include, inter alia, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, NSO, SP2 cells, HeLa cells, baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells, monkey kidney cells (COS), human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (e.g., Hep G2), A549 cells, 3T3 cells, HEK-293 cells and a number of other cell lines. Mammalian host cells include human, mouse, rat, dog, monkey, pig, goat, bovine, horse and hamster cells. Other cell lines that may be used are insect cell lines (e.g., Spodoptera frugiperda or Trichoplusia ni), amphibian cells, bacterial cells, such as E. coli, plant cells and fungal cells. Fungal cells include yeast and filamentous fungus cells including, for example, Pichia pastoris, Pichia finlandica, Pichia trehalophila, Pichia koclamae, Pichia membranaefaciens, Pichia minuta (Ogataea minuta, Pichia lindneri), Pichia opuntiae, Pichia thermotolerans, Pichia salictaria, Pichia guercuum, Pichia pijperi, Pichia stiptis, Pichia methanolica, Pichia sp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces sp., Hansenula polymorpha, Kluyveromyces sp., Kluyveromyces lactis, Candida albicans, Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae, Trichoderma reesei, Chrysosporium lucknowense, Fusarium sp., Fusarium gramineum, Fusarium venenatum, Physcomitrella. Derivatives of known cells lines, e.g. genetically modified cell lines can also be used. In one embodiment, a method of making the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof as described herein is provided, wherein the method comprises culturing the host cell under conditions suitable for expression of the polynucleotide encoding an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof as described herein and isolating the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof.

[0310] Exemplary further modifications

[0311] In one embodiment, an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof according to the invention comprises a further moiety, e.g. is conjugated / linked to another moiety. The further moiety may a therapeutic, cytotoxic moiety or other moiety. The therapeutic moiety may be an antibody molecule or fragment thereof (e.g., a Fab, F(ab')2, Fv, a single chain Fv fragment (scFv) or a single domain antibody, for example a VH domain, antibody mimetic protein which binds to a target of interest.

[0312] Thus, another aspect, the invention also relates to a binding molecule comprising an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof as described herein. Such a binding molecule may, for example, include a second antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof, binding to the same or different target.

[0313] In another embodiment, the further moiety is a tag / label, for example to visualise / detect the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof.

[0314] In another embodiment, the further moiety may serve to prolong the half-life of the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof. The further moiety may comprise a protein, for example a peptide, antibody, or part thereof, such as a VH domain or CDR, that binds a serum albumin, e.g., human serum albumin (HSA) or mouse serum albumin (MSA). In one embodiment, the further moiety may comprise a V H domain that binds serum albumin, e.g., human serum albumin (HSA) or mouse serum albumin (MSA). The further moiety may comprise a serum albumin, e.g. a HSA or a variant thereof such as HSA C34S. PEGylation or incorporation in a liposome or may also be used to increase half life.

[0315] The term "half-life" as used herein refers to the time taken for the serum concentration of the antibody to be reduced by 50%, in vivo, for example due to degradation of the sequence or compound and / or clearance or sequestration of the sequence or compound by natural mechanisms. Half-life may be increased by at least 1.5 times, preferably at least 2 times, such as at least 5 times, for example at least 10 times or more than 20 times. For example, increased half-life may be more than 1 hours, preferably more than 2 hours, more preferably more than 6 hours, such as more than 12 hours, or even more than 24, 48 or 72 hours. The in vivo half-life of an antibody of the invention can be determined in any manner known per se, such as by pharmacokinetic analysis. Suitable techniques will be clear to the person skilled in the art. Half life can for example be expressed using parameters such as the t1 / 2-alpha t1 / 2-beta and the area under the curve (AUC). In one embodiment, the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof is labelled with a detectable or functional label. A label can be any molecule that produces or can be induced to produce a signal, including but not limited to fluorophores, fluorescers, radiolabels, enzymes, chemiluminescers, a nuclear magnetic resonance active label or photosensitizers. Thus, the binding may be detected and / or measured by detecting fluorescence or luminescence, radioactivity, enzyme activity or light absorbance.

[0316] In still other embodiments, the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof is coupled to at least one therapeutic moiety, such as a drug, an enzyme or a toxin. In one embodiment, the therapeutic moiety is a toxin, for example a cytotoxic radionuclide, chemical toxin or protein toxin. For example, the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof is attached to a “payload” and forms part of an Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC).

[0317] There may be one or more payloads (e.g., a dual payload). Examples of a payload may include, but are not limited to, antibodies or fragments thereof, T-cell receptors, chemokines, interleukins (e g., IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-11 , IL-12, IL-13, IL-14, IL-15, IL-16, IL-17, IL-18, IL-21) or chemokines (e.g. CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11 , CCL5, CCL2, CX3CL1), cytotoxic agents, cytostatic agents, inhibitors (e.g., DNA replication inhibitors, tubulin inhibitors, RNA inhibitors), DNA damaging agents, antibiotic agents, antiviral agents, immunotherapeutic agents and immunopayloads, chemotherapeutic agents and other anti-cancer agents, anti-inflammatory agents, other therapeutic agents, any other compounds suitable for use in an ADC, and dual payloads. The payload may also be a tissue-targeting sequence or a signal sequence. The advantage of ADCs combines the specificity of the antibody to its target and the therapeutic effect of the payload, to target the payload to the target site of the antibody. By “attachment” we intend any form of fusion, conjugation, or linkage, which may be covalent or non-covalent, cleavable or non-cleavable, and peptide or chemical.

[0318] Linkage to another moiety may be using a peptide linker, e.g. a G4S linker, by cysteine conjugation or other methods available in the art.

[0319] Methods for making an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof and methods for reducing immunogenicity

[0320] The invention also relates to methods for producing an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof as described above, producing an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof with reduced immunogenicity that binds to TNF alpha and methods for reducing the ADA response of an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof that binds to TNF alpha.

[0321] In one aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof with reduced immunogenicity that binds to TNF alpha comprising modifying the amino acid sequence of the variable region to comprise one or more N-X-S and / or N-X-T sequence motifs wherein X is any amino acid other than proline.

[0322] In one embodiment, said one or more motif is located in an epitope for binding ADAs or in proximity thereto.

[0323] In one embodiment, one or more amino acid residue located in a variable region is substituted with N, T or S to introduce a N-X-S / T sequence motif and wherein said amino acid residue is located in an epitope for antigen binding or in proximity thereto.

[0324] In one embodiment, a N-X-S / T sequence motif is inserted into an amino acid residue sequence located in an epitope for antigen binding or in proximity thereto.

[0325] In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of

[0326] a) substituting one or more amino acid residue in a variable region with a N, S or T to introduce a N-X-S / T sequence motif wherein X is any amino acid other than proline and wherein said one or more amino acid residue is located in an epitope for antigen binding and

[0327] b) expressing a nucleotide sequence or nucleic acid encoding the modified antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof in a suitable host cell or host organism.

[0328] The invention further relates to a method for reducing the ADA response of an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof with reduced immunogenicity that binds to TNF alpha comprising modifying the amino acid sequence of the variable region to comprise one or more N-X-S and / or N-X-T sequence motifs wherein X is any amino acid other than proline.

[0329] In one embodiment, said one or more motif is located in an epitope for antigen binding or in proximity thereto.

[0330] In one embodiment, the one or more amino acid residue located in a variable region is substituted with N, T or S to introduce a N-X-S / T sequence motif and wherein said amino acid residue is located in an epitope for antigen binding or in proximity thereto.

[0331] In one embodiment, a N-X-S / T sequence motif is inserted into an amino acid residue sequence located in an epitope for antigen binding or in proximity thereto.

[0332] The antigen is TNF alpha.

[0333] In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of determining residues involved in binding to the target antigen. Suitable methods are known in the art and described elsewhere herein. In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of identifying residues within 20, e.g. 10 amino acid residues N terminally adjacent to residues involved in binding to the target antigen and within 20, e.g. 10 amino acid residues C terminally adjacent to residues involved in binding to the target antigen. The method may also involve the further step of mutating one or more, e.g. each of these residues to introduce the N-glycosylation sequon.

[0334] In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of

[0335] a) substituting one or more amino acid residue in a variable region with a N, S or T to introduce a N-X-S / T sequence motif wherein X is any amino acid other than proline and wherein said one or more amino acid residue is located in an epitope for binding antigen and

[0336] b) expressing a nucleotide sequence or nucleic acid encoding the modified antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof in a suitable host cell or host organism.

[0337] In respect of the methods of the various aspects above, in one embodiment, In the method comprises the step of assessing binding of the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof to its target and / or assessing binding to ADAs.

[0338] In one embodiment, the step of assessing binding of the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof to its target is carried out prior to modification of the sequence and after modification of the sequence.

[0339] In one embodiment, the step of assessing binding of the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof to ADAs is carried out prior to modification of the sequence and / or after modification of the sequence.

[0340] In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of determining which residues in the variable region are located in epitopes for ADA binding. This step is carried out prior to modification of the sequence.

[0341] Any combination of steps is also covered.

[0342] In one particular aspects, the invention provides a method for producing an antibody or antigen fragment thereof / reducing the immunogenicity of an antibody or antigen fragment thereof comprising the steps of

[0343] a) Determining one or more residue that bind to target antigen

[0344] b) Determining residues within 20, e.g. 10 amino acid residues N terminally adjacent to one or more residue involved in binding to the target antigen and within 20, e.g. 10 amino acid residues C terminally adjacent to one or more residue involved in binding to the target antigen

[0345] a) substituting one or more of the residue identified with a N, S or T to introduce a N-X-S / T sequence motif wherein X is any amino acid other than proline

[0346] b) expressing a nucleotide sequence or nucleic acid encoding the modified antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof in a suitable host cell or host organism c) determining the binding of ADAs to the modified antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof and determining the binding of the modified antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof to the antigen target and

[0347] d) identifying a modified antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof that binds to target and has reduced immunogenicity.

[0348] In respect of the methods above, in one embodiment, said variable region is a heavy chain variable region or light chain variable region.

[0349] In one embodiment, the one or more amino acid residue is located in a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region or within 20, e.g.

[0350] 10 amino acid residues of a framework region adjacent to a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region.

[0351] In one embodiment, the one or more amino acid residue is located in a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region or within 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 amino acid residues of a framework region adjacent to a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region.

[0352] In one embodiment, the one or more amino acid residue is located in a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region.

[0353] In one embodiment, the one or more amino acid residue is replaced with N.

[0354] In one embodiment, the one or more amino acid residue is replaced with T.

[0355] In one embodiment, the one or more amino acid residue is replaced with S.

[0356] In one embodiment, crystal structures of the antibody in complex with its target may be obtained so as to identify candidate amino acids to mutate and subsequently modify, for example with the addition of N-glycans. Many antibodies have been characterised in the art and thus crystal structures can readily be obtained. Alternatively, crystal structures can be determined. Further, as described elsewhere herein, methods are available in the art to determine which residues of an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof are involved in the binding of ADAs. These methods include the use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) methods, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and bio-layer interferometry (BLI) and High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC)-based methods.

[0357] Methods for mutating amino acid sequences are well known in the art. In order to produce antibodies, monoclonal antibodies or antigen binding fragments thereof, which are co- or post-translationally modified as desired, for example via the addition of an N-linked oligosaccharide, it is envisaged that the mammalian cells are capable of inferring the correct type and pattern of oligosaccharides onto the amino acid sequence of the antibodies, monoclonal antibodies or antigen binding fragments thereof. Therefore, in some embodiments, the cells of the present invention are appropriately engineered to have a modified N-glycosylation pathway. Many such genetic modifications may be made such that the cells may express certain enzymes required to generate the required modifications. Genetic engineering of cells, including knock-outs and knock-ins of genes encoding enzymes that are involved in certain modification or processing pathways, such as the N-glycosylation pathway, may be carried out to enable these cells to produce a certain modification, such as the desired N-glycan profile. For instance, nucleic acids encoding the antibodies described herein may be expressed in mammalian (e.g., CHO) cells which have been engineered to achieve the desired modifications on the amino acid sequence of the antibody.

[0358] Any suitable methods which will be known in the art may be utilised in orderto modify an amino acid sequence via mutation, co- / post-translational modifications and co- / post-translational processing (including enzymatic synthesis of glycans). For example, antibody variants into which the N-X-S and / or N-X-T sequence motifs have been introduced may be generated using site directed mutagenesis. Genes encoding the variant antibodies may be cloned into expression vectors. In one embodiment, standard cloning techniques may be used. Expression vectors may be expressed in cell lines in order to produce the antibodies, which may subsequently be collected, for example via harvesting the supernatant of the cell culture. Further, as an example of modifying antibody sequences to comprise N-linked oligosaccharides, antibodies (mutated or unmodified) may be expressed in cells capable of carrying out these modifications, for example cells which express certain oligosaccharyltransferases or glycosyltransferases.

[0359] A suitable method is further described in detail in example 1.

[0360] The invention also relates to an antibody or antigen binding fragment obtained or obtainable by a method described above.

[0361] In one embodiment the methods described above, the antibody is adalimumab or infliximab. In one embodiment, the antibody is adalimumab and the one or more mutation introduced is one or more of the mutations described above. Thus, one or more ofthe following amino acid substitutions may be made: W53N, Y101N, L102N and / or A105N or S100N and L102T with reference to SEQ ID NO: 2. Further, affinity enhancing mutations may also be included as described herein.

[0362] In one embodiment, the antibody is infliximab and the one or more mutation introduced is one or more ofthe mutations described above. Thus, one or more of the following amino acid substitutions may be made: R100N, Y102T, Y103T, Y103N, G104T, G104N, Y107T, S105N T106N, D108T with reference to SEQ ID NO: 4.

[0363] Other suitable antibodies that bind TNF alpha and which may be modified according to the methods of the invention are described elsewhere herein.

[0364] The invention also relates to an antibody or antigen binding fragment obtained or obtainable by a method as described above. Exemplary therapeutic applications of the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof

[0365] In another aspect, there is provided a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof of the invention and optionally a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The terms composition and formulation are used interchangeably herein. An antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof or the pharmaceutical composition of the invention can be administered by any convenient route, including but not limited to oral, topical, parenteral, sublingual, rectal, vaginal, ocular, intranasal, pulmonary, intradermal, intravitreal, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intravenous, subcutaneous, intracerebral, transdermal, transmucosal, by inhalation, or topical, particularly to the ears, nose, eyes, or skin or by inhalation.

[0366] Parenteral administration includes, for example, intravenous, intramuscular, intraarterial, intraperitoneal, intranasal, rectal, intravesical, intradermal, topical or subcutaneous administration. Preferably, the compositions are administered parenterally.

[0367] The pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or vehicle can be particulate, so that the compositions are, for example, in tablet or powder form. The term "carrier" refers to a diluent, adjuvant or excipient, with which an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof of the present invention is administered. Such pharmaceutical carriers can be liquids, such as water and oils, including those of petroleum, animal, vegetable or synthetic origin, such as peanut oil, soybean oil, mineral oil, sesame oil and the like. The carriers can be saline, gum acacia, gelatin, starch paste, talc, keratin, colloidal silica, urea, and the like. In addition, auxiliary, stabilizing, thickening, lubricating and coloring agents can be used. In one embodiment, when administered to an animal, the an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof of the present invention or compositions and pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are sterile. Water is a preferred carrier when the binding molecule or an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof of the present invention is administered intravenously. Saline solutions and aqueous dextrose and glycerol solutions can also be employed as liquid carriers, particularly for injectable solutions. Suitable pharmaceutical carriers also include excipients such as starch, glucose, lactose, sucrose, gelatin, malt, rice, flour, chalk, silica gel, sodium stearate, glycerol monostearate, talc, sodium chloride, dried skim milk, glycerol, propylene, glycol, water, ethanol and the like. The present compositions, if desired, can also contain minor amounts of wetting or emulsifying agents, or pH buffering agents.

[0368] The pharmaceutical composition of the invention can be in the form of a liquid, e g., a solution, emulsion or suspension. The liquid can be useful for delivery by injection, infusion (e.g., IV infusion) or sub-cutaneously. When intended for oral administration, the composition is preferably in solid or liquid form, where semi-solid, semi-liquid, suspension and gel forms are included within the forms considered herein as either solid or liquid. As a solid composition for oral administration, the composition can be formulated into a powder, granule, compressed tablet, pill, capsule, chewing gum, wafer or the like form. Such a solid composition typically contains one or more inert diluents. In addition, one or more of the following can be present: binders such as carboxymethylcellulose, ethyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, or gelatin; excipients such as starch, lactose or dextrins, disintegrating agents such as alginic acid, sodium alginate, corn starch and the like; lubricants such as magnesium stearate; glidants such as colloidal silicon dioxide; sweetening agents such as sucrose or saccharin; a flavoring agent such as peppermint, methyl salicylate or orange flavoring; and a coloring agent. When the composition is in the form of a capsule (e. g. a gelatin capsule), it can contain, in addition to materials of the above type, a liquid carrier such as polyethylene glycol, cyclodextrin or a fatty oil.

[0369] The composition can be in the form of a liquid, e. g. an elixir, syrup, solution, emulsion or suspension. The liquid can be useful for oral administration or for delivery by injection. When intended for oral administration, a composition can comprise one or more of a sweetening agent, preservatives, dye / colorant and flavor enhancer. In a composition for administration by injection, one or more of a surfactant, preservative, wetting agent, dispersing agent, suspending agent, buffer, stabilizer and isotonic agent can also be included.

[0370] Compositions can take the form of one or more dosage units.

[0371] In specific embodiments, it can be desirable to administer the composition locally to the area in need of treatment, or by intravenous injection or infusion.

[0372] The amount of the therapeutic that is effective / active in the treatment of a particular disorder or condition will depend on the nature of the disorder or condition, and can be determined by standard clinical techniques. In addition, in vitro or in vivo assays can optionally be employed to help identify optimal dosage ranges. The precise dose to be employed in the compositions will also depend on the route of administration, and the seriousness of the disease or disorder, and should be decided according to the judgment of the practitioner and each patient's circumstances. Factors like age, body weight, sex, diet, time of administration, rate of excretion, condition of the host, drug combinations, reaction sensitivities and severity of the disease shall be taken into account.

[0373] Typically, the amount is at least about 0.01% of an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof of the present invention by weight of the composition. When intended for oral administration, this amount can be varied to range from about 0.1 % to about 80% by weight of the composition. Oral compositions can comprise from about 4% to about 50% of an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof of the present invention by weight of the composition.

[0374] Compositions of the present invention can be prepared so that a parenteral dosage unit contains from about 0.01 % to about 2% by weight of an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof of the present invention. The invention also relates to a device, such as a pre-filled syringe which comprises an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof of the invention. For administration by injection, the composition can comprise from about typically about 0.1 mg / kg to about 250 mg / kg of the subject's body weight, preferably, between about 0.1 mg / kg and about 20 mg / kg of the subject’s body weight, and more preferably about 1 mg / kg to about 10 mg / kg of the subject’s body weight. In one embodiment, the composition is administered at a dose of about 1 to 30 mg / kg, e.g., about 5 to 25 mg / kg, about 10 to 20 mg / kg, about 1 to 5 mg / kg, or about 3 mg / kg. The dosing schedule can vary from e.g., once a week to once every 2, 3, or 4 weeks.

[0375] As used herein, "treat", "treating" or "treatment" means inhibiting or relieving a disease or disorder. For example, treatment can include a postponement of development of the symptoms associated with a disease or disorder, and / or a reduction in the severity of such symptoms that will, or are expected, to develop with said disease. The terms include ameliorating existing symptoms, preventing additional symptoms, and ameliorating or preventing the underlying causes of such symptoms. Thus, the terms denote that a beneficial result is being conferred on at least some of the mammals, e.g., human patients, being treated. Many medical treatments are effective for some, but not all, patients that undergo the treatment.

[0376] The term "subject" or "patient" refers to an animal which is the object of treatment, observation, or experiment. By way of example only, a subject includes, but is not limited to, a mammal, including, but not limited to, a human or a non-human mammal, such as a non-human primate, murine, bovine, equine, canine, ovine, or feline.

[0377] As used herein, the term "effective amount" means an amount of the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof as described herein, that when administered alone or in combination with an additional therapeutic agent to a cell, tissue, or subject, is effective to achieve the desired therapeutic or prophylactic effect under the conditions of administration.

[0378] Delivery may be via gene therapy, e.g. in using a recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector having: a viral capsid and comprising an expression cassette flanked by AAV inverted terminal repeats (ITRs), wherein the expression cassette comprises a transgene encoding an anti TNF antibody according to the invention or an antigen binding fragment thereof.

[0379] Methods of treatment using the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof of the invention

[0380] A skilled person will understand that the antibody or antigen binding fragmentthereof of the invention can be used to treat inflammatory diseases.

[0381] Thus, in another aspect, the invention relates to a method of inflammatory disease comprising administering antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof a pharmaceutical composition according to the invention. The invention also relates to the use of an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof according to the invention in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of an inflammatory disease.

[0382] An inflammatory disease may be lupus, erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, hidradenitis suppurativa, Crohn’s Disease, ulcerative colitis, plaque psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), uveitis or non-radiographic Spondyloarthritis.

[0383] In some embodiments, an effective amount is an amount sufficient to delay the development of symptoms or prolong symptom-free periods or induce stabilisation of the disease.

[0384] In some embodiments, a therapeutically effective amount is an amount sufficient to prevent or delay recurrence of the disease, flare ups of the disease or incidences of new disease activity.

[0385] An invention method may not take effect immediately. For example, treatment may be followed by an increase in disease activity, but over time eventual stabilization or reduction in disease activity in a given subject may subsequently occur.

[0386] Additional adverse symptoms and complications associated with neoplasia and autoimmune disease that can be inhibited, reduced, decreased, delayed, or prevented include, for example, nausea, swollen glands, lack of appetite, lethargy, pain, swelling, and discomfort. Thus, a partial or complete decrease or reduction in the severity, duration or frequency of an adverse symptom or complication associated with or caused by a cellular hyperproliferative disorder, an improvement in the subject’s quality of life and / or well-being, such as increased energy, appetite, psychological well-being, are all particular non-limiting examples of therapeutic benefit.

[0387] A therapeutic benefit or improvement therefore can also include a subjective improvement in the quality of life of a treated subject. In an additional embodiment, the invention prolongs or extends lifespan (survival) of the subject. In a further embodiment, a method improves the quality of life of the subject.

[0388] Exemplary combinations with other agents

[0389] An antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof or pharmaceutical composition of the invention may be administered as the sole active ingredient or in combination with one or more other therapeutic agent, i.e. an anti-inflammatory therapy. A therapeutic agent is a compound or molecule which is useful in the treatment of a disease. Examples of therapeutic agents include antibodies, antibody fragments, drugs, toxins, nucleases, hormones, immunomodulators, pro-apoptotic agents, anti-angiogenic agents, boron compounds, photoactive agents or dyes and radioisotopes. An antibody molecule includes a full antibody or fragment thereof (e.g., a Fab, F(ab')2, Fv, a single chain Fv fragment (scFv) or a single domain antibody, for example a VH domain, antibody mimetic protein. For example, the other therapy may include an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof that binds interleukins (e.g., IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-11 , IL-12, IL-13, IL-14, IL-15, IL-16, IL-17, IL-18, IL-21). For example, the other therapy may include Nonsteroidal Anti- Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen or diclofenac, a COX-2 inhibitor, such as celecoxib or etoricoxib, methotrexate or steroids.

[0390] An antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof or pharmaceutical composition of the invention may be administered at the same time or at a different time as the other therapy, e g., simultaneously, separately or sequentially.

[0391] Exemplary kits

[0392] In another aspect, the invention provides a kit comprising antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof of the invention. The kit may also comprise instructions for use. The kits may include a labeled antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof of the invention as described above and one or more compounds for detecting the label. Also provided is an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof of the invention packaged in lyophilized form or packaged in an aqueous medium. The kits may include a reagent, (e.g. for reconstituting) and / or instructions for use and / or a device for administration.

[0393] Unless otherwise defined herein, scientific and technical terms used in connection with the present disclosure shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. While the foregoing disclosure provides a general description of the subject matter encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure, including methods, as well as the best mode thereof, of making and using this disclosure, the following examples are provided to further enable those skilled in the art to practice this disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the specifics of these examples should not be read as limiting on the invention, the scope of which should be apprehended from the claims and equivalents thereof appended to this disclosure. Various further aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the present disclosure.

[0394] All documents mentioned in this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, including references to gene accession numbers, scientific publications and references to patent publications.

[0395] "and / or" where used herein is to be taken as specific disclosure of each of the two specified features or components with or without the other. For example "A and / or B" is to be taken as specific disclosure of each of (i) A, (ii) B and (iii) A and B, just as if each is set out individually herein. Unless context dictates otherwise, the descriptions and definitions of the features set out above are not limited to any particular aspect or embodiment of the invention and apply equally to all aspects and embodiments which are described.

[0396] The invention is now further described in the following non-limiting examples.

[0397] EXAMPLES Example 1 - Method for identifying novel N-glycan sites to block ADA binding

[0398] Described here is a method for identifying optimal sites to introduce novel N-glycosylation sites in the Fab region of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to block anti-drug antibody (ADA) binding. The method involves first identifying key amino acid residues that are critical for the interaction between the antibody and its therapeutic target. These residues are typically found within or adjacent to the complementarity-determining region (CDR), the region of the antibody that engages the antigen. Once the critical residues involved in target binding are mapped, the next step is to analyze the surrounding amino acid sequences, focusing on a window of 10 amino acids on either side of these key residues. This 20-amino-acid window is selected due to its proximity to regions targeted by ADAs and its ability to accommodate N-glycans that effectively block ADA binding.

[0399] In this method, each amino acid within this defined window is systematically mutated one at a time to create potential N-glycosylation sites. Specifically, mutations are introduced to form the consensus N-glycosylation sequon (Asn-X-Ser / Thr), where "X" refers to any amino acid except proline. This sequon is essential for enzymatic attachment of N-glycans during protein expression. By generating a series of mutations along the Fab region, specifically within the CDR, we create novel N-glycosylation sites at various positions relative to the key residues involved in target binding. These mutations are designed to place the N-glycan in such a way that it can sterically block or shield epitopes that are recognized by ADAs, thus reducing the likelihood of immune recognition and neutralization of the therapeutic antibody.

[0400] Once the novel N-glycosylation sites are engineered, each variant is assessed for its ability to bind the therapeutic target. This is done through structural modeling, binding assays, and biophysical characterization to ensure that the introduced N-glycan does not interfere with antigen binding. In parallel, ADA binding assays are conducted to determine whether the new glycan sites effectively reduce or eliminate ADA interactions. This iterative process allows for the identification of novel N-glycan positions that optimally block ADA binding without compromising the therapeutic activity of the mAb.

[0401] This method is advantageous as it focuses on regions of the mAb that are most likely to impact immunogenicity without disrupting the structural integrity or binding affinity of the mAb. By systematically exploring a range of potential N-glycosylation sites near the target-binding interface, the method provides a rational and efficient approach for glycoengineering mAbs to reduce immunogenicity. Moreover, this approach allows for the fine-tuning of N-glycan placement to achieve optimal immune shielding, providing a valuable tool for developing next-generation therapeutic mAbs with enhanced safety and efficacy profiles. In the following examples, the invention is illustrated using adalimumab (Figure 1) and infliximab (Figure 8), two antibodies that bind TNF-alpha. To identify the novel N-glycan sites on adalimumab, the present inventors used the crystal structure (PDB ID: 3WD5 for adalimumab; PDB ID: 4G3Y for infliximab) of the Fab domain of adalimumab or infliximab in complex with soluble TNF. The considerations for selecting novel N-glycan sites were as follows:

[0402] 1. Asn and / or Ser / Thr residue that were already in place; 2. Asn residues to be glycosylated that were solvent exposed, calculated in silica

[0403] 3. Novel N-glycan sites located in a linker region or disordered region so as to not disrupt proper folding;

[0404] and

[0405] 4. Novel N-glycan sites facing away from active or protein-protein interaction domains.

[0406] Figure 1 shows a glycovariant design of adalimumab showing a number of amino acid sites that may be mutated to an asparagine residue in order to create an N-X-S / T sequence motif, including, but not limited to including W53N, L102N, and A105N. Figure 8 shows a glycovariant design of infliximab showing a number of amino acid sites that may be mutated to an asparagine residue in order to create an N-X-S / T sequence motif. The modified VH regions are shown in sequences are SEQ ID No. 26 and 20. The modified residues include R100 and T106. The numbering is with reference to the wild type VH sequence of infliximab as shown in SEQ ID NO. 36.

[0407] Example 2 - Expression of adalimumab glycovanants

[0408] Once the novel N-glycan sites on adalimumab were identified, the genes encoding for adalimumab were cloned into mammalian expression vectors - pFUSE2ss-CLIg-hK and pFUSEss-CHIg-hG1 - using standard cloning techniques. Glycovariants of adalimumab were obtained by performing site specific mutagenesis. Using PEI-mediated transfection, the plasmids were transfected into CHO-S cells and transient expression of each adalimumab glycovariant occurred for 7 days at 37 °C. Following cell culture, cell cultures were centrifuged so that the supernatant of each transfection could be harvested. Protein expression (proteins in the supernatant) was monitored by SDS-PAGE.

[0409] An increased molecular weight was observed for the glycovariants indicating increase in the number of N-glycans. Figure 2 shows the expression of W53N, Y101N, L102N, and A105N (Figure 2) in genetically engineered CHO cells. Figure 9 shows the expression of R100 variant of infliximab in a genetically engineered CHO cell.

[0410] Example 3 - PNGase F assay

[0411] Using the supernatant harvested after expression, 26 pL of each supernatant was subjected to PNGase F digestion, which cleaves N-glycans from the surface of the protein. Briefly, after denaturation proteins were incubated at 37 °C overnight with 0.5 pL of PNGase F. The samples were subsequently boiled at 100 °C in Laemmli buffer and analysed using SDS-PAGE. Changes in molecular weight as seen using SDS-PAGE indicate that the additional molecular weight of the glycovariants is a result of an increase in number of N-glycans. A Western blot was performed using anti-human IgG to observe adalimumab (Figure 3). Figure 3 shows that the increase in molecular weight of the proteins is due to the addition of N-glycans.

[0412] Example 4 - TNF binding assay (pulldown)

[0413] Using the supernatant harvested after expression, 1 pg (50 to 100 pL of SN) of adalimumab and the adalimumab variants were immobilized on Protein A agarose beads for 30 minutes. The beads were subsequently washed 3X 5 minutes in PBS 0.05% Tween shaking at room temperature. 1 pg of purified TNF was incubated with the immobilized adalimumab for 30 minutes. The beads were subsequently washed 3X 5 minutes in PBS 0.05% Tween shaking at room temperature. The samples were boiled at 100 °C in Laemmli buffer and analysed using SDS-PAGE. A Western blot was performed using anti-TNF to observe the TNF binding to adalimumab. Figure 4 shows representative results of the TNFa binding assay and shows the adalimumab variant Y101 N interacting with TNFa.

[0414] Example 5 - monoclonal ADA binding (pulldown)

[0415] Using the supernatant harvested after expression, 1 to 2 pg (50 pLto 150 pL of supernatant) of adalimumab and the adalimumab variants were immobilized on Protein A agarose beads for 20 minutes. The beads were subsequently washed 3X 5 minutes in PBS 0.05% Tween shaking at room temperature. 3 pg of monoclonal ADA (Fab fragment with a Flag tag) was incubated with the immobilized adalimumab for 30 minutes. The beads were subsequently washed 3X 5 minutes in PBS 0.05% Tween shaking at room temperature. The samples were boiled at 100 °C in Laemmli buffer and analysed using SDS-PAGE. A Western blot was performed using anti-Flag to observe ADA binding to adalimumab. Figure 5A shows the results of the ADA binding assay, showing complete disruption of ADA binding to the W53N, Y101 N, L102N, and A105N variants of adalimumab. Figure 10 shows the results of the ADA binding assay, showing complete disruption of ADA binding to the R100, N101 , Y102, G104, and S105 variants of infliximab.

[0416] Example 6 - polyclonal ADA binding (pulldown)

[0417] Rabbit polyclonal ADAs (1.5 to 2 ug) were immobilized on sheep anti-rabbit IgG beads for 30 minutes. The beads were subsequently washed 3X 5 minutes in PBS 2 mM EDTA, 0.1% BSA shaking at room temperature. Using the supernatant harvested after expression, 1 to 2 ug of adalimumab and the adalimumab variants were incubated with the immobilized ADAs for 30 minutes. The beads were subsequently washed 3X 5 minutes in PBS 2 mM EDTA, 0.1% BSA shaking at room temperature. The samples were boiled at 100 °C in Laemmli buffer and analysed using SDS-PAGE. A Western blot was performed using anti-human IgG F(ab’)2 to observe adalimumab binding to polyclonal ADAs. Figure 6 shows the results of the ADA binding assay, showing substantial disruption of the W53N, Y101N, L102N, and A105N variants binding to polyclonal ADAs.

[0418] Example 7 -ADA out-competition assay (ELISA-based)

[0419] Wild-type adalimumab was immobilized in 96-well plates. Human serum from patients with ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis containing varying amounts of ADAs was added to each well and incubated with immobilized wild-type adalimumab. Biotinylated wild-type adalimumab was subsequently added to each well in combination with Humira® or L102N anti-TNFa. Competition was assessed based on fluorescently labelled streptavidin. A decrease in fluorescence indicates binding of Humira® or L102N anti-TNFa to ADAs. Figure 7 shows significant disruption of ADA binding to L102N anti-TNFa while substantial binding of ADAs to Humira® remains.

[0420] Example 8 - TNFa binding kinetics (BLI) Binding kinetics of adalimumab glycovariants, infliximab glycovariants, and reference antibodies to human TNFa were assessed using biolayer interferometry (Octet-R8, Sartorius). Protein A biosensors (Sartorius, Cat#18-5010) were hydrated in PBS and loaded with each antibody, achieving a loading response of ~0.4-0.6 nm for glycovariants (from culture supernatant) and ~2.2 nm for purified Humira®. After establishing a stable baseline, association was measured by dipping the biosensors into wells containing recombinant human TNFa (3.9-500 nM) for 120 seconds, followed by dissociation in buffer for 720 seconds. Regeneration was performed with 10 mM glycine pH 1.7 (three cycles of 10 seconds with 10-second neutralization). Binding curves were fitted using a 1 :1 model to obtain kinetic parameters.

[0421] Adalimumab glycovariants displayed affinities in the 10“9 and M 10“10M range (Revalues 3.6 x 1O“9- 9.8 * 1O“10M), comparable to Humira® (7.0 x 1O“10M). Infliximab and its glycovariant both showed high affinity for TNFa (Ko ~7-9 x 10-11M), with kinetics in the expected range. Tables 2 and 3 show representative kinetic parameters for adalimumab and infliximab glycovariants, respectively.

[0422] Table 2. Kinetics data obtained using biolayer interferometry (BLI) showing dissociation constants (Ko) of adalimumab glycovariants or Humira® interacting with TNFa. Results show good binding kinetics for the glycovariants.

[0423] Anti-TNFa mAb KD (M) ka (1 / Ms) kd (1 / s)

[0424] Glycovariant 1 double mutation in the

[0425] VH (S100N + L102T) + 2 affinity

[0426] 6,134E-10 2,025E05 1.242E-04

[0427] enhancing mutations (D62Q + V93I)

[0428] (Seq ID No: 16)

[0429] Glycovariant 2 double mutation in the

[0430] VH (S100N + L102T) + 2 affinity

[0431] 9.794E-10 1.530E05 1.499E-04

[0432] enhancing mutations (S55G + V93I)

[0433] (Seq ID No: 17)

[0434] Glycovariant 3 double mutation in the

[0435] VH (S100N + L102T) + 1 affinity

[0436] 6,629E-10 2,045E05 1.356E-04

[0437] enhancing mutation (V93I)

[0438] (Seq ID No: 15)

[0439] Glycovariant 4 double mutation in the

[0440] VH (S100N + L102T) + 2 affinity

[0441] 5,459E-10 1,948E05 1.063E-04

[0442] enhancing mutations (S55G + D62Q)

[0443] (Seq ID No: 18)

[0444] Glycovariant 5 double mutation in the

[0445] 8,644E-10 1.449E05 1.252E-04

[0446] VH (S100N + L102T) + 3 affinity

[0447]

[0448] enhancing mutations (S55G + D62Q

[0449] +V93I)

[0450] (Seq ID No: 19)

[0451] Glycovariant 6 (Seq ID No: 14) double

[0452] mutation in the VH of adalimumab 3.631 E-09 6.877E04 2.497E-04

[0453] (S100N + L102T)

[0454] Humira® 7,037E-10 1,127E05 7.930E-05

[0455]

[0456] Table 3 Kinetics data obtained using BLI showing dissociation constants (KD) of infliximab glycovariants or Remicade® interacting with TNFa.

[0457] Anti-TNFa mAb KD (M) ka (1 / Ms) kd (1 / s)

[0458] Remicade® 7,115E-11 7,136E05 5,077E-05

[0459] Glycovariant double mutation in

[0460] the heavy chain (R100N + 9.740E-11 3.184E05 3.101E-05

[0461] Y102T) (Seq ID No: 20)

[0462]

[0463] Importantly, the results in Table 2 show that the glycan mutants show good binding to TNFa binding. Binding affinity can be increased with the introduction of additional mutations. Table 3 shows good binding of infliximab with glycan mutations.

[0464] Example 9 - In vivo studies in BALB / C mice

[0465] In vivo experiments were conducted by TransCure CRO using female BALB / C mice. Animals were acclimated for seven days prior to dosing, and all procedures were reviewed and approved by the local ethics committee (CELEAG, authorization #55740 - Pharmacocinetique). Mice received PBS, adalimumab, or glycan-engineered adalimumab at three dose levels (5, 15, and 25 mg / kg), administered intraperitoneally on Day 0 and again biweekly after Day 15. Body weight and clinical condition were monitored over a 25-day period.

[0466] Body weight was recorded three times per week, and weight loss was calculated relative to the value recorded on the day before the first administration. At each measurement, a clinical score was assigned to each mouse based on predefined criteria: 1 (satisfactory health), 2 (mild to moderate deterioration), 3 (poor health requiring veterinary evaluation), and 4 (ethical limit requiring euthanasia). Average clinical scores for each condition were calculated and visualized as a heatmap over the 25-day period.

[0467] All groups maintained normal body weight and showed no evidence of clinical deterioration, indicating that glycan engineering did not adversely affect tolerability in this model. Results are shown in Figure 11. Additional sequences

[0468] SEQ ID NO: 27 wild type VH adalimumab

[0469] FVOI VFSGGGLVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFDDYAMHWVRQAPGKGLEWVSAITWNSGHIDYADSVEGRFTI SRDNAKNSLYLDMNSLRAEDTAVYYCAKVSYLSTASSLDYWGQGTLVTVSS SEQ ID NO: 28 CDR1 VH wild type adalimumab

[0470] DYAMH SEQ ID NO: 29 CDR2 VH wild type adalimumab

[0471] AITWNSGHIDYADSVEG SEQ ID NO: 30 CDR3 VH wild type adalimumab

[0472] VSYLSTASSLDY SEQ ID NO: 31 wild type VL adalimumab DIQMTOSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASQGIRNYLAWYQQKPGKAPKLLIYAASTLQSGVPSRFSGSGSGTDF TLTISSLQPEDVATYYCQRYNRAPYTFGQGTKVEIK SEQ ID NO: 32 CDR1 VL wild type adalimumab

[0473] RASQGIRNYLA SEQ ID NO: 33 CDR2 VL wild type adalimumab

[0474] AASTLQS SEQ ID NO: 34 CDR3 VL wild type adalimumab

[0475] QRYNRAPYT SEQ ID NO: 35 wild type VH infliximab VH VKLEESGGGLVQPGGSMKLSCVASGFIFSNHWMNWVRQSPEKGLEWVAEIRSKSINSATHYAESVKGRFTI SRDDSKSAVYLQMTDLRTEDTGVYYCSRNYYGSTYDYWGQGTTLTVSS SEQ ID NO: 36 CDR1 VH wild type infliximab

[0476] NHWMN SEQ ID NO: 37 CDR2 VH wild type infliximab

[0477] El RSKSI NSATHYAESVKG

[0478] SEQ ID NO: 38 CDR3 VH wild type infliximab RNYYGSTYDY

[0479] SEQ ID NO: 39 wild type VL infliximab DILLTQSPAILSVSPGERVSFSCRASQFVGSSIHWYQQRTNGSPRLLIKYASESMSGIPSRFSGSGSGTDFT LSINTVESEDIADYYCQQSHSWPFTFGSGTNLEVK SEQ ID NO: 40 CDR1 VL wild type infliximab

[0480] RASQFVGSSIH SEQ ID NO: 41 CDR2 VL wild type infliximab

[0481] YASESMS SEQ ID NO: 42 CDR3 VL wild type infliximab

[0482] QQSHSWPFT SEQ ID NO: 43 golimumab VH

[0483] QVQLVESG GG VVQ PG RS LRLSCAASG Fl FSSYAMHWVRQAPG NG LEWVAFMSYDGSNKKYADSVKGRF TISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCARDRGIAAGGNYYYYGMDVWGQGTTVTVSS SEQ ID NO: 44 golimumab VH CDR1

[0484] SYAMH SEQ ID NO: 45 golimumab VH CDR2

[0485] FMSYDGSNKKYADSVKG SEQ ID NO: 46 golimumab VH CDR3

[0486] DRGIAAGGNYYYYGMDV SEQ ID NO: 47 (golimumab light chain) EIVLTQSPATLSLSPGERATLSCRASQSVYSYLAWYQQKPGQAPRLLIYDASNRATGIPARFSGSGSGTDFT LTISSLEPEDFAVYYCQQRSNWPPFTFGPGTKVDIK SEQ ID NO: 48 golimumab CDR1 VL

[0487] RASQSVYSYLA SEQ ID NO: 49 golimumab CDR2 VL

[0488] DAS N RAT SEQ ID NO: 50 golimumab CDR3 VL

[0489] QRSNWPPFT SEQ ID NO: 51 (certolizumab heavy chain) EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGYVFTDYGMNWVRQAPGKGLEWMGWINTYIGEPIYADSVKGRFT FSLDTSKSTAYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCARGYRSYAMDYWGQGTLVTVSS SEQ ID NO: 52 golimumab VH CDR1

[0490] DYGMN SEQ ID NO: 53 golimumab VH CDR2

[0491] WINTYIGEPIYADSVKGR SEQ ID NO: 54 golimumab VH CDR3

[0492] GYRSYAMDY SEQ ID NO: 55 (certolizumab light chain) DIQMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCKASQNVGTNVAWYQQKPGKAPKALIYSASFLYSGVPYRFSGSGSGTDF TLTISSLQPEDFATYYCQQYNIYPLTFGQGTKVEIK SEQ ID NO: 56 certolizumab CDR1 VL

[0493] KASQNVGTNVA SEQ ID NO: 57 certolizumab CDR2 VL

[0494] SASFLYS SEQ ID NO: 58 certolizumab CDR3 VL

[0495] QQYNIYPLTF

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Claims

Claims1. An antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof that binds TNF-alpha comprising a modified amino acid sequence in the variable region wherein said amino acid sequence is modified to comprise one or more N-X-S and / or N-X-T sequence motifs wherein X is any amino acid other than proline.

2. The antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof according to claim 1 wherein said antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof has reduced ADA binding.

3. The antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof according to a claim 1 or 2 wherein a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region or a region within 20, e.g. 10 amino acid residues of a framework region adjacent to a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region is modified.

4. The antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof according to a preceding claim wherein one or more amino acid residue located in a variable region is substituted with N, T or S.

5. The antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof according to any of claims 1 to 3 wherein a N-X- S / T sequence motif is inserted into an amino acid residue sequence.

6. The antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof according to claim 5 wherein a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region or a region or within 1 , 2, 3, 4 or 5 amino acid residues of a framework region adjacent to a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region is modified.

7. The antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof according to a preceding claim wherein said one or more motif is located in an epitope for antigen binding or in proximity thereto.

8. The antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof according to a preceding claim wherein a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region is modified.

9. The antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof according to claim 4 wherein the one or more amino acid residue is substituted with N.

10. The antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof according to claim 4 wherein the one or more amino acid residue is substituted with T.

11. The antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof according to claim 4 wherein the one or more amino acid residue is substituted with S.

12. The antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof according to a preceding claim wherein said variable region is a heavy chain variable region or light chain variable region.

13. The antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof according to any of claims 2 to 12 wherein the epitope is a linear epitope or a confirmational epitope.

14. The antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof according to a preceding claim wherein said fragment is selected from a F(ab')2, Fab, Fv, scFv, heavy chain, light chain, variable heavy (VH), variable light (VL) chain, CDR region, single VH, VHH or VL domain, maxibodies, minibodies, intrabodies, diabodies, triabodies, tetrabodies, and bis-scFv, and polypeptides that contain at least a portion of an immunoglobulin that is sufficient to confer specific antigen binding to the polypeptide.

15. The antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof according to a preceding claim wherein said antibody or fragment is conjugated to another moiety.

16. The antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof according to claim 15 wherein the other moiety is a therapeutic moiety, half-life extending moiety, toxin or label.

17. The antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof according to any preceding claim wherein said antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof is N-glycosylated at the N-X-S / T sequence motif.

18. The antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof according to any preceding claim wherein said antibody is selected from adalimumab, infliximab, golimumab, certolizumab or ozoralizumab.

19. The antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof according to claim 18 wherein said antibody is selected from adalimumab.

20. The antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof according to claim 18 wherein said antibody is selected from adalimumab and wherein the modified amino acid comprises one or more of the following amino acid substitutions: W53N, Y101N, L102N and / or A105N with reference to SEQ ID NO: 2.

21. The antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof according to claim 18 wherein said antibody is selected from adalimumab and wherein the modified amino acid comprises the following amino acid substitutions S100N and L102T with reference to SEQ ID NO: 2.

22. The antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof according to claim 19 wherein the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof comprises a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO. 10 to 19.

23. The antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof according to claim 18 wherein said antibody is selected from infliximab.

24. The antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof according to claims 18 or 23 wherein said antibody is selected from infliximab and wherein the modified amino acid comprises one or more of the following amino acid substitutions: R100N, Y102T, Y103T, Y103N, G104T, G104N, Y107T, S105N T106N, D108T with reference to SEQ ID NO: 4.

25. The antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof according to claim 23 wherein the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof comprises a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO. 20 to 26.

26. A nucleic acid encoding an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof according to a preceding claim.

27. A vector comprising a nucleic acid according claim 26.

28. A host cell comprising a nucleic acid according claim 26 or a vector according to claim 27.

29. A pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof according to any of claims 1 to 25 and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

30. An antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof according to any of claims 1 to 25 or a pharmaceutical composition according to claim 29 for use in the treatment of an inflammatory disease.

31. A method of treating of an inflammatory disease comprising administering antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof according to any of claims 1 to 25 or a pharmaceutical composition according to claim 29 to a subject.

32. The antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof for use according to claim 30 or the method of claim 30 wherein said inflammatory disease is lupus, erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriaticarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, hidradenitis suppurativa, Crohn’s Disease, ulcerative colitis, plaque psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), uveitis or nonradiographic Spondyloarthritis.

33. The antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof for use according to claim 30 or 32 or the method according to claim 31 or 32 wherein said antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof is administered together with another therapy.

34. A method for producing an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof that binds TNF-alpha comprising modifying the amino acid sequence of the variable region to comprise one or more N-X- S and / or N-X-T sequence motifs wherein X is any amino acid other than proline.

35. The method of claim 34 wherein said one or more motif is located in an epitope for antigen binding or in proximity thereto.

36. The method of claim 34 or 35 wherein one or more amino acid residue located in a variable region is substituted with N, T or S to introduce a N-X-S / T sequence motif.

37. The method of any of claims 34 to 36 wherein a N-X-S / T sequence motif is inserted into an amino acid residue sequence located in an epitope for binding ADAs or in proximity thereto.

38. The method of any of claims 34 to 37 comprising the steps ofa) substituting one or more amino acid residue in a variable region with a N, S or T to introduce a N- X-S / T sequence motif and wherein said one or more amino acid residue is located in an epitope for antigen binding andb) expressing a nucleotide sequence or nucleic acid encoding the modified antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof in a suitable host cell or host organism.

39. A method for reducing the ADA response of an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof with reduced immunogenicity that binds TNF-alpha comprising modifying the amino acid sequence of the variable region to comprise one or more N-X-S and / or N-X-T sequence motifs wherein X is any amino acid other than proline.

40. The method of claim 39 wherein said one or more motif is located in an epitope for antigen binding ADAs or in proximity thereto.

41. The method of claim 39 or 40 wherein one or more amino acid residue located in a variable region is substituted with N, T or S to introduce a N-X-S / T sequence motif.

42. The method of any of claims 39 to 41 wherein a N-X-S / T sequence motif is inserted into an amino acid residue sequence located in an epitope for antigen binding or in proximity thereto.

43. The method of any of claims 39 to 41 comprising the steps ofa) substituting one or more amino acid residue in a variable region with a N, S or T to introduce a N- X-S / T sequence motif and wherein said one or more amino acid residue is located in an epitope for antigen binding andb) expressing a nucleotide sequence or nucleic acid encoding the modified antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof in a suitable host cell or host organism.

44. The method of any of claims 34 to 43 wherein said variable region is a heavy chain variable region or light chain variable region.

45. The method of any of claims 34 to 44 wherein the one or more amino acid residue is located in a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region or within 20, e.g. 10 amino acid residues of a framework region adjacent to a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region.

46. The method of any of claim 45 wherein the one or more amino acid residue is located in a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region or within 1 , 2, 3, 4 or 5 amino acid residues of a framework region adjacent to a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region.

47. The method of 45 wherein the one or more amino acid residue is located in a CDR1 , 2 or 3 region.

48. The method of any of claims 41 to 47 wherein the one or more amino acid residue is replaced with N.

49. The method of any of claims 41 to 47 wherein the one or more amino acid residue is replaced with T.

50. The method of any of claims 41 to 47 wherein the one or more amino acid residue is replaced with S.

51. The method of any of claims 45 to 50 comprising the step of assessing binding of the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof to its target and / or assessing binding ADAs to the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof.

52. The method of any of claims 34 to 51 comprising the step of determining which one or more residue in the variable region is located in an epitope for antigen binding.

53. The method of any of claims 34 to 52 comprising the step of determining which one or more residue in the variable region is located in an epitope for ADA binding.

54. The method of any of claims 34 to 53 wherein the epitope is a linear epitope or a confirmational epitope.

55. The method of any of claims 34 to 54 wherein said fragment is selected from a F(ab')2, Fab, Fv, scFv, heavy chain, light chain, variable heavy (VH), variable light (VL) chain, CDR region, single VH, VHH or VL domain, maxibodies, minibodies, intrabodies, diabodies, triabodies, tetrabodies, and bis- scFv, and polypeptides that contain at least a portion of an immunoglobulin that is sufficient to confer specific antigen binding to the polypeptide.

56. The method according to claims 34 to 55 wherein said antibody is selected from adalimumab, infliximab, golimumab, certolizumab or ozoralizumab.

57. The method according to claim 56 wherein said antibody is selected from adalimumab.

58. The method according to claim 56 wherein said antibody is selected from adalimumab and wherein the modified amino acid comprises one or more of the following amino acid substitutions: W53N, Y101N, L102N, L102T, S100N and / or A105N with reference to SEQ ID NO: 2.

59. A kit comprising antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof according to any of claims 1 to 25 or pharmaceutical composition of claim 29 and optionally instructions for use.

60. A binding molecule comprising antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof according to any of claims 1 to 25.

61. A binding molecule according to claim 60 wherein said binding molecule comprises a second antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof which binds to the same or a different target.

62. An antibody or antigen binding fragment obtained or obtainable by a method according any of claims 34 to 58.

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