Bispecific antibodies targeting amyloid beta and human CD98HC and methods of uses
Bispecific antibodies targeting amyloid beta and CD98hc enhance brain delivery by utilizing receptor-mediated transcytosis, addressing the limitations of the blood-brain barrier and improving Alzheimer's Disease treatment.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SIRONAX SWITZERLAND GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-02
AI Technical Summary
The highly selective permeability of the blood-brain barrier restricts the distribution of monoclonal antibodies into the brain parenchyma, limiting their interaction with amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's Disease, and current therapeutics using anti-CD98 antibodies are lacking in efficacy.
Development of bispecific antibodies that specifically bind to both amyloid beta (Aβ) and CD98hc, leveraging receptor-mediated transcytosis to enhance therapeutic delivery across the blood-brain barrier.
The bispecific antibodies effectively increase the transport of therapeutic agents into the brain, potentially avoiding vascular amyloid-related imaging abnormalities and enabling more effective treatment of Alzheimer's Disease.
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Figure CN2024143064_02072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
BISPECIFIC ANTIBODIES TARGETING AMYLOID BETA AND HUMAN CD98HC AND METHODS OF USES1. Field
[0001] The present invention relates to molecular biology, immunology, neurobiology, and pharmacology.2. Background
[0002] Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the primary cause of dementia among the elderly. The biological process of AD commences with the accumulation of proteins in the form of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles within the brain. Monoclonal antibodies specifically targeting amyloid, a key pathological component, have been officially approved for the treatment of AD. However, the highly selective permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) restricts the distribution of monoclonal antibodies into the brain parenchyma and their interaction with amyloid. One potential approach to facilitate the transport of antibodies across the BBB is through the utilization of receptor-mediated transcytosis (RMT) systems.
[0003] CD98 is a transmembrane protein expressed on the surface of various cell types, including those at the BBB. Targeting CD98 with antibodies provides a novel approach to enhance the transport of therapeutic agents into the brain through receptor-mediated transcytosis. Despite the potential, therapeutics delivered by anti-CD98 antibodies in treating neurological diseases are currently lacking. The compositions and methods provided herein meet this unmet need and provide other relative advantages.3. Summary
[0004] Provided herein are bispecific antibodies comprising (i) a first antigen-binding fragment that specifically binds to amyloid beta (Aβ) , and (ii) a second antigen-binding fragment that specifically binds to CD98hc; wherein the first antigen-binding fragment comprises a first heavy chain variable domain (VH1) and a first light chain variable domain (VL1) ; wherein the VH1 comprises VH1 CDR1, VH1 CDR2, and VH1 CDR3 from a heavy chain variable domain (VH) having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 63,21,23, or 25, or a variant thereof having up to about 5 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VH CDRs, and the VL1 comprises VL1 CDR1, VL1 CDR2, and VL1 CDR3 from a light chain variable domain (VL) having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 64,22,24, or 26, or a variant thereof having up to about 5 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VL CDRs; and wherein the second antigen-binding fragment comprises a second heavy chain variable domain (VH2) and a second light chain variable domain (VL2) , wherein the VH2 comprises VH2 CDR1, VH2 CDR2, and VH2 CDR3 from a VH having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1; or a variant thereof having up to about 5 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VH CDRs; and the VL2 comprises VL2 CDR1, VL2 CDR2, and VL2 CDR3 from a VL having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; or a variant thereof having up to about 5 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VL CDRs.
[0005] In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the VH1 comprises VH1 CDR1, VH1 CDR2, and VH1 CDR3 from a VH having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 63, and the VL1 comprises VL1 CDR1, VL1 CDR2, and VL1 CDR3 from a VL having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 64. In some embodiments, the VH1 CDR1, VH1 CDR2, and VH1 CDR3 have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 65, 66 and 67, respectively, and the VL1 CDR1, VL1 CDR2, and VL1 CDR3 have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 68, 69, and 70, respectively. In some embodiments, the VH1 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 63; and the VL1 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 64.
[0006] In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the VH1 comprises VH1 CDR1, VH1 CDR2, and VH1 CDR3 from a VH having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21, and the VL1 comprises VL1 CDR1, VL1 CDR2, and VL1 CDR3 from a VL having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22. In some embodiments, the VH1 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO:21; and the VL1 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 22.
[0007] In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the VH1 comprises VH1 CDR1, VH1 CDR2, and VH1 CDR3 from a VH having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23, and the VL1 comprises VL1 CDR1, VL1 CDR2, and VL1 CDR3 from a VL having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24. In some embodiments, the VH1 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO:23; and the VL1 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 24.
[0008] In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the VH1 comprises VH1 CDR1, VH1 CDR2, and VH1 CDR3 from a VH having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25, and the VL1 comprises VL1 CDR1, VL1 CDR2, and VL1 CDR3 from a VL having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 26. In some embodiments, the VH1 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO:25; and the VL1 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 26.
[0009] In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the VH2 CDR1, VH2 CDR2, and VH2 CDR3 have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 3, 4, and 5, respectively, and the VL2 CDR1, VL2 CDR2, and VL2 CDR3 have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 6, 7, and 8, respectively. In some embodiments, VH2 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 1; and VL2 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 2.
[0010] In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the VH2 CDR1, VH2 CDR2, and VH2 CDR3 have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 3, 13, and 5, respectively, and the VL2 CDR1, VL2 CDR2, and VL2 CDR3 have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 6, 7, and 8, respectively. In some embodiments, VH2 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 9; and VL2 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 10.
[0011] In some embodiments, the bispecific antibodies provided herein comprise (1) a first peptide chain (HC1) comprising, from N-terminus to C-terminus, VH1, a first heavy chain constant (CH) region, a linker, and a single chain variable fragment (scFv) comprising VH2 and VL2; (2) a second peptide chain (HC2) comprising, from N-terminus to C-terminus, VH1 and a second CH region; and (3) a third peptide chain (LC) comprising, from N-terminus to C-terminus, VL1 and a light chain constant (CL) region. In some embodiments, the linker has an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 71-75.
[0012] In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the scFv comprises, from N-terminus to C-terminus, VL2, a second linker, and VH2. In some embodiments, the scFv comprises, from N-terminus to C-terminus, VH2, a second linker, and VL2. In some embodiments, the second linker has an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 71-75.In some embodiments, the scFv has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 11.
[0013] In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, (1) the CL region is Cκ(SEQ ID NO: 78) or Cλ (SEQ ID NO: 79) , or a variant thereof having up to 10 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions; or (2) the first and second CH regions are human IgG1 CH regions (SEQ ID NO: 80) , IgG2 CH regions (SEQ ID NO: 81) , IgG3 CH regions (SEQ ID NO: 82) , or IgG4 CH regions (SEQ ID NO: 83) , or variants thereof having up to 10 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions; or both (1) and (2) . In some embodiments, the CL region is Cκ (SEQ ID NO:78) . In some embodiments, the first CH region and the second CH region are IgG1 CH regions (SEQ ID NO: 80) or variants thereof having up to 10 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions.
[0014] In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the first CH region and the second CH region form a heterodimer. In some embodiments, the first CH region has T350V, L351Y, F405A, and Y407V substitutions and the second CH region has T350V, T366L, K392L, and T394W substitutions. In some embodiments, the first CH region has T350V, T366L, K392L, and T394W substitutions and the second CH region has T350V, L351Y, F405A, and Y407V substitutions. In some embodiments, the first CH region comprises a Hole-Fc region, and the second CH region comprises a Knob-Fc region. In some embodiments, the first CH region comprises a Knob-Fc region, and the second CH region comprises a Hole-Fc region. In some embodiments, the Knob-Fc region has a T366W substitution, and the Hole-Fc region has T366S, L368A, and Y407V substitutions.
[0015] In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the first CH region, or the second CH region, or both the first and the second CH regions have M252Y, S254T, and T256E substitutions. In some embodiments, the first CH region has M252Y, S254T, and T256E substitutions. In some embodiments, the first CH region, or the second CH region, or both the first and the second CH regions have H435R and Y436F substitutions. In some embodiments, the second CH region has H435R and Y436F substitutions.
[0016] In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the first CH region is an IgG1 CH region having M252Y, S254T, T256E, T350V, L351Y, F405A, and Y407V substitutions (SEQ ID NO: 84) , and the second CH region is an IgG1 CH region having T350V, T366L, K392L, T394W, H435R, and Y436F substitutions (SEQ ID NO: 85) .
[0017] In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the HC1, HC2, and LC have amino acid sequences that are at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NOs: 42, 43, and 44, respectively. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibodies provided herein consist of one HC1, one HC2, and two LC.
[0018] Provided herein are also polynucleotides or a plurality of polynucleotides that encode or collectively encode the HC1, HC2, and LC of the bispecific antibodies disclosed herein. Provided herein are also host cells comprising the polynucleotides or plurality of polynucleotides disclosed herein.
[0019] Provided herein are also methods of making bispecific antibodies disclosed herein that specifically bind to human CD98hc and Aβ, comprising culturing the cells disclosed herein under conditions that allow expression of the bispecific antibodies disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the methods comprise isolating the bispecific antibodies disclosed herein from the culture.
[0020] Provided herein are also pharmaceutical compositions comprising a therapeutically effective amount of the bispecific antibodies disclosed herein, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
[0021] Provided herein are also methods of treating neurological diseases or disorders in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the bispecific antibodies disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the methods further comprise administering an additional therapy to the subject. In some embodiments, the subject is a human.
[0022] In some embodiments, provided herein are also uses of the bispecific antibodies disclosed herein for treating neurological diseases or disorders. Provided herein are also uses of the bispecific antibodies disclosed herein for manufacture of a medicament for neurological diseases or disorders.
[0023] In some embodiments of the methods or uses provided herein, the neurological diseases or disorders are neurodegenerative diseases. In some embodiments, the neurological diseases or disorders are amyloid-related diseases or disorders. In some embodiments, the neurological disease or disorder is Alzheimer’s Disease. 4. Brief Description of Drawings
[0024] FIG. 1 provides a diagram showing the structure of the candidate bispecific antibodies in IgG-scFv format (2+1) .
[0025] FIG. 2 provides flow cytometry results showing the binding of the candidate bispecific antibodies to huCD98 overexpressing HEK293 cells.
[0026] FIG. 3 provides ELISA results showing the binding of the candidate bispecific antibodies to N3pGlu Aβ. SIR-BP-AB001: parental anti-Aβ monoclonal antibody.
[0027] FIGs. 4A-4B provide ELISA results showing the concentration of hIgG in plasma (FIG. 4A) and normalized concentration of hIgG in plasma (FIG. 4B) .
[0028] FIG. 5 provides ELISA results showing the concentration of hIgG in brain homogenate.
[0029] FIG. 6 provides brain-to-plasma ratios of candidate bispecific antibodies and control antibodies.
[0030] FIG. 7 provides ELISA results showing the concentration of candidate bispecific antibodies and control antibodies in brain after repeat dosing. 1st-3d: 3 days after first dosing; 1st-7d: 7 days after first dosing; 4th-3d: 3 days after fourth dosing; 4th-7d: 7 days after fourth dosing.
[0031] FIG. 8 provides ELISA results showing Aβ40 and Aβ42 burden in male and female AD mice treated with candidate bispecific antibodies and control antibodies.5. Detailed Description
[0032] Provided herein are novel anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies and the uses thereof in the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and other amyloid-related diseases or disorders.
[0033] CD98, also known as 4F2hc or SLC3A2, is a transmembrane glycoprotein that plays a pivotal role in cellular processes including amino acid transport, cell proliferation, and integrin signaling. It is ubiquitously expressed in a variety of tissues, with particularly high expression in rapidly dividing cells and at the interfaces between tissues and the external environment, such as the BBB. CD98 forms a heterodimer with various light chains, such as LAT1 (SLC7A5) and LAT2 (SLC7A8) , which are essential for the transport of neutral amino acids across the plasma membrane.
[0034] Structurally, CD98 consists of a heavy chain (4F2hc) and a light chain, linked by a disulfide bond. The heavy chain is responsible for the protein's trafficking to the plasma membrane, while the light chain carries out the amino acid transport function. This heterodimeric configuration allows CD98 to participate in essential nutrient transport and cellular signaling pathways. Functionally, CD98 is involved in integrin signaling, which influences cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation, making it a critical player in both normal physiology and pathological conditions.
[0035] As used herein, the terms “CD98hc” and “CD98hc peptide” are used interchangeably to refer to any native CD98hc from any vertebrate source, including mammals such as primates (e.g., humans and cynomolgus monkeys (cynos) ) and rodents (e.g., mice and rats) , unless otherwise indicated. CD98hc is also referred to as 4F2 cell-surface antigen heavy chain, 4F2hc, 4F2 heavy chain antigen, lymphocyte activation antigen 4F2 large subunit, solute carrier family 3 member 2, and CD98. CD98hc protein is encoded by the SLC3A2 gene and is part of the large amino acid transporter (LAT) complex. The term encompasses both wild-type sequences and naturally occurring variant sequences, e.g., splice variants or allelic variants. The term encompasses full-length, unprocessed CD98hc, as well as any form of CD98hc that results from processing in the cell. In some embodiments, the CD98hc is human CD98hc. An exemplary full length human CD98hc sequence is provided below.
[0036] More information about human CD98hc can be found on public databases with the following IDs: HGNC: 11059; NCBI Entrez Gene: 6520; Ensembl: ENSG00000117399; 158070; UniProtKB / Swiss-Prot: P08195. Five (5) alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms are described for the human CD98hc gene (Uniprot NOs: P08195-1 to P08195-5) .
[0037] Amyloid Beta (Aβ) is a peptide derived from the amyloid precursor protein (APP) through enzymatic cleavage by β-and γ-secretases. Aβ consists of an extracellular domain, a transmembrane region, and a cytoplasmic tail. Aβ functions as a cell surface receptor and performs physiological functions on the surface of neurons relevant to neurite growth, neuronal adhesion and axonogenesis. An exemplary sequence of human Aβ can be found with Uniprot Accession No. P05067-1. More information about human Aβ can be found on public databases with the following IDs: HGNC: 620; NCBI Gene: 351; Ensembl: ENSG00000142192.22; 104760; UniProtKB / Swiss-Prot: P05067.
[0038] Aβ is primarily associated with AD, where it aggregates into insoluble fibrils that form amyloid plaques, a hallmark pathological feature of the disease. The Aβ peptide exists in several isoforms, typically ranging from 38 to 43 amino acids in length, with Aβ40 (SEQ ID NO: 76) and Aβ42 (SEQ ID NO: 77) being the most prevalent and studied forms. Among these, Aβ42 is considered more aggregation-prone and neurotoxic, contributing to disease progression.
[0039] In addition to these native forms, Aβ can undergo various post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation, oxidation, and truncation. Modified forms such as N-terminally truncated Aβ (e.g., Aβ11-40, Aβ11-42) and pyroglutamated Aβ (pGlu-Aβ) may exhibit distinct aggregation properties and toxicity profiles. These modified peptides are believed to play significant roles in AD pathogenesis and the progression of neurodegenerative conditions. N3pGlu Aβ (or N-truncated pyroglutamate Aβ) , which lacks the first two amino acid residues at the N-terminus of human Aβ and has a pyroglutamate which was derived from the glutamic acid at the third amino acid position, has been found to be particularly detrimental to brain health due to its increased neurotoxicity and resistance to degradation. The accumulation of toxic plaques in the brain, caused by N3pGlu Aβ, has been strongly linked to synaptic dysfunction, neuronal loss, and cognitive decline in individuals with AD. As used herein, unless specifically indicated otherwise, the term “Aβ” include all native isoforms and modified forms thereof, including, for example, N3pGlu Aβ.
[0040] Donanemab, an anti-N3pGlu Aβ antibody, has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of individuals with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to AD. Clinical trials have shown that donanemab effectively reduces levels of plague in the brain, leading to improvements in cognitive function and slowing down the progression of AD. However, due to the highly selective nature of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) , less than 1 percent of amyloid-targeted monoclonal antibodies can reach their targets in the brain. The higher doses required to compensate for this limitation increase the risk of potentially dangerous brain bleeding, as evidenced by high rates of amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) . The bispecific antibodies provided herein address this problem by enhancing the transport of therapeutic agents into the brain through RMT. This approach potentially avoids vascular amyloid associated with ARIA, enabling more effective delivery of therapeutic antibodies to the brain
[0041] Before the present disclosure is further described, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments set forth herein, and it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments, and is not intended to be limiting. 5.1 Definitions
[0042] Unless otherwise defined herein, scientific and technical terms used in the present disclosures shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, unless otherwise required by context, singular terms shall include pluralities and plural terms shall include the singular. Generally, nomenclatures used in connection with, and techniques of, cell and tissue culture, 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.
[0043] The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity; for example, “an antibody, ” is understood to represent one or more antibodies.
[0044] The term “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. Thus, the term “and / or” as used in a phrase such as “A and / or B” herein is intended to include “A and B, ” “A or B, ” “A” (alone) , and B” (alone) . Likewise, the term “and / or” as used in a phrase such as “A, B, and / or C” is intended to encompass each of the following aspects: A, B, and C; A, B, or C; A or C; A or B; B or C; A and C; A and B; B and C; A (alone) ; B (alone) ; and C (alone) .
[0045] As used herein, the term “about” is used to indicate that a value includes the inherent variation of error for the device, the method being employed to determine the value, or the variation that exists among the study subjects. The term “about” encompasses the exact number recited. In some embodiments, “about” means within plus or minus 10%of a given value or range. In certain embodiments, “about” means that the variation is ±5%, ±4%, ±3%, ±2%, ±1%, ±0.5%, ±0.2%, or ±0.1%of the value to which “about” refers. In some embodiments, “about” means that the variation is ±1%, ±0.5%, ±0.2%, or ±0.1%of the value to which “about” refers.
[0046] As used herein and consistent with its understanding in the art, the terms “central nervous system” and “CNS” refer to the complex of nerve tissues that control bodily function and includes the brain and spinal cord.
[0047] As used herein and consistent with its understanding in the art, the terms “central nervous system antigen” or “CNS antigen” refer to an antigen expressed in the CNS, including the brain, which can be targeted with an effect moiety, such as an antibody or small molecule. A “brain antigen” refers to a CNS antigen expressed in the brain.
[0048] As used herein and consistent with its understanding in the art, the term “neurological disease or disorder” refers to a disease or disorder which affects the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. These diseases or disorders can arise from a variety of causes, including genetic mutations, developmental issues, infections, trauma, and degenerative diseases. Neurological diseases or disorders can manifest in a wide range of symptoms depending on the affected area and function of the nervous system. Common symptoms include seizures, muscle weakness, poor coordination, pain, altered levels of consciousness, and cognitive impairments.
[0049] As used herein and consistent with its understanding in the art, the term “neurodegenerative disease” is a type of neurological disease or disorder characterized by the progressive degeneration of the structure and function of the nervous system. These diseases primarily affect neurons, which are the building blocks of the nervous system, leading to their gradual loss and eventual death. Neurodegenerative diseases are often associated with aging and typically result in cognitive, motor, and functional impairments. The exact causes of many neurodegenerative diseases are still not fully understood, but they often involve genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
[0050] As used herein and consistent with its understanding in the art, the term “amyloid-related disease or disorder” refers to a pathological condition characterized by the abnormal accumulation, aggregation, or deposition of amyloid proteins in tissues or organs. Such deposition often disrupts normal cellular and tissue function, leading to progressive structural and functional impairment. Amyloid-related diseases or disorders encompass a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease) , systemic diseases (e.g., systemic amyloidosis) , and localized amyloidoses affecting specific organs such as the heart, kidneys, or pancreas.
[0051] As used herein and consistent with its understanding in the art, the terms “blood brain barrier” and “BBB” refer to a network of endothelial cells that are closely sealed by tight junctions and characterized by low levels of nonspecific paracellular and transcellular transport. The BBB separates the circulating blood from the brain and extracellular fluid in the CNS to protect the brain from pathogens and toxins, while allowing essential nutrients to pass through. A molecule can “cross” the BBB means that the molecule has the capability to traverse the BBB to reach and acting on CNS targets. A molecule can cross the BBB via a variety of mechanisms, including lipophilicity, transporter-mediated transcytosis, receptor-mediated transcytosis, or simply small size.
[0052] The terms “polypeptide, ” “peptide, ” “protein, ” “polypeptide chain, ” “peptide chain, ” and their grammatical equivalents as used interchangeably herein refer to polymers of amino acids of any length, which can be linear or branched. It can include unnatural or modified amino acids or be interrupted by non-amino acids. A polypeptide, peptide, polypeptide chain, peptide chain, or protein can also be modified with, for example, disulfide bond formation, glycosylation, lipidation, acetylation, phosphorylation, or any other manipulation or modification.
[0053] The terms “polynucleotide, ” “nucleic acid, ” and their grammatical equivalents as used interchangeably herein mean polymers of nucleotides of any length and include DNA and RNA. The nucleotides can be deoxyribonucleotides, ribonucleotides, modified nucleotides or bases, and / or their analogs, or any substrate that can be incorporated into a polymer by DNA or RNA polymerase.
[0054] As used herein and understood in the art, an “antibody” is an immunoglobulin molecule that recognizes and specifically binds a target (e.g., a protein) through at least one antigen-binding fragment which is typically within the variable region of the immunoglobulin molecule. An “antibody” can be of many different types and structures. For example, antibodies can be polyclonal antibodies, monoclonal antibodies, multispecific antibodies, bispecific antibodies, monospecific antibodies, monovalent antibodies, or any other modified immunoglobulin molecule comprising an antigen-binding site. Antibodies also include, but are not limited to, mouse antibodies, camel antibodies, chimeric antibodies, humanized antibodies, and human antibodies. An antibody can be any of the five major classes of immunoglobulins: IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM, or subclasses (isotypes) thereof (e.g., IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA1 and IgA2) , based on the identity of their heavy-chain constant domains referred to as alpha, delta, epsilon, gamma, and mu, respectively. Unless expressly indicated otherwise, the term “antibody” as used herein include “antigen-binding fragment” of intact antibodies. The term “antigen-binding fragment” as used herein refers to a portion or fragment of an intact antibody that is the antigenic determining variable region of an intact antibody. Examples of antigen-binding fragments include, but are not limited to, Fab, Fab', F (ab’ ) 2, Fv, linear antibodies, single chain antibody molecules (e.g., scFv) , heavy chain antibodies (HCAbs) , light chain antibodies (LCAbs) , disulfide-linked scFv (dsscFv) , diabodies, tribodies, tetrabodies, minibodies, dual variable domain antibodies (DVD) , single variable domain antibodies (sdAbs; e.g., camelid antibodies, alpaca antibodies) , and single variable domain of heavy chain antibodies (VHH) .
[0055] The structure of immunoglobulins has been well characterized (see, e.g., FUNDAMENTAL IMMUNOLOGY Ch. 7 (Paul, W., ed., 2nd ed. Raven Press, N. Y. (1989) ) . Typically, immunoglobulins comprise two pairs of polypeptide chains, one pair of light (L; low molecular weight) chains and one pair of heavy (H; high molecular weight) chains, all four inter-connected by disulfide bonds.
[0056] Each light chain of an immunoglobulin typically includes a light chain variable region ( “VL region” ) and a light chain constant region ( “CL region” ) . There are two distinct types of light chains, referred to as kappa (κ) of lambda (λ) based on the amino acid sequence of the CL region. The amino acid sequences of the CL regions are well known in the art.
[0057] Each heavy chain typically includes a heavy chain variable region (a “VH region” ) and a heavy chain constant region (a “CH region” ) . The VH region can be one of five distinct types, referred to as alpha (α) , delta (δ) , epsilon (ε) , gamma (γ) and mu (μ) , based on the amino acid sequence. When combined with a light chain, these distinct types of heavy chains give rise to five well known classes of antibodies, IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG and IgM, respectively. There are four subclasses of IgG, namely, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4. The amino acid sequences of the CH regions of different classes of antibodies are well known in the art.
[0058] The CH region of immunoglobulins comprise more than one domain. For example, the CH region of an IgG antibody is comprised of three domains, heavy chain constant domain 1 (CH1) , heavy chain constant domain 2 (CH2) , and heavy chain constant domain 3 (CH3) . The highly flexible region between the CH1 and CH2 domains is referred to as the “hinge region. ” Disulfide bonds in the hinge region are part of the interactions between two heavy chains in an immunoglobulin. The “Fc region” refers to the C-terminal region of an immunoglobulin heavy chain that contains at least a portion of the constant region. In IgG, IgA and IgD isotypes, the Fc region is comprised of the hinge region, the CH2 domain and the CH3 domain; IgM and IgE Fc regions contain three heavy chain constant domains (CH domains 2–4) . The amino acid sequences of the Fc region of human IgG, IgA, IgD, IgM and IgE, and subtypes IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4 are known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments, the Fc region of an IgG heavy chain can extend from the hinge region to the carboxyl-terminus of the heavy chain. The native Fc regions can be modified. Modification of the Fc regions are further described below. In some embodiments, a bispecific antibody provided herein can comprise paired Fc domains comprising paired different modifications that promote their association with each other, instead of forming homodimers.
[0059] Unless otherwise stated or contradicted by context, reference to amino acid positions in the constant regions is according to the EU-numbering (Edelman et al., PNAS. 1969; 63: 78-85, Kabat et al., Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, Fifth Edition. 1991 NIH Publication No. 91-3242) .
[0060] The term “variable region” refers to a portion of the light or heavy chains of an immunoglobulin that is generally located at the amino-terminal of the light or heavy chain and used in the binding and specificity of each particular antibody for its particular antigen. The variable region of a light chain is referred to as a “light chain variable region” or “VL region, ” which includes at least one, typically one, “light chain variable domain” or “VL. ” The variable region of a heavy chain is referred to as a “heavy chain variable region” or “VH region, ” which includes at least one, typically one, “heavy chain variable domain” or “VH. ” The variable domains differ extensively in sequence between different antibodies. A “pair of VL and VH” or “VH / VL pair” can associate with each other and form a binding site that specifically binds the target antigen or epitope.
[0061] The VH and VL regions can be further subdivided into regions of hypervariability (or hypervariable regions which may be hypervariable in sequence and / or form of structurally defined loops) , also termed complementarity determining regions (CDRs) , interspersed with regions that are more conserved, termed framework regions (FRs) . The variability in sequence is concentrated in the CDRs while the less variable portions in the variable domain are referred to as framework regions (FR) . The CDRs of the light and heavy chains are primarily responsible for the interaction of the antibody with antigen. Each VH and VL is typically 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 (see also Chothia and Lesk, J Mol Biol. 1987; 196: 901-17) .
[0062] A CDR refers to one of three hypervariable regions (H1, H2 or H3) within the non-framework region of the immunoglobulin (Ig or antibody) VH β-sheet framework, or one of three hypervariable regions (L1, L2 or L3) within the non-framework region of the antibody VL β-sheet framework. CDR regions are well known to those skilled in the art and have been defined by a variety of methods / systems. These systems and / or definitions include, for example, Kabat, Chothia, IMGT, AbM, and Contact. For example, Kabat defines the regions of most hypervariability within the antibody variable (V) domains (Kabat et al., J. Biol. Chem. 252: 6609-6616 (1977) ; Kabat, Adv. Prot. Chem. 32: 1-75 (1978) ) . Software programs (e.g., abYsis) are available and known to those of skill in the art for analysis of antibody sequence and determination of CDRs.
[0063] A CDR refers to one of three hypervariable regions (H1, H2 or H3) within the non-framework region of the immunoglobulin (Ig or antibody) VH β-sheet framework, or one of three hypervariable regions (L1, L2 or L3) within the non-framework region of the antibody VL β-sheet framework. Accordingly, CDRs are variable region sequences interspersed within the framework region sequences. CDR regions are well known to those skilled in the art and have been defined by a variety of methods / systems. These systems and / or definitions have been developed and refined over years and include Kabat, Chothia, IMGT, AbM, and Contact. For example, Kabat defines the regions of most hypervariability within the antibody variable (V) domains (Kabat et al, J. Biol. Chem. 252: 6609-6616 (1977) ; Kabat, Adv. Prot. Chem. 32: 1-75 (1978) ) . The Chothia definition is based on the location of the structural loop regions, which defines CDR region sequences as those residues that are not part of the conserved β-sheet framework, and thus are able to adapt different conformations (Chothia and Lesk, J. Mol. Biol. 196: 901-917 (1987) ) . Both terminologies are well recognized in the art. Additionally, the IMGT system is based on sequence variability and location within the structure of the variable regions. The AbM definition is a compromise between Kabat and Chothia. The Contact definition is based on analyses of the available antibody crystal structures. Software programs (e.g., abYsis) are available and known to those of skill in the art for analysis of antibody sequence and determination of CDRs. The positions of CDRs within a canonical antibody variable domain have been determined by comparison of numerous structures (Al-Lazikani et al, J. Mol. Biol. 273: 927-948 (1997) ; Morea et al, Methods 20: 267-279 (2000) ) . Because the number of residues within a hypervariable region varies in different antibodies, additional residues relative to the canonical positions are conventionally numbered with a, b, c and so forth next to the residue number in the canonical variable domain numbering scheme (Al-Lazikani et al., supra (1997) ) . Such nomenclature is similarly well known to those skilled in the art.
[0064] For example, CDRs defined according to either the Kabat (hypervariable) or Chothia (structural) designations, are set forth in the table below. 1Residue numbering follows the nomenclature of Kabat et al., supra2Residue numbering follows the nomenclature of Chothia et al., supra
[0065] A single chain Fv ( “scFv” ) polypeptide is a covalently linked VL / VH heterodimer which is usually expressed from a gene fusion including VL and VH-encoding genes linked by a peptide-encoding linker. The scFv fragment includes CDRs that are held in appropriate conformation, in particular by using gene recombination techniques. In some embodiments of scFvs, the N-terminus of VL is linked to the C-terminus of the VH via a linker. In some embodiments of scFvs, the N-terminus of VH is linked to the C-terminus of the VL via a linker.
[0066] As used herein and understood in the art, a “bispecific” antibody is an artificial hybrid antibody having two different antigen binding fragments. In some embodiments, the two different antigen binding fragments specifically bind two different target antigens. In some embodiments, the two different antigen binding fragments specifically bind two different epitopes on the same target antigen. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibodies provided herein comprise an antigen binding fragment that specifically binds to human CD98hc and an antigen binding fragment that that specifically binds to human N3pGlu Aβ. Bispecific antibodies can be formed from antibody fragments.
[0067] As used herein and understood in the art, an “internalizing” antibody or an “internalization” antibody refers to an antibody that, upon binding to its target antigen on the surface of a cell, is actively transported into the interior of the cell. This process, known as internalization, involves the antibody-antigen complex being engulfed by the cell membrane and then transported into the cell via endocytosis or other cellular uptake mechanisms. Internalizing antibodies are particularly useful in therapeutic and diagnostic applications because they can deliver attached therapeutic agents, such as drugs or toxins, directly into the target cells. This targeted delivery can enhance the efficacy and specificity of the treatment while minimizing off-target effects. In contrast, non-internalizing antibodies bind to their target antigens on the cell surface but do not undergo endocytosis. Non-internalizing therapeutic antibodies exert their therapeutic effects extracellularly. Non-internalizing antibodies can be used for a variety of purposes, such as blocking receptor-ligand interactions, recruiting immune cells to destroy the target cell via mechanisms like antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) or complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) , and neutralizing toxins or pathogens in the bloodstream.
[0068] The term “linker” as used herein refers to one or more amino acid residues inserted between domains (e.g., immunoglobulin domains) to provide sufficient mobility for the domains. A linker can be inserted at the transition between variable domains or between variable and constant domains, respectively, at the sequence level.
[0069] The term “humanized antibody” as used herein refers to forms of non-human (e.g., murine) antibodies that are specific immunoglobulin chains, chimeric immunoglobulins, or fragments thereof that contain minimal non-human sequences. Typically, humanized antibodies are human immunoglobulins. In some instances, the variable region residues of a human immunoglobulin are replaced with the corresponding residues in an antibody from a non-human species. In some instances, residues of the CDRs are replaced by residues from the CDRs of a non-human species (e.g., mouse, rat, hamster, camel) that have the desired specificity, affinity, and / or binding capability. The humanized antibody can be further modified by the substitution of additional residues either in the variable region and / or within the replaced non-human residues to refine and optimize antibody specificity, affinity, and / or binding capability.
[0070] The term “variant” as used herein in relation to a protein or a polypeptide with particular sequence features (the “reference protein” or “reference polypeptide” ) refers to a different protein or polypeptide having one or more (such as, for example, about 1 to about 25, about 1 to about 20, about 1 to about 15, about 1 to about 10, or about 1 to about 5) amino acid substitutions, deletions, and / or additions as compared to the reference protein or reference polypeptide. The changes to an amino acid sequence can be amino acid substitutions. The changes to an amino acid sequence can be conservative amino acid substitutions. A functional fragment or a functional variant of a protein or polypeptide maintains the basic structural and functional properties of the reference protein or polypeptide.
[0071] The term “specifically binds, ” as used herein, means that a polypeptide or molecule interacts more frequently, more rapidly, with greater duration, with greater affinity, or with some combination of the above to the epitope, protein, or target molecule than with alternative substances, including related and unrelated proteins. A binding moiety (e.g., antibody) that specifically binds a target molecule (e.g., antigen) can be identified, for example, by immunoassays, ELISAs, Bio-Layer Interferometry ( “BLI” ) , SPR (e.g., Biacore) , or other techniques known to those of skill in the art. Typically, a specific reaction will be at least twice background signal or noise and can be more than 10 times background. See, e.g., Paul, ed., 1989, FUNDAMENTAL IMMUNOLOGY SECOND EDITION, Raven Press, New York at pages 332-336 for a discussion regarding antibody specificity. A binding moiety that specifically binds a target molecule can bind the target molecule at a higher affinity than its affinity for a different molecule. In some embodiments, a binding moiety that specifically binds a target molecule can bind the target molecule with an affinity that is at least 20 times greater, at least 30 times greater, at least 40 times greater, at least 50 times greater, at least 60 times greater, at least 70 times greater, at least 80 times greater, at least 90 times greater, or at least 100 times greater, than its affinity for a different molecule. In some embodiments, a binding moiety that specifically binds a particular target molecule binds a different molecule at such a low affinity that binding cannot be detected using an assay described herein or otherwise known in the art. In some embodiments, “specifically binds” means, for instance, that a binding moiety binds a molecule target with a KD of about 0.1 mM or less. In some embodiments, “specifically binds” means that a polypeptide or molecule binds a target with a KD of at about 10 μM or less or about 1 μM or less. In some embodiments, “specifically binds” means that a polypeptide or molecule binds a target with a KD of at about 0.1 μM or less, about 0.01 μM or less, or about 1 nM or less. Because of the sequence identity between homologous proteins in different species, specific binding can include a polypeptide or molecule that recognizes a protein or target in more than one species. Likewise, because of homology within certain regions of polypeptide sequences of different proteins, specific binding can include a polypeptide or molecule that recognizes more than one protein or target. It is understood that, in some embodiments, a binding moiety (e.g., antibody) that specifically binds a first target may or may not specifically bind a second target. As such, “specific binding” does not necessarily require (although it can include) exclusive binding, i.e., binding to a single target. Thus, a binding moiety (e.g., antibody) can, in some embodiments, specifically bind more than one target. For example, an antibody can, in certain instances, comprise two identical antigen-binding sites, each of which specifically binds the same epitope on two or more proteins. In certain alternative embodiments, an antibody can be bispecific and comprise at least two antigen-binding sites with differing specificities.
[0072] The term “binding affinity” as used herein generally refers to the strength of the sum total of noncovalent interactions between a binding moiety and a target molecule (e.g., antigen) . The binding of a binding moiety and a target molecule is a reversible process, and the affinity of the binding is typically reported as an equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) . KD is the ratio of a dissociation rate (koff or kd) to the association rate (kon or ka) . The lower the KD of a binding pair, the higher the affinity. A variety of methods of measuring binding affinity are known in the art, any of which can be used for purposes of the present disclosure. Specific illustrative embodiments include the following. In some embodiments, the “KD” or “KD value” can be measured by assays known in the art, for example by a binding assay. The KD may be measured in a radiolabeled antigen binding assay (RIA) (Chen, et al., (1999) J. Mol Biol 293: 865-881) . The KD or KD value can also be measured by using biolayer interferometry (BLI) using, for example, the Gator system (Probe Life) , or the Octet-96 system (Sartorius AG) . The KD or KD value can also be measured by using surface plasmon resonance assays (SPR) by Biacore, using, for example, a BIAcoreTM-2000 or a BIAcoreTM-3000 BIAcore, Inc., Piscataway, NJ) .
[0073] The terms “identical, ” percent “identity, ” and their grammatical equivalents as used herein in the context of two or more polynucleotides or polypeptides, refer to two or more sequences or subsequences that are the same or have a specified percentage of nucleotides or amino acid residues that are the same, when compared and aligned (introducing gaps, if necessary) for maximum correspondence, not considering any conservative amino acid substitutions as part of the sequence identity. The percent identity can be measured using sequence comparison software or algorithms or by visual inspection. Various algorithms and software that can be used to obtain alignments of amino acid or nucleotide sequences are well-known in the art. These include, but are not limited to, BLAST, ALIGN, Megalign, BestFit, GCG Wisconsin Package, and variants thereof. In some embodiments, two polynucleotides or polypeptides provided herein are substantially identical, meaning they have at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, and in some embodiments at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%nucleotide or amino acid residue identity, when compared and aligned for maximum correspondence, as measured using a sequence comparison algorithm or by visual inspection. In some embodiments, identity exists over a region of the amino acid sequences that is at least about 10 residues, at least about 20 residues, at least about 40-60 residues, at least about 60-80 residues in length or any integral value there between. In some embodiments, identity exists over a longer region than 60-80 residues, such as at least about 80-100 residues, and in some embodiments the sequences are substantially identical over the full length of the sequences being compared, such as the coding region of a target protein or an antibody. In some embodiments, identity exists over a region of the nucleotide sequences that is at least about 10 bases, at least about 20 bases, at least about 40-60 bases, at least about 60-80 bases in length or any integral value there between. In some embodiments, identity exists over a longer region than 60-80 bases, such as at least about 80-1000 bases or more, and in some embodiments the sequences are substantially identical over the full length of the sequences being compared, such as a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein of interest.
[0074] As used herein, the term “conjugate” refers to a complex formed by the covalent or non-covalent attachment of two or more distinct molecules or moieties. In some embodiments, the conjugate is formed by at least one molecule or moiety that possesses the ability to cross the BBB (e.g., an anti-CD98hc antibody disclosed herein) and another molecule or moiety (e.g., a drug, toxin, or imaging agent) that serves as an effector with therapeutic or diagnostic properties. This conjugation enables the combined entity to leverage the properties of each individual component to achieve a desired function, such as targeted delivery of a drug or imaging agent to the brain. In some embodiments, the two moieties are “linked” together, i.e., connected by covalent bond, such as peptide bond.
[0075] As used herein, the term “effector moiety” refers to the functional component of a conjugate molecule that is responsible for exerting the desired effect, such as the therapeutic or diagnostic effect. In some embodiments, the effector moiety can be a drug, toxin, enzyme, imaging agent, or other bioactive molecule that, when delivered to a specific target site within the body, performs its intended biological activity. The effector moiety can be therapeutic (e.g., chemotherapy drugs, neuroprotective agents) or diagnostic (e.g., contrast agents for imaging) .
[0076] A polypeptide, peptide, protein, antibody, polynucleotide, vector, cell, or composition which is “isolated” is a polypeptide, peptide, protein, antibody, polynucleotide, vector, cell, or composition which is in a form not found in nature. Isolated polypeptides, peptides, proteins, antibodies, polynucleotides, vectors, cells, or compositions include those which have been purified to a degree that they are no longer in a form in which they are found in nature. In some embodiments, a polypeptide, peptide, protein, antibody, polynucleotide, vector, cell, or composition which is isolated is substantially pure. In some embodiments, a material is “substantially pure” means that the material is at least 50%pure (i.e., free from contaminants) , at least 90%pure, at least 95%pure, at least 98%pure, or at least 99%pure.
[0077] The term “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” or “pharmaceutically acceptable excipient” refers to a material that is suitable for drug administration to an individual along with an active agent without causing undesirable biological effects or interacting in a deleterious manner with any of the other components of the pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein can comprise one or more of a buffer system, a preservative, a tonicity agent, a chelating agent, a stabilizer and / or a surfactant, as well as various combinations thereof. The use of preservatives, isotonic agents, chelating agents, stabilizers and surfactants in pharmaceutical compositions is well-known to the skilled person. Reference may be made to REMINGTON: THE SCIENCE AND PRACTICE OF PHARMACY, 19th edition, 1995.
[0078] The term “treat” and its grammatical equivalents as used herein in connection with a disease or a condition, or a subject having a disease or a condition refer to an action that suppresses, eliminates, reduces, and / or ameliorates a symptom, the severity of the symptom, and / or the frequency of the symptom associated with the disease or disorder being treated.
[0079] The term “administer” and its grammatical equivalents as used herein refer to the act of delivering, or causing to be delivered, a therapeutic or a pharmaceutical composition to the body of a subject by a method described herein or otherwise known in the art. The therapeutic can be a compound, a polypeptide, an antibody, a cell, or a population of cells. Administering a therapeutic or a pharmaceutical composition includes prescribing a therapeutic or a pharmaceutical composition to be delivered into the body of a subject. Exemplary forms of administration include oral dosage forms, such as tablets, capsules, syrups, suspensions; injectable dosage forms, such as intravenous (IV) , intramuscular (IM) , or intraperitoneal (IP) ; transdermal dosage forms, including creams, jellies, powders, or patches; buccal dosage forms; inhalation powders, sprays, suspensions, and rectal suppositories.
[0080] The terms “effective amount, ” “therapeutically effective amount, ” and their grammatical equivalents as used herein refer to the administration of an agent to a subject, either alone or as a part of a pharmaceutical composition and either in a single dose or as part of a series of doses, in an amount that is capable of having any detectable, positive effect on any symptom, aspect, or characteristics of a disease, disorder or condition when administered to the subject. The therapeutically effective amount can be ascertained by measuring relevant physiological effects. The exact amount required varies from subject to subject, depending on the age, weight, and general condition of the subject, the severity of the condition being treated, the judgment of the clinician, and the like. An appropriate “effective amount” in any individual case can be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art using routine experimentation.
[0081] The term “subject” as used herein refers to any animal (e.g., a mammal) , including, but not limited to, humans, non-human primates, canines, felines, rodents, and the like, which is to be the recipient of a particular agent (e.g., therapeutic agent or diagnostic agent) . A subject can be a human. A subject can have a particular disease or condition. A subject can be at risk of having a particular disease or condition.
[0082] Ranges: throughout this disclosure, various aspects of the invention can be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 2.7, 3, 4, 5, 5.3, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.
[0083] Exemplary genes and polypeptides are described herein with reference to GenBank numbers, GI numbers and / or SEQ ID NOS. It is understood that one skilled in the art can readily identify homologous sequences by reference to sequence sources, including but not limited to Uniprot (https: / / www. uniprot. org / ) , GenBank (ncbi. nlm. nih. gov / genbank / ) and EMBL (embl. org / ) .
[0084] The EU numbering is followed for numbering the amino acid residues in antibody sequences, specially in the variable regions of the immunoglobulins. Kabat et al. (1991) . SEQUENCES OF PROTEINS OF IMMUNOLOGICAL INTEREST (5TH ED. ) . U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health. 5.2 Bispecific antibodies targeting CD98hc and Aβ
[0085] In some embodiments, provided herein are bispecific antibodies that specifically bind to Aβand CD98hc. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibodies are chimeric antibodies. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibodies are humanized antibodies. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibodies are human antibodies. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibodies are monoclonal antibodies. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibodies provided herein are isolated. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibodies provided herein are substantially pure.
[0086] In some embodiments, the bispecific antibodies comprise a first antigen-binding fragment that specifically binds to Aβ, and a second antigen-binding fragment that specifically binds to CD98hc. In some embodiments, the first antigen-binding fragment comprises a VH1 / VL1 pair that specifically targets Aβ and the second antigen-binding fragment comprises a VH2 / VL2 pair that specifically targets CD98hc. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibodies comprise the VH1 / VL1 CDRs of the anti-Aβ antibody donanemab, lecanemab, aducanumab, or gatenuerumab, and the VH2 / VL2 CDRs of the anti-human CD98hc antibody SIR-BP-H005. Expressly contemplated herein are also bispecific antibodies having other anti-Aβ antibodies known in the art, and / or variants of SIR-BP-H005.
[0087] Table 1: Sequences for exemplary anti-Aβ antibodies
[0088] In some embodiments, the bispecific antibodies comprise a VH1 / VL1 pair that specifically targets Aβ, wherein the VH1 has VH1 CDR1, VH1 CDR2, and VH1 CDR3 from a VH having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 63, 21, 23, or 25, and the VL1 has VL1 CDR1, VL1 CDR2, and VL1 CDR3 from a VL having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 64, 22, 24, or 26; or a variant thereof having up to about 3, about 5, about 8, about 10, about 12, or about 15 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VH CDRs and / or VL CDRs. The specific CDR sequences defined herein are generally based on Kabat definition. However, it is understood that a general reference to a heavy chain CDR or CDRs and / or a light chain CDR or CDRs of a specific antibody encompasses all CDR definitions as known to those of skill in the art. The CDRs can be defined by any system known in the art. In some embodiments, the CDRs are defined by Kabat, Chothia, IMGT, AbM, or Contact. In some embodiments, the CDRs are defined by Kabat (as detailed herein) . In some embodiments, the CDRs are defined by Chothia. In some embodiments, the CDRs are defined by IMGT. In some embodiments, the CDRs are defined by AbM. In some embodiments, the CDRs are defined by Contact.
[0089] In some embodiments, the bispecific antibodies comprise a VH1 / VL1 pair that specifically targets Aβ, wherein the VH1 comprises VH1 CDR1, VH1 CDR2, and VH1 CDR3 from a VH having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 63, and the VL1 comprises VL1 CDR1, VL1 CDR2, and VL1 CDR3 from a VL having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 64; or a variant thereof having up to about 3, about 5, about 8, about 10, about 12, or about 15 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VH CDRs and / or VL CDRs. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibodies comprise a VH1 / VL1 pair that specifically targets Aβ, wherein the VH1 has VH1 CDR1, VH1 CDR2, and VH1 CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 65, 66 and 67, respectively, and the VL1 has VL1 CDR1, VL1 CDR2, and VL1 CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 68, 69, and 70 respectively; or a variant thereof having up to about 3, about 5, about 8, about 10, about 12, or about 15 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VH CDRs and / or VL CDRs. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibodies comprise a VH1 / VL1 pair that specifically targets Aβ, comprising: (a) a VH1 having at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, 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%, at least 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 63; and (b) a VL1 having at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, 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%, at least 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 64. In some embodiments, the VH1 and VL1 have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 63 and 64, respectively.
[0090] In some embodiments, the bispecific antibodies comprise a VH1 / VL1 pair that specifically targets Aβ, wherein the VH1 comprises VH1 CDR1, VH1 CDR2, and VH1 CDR3 from a VH having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21, and the VL1 comprises VL1 CDR1, VL1 CDR2, and VL1 CDR3 from a VL having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22; or a variant thereof having up to about 3, about 5, about 8, about 10, about 12, or about 15 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VH CDRs and / or VL CDRs. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibodies comprise a VH1 / VL1 pair that specifically targets Aβ, wherein the VH1 has VH1 CDR1, VH1 CDR2, and VH1 CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 15, 16 and 17, respectively, and the VL1 has VL1 CDR1, VL1 CDR2, and VL1 CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 18, 19, and 20 respectively; or a variant thereof having up to about 3, about 5, about 8, about 10, about 12, or about 15 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VH CDRs and / or VL CDRs. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibodies comprise a VH1 / VL1 pair that specifically targets Aβ, comprising: (a) a VH1 having at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, 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%, at least 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21; and (b) a VL1 having at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, 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%, at least 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22. In some embodiments, the VH1 and VL1 have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 21 and 22, respectively.
[0091] In some embodiments, the bispecific antibodies comprise a VH1 / VL1 pair that specifically targets Aβ, wherein the VH1 comprises VH1 CDR1, VH1 CDR2, and VH1 CDR3 from a VH having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23, and the VL1 comprises VL1 CDR1, VL1 CDR2, and VL1 CDR3 from a VL having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24; or a variant thereof having up to about 3, about 5, about 8, about 10, about 12, or about 15 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VH CDRs and / or VL CDRs. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibodies comprise a VH1 / VL1 pair that specifically targets Aβ, wherein the VH1 has VH1 CDR1, VH1 CDR2, and VH1 CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 27, 28 and 29, respectively, and the VL1 has VL1 CDR1, VL1 CDR2, and VL1 CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 30, 31, and 32 respectively; or a variant thereof having up to about 3, about 5, about 8, about 10, about 12, or about 15 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VH CDRs and / or VL CDRs. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibodies comprise a VH1 / VL1 pair that specifically targets Aβ, comprising: (a) a VH1 having at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, 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%, at least 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23; and (b) a VL1 having at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, 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%, at least 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24. In some embodiments, the VH1 and VL1 have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 23 and 24, respectively.
[0092] In some embodiments, the bispecific antibodies comprise a VH1 / VL1 pair that specifically targets Aβ, wherein the VH1 comprises VH1 CDR1, VH1 CDR2, and VH1 CDR3 from a VH having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25, and the VL1 comprises VL1 CDR1, VL1 CDR2, and VL1 CDR3 from a VL having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 26; or a variant thereof having up to about 3, about 5, about 8, about 10, about 12, or about 15 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VH CDRs and / or VL CDRs. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibodies comprise a VH1 / VL1 pair that specifically targets Aβ, wherein the VH1 has VH1 CDR1, VH1 CDR2, and VH1 CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 33, 34 and 35, respectively, and the VL1 has VL1 CDR1, VL1 CDR2, and VL1 CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 36, 37, and 38 respectively; or a variant thereof having up to about 3, about 5, about 8, about 10, about 12, or about 15 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VH CDRs and / or VL CDRs. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibodies comprise a VH1 / VL1 pair that specifically targets Aβ, comprising: (a) a VH1 having at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, 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%, at least 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25; and (b) a VL1 having at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, 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%, at least 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 26. In some embodiments, the VH1 and VL1 have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 25 and 26, respectively.
[0093] In some embodiments, the bispecific antibodies comprise a VH2 / VL2 pair that specifically targets CD98hc, wherein the VH2 / VL2 pair derived from the antibody designated as SIR-BP-H005. The sequence features are described below. In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the VH2 / VL2 pair has the VH2 CDRs and / or VL2 CDRs of antibody clone SIR-BP-H005 disclosed herein, wherein the CDRs are defined by Kabat, Chothia, IMGT, AbM, or Contact. In some embodiments, the CDRs are defined by Kabat (as exemplified in detail below) . In some embodiments, the CDRs are defined by Chothia. In some embodiments, the CDRs are defined by IMGT. In some embodiments, the CDRs are defined by AbM. In some embodiments, the CDRs are defined by Contact.
[0094] In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies disclosed herein, the VH2 / VL2 pair comprises a VH2 from SIR-BP-H005 (SEQ ID NO: 1) . In some embodiments, the VH2 / VL2 pair comprises a VL2 from SIR-BP-H005 (SEQ ID NO: 2) . In some embodiments, the VH2 / VL2 pair comprises both the VH2 and the VL2 from SIR-BP-H005. In some embodiments, the VH2 / VL2 pair comprises a VH2 that comprises VH2 CDRs 1, 2, and 3 from the VH from SIR-BP-H005 (SEQ ID NO:1) . In some embodiments, the VH2 / VL2 pair comprises a VL2 that comprises VL2 CDRs 1, 2, and 3 from the VL from SIR-BP-H005 (SEQ ID NO: 2) . In some embodiments, the VH2 / VL2 pair comprises a VH2 comprising VH2 CDRs 1, 2, and 3 and a VL2 comprising VL2 CDRs 1, 2, and 3 from the VH and VL of SIR-BP-H005, respectively. In some embodiments, the VH2 comprises VH2 CDR1, VH2 CDR2, and VH2 CDR3 from a VH having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1; or a variant thereof having up to about 5 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VH CDRs; and the VL2 comprises VL2 CDR1, VL2 CDR2, and VL2 CDR3 from a VL having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; or a variant thereof having up to about 5 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VL CDRs. The CDRs can be defined by any system known in the art. In some embodiments, the CDRs are defined by Kabat, Chothia, IMGT, AbM, or Contact. In some embodiments, the CDRs are defined by Kabat (as detailed herein) . In some embodiments, the CDRs are defined by Chothia. In some embodiments, the CDRs are defined by IMGT. In some embodiments, the CDRs are defined by AbM. In some embodiments, the CDRs are defined by Contact. In some embodiments, the VH2 comprises VH2 CDR1, VH2 CDR2, and VH2 CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 3, 4, and 5, respectively; or a variant thereof having up to about 5 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VH CDRs; and the VL2 comprises VL2 CDR1, VL2 CDR2, and VL2 CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 6, 7, and 8, respectively; or a variant thereof having up to about 5 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VL CDRs.
[0095] In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies disclosed herein, the VH2 / VL2 pair comprises a VH2 and a VL2 that are variants of the VH and VL from SIR-BP-H005. In some embodiments, the VH2 / VL2 pair can have a VH2 that is a variant of the VH of SIR-BP-H005 having up to about 3, about 5, about 8, about 10, about 12, or about 15 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in SEQ ID NO: 1. The VH2 / VL2 pair can have a VH2 that is a variant of the VH of SIR-BP-H005 having up to about 5 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in SEQ ID NO:1. The VH2 / VL2 pair can have a VH2 that is a variant of the VH of SIR-BP-H005 having up to about 3 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in SEQ ID NO: 1. The VH2 / VL2 pair can have a VL2 that is a variant of the VL of SIR-BP-H005 having up to about 3, about 5, about 8, about 10, about 12, or about 15 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in SEQ ID NO:2. The VH2 / VL2 pair can have a VL2 that is a variant of the VL of SIR-BP-H005 having up to about 5 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in SEQ ID NO: 2. The VH2 / VL2 pair can have a VL2 that is a variant of the VL of SIR-BP-H005 having up to about 3 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in SEQ ID NO: 2. The amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions can be in the VH CDRs or VL CDRs. In some embodiments, the amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions are not in the CDRs. In some embodiments, the VH2 / VL2 pair has up to about 5 conservative amino acid substitutions. In some embodiments, the VH2 / VL2 pair has up to about 3 conservative amino acid substitutions. In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the VH2 / VL2 pair is a humanized antigen-binding fragment derived from SIR-BP-H005. In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the VH2 / VL2 pair is a human antigen-binding fragment derived from SIR-BP-H005.
[0096] In some embodiments, wherein the VH2 comprises VH2 CDR1, VH2 CDR2, and VH2 CDR3 from a VH having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 9; or a variant thereof having up to about 5 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VH CDRs; and the VL2 comprises VL2 CDR1, VL2 CDR2, and VL2 CDR3 from a VL having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10; or a variant thereof having up to about 5 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VL CDRs. In some embodiments, the VH2 comprises VH2 CDR1, VH2 CDR2, and VH2 CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 3, 13, and 5, respectively; or a variant thereof having up to about 5 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VH CDRs; and the VL2 comprises VL2 CDR1, VL2 CDR2, and VL2 CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 6, 7, and 8, respectively; or a variant thereof having up to about 5 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VL CDRs.
[0097] In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the VH2 / VL2 pair provided herein comprise one, two, three, four, five, and / or six CDRs of any one of the antibodies described herein. In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the VH2 / VL2 pair provided herein comprises a VH2 comprising one, two, and / or three VH CDRs from Table 2a. In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the VH2 / VL2 pair provided herein comprises a VL2 comprising one, two, and / or three VL CDRs from Table 2a. In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the VH2 / VL2 pair provided herein comprises one, two, and / or three VH CDRs and one, two, and / or three VL CDRs from Table 2a.
[0098] Table 2a Amino acid sequences of VH CDRs and VL CDRs of SIR-BP-H005 targeting CD98hc
[0099] In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the VH2 / VL2 pair that specifically binds CD98hc, comprises a VH2 comprising (1) a VH2 CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3; (2) a VH2 CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4; and / or (3) a VH2 CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5; or a variant thereof having up to about 3, about 5, about 8, about 10, about 12, or about 15 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VH CDRs; and / or a VL2 comprising (1) a VL2 CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6; (2) a VL2 CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:7; and / or (3) a VL2 CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8; or a variant thereof having up to about 3, about 5, about 8, about 10, about 12, or about 15 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VL CDRs. In some embodiments, the variant has up to about 5 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VH CDRs. In some embodiments, the variant has up to about 3 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VH CDRs. In some embodiments, the variant has up to about 5 conservative amino acid substitutions in the VH CDRs. In some embodiments, the variant has up to about 3 conservative amino acid substitutions in the VH CDRs. In some embodiments, the variant has up to about 5 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VL CDRs. In some embodiments, the variant has up to about 3 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VL CDRs. In some embodiments, the variant has up to about 5 conservative amino acid substitutions in the VL CDRs. In some embodiments, the variant has up to about 3 conservative amino acid substitutions in the VL CDRs.
[0100] In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the VH2 / VL2 pair that specifically binds CD98hc comprises a VH2 comprising (1) a VH2 CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3; (2) a VH2 CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4; and / or (3) a VH2 CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5; or a variant thereof having up to about 3, about 5, about 8, about 10, about 12, or about 15 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VH CDRs. In some embodiments, the variant has up to about 5 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VH CDRs. In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the VH2 / VL2 pair that specifically binds CD98hc has a VH2, wherein the VH2 comprises VH2 CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 3, 4, and 5, respectively; or a variant thereof having up to about 3, about 5, about 8, about 10, about 12, or about 15 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VH CDRs. In some embodiments, the variant has up to about 5 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VH CDRs. In some embodiments, the variant has up to about 3 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VH CDRs. In some embodiments, the variant has up to about 5 conservative amino acid substitutions in the VH CDRs. In some embodiments, the variant has up to about 3 conservative amino acid substitutions in the VH CDRs.
[0101] In some embodiments, the VH2 CDR2 can have the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4 with a substitution at G8 (which corresponds to G57 in the VH) . In some embodiments, the VH2 CDR2 can have the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4 with a substitution of G8A. In some embodiments, the VH2 CDR2 has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13.
[0102] In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the VH2 / VL2 pair that specifically binds CD98hc, comprises a VL2 comprising (1) a VL2 CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6; (2) a VL2 CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7; and / or (3) a VL2 CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8; or a variant thereof having up to about 3, about 5, about 8, about 10, about 12, or about 15 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VL CDRs. In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the VH2 / VL2 pair that specifically binds CD98hc has a VL2, wherein the VL2 comprises VL2 CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 6, 7, and 8, respectively; or a variant thereof having up to about 3, about 5, about 8, about 10, about 12, or about 15 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VL CDRs. In some embodiments, the variant has up to about 5 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VL CDRs. In some embodiments, the variant has up to about 3 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VL CDRs. In some embodiments, the variant has up to about 5 conservative amino acid substitutions in the VL CDRs. In some embodiments, the variant has up to about 3 conservative amino acid substitutions in the VL CDRs.
[0103] In some embodiments, the VH2 comprises VH2 CDR1, VH2 CDR2, and VH2 CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 3, 4, and 5, respectively; or a variant thereof having up to about 5 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VH CDRs; and the VL2 comprises VL2 CDR1, VL2 CDR2, and VL2 CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 6, 7, and 8, respectively; or a variant thereof having up to about 5 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VL CDRs.
[0104] In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the VH2 / VL2 pair that specifically binds CD98hc comprises VH2 CDR1, VH2 CDR2, VH2 CDR3, VL2 CDR1, VL2 CDR2 and VL2 CDR3, having the amino acid sequences of (1) SEQ ID NOs: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, respectively, or (2) SEQ ID NOs: 3, 13, 5, 6, 7, and 8, respectively, or a variant thereof having up to about 3, about 5, about 8, about 10, about 12, or about 15 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the CDRs. In some embodiments, the variant has up to about 5 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the CDRs. In some embodiments, the variant has up to about 3 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the CDRs. In some embodiments, the variant has up to about 5 conservative amino acid substitutions in the CDRs. In some embodiments, the variant has up to about 3 conservative amino acid substitutions in the CDRs.
[0105] Table 2b Amino acid sequences of VH and VL of SIR-BP-H005 and the humanized VH and VL of SIR-BP-H005 targeting CD98hc
[0106] In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the VH2 / VL2 pair that specifically binds CD98hc comprises VH2 and / or VL2 from SIR-BP-H005. In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the VH2 / VL2 that specifically binds CD98hc comprises: (a) a VH2 having at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, 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%, at least 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1; and (b) a VL2 having at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, 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%, at least 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2. In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the VH2 / VL2 pair that specifically binds CD98hc comprising a VH2 and a VL2, wherein the VH2 and VL2 have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2, respectively.
[0107] In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the VH2 / VL2 pair that specifically binds CD98hc comprises a VH2, wherein the VH2 has at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, 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%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1. In some embodiments, the VH2 has at least 85%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1. In some embodiments, the VH2 has at least 90%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1. In some embodiments, the VH2 has at least 95%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1. In some embodiments, the VH2 has at least 98%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1. In some embodiments, the VH2 has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1.
[0108] In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the VH2 / VL2 pair that specifically binds CD98hc comprises a VL2, wherein the VL2 has at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, 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%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2. In some embodiments, the VL2 has at least 85%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2. In some embodiments, the VL2 has at least 90%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2. In some embodiments, the VL2 has at least 95%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2. In some embodiments, the VL2 has at least 98%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2. In some embodiments, the VL2 has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2.
[0109] In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the VH2 / VL2 pair that specifically binds CD98hc comprises VH2 and / or VL2 from humanized SIR-BP-H005. In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the VH2 / VL2 pair that specifically binds CD98hc comprises: (a) a VH2 having at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, 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%, at least 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 9; and / or (b) a VL2 having at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, 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%, at least 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 10.
[0110] In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the VH2 / VL2 pair that specifically binds CD98hc comprises a VH2, wherein the VH2 has at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, 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%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 9. In some embodiments, the VH2 has at least 85%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:9. In some embodiments, the VH2 has at least 90%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 9. In some embodiments, the VH2 has at least 95%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 9. In some embodiments, the VH2 has at least 98%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 9. In some embodiments, the VH2 has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 9.
[0111] In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the VH2 / VL2 pair that specifically binds CD98hc comprises a VL2, wherein the VL2 has at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, 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%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 10. In some embodiments, the VL2 has at least 85%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:10. In some embodiments, the VL2 has at least 90%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 10. In some embodiments, the VL2 has at least 95%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 10. In some embodiments, the VL2 has at least 98%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 10. In some embodiments, the VL2 has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10.
[0112] In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the VH2 / VL2 pair that specifically binds CD98hc comprises VH2 CDRs from a VH described herein (SEQ ID NO: 1 or 9) , and / or VL2 CDRs from a VL described herein (SEQ ID NO: 2 or 10) . Methods to identify CDRs are well known in the art. For example, software programs (abYsis) on publicly available websites are known to those of skill in the art for analysis of antibody sequence and determination of CDRs.
[0113] In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the VH2 / VL2 pair that specifically binds CD98hc comprises (a) a VH2 comprising VH2 CDRs 1, 2, and 3 from a VH having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 9; and / or (b) a VL2 comprising VL2 CDRs 1, 2, and 3 from a VL having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10.
[0114] In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the VH2 / VL2 pair that specifically binds CD98hc comprises a VH2 and a VL2 that are variants of a humanized SIR-BP-H005 provided herein. The VH2 / VL2 pair can have a VH2 that is a variant of the VH of a humanized SIR-BP-H005 having up to about 3, about 5, about 8, about 10, about 12, or about 15 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 9. The VH2 / VL2 pair can have a VH2 that is a variant of the VH of a humanized SIR-BP-H005 having up to about 5 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 9. The VH2 / VL2 pair can have a VL2 that is a variant of the VL of a humanized SIR-BP-H005 having up to about 3, about 5, about 8, about 10, about 12, or about 15 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10. The VH2 / VL2 pair can have a VL2 that is a variant of the VL of a humanized SIR-BP-H005 having up to about 5 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10. In some embodiments, the variant of a humanized SIR-BP-H005 has up to about 5 conservative amino acid substitutions.
[0115] In some embodiments, the VH2 / VL2 pair can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2, respectively; or humanized versions thereof. In some embodiments, the VH2 / VL2 pair can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 9 and 10, respectively.
[0116] In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the VH2 / VL2 pair that specifically binds CD98hc can comprise a combination of any VH2 disclosed herein and any VL2 disclosed herein. In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the VH2 / VL2 pair that specifically binds CD98hc is an scFv. In some embodiments, the VH2 and VL2 are connected by a linker. In some embodiments, the VH2 / VL2 scFv provided herein comprises (1) from N terminus to C terminus, the VH2, a linker, and the VL2; or (2) from N terminus to C terminus, the VL2, a linker, and the VH2. The linker can be a flexible linker or a rigid linker. In some embodiments, the linker is a GS linker (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 71, 72, or 73) . In some embodiments, the linker has the amino acid sequence of (G4S) 3 (SEQ ID NO: 73) . In some embodiments, the linker has the amino acid sequence of GTEGKSSGSGSESKST (SEQ ID NO: 74) .
[0117] Table 2c Amino acid sequence of humanized SIR-BP-H005 scFv targeting CD98hc
[0118] In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, the VH2 / VL2 pair that specifically binds CD98hc is an scFv, comprising any VH2 disclosed herein and any VL2 disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the VH2 / VL2 scFv comprises (1) a VH2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 9, and / or (2) a VL2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 or 10. In some embodiments, the VH2 / VL2 scFv comprises a VH2 and a VL2 having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2, respectively. In some embodiments, the VH2 / VL2 scFv comprises a VH2 and a VL2 having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 9 and 10, respectively.
[0119] In some embodiments, provided herein are VH2 / VL2 scFv having at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, 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%, at least 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11. In some embodiments, the VH2 / VL2 scFv has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11.
[0120] In some embodiments, the VH2 / VL2 scFv provided herein is a variant of the SIR-BP-H005 scFv provided herein. In some embodiments, the VH2 / VL2 scFv provided herein is a variant of SIR-BP-H005 HZ09. The variant can have up to about 3, about 5, about 8, about 10, about 12, or about 15 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11. The variant can have up to about 5 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11. In some embodiments, the variant can have up to about 5 conservative amino acid substitutions in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11.
[0121] The anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies disclosed herein can be in any format known in the art. In some embodiments, the anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies provided herein can be IgG-like bispecific antibodies. These antibodies have been engineered to promote heterologous Fc matching and include several platforms, including (1) Knobs-into-Holes, which involves modifying the CH3 region of one antibody chain to form a “knob” and the other to form a “hole, ” promoting efficient heterodimerization; (2) SEED, which alternates sequences from IgA and IgG to create complementary domains, enhancing heterodimer formation; (3) DEKK, which uses mutations to form salt bridges, stabilizing the interaction between the heavy chains; (4) ART-Ig, which promotes recombination by introducing different charges in the Fc region; (5) Orthogonal Fab, which introduces mutations to generate an orthogonal interface, allowing correct assembly of different Fab domains; (6) DuoBody, which utilizes controlled Fab-arm exchange (cFAE) technology; (7) DVD-Ig and FIT-Ig, which feature symmetrical structures with four antigen-binding sites, allowing simultaneous targeting of two different antigens; (8) two-in-one platform or dual action fab (DAF) , which uses phage display technology to optimize the original antibody with changes to residues in VL CDRs to specifically bind to the second target while retaining the ability to bind to the first target; (9) CrossMab and Wuxibody, which are both used for resolving the BsAb light chain mismatch. In some embodiments, the anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies provided herein can be non-IgG-like bispecific antibodies. These formats lack the Fc segment, making them easier to produce with lower immunogenicity, including (1) Bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs) , which use linkers to connect two scFvs, redirecting T cells to cancer cells; (2) Dual-affinity retargeting molecules (DARTs) , which involve linking VH and VL sequences with interchain disulfide bonds; (3) TandAbs, which are tetravalent antibodies having two binding sites for each of the two antigens; (4) Bi-Nanobody, which onnects the VH regions of two or more antibodies, creating stable and permeable molecules. Ma et al. (2021) . Front Immunol. 12: 626616.
[0122] In some embodiments, bispecific antibodies provided herein can be in IgG-scFv format. Specifically, bispecific antibodies provided herein can comprise an IgG that specifically binds to a Aβ, and an anti-CD98 antibody scFv disclosed herein. The anti-CD98hc scFv can comprise any VH / VL pair disclosed herein. In some embodiments, one anti-CD98hc scFv is linked to the C-terminus of one of the two heavy chains of the anti-Aβ IgG (2+1 format) . In some embodiments, two anti-CD98hc scFvs are linked to the C-terminus of both heavy chains of the anti-Aβ IgG (2+2 format) . The two CD98hc scFvs can have the same sequence or different sequences. In some embodiments, the anti-CD98hc scFv is linked to the IgG via a peptide linker. The linker can be, for example, 1 to 20 amino acids in length. The linker can comprise the amino acid sequence (GGGS) n, n=1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 (SEQ ID NO: 71) . The linker can comprise the amino acid sequence (GGGGS) n, n=1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 (SEQ ID NO: 72) . The linker can comprise the amino acid sequence (GGGGS) 3 (SEQ ID NO: 73) . The linker can comprise the amino acid sequence GTEGKSSGSGSESKST (SEQ ID NO: 74) . The linker can comprise the amino acid sequence GGAGGA (SEQ ID NO: 75) . A person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the bispecific antibodies disclosed herein are not limited by the specific linkers exemplified herein. Any peptide linker with the appropriate length and flexibility that allows both the IgG and the scFv to properly bind their targets can be used.
[0123] Provided herein are bispecific antibodies for CD98hc and Aβ, comprising (1) a first peptide chain (HC1) comprising, from N-terminus to C-terminus, VH1 and a first CH region, and a scFv comprising VH2 and VL2; (2) a second peptide chain (HC2) comprising, from N-terminus to C-terminus, VH1 and a second CH region; and (3) a third peptide chain (LC) comprising, from N-terminus to C-terminus, VL1 and a CL region.
[0124] The VH1 / VL1 can be any anti-Aβ disclosed herein or otherwise known in the art. In some embodiments, the VH1 and VL1 have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 63 and 64, respectively. In some embodiments, the VH1 and VL1 have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 23 and 24, respectively. In some embodiments, the VH1 and VL1 have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 25 and 26, respectively. In some embodiments, the VH1 and VL1 have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 21 and 22, respectively. In some embodiments, the scFv comprises VH2 and VL2, wherein the VH2 / VL2 pair can be any VH / VL pair that specifically targets CD98hc disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the scFv comprises VH2 and VL2 having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2, respectively; or humanized versions thereof. In some embodiments, the VH2 and VL2 have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 9 and 10, respectively.
[0125] In some embodiments of the anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies disclosed herein, the anti-CD98hc scFv has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11. In some embodiments, the anti-CD98hc scFv has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11.
[0126] The amino acid sequences of the CL region and the CH region of the bispecific antibodies disclosed herein can be derived from any appropriate source, e.g., a constant region of an antibody such as an IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4. In some embodiments, the constant regions of the bispecific antibodies provided herein are derived from human IgG. In some embodiments, the constant regions of the bispecific antibodies provided herein are derived from human IgG1. In some embodiments, the constant regions of the bispecific antibodies provided herein are derived from human IgG2. In some embodiments, the constant regions of the bispecific antibodies provided herein are derived from human IgG3. In some embodiments, the constant regions of the bispecific antibodies provided herein are derived from human IgG4. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequences of the CL region and the CH regions of the bispecific antibodies disclosed herein can comprise one or more amino acid substitutions, additions, or deletions that differ from the wildtype immunoglobulin, e.g., one or more amino acid substitutions in a wild type IgG1 or IgG4. Such mutations are known in the art (see, e.g., US7704497, US7083784, US6821505, US 8323962, US6737056, and US7416727) .
[0127] The bispecific antibodies provided herein comprise a first CH region, a second CH region, and a CL region. In some embodiments, the CL region is Cκ (SEQ ID NO: 78) or Cλ (SEQ ID NO:79) , or a variant thereof having up to ten amino acids substitutions, additions, and / or deletions. In some embodiments, the VL region is Cκ (SEQ ID NO: 78) . In some embodiments, the VL region is Cλ (SEQ ID NO: 79) .
[0128] The bispecific antibodies provided herein comprise a first CH region and a second CH region, which can be human IgG1 CH region (SEQ ID NO: 80) , human IgG2 CH region (SEQ ID NO:81) , human IgG3 CH region (SEQ ID NO: 82) , or human IgG4 CH region (SEQ ID NO: 83) , or a variant thereof having up to ten amino acids substitutions, additions, and / or deletions. In some embodiments, the first CH region and / or the second CH region are human IgG1 CH regions (SEQ ID NO:80) . In some embodiments, the first CH region and / or the second CH region are human IgG2 CH regions (SEQ ID NO: 81) . In some embodiments, the first CH region and / or the second CH region are human IgG3 CH regions (SEQ ID NO: 82) . In some embodiments, the first CH region and / or the second CH region are human IgG4 CH regions (SEQ ID NO: 83) .
[0129] In some embodiments, the first and second CH regions of the bispecific antibodies provided herein are human IgG1 CH regions having up to three, up to five, up to eight, up to ten, and up to twenty amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions.
[0130] Table 3: Exemplary human IgG constant regions / domains and variants
[0131] In some embodiments, the first and second CH regions of the bispecific antibodies provided herein are human IgG1 CH regions with mutations to reduce the effector function. In some embodiments, the modification can be aglycosylation (N297A / Q / G; or “NA” ) , L235A / G237A / E318A ( “AAA” ) , L234A / L235A ( “LALA” ) , L234A / L235A / D266S ( “AAS” ) , S228P / L235E ( “IgG4 PE” ) , G236R / L328R ( “RR” ) , S298G / T299A ( “GA” ) , L234F / L235E / P331S (“FES” ) , H268Q / V309L / A330S / P331S ( “IgG2m4” ) , E233P / L234V / L235A / deletion of G236 / S267K, L234A / L235A / P329G ( “LALAPG” ) , V234A / G237A / P238S / H268A / V309L / A330S / P331S ( “IgG2c4d” ) , and L234F / L235E / D265A ( “FEA” ) . In some embodiments, the first and second CH regions of the bispecific antibodies provided herein are human IgG1 CH regions with L234A / L235A / D266S ( “AAS” ) substitutions.
[0132] In some embodiments, the first and second CH regions of the bispecific antibodies provided herein are human IgG1 CH regions with mutations to improve serum half-life. Exemplary mutations include, for example, M252Y / S254T / T256E (YTE) substitutions, M428L / N434S (LS) substitutions, T307A / E380A / N434A (TM) substitutions, and H433K / N434F (HS) substations.
[0133] In some embodiments, the first and second CH regions of the bispecific antibodies provided herein are human IgG1 CH regions with reduced effector function and improved half-life. In some embodiments, the first and second CH regions of the bispecific antibodies provided herein are human IgG1 CH regions with M252Y / S254T / T256E (YTE) substitutions. In some embodiments, the first CH region of the bispecific antibodies provided herein is human IgG1 CH region with M252Y / S254T / T256E (YTE) substitutions. In some embodiments of the bispecific antibodies provided herein, an enhanced FcRn binding at acidic pH is used by incorporating YTE mutations for half-life extension.
[0134] In some embodiments, the anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies provided herein comprises a mutation to promote heterodimerization of Fc regions. In some embodiments, a dimerized Fc region of a bispecific antibody provided herein is formed by Fc regions that contain amino acid mutations, substitutions, additions, or deletions to promote heterodimerization in which different polypeptides comprising different Fc regions can dimerize to yield a heterodimer configuration. In some embodiments, a bispecific antibody of the present disclosure comprises a first Fc sequence comprising a first CH3 region, and a second Fc sequence comprising a second CH3 region, wherein the sequences of the first and second CH3 regions are different and are such that the heterodimeric interaction between said first and second CH3 regions is stronger than each of the homodimeric interactions of said first and second CH3 regions.
[0135] Methods to promote heterodimerization of Fc regions include amino acid deletions, additions, or substitutions of the amino acid sequence of the Fc region, such as by including a set of “knob-into-hole” deletions, additions, or substitutions or including amino acid deletions, additions, or substitutions to effect electrostatic steering or hydrophobic interaction of the Fc to favor attractive interactions among different polypeptide chains. Methods for promoting heterodimerization of complementary Fc polypeptides have been previously described in, for example, Ridgway et al., 1996, Protein Eng, 9: 617-621; Merchant et al., 1998, Nature Biotechnol, 16: 677-681; Moore et al., 2011, MAbs, 3: 546-557; Von Kreudenstein et al., 2013, 5: 646-654; Gunasekaran et al., 2010, J Biol Chem, 285: 19637-19464; Leaver-Fay et al., 2016, Structure, 24: 641-651; Ha et al., 2016, Frontiers in Immunology, 7: 1; Davis et al., 2010, Protein Eng Des Sei, 23: 195-202; W01996 / 027011; WO 1998 / 050431; W02006 / 028936; W02009 / 089004; WO2011 / 143545; WO2014 / 067011; WO2012 / 058768; WO2018 / 027025; US2014 / 0363426; US2015 / 0307628; US2018 / 0016354; US2015 / 0239991; US2017 / 0058054; USPN5731168; USPN7183076; USPN9701759; USPN9605084; USPN9650446; USPN8216805; USPN8765412; and USPN8258268.
[0136] In some embodiments, bispecific antibodies provided herein have complementary Fc polypeptides to form heterodimer of the “knob-into-hole” configurations or “KIH” configuration. “knob-into-hole” technology is described in e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,731,168; 7,695,936; 8,216,805; 8,765,412; Ridgway et al., Prot Eng 9, 617-621 (1996) ; and Carter, J Immunol Meth 248, 7-15 (2001) . Generally, the method involves introducing a protuberance ( “knob” ) at the interface of a first polypeptide and a corresponding cavity ( “hole” ) in the interface of a second polypeptide, such that the protuberance can be positioned in the cavity so as to promote heterodimer formation and hinder homodimer formation. Protuberances are constructed by replacing small amino acid side chains from the interface of the first polypeptide with larger side chains (e.g., tyrosine or tryptophan) . Compensatory cavities of identical or similar size to the protuberances are created in the interface of the second polypeptide by replacing large amino acid side chains with smaller ones (e.g., alanine or threonine) . The protuberance and cavity can be made by altering the nucleic acid encoding the polypeptides, e.g., by site-specific mutagenesis, or by peptide synthesis. In some embodiments, a knob modification comprises the amino acid substitution T366W in one of the two subunits of the Fc domain, and the hole modification comprises the amino acid substitutions T366S, L368A and Y407V in the other one of the two subunits of the Fc domain. In some embodiments, the subunit of the Fc domain comprising the knob modification additionally comprises the amino acid substitution S354C, and the subunit of the Fc domain comprising the hole modification additionally comprises the amino acid substitution Y349C. Introduction of these two cysteine residues results in the formation of a disulfide bridge between the two subunits of the Fc domain, thus further stabilizing the dimer (Carter, J Immunol Methods 248, 7-15 (2001) ) . Thus, in such configurations, a first Fc polypeptide comprises amino acid modifications to form the “knob” and a second Fc polypeptide comprises amino acid modifications to form the “hole” thus forming an Fc heterodimer comprising complementary Fc polypeptides.
[0137] In some embodiments, complementary Fc polypeptides of an Fc heterodimer include a mutation to alter charge polarity across the Fc dimer interface such that co-expression of electrostatically matched Fc regions support favorable attractive interactions, thereby promoting desired Fc heterodimer formation; whereas unfavorable repulsive charge interactions suppress unwanted Fc homodimer formation (Guneskaran et al., 2010, J Biol Chem, 285: 19637-19646) . When co-expressed in a cell, association between the polypeptide chains is possible but the chains do not substantially self-associate due to charge repulsion.
[0138] In some embodiments, complementary Fc polypeptides of an Fc heterodimer include a mutation to promote steric complementarity and interaction to achieve desired Fc heterodimer formation, such as that one of the two subunits of the Fc domain has T350V, L351Y, F405A, and Y407V substitutions, and the other one of the two subunits of the Fc domain has T350V, T366L, K392L, and T394W substitutions (Von Kreudenstein et al., 2013, mAbs, 5: 5: 646-654) . T350V, L351Y, F405A, and Y407V substitutions improve stability of Fc heterodimer through spatial complementarity and interaction. F405A and Y407V substitutions, coupled with T366L and T394W substitutions in the other subunit of Fc domain, can provide steric complementarity. L351Y substitution in one subunit of Fc domain and K392L substitution in the other subunit of Fc domain improves stability of Fc heterodimer. The T350V substitutions in two subunits of Fc domain can be synergistically combined with other mutations via intra as well as inter-chain interactions to favor the stabilization of the Fc heterodimer.
[0139] Exemplary paired amino acid modifications of complementary Fc polypeptides of an Fc heterodimeric configuration are set forth below in the table below (EU numbering) .
[0140] Table 4: Exemplary paired Fc modifications for heterodimeric Fc domains
[0141] The anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies disclosed herein can comprise complementary Fc regions having the modifications described in Table 4 above. In some embodiments, the anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies disclosed herein comprises a first CH region and a second CH region comprising paired Fc modification described in Table 4 above, or vice versa. In some embodiments, the first CH region and the second CH region of the bispecific antibodies disclosed herein have T366Y substitution and Y407T substitution, respectively, or vice versa.
[0142] In some embodiments, the first CH region and the second CH region of the bispecific antibodies disclosed herein have T366W substitution and T366S / L368W / Y407V substitutions, respectively, or vice versa. In some embodiments, the first CH region and the second CH region of the bispecific antibodies disclosed herein have T366W substitution and T366S / L368A / Y407V substitutions, respectively, or vice versa. In some embodiments, the first CH region and the second CH region of the bispecific antibodies disclosed herein have T366W / S354C substitutions and T366S / L368A / Y407V / Y349C substitutions, respectively, or vice versa. In some embodiments, the first CH region and the second CH region of the bispecific antibodies disclosed herein have T350V / L351Y / F405A / Y407V substitutions and T350V / T366L / K392L / T394W substitutions, respectively, or vice versa. In some embodiments, the first CH region and the second CH region of the bispecific antibodies disclosed herein have K360D / D399M / Y407A substitutions and E345R / Q347R / T366V / K409V substitutions, respectively, or vice versa. In some embodiments, the first CH region and the second CH region of the bispecific antibodies disclosed herein have K409D / K392D substitutions and D399K / E356K substitutions, respectively, or vice versa. In some embodiments, the first CH region and the second CH region of the bispecific antibodies disclosed herein have K360E / K409W substitutions and Q347R / D399V / F405T substitutions, respectively, or vice versa. In some embodiments, the first CH region and the second CH region of the bispecific antibodies disclosed herein have L360E / K409W / Y349C substitutions and Q347R / D399V / F405T / S354C substitutions, respectively, or vice versa. In some embodiments, the first CH region and the second CH region of the bispecific antibodies disclosed herein have K370E / K409W substitutions and E357N / D399V / F405T substitutions, respectively, or vice versa.
[0143] In some embodiments, the bispecific antibodies provided herein comprise a first CH region and a second CH region, wherein the first CH region has T350V, L351Y, F405A, and Y407V substitutions and the second CH region has T350V, T366L, K392L, and T394W substitutions.
[0144] In some embodiments, to further reduce formation of homodimers, one of the CH regions further has H435R and Y436F substitutions. In some embodiments, the second CH region further has H435R and Y436F substitutions.
[0145] Table 5: Sequences of Exemplary Bispecific Antibody
[0146] In some embodiments, provided herein are bispecific antibodies that specifically bind to human Aβ and human CD98hc, wherein the bispecific antibody has a first peptide chain (HC1) , a second peptide chain (HC2) , and a third peptide chain (LC) , wherein HC1 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, 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%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 42, HC2 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, 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%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 43, and LC1 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, 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%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 44.
[0147] In some embodiments, HC1 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%identical to SEQ ID NO: 42. HC1 can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 90%identical to SEQ ID NO:42. HC1 can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 95%identical to SEQ ID NO: 42. HC1 can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 98%identical to SEQ ID NO: 42. HC1 can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 99%identical to SEQ ID NO: 42. HC1 can have the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 42.
[0148] In some embodiments, HC2 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%identical to SEQ ID NO: 43. HC2 can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 90%identical to SEQ ID NO:43. HC2 can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 95%identical to SEQ ID NO: 43. HC2 can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 98%identical to SEQ ID NO: 43. HC2 can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 99%identical to SEQ ID NO: 43. HC2 can have the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 43.
[0149] In some embodiments, LC1 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%identical to SEQ ID NO: 44. LC1 can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 90%identical to SEQ ID NO:44. LC1 can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 95%identical to SEQ ID NO: 44. LC1 can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 98%identical to SEQ ID NO: 44. LC1 can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 99%identical to SEQ ID NO: 44. LC1 can have the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 44.
[0150] In some embodiments, provided herein are bispecific antibodies that specifically bind to human Aβ and human CD98hc having a first peptide chain (HC1) , a second peptide chain (HC2) , and a third peptide (LC) , wherein HC1, HC2, and LC have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 42, 43, and 44, respectively. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibodies provided herein consist of one HC1, one HC2, and two LC.
[0151] The present disclosure further contemplates additional variants and equivalents that are substantially homologous to the antibodies described herein. In some embodiments, it is desirable to improve the binding affinity of the antibody. In some embodiments, it is desirable to modulate biological properties of the antibody, including but not limited to, specificity, thermostability, expression level, effector function (s) , glycosylation, immunogenicity, and / or solubility. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that amino acid changes may alter post-translational processes of an antibody, such as changing the number or position of glycosylation sites or altering membrane anchoring characteristics.
[0152] Antibodies comprising functional variants of the heavy chains, light chains, VL regions, VH regions, or one or more CDRs of the antibodies of the examples as also provided herein. A functional variant of a heavy chain, a light chain, VL, VH, or CDRs used in the context of an antibody still allows the antibody to retain at least a substantial proportion (at least about 90%, 95%or more) of functional features of the “reference” and / or “parent” antibody, including affinity and / or the specificity / selectivity, Fc inertness and PK parameters such as half-life, Tmax, Cmax. Such functional variants typically retain significant sequence identity to the parent antibody and / or have substantially similar length of heavy and light chains. Exemplary variants include those which differ from heavy and / or light chains, VH and / or VL, and / or CDR regions of the parent antibody sequences mainly by conservative substitutions, e.g., 10, such as 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 of the substitutions in the variant can be conservative amino acid residue replacements.
[0153] Variations can be a substitution, deletion, or insertion of one or more nucleotides encoding the antibody or polypeptide that results in a change in the amino acid sequence as compared with the native antibody or polypeptide sequence. In some embodiments, amino acid substitutions are the result of replacing one amino acid with another amino acid having similar structural and / or chemical properties, such as the replacement of a leucine with a serine, e.g., conservative amino acid replacements. Insertions or deletions can be in the range of about 1 to 5 amino acids. In some embodiments, the substitution, deletion, or insertion includes less than 25 amino acid substitutions, less than 20 amino acid substitutions, less than 15 amino acid substitutions, less than 10 amino acid substitutions, less than 5 amino acid substitutions, less than 4 amino acid substitutions, less than 3 amino acid substitutions, or less than 2 amino acid substitutions relative to the parent molecule. In some embodiments, variations in the amino acid sequence that are biologically useful and / or relevant can be determined by systematically making insertions, deletions, or substitutions in the sequence and testing the resulting variant proteins for activity as compared to the parent protein.
[0154] In some embodiments, provided herein are variants of anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies described herein. In some embodiments, a variant comprises one to 30 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the parent antibody. In some embodiments, a variant comprises one to 25 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the parent antibody. In some embodiments, a variant comprises one to 20 substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the parent antibody. In some embodiments, a variant comprises one to 15 substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the parent antibody. In some embodiments, a variant comprises one to 10 substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the parent antibody. In some embodiments, a variant comprises one to five amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the parent antibody. In some embodiments, a variant comprises one to three amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the parent antibody. In some embodiments, the amino acid substitution (s) is in a CDR of the antibody. In some embodiments, the amino acid substitution (s) is not in a CDR of the antibody. In some embodiments, the amino acid substitution (s) is in a framework region of the antibody. In some embodiments, the amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions are conservative amino acid substitutions.
[0155] The variant antibodies described herein can be generated using methods known in the art, including but not limited to, site-directed mutagenesis, alanine scanning mutagenesis, and PCR mutagenesis. Methods for mutagenesis and nucleotide sequence alterations are well known in the art. See, for example, Walker and Gaastra, eds. (1983) TECHNIQUES IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (MacMillan Publishing Company, New York) ; Kunkel, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 82: 488-492 (1985) ; Kunkel et al., Methods Enzymol. 54: 367-382 (1987) ; Sambrook et al. (1989) MOLECULAR CLONING: A LABORATORY MANUAL (Cold Spring Harbor, N. Y. ) ; U.S. Pat. No. 4, 873, 192; and the references cited therein; herein incorporated by reference. Guidance as to appropriate amino acid substitutions that do not affect biological activity of the polypeptide of interest can be found in the model of Dayhoff et al. (1978) in Atlas of Protein Sequence and Structure (Natl. Biomed. Res. Found., Washington, D. C. ) , pp.345-352, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. The model of Dayhoff et al. uses the Point Accepted Mutation (PAM) amino acid similarity matrix (PAM 250 matrix) to determine suitable conservative amino acid substitutions. Conservative substitutions, such as exchanging one amino acid with another having similar properties, can be beneficial.
[0156] In some embodiments, variants can include addition of amino acid residues at the amino-and / or carboxyl-terminal end of the antibody or polypeptide. The length of additional amino acids residues can range from one residue to a hundred or more residues. In some embodiments, a variant comprises an N-terminal methionyl residue. In some embodiments, the variant comprises an additional polypeptide / protein (e.g., Fc region) to create a fusion protein. In some embodiments, a variant is engineered to be detectable and can comprise a detectable label and / or protein (e.g., a fluorescent tag or an enzyme) .
[0157] In some embodiments, the bispecific antibodies disclosed herein can be chemically modified naturally or by intervention. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibodies are chemically modified by glycosylation, acetylation, pegylation, phosphorylation, amidation, derivatization by known protecting / blocking groups, proteolytic cleavage, and / or linkage to a cellular ligand or other protein. Any of numerous chemical modifications can be carried out by known techniques. The bispecific antibodies provided herein can comprise one or more analogs of an amino acid (including, for example, unnatural amino acids) , as well as other modifications known in the art.
[0158] The anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies of the present disclosure can be analyzed for their physical, chemical and / or biological properties by various methods known in the art. In some embodiments, an anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibody is tested for its ability to bind CD98hc (e.g., human CD98hc or cyno CD98hc) . In some embodiments, an anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibody is tested for its ability to bind Aβ. Binding assays include, but are not limited to, BLI, SPR (e.g., Biacore) , ELISA, and FACS. In addition, antibodies can be evaluated for solubility, stability, thermostability, viscosity, expression levels, expression quality, and / or purification efficiency.
[0159] In some embodiments, the anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies described herein can cross the BBB.
[0160] In some embodiments, the anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies described herein are internalizing antibodies or antigen-binding fragments. In some embodiments, the anti-CD98hc antibodies or antigen-binding fragments disclosed herein can be internalized in BBB epithelial cells greater than 10-fold as compared to internalization by an isotype control.
[0161] In some embodiments, the anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies provided herein accumulate at least 2-fold more than an isotype control in the brain. In some embodiments, the anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies provided herein accumulate at least 3, at least 4, or at least 5-fold more than an isotype control in the brain. In some embodiments, the accumulation is measured in a hCD98 knock-in mouse.
[0162] In some embodiments, anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies provided herein accumulate at least 2-fold more than an isotype control in the brain parenchyma. In some embodiments, the anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies provided herein accumulate at least 3, at least 4, or at least 5-fold more than an isotype control in the brain parenchyma. In some embodiments, the accumulation is measured in a hCD98 knock-in mouse.
[0163] In some embodiments, anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies do not affect BBB integrity or function. In some embodiments, the anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies described herein do not affect leucine uptake by CD98-expressing cells. 5.3 Polynucleotides, vectors, and cells
[0164] Provided herein are polynucleotides encoding at least one peptide chain of the anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the polynucleotides provided herein encode one peptide. In some embodiments, the polynucleotides provided herein encode more than one peptide. In some embodiments, the polynucleotides provided herein can encode, for example, two or three peptide chains of the bispecific antibody provided herein (e.g., the bispecific antibodies in IgG-scFv format) . In some embodiments, provided herein are polynucleotides encoding the HC1, HC2, and LC of the anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies disclosed herein in the IgG-scFv format. For example, provided herein are polynucleotides encoding the HC1, HC2, and LC of the bispecific antibody exemplified in Table 5.
[0165] Cistrons can be separated by, for example, an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) or 2A element. An IRES, as understood in the art, refers to nucleotide sequences in an expression cassette which when transcribed into mRNA, can recruit ribosomes directly, without a previous scanning of untranslated region of mRNA by the ribosomes. A 2A element, as understood in the art, encoding self-cleaving short peptides (about 20 amino acids) that provide a mechanism for subsequent separation of equimolarly produced polypeptides of interest. Illustrative 2A self-cleaving peptides include P2A, E2A, F2A, and T2A.
[0166] As used herein, the term “encode” and its grammatical equivalents refer to the inherent property of specific sequences of nucleotides in a polynucleotide or a nucleic acid, such as a gene, a cDNA, or an mRNA, to serve as templates for synthesis of other polymers and macromolecules in biological processes having either a defined sequence of nucleotides (i.e., rRNA, tRNA and mRNA) or a defined sequence of amino acids and the biological properties resulting therefrom. Thus, a gene encodes a protein if transcription and translation of mRNA corresponding to that gene produces the protein. Unless otherwise specified, a “nucleotide sequence encoding an amino acid sequence” includes all nucleotide sequences that are degenerate versions of each other and that encode the same amino acid sequence. Nucleotide sequences that encode proteins and RNA can include introns.
[0167] The term “polynucleotide that encodes a polypeptide” encompasses a polynucleotide which includes only coding sequences for the polypeptide as well as a polynucleotide which includes additional coding and / or non-coding sequences. The polynucleotides of the disclosure can be in the form of RNA or in the form of DNA. DNA can be cDNA, genomic DNA, or synthetic DNA, and can be double-stranded or single-stranded. Single stranded DNA can be the coding strand or non-coding (anti-sense) strand. The polynucleotides of the disclosure can be mRNA.
[0168] The present disclosure also provides variants of the polynucleotides described herein, wherein the variants have a nucleotide sequence at least about 80%identical, at least about 85%identical, at least about 90%identical, at least about 95%identical, at least about 96%identical, at least about 97%identical, at least about 98%identical, or at least about 99%identical to a polynucleotide sequence encoding at least one peptide chain of a bispecific antibody described herein. As used herein, the phrase “apolynucleotide having a nucleotide sequence at least about 95%identical to a polynucleotide sequence” means that the nucleotide sequence of the polynucleotide is identical to a reference sequence except that the polynucleotide sequence can include up to five point mutations per each 100 nucleotides of the reference nucleotide sequence. In other words, to obtain a polynucleotide having a nucleotide sequence at least 95%identical to a reference nucleotide sequence, up to 5%of the nucleotides in the reference sequence can be deleted or substituted with another nucleotide, or a number of nucleotides up to 5%of the total nucleotides in the reference sequence can be inserted into the reference sequence. These mutations of the reference sequence can occur at the 5’ or 3’ terminal positions of the reference nucleotide sequence or anywhere between those terminal positions, interspersed either individually among nucleotides in the reference sequence or in one or more contiguous groups within the reference sequence.
[0169] The polynucleotide variants can contain alterations in the coding regions, non-coding regions, or both. In some embodiments, a polynucleotide variant contains alterations which produce silent substitutions, additions, or deletions, but does not alter the properties or activities of the encoded polypeptide. In some embodiments, a polynucleotide variant comprises silent substitutions that results in no change to the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide (due to the degeneracy of the genetic code) . Polynucleotide variants can be produced for a variety of reasons, for example, to optimize codon expression for a particular host (e.g., change codons in the human mRNA to those preferred by a bacterial host such as E. coli) . In some embodiments, a polynucleotide variant comprises at least one silent mutation in a non-coding or a coding region of the sequence.
[0170] In some embodiments, a polynucleotide variant is produced to modulate or alter expression (or expression levels) of the encoded polypeptide. In some embodiments, a polynucleotide variant is produced to increase expression of the encoded polypeptide. In some embodiments, a polynucleotide variant is produced to decrease expression of the encoded polypeptide. In some embodiments, a polynucleotide variant has increased expression of the encoded polypeptide as compared to a parental polynucleotide sequence. In some embodiments, a polynucleotide variant has decreased expression of the encoded polypeptide as compared to a parental polynucleotide sequence.
[0171] In some embodiments, a polynucleotide comprises the coding sequence for a polypeptide fused in the same reading frame to a polynucleotide which aids in expression and secretion of a polypeptide from a host cell (e.g., a leader sequence which functions as a secretory sequence for controlling transport of a polypeptide) . The polypeptide can have the leader sequence cleaved by the host cell to form a “mature” form of the polypeptide.
[0172] In some embodiments, a polynucleotide comprises the coding sequence for a polypeptide fused in the same reading frame to a marker or tag sequence. For example, in some embodiments, a marker sequence is a hexa-histidine tag (HIS-tag) that allows for efficient purification of the polypeptide fused to the marker. In some embodiments, a marker sequence is a hemagglutinin (HA) tag derived from the influenza hemagglutinin protein when a mammalian host (e.g., COS-7 cells) is used. In some embodiments, the marker sequence is a FLAGTM tag. In some embodiments, a marker can be used in conjunction with other markers or tags.
[0173] In some embodiments, a polynucleotide is isolated. In some embodiments, a polynucleotide is substantially pure.
[0174] In some embodiments, provided herein are also vectors comprising a polynucleotide disclosed herein. The term “vector, ” and its grammatical equivalents as used herein refer to a vehicle that is used to carry genetic material (e.g., a polynucleotide sequence) , which can be introduced into a host cell, where it can be replicated and / or expressed. Vectors applicable for use include, for example, expression vectors, plasmids, phage vectors, viral vectors, episomes and artificial chromosomes, which can include selection sequences or markers operable for stable integration into a host cell’s chromosome. Additionally, the vectors can include one or more selectable marker genes and appropriate expression control sequences. Selectable marker genes that can be included, for example, provide resistance to antibiotics or toxins, complement auxotrophic deficiencies, or supply critical nutrients not in the culture media. Expression control sequences can include constitutive and inducible promoters, transcription enhancers, transcription terminators, and the like which are well known in the art. When two or more polynucleotides are to be co-expressed, both polynucleotides can be inserted, for example, into a single expression vector or in separate expression vectors. For single vector expression, the encoding polynucleotides can be operationally linked to one common expression control sequence or linked to different expression control sequences, such as one inducible promoter and one constitutive promoter. The introduction of polynucleotides into a host cell can be confirmed using methods well known in the art. It is understood by those skilled in the art that the polynucleotides are expressed in a sufficient amount to produce a desired product, and it is further understood that expression levels can be optimized to obtain sufficient expression using methods well known in the art.
[0175] In some embodiments, vectors provided herein can be expression vectors. In some embodiments, vectors provided herein comprise a polynucleotide encoding at least one peptide chain of the bispecific antibodies described herein. In some embodiments, provided herein are recombinant expression vectors, which can be used to amplify and express a polynucleotide encoding at least one peptide chain of the bispecific antibodies described herein. For example, a recombinant expression vector can be a replicable DNA construct that includes synthetic or cDNA-derived DNA fragments encoding at least one peptide chain of the bispecific antibodies described herein, operatively linked to suitable transcriptional and / or translational regulatory elements derived from mammalian, microbial, viral or insect genes. In some embodiments, a viral vector is used. DNA regions are “operatively linked” when they are functionally related to each other. For example, a promoter is operatively linked to a coding sequence if it controls the transcription of the sequence; or a ribosome binding site is operatively linked to a coding sequence if it is positioned so as to permit translation. In some embodiments, structural elements intended for use in certain expression systems include a leader sequence enabling extracellular secretion of translated protein by a host cell. In some embodiments, in situations where recombinant protein is expressed without a leader or transport sequence, a polypeptide can include an N-terminal methionine residue.
[0176] Examples of vectors are plasmid, autonomously replicating sequences, and transposable elements. Useful expression vectors for bacterial hosts include known bacterial plasmids, such as plasmids from E. coli, including pCR1, pBR322, pMB9 and their derivatives, and wider host range plasmids, such as M13 and other filamentous single-stranded DNA phages. Additional exemplary vectors include, without limitation, plasmids, phagemids, cosmids, artificial chromosomes such as yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) , bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) , or P1-derived artificial chromosome (PAC) , bacteriophages such as lambda phage or M13 phage, and animal viruses. Examples of categories of animal viruses useful as vectors include, without limitation, retrovirus (including lentivirus) , adenovirus, adeno-associated virus, herpesvirus (e.g., herpes simplex virus) , poxvirus, baculovirus, papillomavirus, and papovavirus (e.g., SV40) . Examples of expression vectors are pClneo vectors (Promega) for expression in mammalian cells; pLenti4 / V5-DESTTM, pLenti6 / V5-DESTTM, and pLenti6.2 / V5-GW / lacZ (Invitrogen) for lentivirus-mediated gene transfer and expression in mammalian cells. Useful expression vectors for eukaryotic hosts include, for example, vectors comprising expression control sequences from SV40, bovine papilloma virus, adenovirus, and cytomegalovirus. Exemplary transposon systems such as Sleeping Beauty and PiggyBac can be used, which can be stably integrated into the genome (e.g., Ivics et al., Cell, 91 (4) : 501–510 (1997) ; et al., (2007) Nucleic Acids Research. 35 (12) : e87) .
[0177] In some embodiments, the vector is an episomal vector or a vector that is maintained extrachromosomally. As used herein, the term “episomal” refers to a vector that is able to replicate without integration into host’s chromosomal DNA and without gradual loss from a dividing host cell also meaning that said vector replicates extrachromosomally or episomally. The vector is engineered to harbor the sequence coding for the origin of DNA replication or “ori” from a lymphotrophic herpes virus or a gamma herpesvirus, an adenovirus, SV40, a bovine papilloma virus, or a yeast, specifically a replication origin of a lymphotrophic herpes virus or a gamma herpesvirus corresponding to oriP of EBV. In some embodiments, the lymphotrophic herpes virus may be Epstein Barr virus (EBV) , Kaposi's sarcoma herpes virus (KSHV) , Herpes virus saimiri (HS) , or Marek's disease virus (MDV) . Epstein Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi's sarcoma herpes virus (KSHV) are also examples of a gamma herpesvirus. Typically, the host cell comprises the viral replication transactivator protein that activates the replication.
[0178] “Expression control sequences, ” “control elements, ” or “regulatory sequences” present in an expression vector are those non-translated regions of the vector-origin of replication, selection cassettes, promoters, enhancers, translation initiation signals (Shine Dalgarno sequence or Kozak sequence) introns, a polyadenylation sequence, 5' and 3' untranslated regions-which interact with host cellular proteins to carry out transcription and translation. Such elements can vary in their strength and specificity. Depending on the vector system and host utilized, any number of suitable transcription and translation elements, including ubiquitous promoters and inducible promoters can be used.
[0179] Illustrative ubiquitous expression control sequences that can be used in present disclosure include, but are not limited to, a cytomegalovirus (CMV) immediate early promoter, a viral simian virus 40 (SV40) promoter (e.g., early or late) , a Moloney murine leukemia virus (MoMLV) LTR promoter, a Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) LTR, a herpes simplex virus (HSV) (thymidine kinase) promoter, H5, P7.5, and P11 promoters from vaccinia virus, an elongation factor 1-alpha (EF1a) promoter, early growth response 1 (EGR1) , ferritin H (FerH) , ferritin L (FerL) , Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) , eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A1 (EIF4A1) , heat shock 70kDa protein 5 (HSPA5) , heat shock protein 90kDa beta, member 1 (HSP90B1) , heat shock protein 70kDa (HSP70) , β-kinesin (β-KIN) , the human ROSA 26 locus (Irions et al., Nature Biotechnology 25, 1477 -1482 (2007) ) , a Ubiquitin C promoter (UBC) , a phosphoglycerate kinase-1 (PGK) promoter, a cytomegalovirus enhancer / chicken β-actin (CAG) promoter, and a β-actin promoter.
[0180] Illustrative examples of inducible promoters / systems include, but are not limited to, steroid-inducible promoters such as promoters for genes encoding glucocorticoid or estrogen receptors (inducible by treatment with the corresponding hormone) , metallothionine promoter (inducible by treatment with various heavy metals) , MX-1 promoter (inducible by interferon) , the “GeneSwitch” mifepristone-regulatable system (Sirin et al., 2003, Gene, 323: 67) , the cumate inducible gene switch (WO 2002 / 088346) , tetracycline-dependent regulatory systems, etc. The bispecific antibodies described herein can be produced by any method known in the art, including chemical synthesis and recombinant expression techniques. The practice of the invention employs, unless otherwise indicated, conventional techniques in molecular biology, microbiology, genetic analysis, recombinant DNA, organic chemistry, biochemistry, PCR, oligonucleotide synthesis and modification, nucleic acid hybridization, and related fields within the skill of the art.
[0181] The present disclosure also provides cells comprising the polynucleotides disclosed herein that encode at least one peptide chain of the bispecific antibodies described herein. In some embodiments, cells provided herein comprise a polynucleotide that encodes the HC1, HC2 and LC of the anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies disclosed herein in the IgG-scFv format.
[0182] Cells comprising vectors disclosed herein are also contemplated. In some embodiments, provided herein are host cells comprising a vector comprising a polynucleotide disclosed herein. In some embodiments, host cells provided herein comprise a vector or multiple vectors that collectively comprise the polynucleotides encoding the polypeptide chains of the bispecific antibodies described herein. In some embodiments, host cells provided herein produce the bispecific antibodies described herein.
[0183] Examples of suitable mammalian host cell lines include, but are not limited to, COS-7 (monkey kidney-derived) , L-929 (murine fibroblast-derived) , C127 (murine mammary tumor-derived) , 3T3 (murine fibroblast-derived) , CHO (Chinese hamster ovary-derived) , HeLa (human cervical cancer-derived) , BHK (hamster kidney fibroblast-derived) , HEK-293 (human embryonic kidney-derived) cell lines and variants thereof. Mammalian expression vectors can comprise non-transcribed elements such as an origin of replication, a suitable promoter and enhancer linked to the gene to be expressed, and other 5’ or 3’ flanking non-transcribed sequences, and 5’ or 3’ non-translated sequences, such as necessary ribosome binding sites, a polyadenylation site, splice donor and acceptor sites, and transcriptional termination sequences. Expression of recombinant proteins in insect cell culture systems (e.g., baculovirus) also offers a robust method for producing correctly folded and biologically functional proteins. Baculovirus systems for production of heterologous proteins in insect cells are well-known to those of skill in the art. 5.4 Methods of production
[0184] Provided herein are also methods of producing the anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies disclosed herein are comprised of more than one polypeptide chain, which can be produced separately or together. In some embodiments, methods provided herein produce at least one polypeptide chain of the bispecific antibodies disclosed herein. In some embodiments, methods provided herein produce all polypeptide chains of the bispecific antibodies disclosed herein.
[0185] The anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies described herein can be produced and isolated using methods known in the art. Polypeptides can be synthesized, in whole or in part, using chemical methods (see, e.g., Caruthers (1980) . Nucleic Acids Res. Symp. Ser. 215; Horn (1980) ; and Banga, A.K., THERAPEUTIC PEPTIDES AND PROTEINS, FORMULATION, PROCESSING AND DELIVERY SYSTEMS (1995) Technomic Publishing Co., Lancaster, PA) . Peptide synthesis can be performed using various solid phase techniques (see, e.g., Roberge, Science 269: 202 (1995) ; Merrifield, Methods. Enzymol. 289: 3 (1997) ) and automated synthesis may be achieved, e.g., using the ABI 431A Peptide Synthesizer (Perkin Elmer) in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Peptides can also be synthesized using combinatorial methodologies. Synthetic residues and polypeptides can be synthesized using a variety of procedures and methodologies known in the art (see, e.g., ORGANIC SYNTHESES COLLECTIVE VOLUMES, Gilman, et al., (Eds) John Wiley &Sons, Inc., NY) . Modified peptides can be produced by chemical modification methods (see, for example, Belousov, Nucleic Acids Res. 25: 3440 (1997) ; Frenkel, Free Radic. Biol. Med. 19: 373 (1995) ; and Blommers, Biochemistry 33: 7886 (1994) ) . Peptide sequence variations, derivatives, substitutions and modifications can also be made using methods such as oligonucleotide-mediated (site-directed) mutagenesis, alanine scanning, and PCR based mutagenesis. Site-directed mutagenesis (Carter et al., Nucl. Acids Res., 13: 4331 (1986) ; Zoller et al., Nucl. Acids Res. 10: 6487 (1987) ) , cassette mutagenesis (Wells et al., Gene 34: 315 (1985) ) , restriction selection mutagenesis (Wells et al., Philos. Trans. R. Soc. London SerA 317: 415 (1986) ) and other techniques can be performed on cloned DNA to produce invention peptide sequences, variants, fusions and chimeras, and variations, derivatives, substitutions and modifications thereof.
[0186] A variety of host-expression vector systems can be utilized to recombinantly express the bispecific antibodies described herein or one or more of their polypeptide chains. Suitable host cells for expression include prokaryotes, yeast cells, insect cells, or higher eukaryotic cells under the control of appropriate promoters. Appropriate cloning and expression vectors for use with bacterial, fungal, yeast, and mammalian cellular hosts, as well as methods of protein production, including antibody production are well-known in the art. Such host-expression systems represent vehicles by which the coding sequences of the bispecific antibodies described herein can be produced and subsequently purified, but also represent cells which may, when transformed or transfected with the appropriate polynucleotide coding sequences, express the bispecific antibodies described herein in situ. These include, but are not limited to, microorganisms such as bacteria (e.g., E. coli and B. subtilis) transformed with recombinant bacteriophage DNA, plasmid DNA or cosmid DNA expression vectors containing coding sequences for the compounds described herein; yeast (e.g., Saccharomyces pichia) transformed with recombinant yeast expression vectors containing sequences encoding the compounds described herein; insect cell systems infected with recombinant virus expression vectors (e.g., baclovirus) containing the sequences encoding the compounds described herein; plant cell systems infected with recombinant virus expression vectors (e.g., cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) and tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) or transformed with recombinant plasmid expression vectors (e.g., Ti plasmid) containing sequences encoding the molecules compounds described herein; or mammalian cell systems (e.g., COS, CHO, BHK, 293, 293T, 3T3 cells, lymphotic cells (see U.S. Pat. No. 5,807,715) , Per C. 6 cells (human retinal cells developed by Crucell) harboring recombinant expression constructs containing promoters derived from the genome of mammalian cells (e.g., metallothionein promoter) or from mammalian viruses (e.g., the adenovirus late promoter; the vaccinia virus 7.5K promoter) .
[0187] In bacterial systems, many expression vectors can be advantageously selected depending upon the use intended for the protein being expressed. For example, when a large quantity of such a protein is to be produced, for the generation of pharmaceutical compositions of the bispecific antibodies described herein, vectors which direct the expression of high levels of protein products that are readily purified can be desirable. Such vectors include, but are not limited, to the E. coli expression vector pUR278 (Ruther et al., (1983) , EMBO J. 2: 1791-1794) ; pIN vectors (Inouye et al., (1985) , Nucleic Acids Res. 13: 3101-3110; Van Heeke et al., (1989) , J. Biol. Chem. 24: 5503-5509) ; and the like. pGEX vectors can also be used to express polypeptides as fusion proteins with glutathione S-transferase (GST) . In general, such proteins are soluble and can easily be purified from lysed cells by adsorption and binding to a matrix glutathione-agarose beads followed by elution in the presence of free glutathione. The pGEX vectors are designed to include thrombin or factor Xa protease cleavage sites so that the cloned target gene product can be released from the GST moiety.
[0188] Useful expression vectors for eukaryotic hosts include, for example, vectors comprising expression control sequences from SV40, bovine papilloma virus, adenovirus, and cytomegalovirus. In mammalian host cells, a number of viral-based expression systems can be utilized. Examples of suitable mammalian host cell lines include, but are not limited to, COS-7 (monkey kidney-derived) , L-929 (murine fibroblast-derived) , C127 (murine mammary tumor-derived) , 3T3 (murine fibroblast-derived) , CHO (Chinese hamster ovary-derived) , HeLa (human cervical cancer-derived) , BHK (hamster kidney fibroblast-derived) , HEK-293 (human embryonic kidney-derived) cell lines and variants thereof. Mammalian expression vectors can comprise non-transcribed elements such as an origin of replication, a suitable promoter and enhancer linked to the gene to be expressed, and other 5’ or 3’ flanking non-transcribed sequences, and 5’ or 3’ non-translated sequences, such as necessary ribosome binding sites, a polyadenylation site, splice donor and acceptor sites, and transcriptional termination sequences. Expression of recombinant proteins in insect cell culture systems (e.g., baculovirus) also offers a robust method for producing correctly folded and biologically functional proteins. Baculovirus systems for production of heterologous proteins in insect cells are well-known to those of skill in the art. Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcNPV) is used as a vector to express foreign genes.
[0189] In addition, a host cell strain can be chosen which modulates the expression of the inserted sequences, or modifies and processes the gene product in the specific fashion desired. Such modifications (e.g., glycosylation) and processing (e.g., cleavage) of protein products can be important for the function of the protein. For example, in certain embodiments, the antibodies described herein can be expressed as a single gene product (e.g., as a single polypeptide chain, i.e., as a polyprotein precursor) , requiring proteolytic cleavage by native or recombinant cellular mechanisms to form separate polypeptides of the bispecific antibodies described herein. The disclosure thus encompasses engineering a nucleic acid sequence to encode a polyprotein precursor molecule comprising the polypeptides of the bispecific antibodies described herein, which includes coding sequences capable of directing post translational cleavage of said polyprotein precursor. Post-translational cleavage of the polyprotein precursor results in the polypeptides of the bispecific antibodies described herein. The post translational cleavage of the precursor molecule comprising the polypeptides of the compounds described herein can occur in vivo (i.e., within the host cell by native or recombinant cell systems / mechanisms, e.g. furin cleavage at an appropriate site) or can occur in vitro (e.g. incubation of said polypeptide chain in a composition comprising proteases or peptidases of known activity and / or in a composition comprising conditions or reagents known to foster the desired proteolytic action) . Purification and modification of recombinant proteins is well known in the art such that the design of the polyprotein precursor can include a number of embodiments readily appreciated by a skilled artisan. Any known proteases or peptidases known in the art can be used for the described modification of the precursor molecule.
[0190] Different host cells have characteristic and specific mechanisms for the post-translational processing and modification of proteins and gene products. Appropriate cell lines or host systems can be chosen to ensure the correct modification and processing of the foreign protein expressed. To this end, eukaryotic host cells which possess the cellular machinery for proper processing of the primary transcript, glycosylation, and phosphorylation of the gene product may be used. Such mammalian host cells include but are not limited to CHO, VERY, BHK, HeLa, COS, MDCK, 293, 293T, 3T3, WI38, BT483, Hs578T, HTB2, BT20 and T47D, CRL7030 and Hs578Bst.
[0191] For long-term, high-yield production of recombinant proteins, stable expression is preferred. For example, cell lines which stably express compounds described herein can be engineered. Rather than using expression vectors which contain viral origins of replication, host cells can be transformed with DNA controlled by appropriate expression control elements (e.g., promoter, enhancer, sequences, transcription terminators, polyadenylation sites, etc. ) , and a selectable marker. Following the introduction of the foreign DNA, engineered cells can be allowed to grow for 1-2 days in an enriched media, and then are switched to a selective media. The selectable marker in the recombinant plasmid confers resistance to the selection and allows cells to stably integrate the plasmid into their chromosomes and grow to form foci which in turn can be cloned and expanded into cell lines. This method can advantageously be used to engineer cell lines which express the compounds described herein. Such engineered cell lines may be particularly useful in screening and evaluation of compounds that interact directly or indirectly with the compounds described herein.
[0192] A number of selection systems may be used, including but not limited to the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (Wigler et al., (1977) , Cell 11: 223-232) , hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (Szybalska et al., (1992) Bioessays 14: 495-500) , and adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (Lowy et al., (1980) , Cell 22: 817-823) genes can be employed in tk-, hgprt-or aprt-cells, respectively. Also, antimetabolite resistance can be used as the basis of selection for the following genes: dhfr, which confers resistance to methotrexate (Wigler et al., (1980) PNAS 77: 3567-3570; O'Hare et al., (1981) PNAS, 78: 1527-1531) ; gpt, which confers resistance to mycophenolic acid (Mulligan et al., (1981) PNAS, 78: 2072-2076) ; neo, which confers resistance to the aminoglycoside G-418 (Tolstoshev (1993) , Ann. Rev. Pharmacol. Toxicol. 32: 573-596; Mulligan (1993) , Science 260: 926-932; and Morgan et al., (1993) , Ann. Rev. Biochem. 62: 191-217) and hygro, which confers resistance to hygromycin (Santerre et al., (1984) Gene 30: 147-156) . Methods commonly known in the art of recombinant DNA technology which can be used are described in Ausubel et al., (eds. ) , 1993, CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, John Wiley &Sons, NY; Kriegler, 1990, GENE TRANSFER AND EXPRESSION, A LABORATORY MANUAL, Stockton Press, NY; and in Chapters 12 and 13, Dracopoli et al., (eds) , 1994, CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN HUMAN GENETICS, John Wiley &Sons, NY.
[0193] The expression levels of antibodies described herein or their polypeptide chains can be increased by vector amplification (for a review, see Bebbington and Hentschel, The use of vectors based on gene amplification for the expression of cloned genes in mammalian cells in DNA cloning, Vol. 3 (Academic Press, New York, 1987) . When a marker in the vector system described herein is amplifiable, increase in the level of inhibitor present in culture of host cell will increase the number of copies of the marker gene. Since the amplified region is associated with the nucleotide sequence of a protein of interest, production of the protein of interest will also increase (Crouse et al., (1983) Mol. Cell. Biol. 3: 257-266) .
[0194] The host cell can be co-transfected with more than one expression vectors, each encoding a polypeptide chain of a bispecific antibody described herein. The vectors can contain identical selectable markers which enable equal expression of all polypeptides. Alternatively, a single vector can be used which encodes two or more polypeptides. The coding sequences for the polypeptides of compounds described herein can comprise cDNA or genomic DNA.
[0195] Once the anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies described herein has been recombinantly expressed, it can be purified by any method known in the art for purification of polypeptides, polyproteins or antibodies (e.g., analogous to antibody purification schemes based on antigen selectivity) for example, by chromatography (e.g., ion exchange, affinity, particularly by affinity for the specific antigen (optionally after Protein A selection where the compound comprises an Fc domain (or portion thereof) ) , and sizing column chromatography) , centrifugation, differential solubility, or by any other standard technique for the purification of polypeptides or antibodies.
[0196] Provided herein are methods of producing the anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies described herein, the method comprising obtaining a cell described herein and expressing the polynucleotide described herein in said cell. In some embodiments, the method further comprises isolating and purifying a bispecific antibody or polypeptide chain described herein.
[0197] The bispecific antibodies described herein can be tested for binding to human CD98hc and / or Aβ by, for example, standard ELISA. Briefly, microtiter plates are coated with purified antigen, and then blocked with bovine serum albumin. Dilutions of antibody are added to each well and incubated. The plates are washed and incubated with secondary reagent (e.g., for human antibodies, a goat-anti-human IgG Fc-specific polyclonal reagent) conjugated to horseradish peroxidase (HRP) . After washing, the plates can be developed and analyzed by a spectrophotometer. Antibodies can be further tested by flow cytometry for binding to a cell line expressing human CD98hc and / or N3pGlu Aβ, but not to a control cell line that does not express the target antigen. Briefly, the binding of antibodies can be assessed by incubating CD98hc and / or N3pGlu Aβexpressing CHO cells with the bispecific antibody provided herein. The cells can be washed, and binding can be detected with an anti-human IgG Ab. Flow cytometric analyses can be performed using a FACS can flow cytometry (Becton Dickinson, San Jose, CA) .
[0198] The bispecific antibodies provided herein can be further tested for reactivity with the target antigen (s) by Western blotting, and other methods known in the art for analyzing binding affinity, cross-reactivity, and binding kinetics of various bispecific antibodies described herein include, for example, biolayer interferometry (BLI) using, for example, Gator system (Probe Life) or the Octet-96 system (Sartorius AG) , or BIACORETM surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis using a BIACORETM 2000 SPR instrument (Biacore AB, Uppsala, Sweden) .
[0199] The practice of the invention employs, unless otherwise indicated, conventional techniques in molecular biology, microbiology, genetic analysis, recombinant DNA, organic chemistry, biochemistry, PCR, oligonucleotide synthesis and modification, nucleic acid hybridization, and related fields within the skill of the art. These techniques are described in the references cited herein and are fully explained in the literature. See, e.g., Maniatis et al., (1982) MOLECULAR CLONING: A LABORATORY MANUAL, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press; Sambrook et al., (1989) , MOLECULAR CLONING: A LABORATORY MANUAL, Second Edition, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press; Sambrook et al., (2001) MOLECULAR CLONING: A LABORATORY MANUAL, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, NY; Ausubel et al., CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, John Wiley &Sons (1987 and annual updates) ; CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN IMMUNOLOGY, John Wiley &Sons (1987 and annual updates) Gait (ed. ) (1984) OLIGONUCLEOTIDE SYNTHESIS: A PRACTICAL APPROACH, IRL Press; Eckstein (ed. ) (1991) OLIGONUCLEOTIDES AND ANALOGUES: A PRACTICAL APPROACH, IRL Press; Birren et al., (eds. ) (1999) GENOME ANALYSIS: A LABORATORY MANUAL, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press; Borrebaeck (ed. ) (1995) ; each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 5.5 Pharmaceutical Compositions
[0200] Provided herein are also pharmaceutical compositions comprising the anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a therapeutically effective amount of anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies disclosed herein and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In some embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein are useful in treating a neurological disease or disorder.
[0201] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein comprise the anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies provided herein. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers that can be used in compositions provided herein include any and all solvents, dispersion media, coatings, antibacterial and antifungal agents, isotonic and absorption delaying agents, and the like that are physiologically compatible. In some embodiments, the carrier is suitable for intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, parenteral, spinal or epidermal administration (e.g., by injection or infusion) . Depending on the route of administration, the active ingredient (i.e., the bispecific antibodies) can be coated in a material to protect the active ingredient from the action of acids and other natural conditions that can inactivate the active ingredient.
[0202] Provided herein are also kits for preparation of pharmaceutical compositions having the bispecific antibodies disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the kit comprises the anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies disclosed herein and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier in one or more containers. In another embodiment, the kits can comprise the anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies disclosed herein for administration to a subject. In specific embodiments, the kits comprise instructions regarding the preparation and / or administration of the anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies disclosed herein.
[0203] Provided herein are also pharmaceutical compositions or formulations that improve the stability of the anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies disclosed herein to allow for their long-term storage. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition or formulation disclosed herein comprises: (a) the anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies disclosed herein disclosed herein; (b) a buffering agent; (c) a stabilizing agent; (d) a salt; (e) a bulking agent; and / or (f) a surfactant. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition or formulation is stable for at least 1 month, at least 2 months, at least 3 months, at least 6 months, at least 1 year, at least 2 years, at least 3 years, at least 5 years or more. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition or formulation is stable when stored at 4℃, 25℃, or 40℃.
[0204] Buffering agents useful in the pharmaceutical compositions or formulations disclosed herein can be a weak acid or base used to maintain the acidity (pH) of a solution near a chosen value after the addition of another acid or base. Suitable buffering agents can maximize the stability of the pharmaceutical formulations by maintaining pH control of the formulation. Suitable buffering agents can also ensure physiological compatibility or optimize solubility. Rheology, viscosity and other properties can also depend on the pH of the formulation. Common buffering agents include, but are not limited to, histidine, citrate, succinate, acetate and phosphate. In some embodiments, a buffering agent comprises histidine (e.g., L-histidine) with isotonicity agents and potentially pH adjustment with an acid or a base known in the art. In certain embodiments, the buffering agent is L-histidine. In certain embodiments, the pH of the formulation is maintained between about 2 and about 10, or between about 4 and about 8.
[0205] Stabilizing agents are added to a pharmaceutical product to stabilize that product. Such agents can stabilize proteins in different ways. Common stabilizing agents include, but are not limited to, amino acids such as glycine, alanine, lysine, arginine, or threonine, carbohydrates such as glucose, sucrose, trehalose, rafftnose, or maltose, polyols such as glycerol, mannitol, sorbitol, cyclodextrins or destrans of any kind and molecular weight, or PEG. In some embodiments, the stabilizing agent is chosen to maximize the stability of FIX polypeptide in lyophilized preparations. In certain embodiments, the stabilizing agent is sucrose and / or arginine.
[0206] Bulking agents can be added to a pharmaceutical composition or formulation to add volume and mass to the product, thereby facilitating precise metering and handling thereof. Common bulking agents include, but are not limited to, lactose, sucrose, glucose, mannitol, sorbitol, calcium carbonate, or magnesium stearate.
[0207] Surfactants are amphipathic substances with lyophilic and lyophobic groups. A surfactant can be anionic, cationic, zwitterionic, or nonionic. Examples of nonionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, alkyl ethoxylate, nonylphenol ethoxylate, amine ethoxylate, polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide, fatty alcohols such as cetyl alcohol or oleyl alcohol, cocamide MEA, cocamide DEA, polysorbates, or dodecyl dimethylamine oxide. In some embodiments, the surfactant is polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80.
[0208] The pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein can further comprise one or more of a buffer system, a preservative, a tonicity agent, a chelating agent, a stabilizer and / or a surfactant, as well as various combinations thereof. The use of preservatives, isotonic agents, chelating agents, stabilizers and surfactants in pharmaceutical compositions is well-known to the skilled person. Reference may be made to REMINGTON: THE SCIENCE AND PRACTICE OF PHARMACY, 19th edition, 1995.
[0209] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is an aqueous formulation. Such a formulation is typically a solution or a suspension, but can also include colloids, dispersions, emulsions, and multi-phase materials. The term “aqueous formulation” is defined as a formulation comprising at least 50%w / w water. Likewise, the term “aqueous solution” is defined as a solution comprising at least 50 %w / w water, and the term “aqueous suspension” is defined as a suspension comprising at least 50 %w / w water.
[0210] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein are freeze-dried, to which the physician or the patient adds solvents and / or diluents prior to use.
[0211] Pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein can also include a pharmaceutically acceptable antioxidant. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable antioxidants include: (1) water soluble antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid, cysteine hydrochloride, sodium bisulfate, sodium metabisulfite, sodium sulfite and the like; (2) oil-soluble antioxidants, such as ascorbyl palmitate, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) , butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) , lecithin, propyl gallate, alpha-tocopherol, and the like; and (3) metal chelating agents, such as citric acid, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) , sorbitol, tartaric acid, phosphoric acid, and the like.
[0212] Examples of suitable aqueous and nonaqueous carriers that can be employed in the pharmaceutical compositions or formulations described herein include water, ethanol, polyols (such as glycerol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, and the like) , and suitable mixtures thereof, vegetable oils, such as olive oil, and injectable organic esters, such as ethyl oleate. Proper fluidity can be maintained, for example, by the use of coating materials, such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersions, and by the use of surfactants.
[0213] These compositions can also contain adjuvants such as preservatives, wetting agents, emulsifying agents and dispersing agents. Prevention of presence of microorganisms can be ensured both by sterilization procedures, supra, and by the inclusion of various antibacterial and antifungal agents, for example, paraben, chlorobutanol, phenol sorbic acid, and the like. It can also be desirable to include isotonic agents, such as sugars, sodium chloride, and the like into the compositions. In addition, prolonged absorption of the injectable pharmaceutical form can be brought about by the inclusion of agents which delay absorption such as aluminum monostearate and gelatin.
[0214] Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include sterile aqueous solutions or dispersions and sterile powders for the extemporaneous preparation of sterile injectable solutions or dispersion. The use of such media and agents for pharmaceutically active substances is known in the art. In some embodiments, provided herein is a pharmaceutical composition comprising the bispecific antibodies or cells provided herein wherein the composition is suitable for local administration.
[0215] Pharmaceutical compositions or formulations typically must be sterile and stable under the conditions of manufacture and storage. The composition can be formulated as a solution, microemulsion, liposome, or other ordered structure suitable to high drug concentration. The carrier can be a solvent or dispersion medium containing, for example, water, ethanol, polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, and liquid polyethylene glycol, and the like) , and suitable mixtures thereof. The proper fluidity can be maintained, for example, by the use of a coating such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersion and by the use of surfactants. In many cases, the compositions can include isotonic agents, for example, sugars, polyalcohols such as mannitol, sorbitol, or sodium chloride in the composition. Prolonged absorption of the injectable compositions can be brought about by including in the composition an agent that delays absorption, for example, monostearate salts and gelatin.
[0216] Sterile injectable solutions can be prepared by incorporating the active compound in the required amount in an appropriate solvent with one or a combination of ingredients enumerated above, as required, followed by sterilization microfiltration. Generally, dispersions are prepared by incorporating the active compound into a sterile vehicle that contains a basic dispersion medium and the required other ingredients from those enumerated herein. In the case of sterile powders for the preparation of sterile injectable solutions, some methods of preparation are vacuum drying and freeze-drying (lyophilization) that yield a powder of the active ingredient plus any additional desired ingredient from a previously sterile-filtered solution thereof.
[0217] The amount of active ingredient which can be combined with a carrier material in the pharmaceutical compositions or formulations disclosed herein can vary. In some embodiments, the amount of active ingredient which can be combined with a carrier material is the amount that produces a therapeutic effect. Generally, out of one hundred percent, this amount will range from about 0.01 percent to about ninety-nine percent of active ingredient, from about 0.1 percent to about 70 percent, or from about 1 percent to about 30 percent of active ingredient in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
[0218] The pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein can be prepared with carriers that protect the active ingredient against rapid release, such as a controlled release formulation, including implants, transdermal patches, and microencapsulated delivery systems. Biodegradable, biocompatible polymers can be used, such as ethylene vinyl acetate, polyanhydrides, polyglycolic acid, collagen, polyorthoesters, and poly lactic acid. Many methods for the preparation of such formulations are patented or generally known to those skilled in the art. See. e.g., SUSTAINED AND CONTROLLED RELEASE DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS, J. R. Robinson, ed., Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, 1978. 5.6 Methods and Uses
[0219] The anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies provided herein can advantageously be transported across BBB. Accordingly, provided herein are methods of administering the bispecific antibodies provided herein across the BBB of a subject comprising administering to the subject by, for example, oral administration or intravenous injection.
[0220] In some embodiments, methods provided herein comprise administering the anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies provided herein to a subject in need thereof. In some embodiments, the subject is a mammal. In some embodiments, the subject is a human. A human subject who needs the treatment can be a human subject having, at risk for, or suspected of having a disease. A subject having a disease can be identified by routine medical examination, e.g., a physical examination, a laboratory test, an organ functional test, a CT scan, or an ultrasound. A subject suspected of having any of such a disease can show one or more symptoms of the disease. Signs and symptoms for diseases, e.g., autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. A subject at risk for the disease can be a subject having one or more of the risk factors. In some embodiments, the human subject has a neurological disease or disorder. In some embodiments, the human subject is at risk for having a neurological disease or disorder. In some embodiments, the human subject is suspected of having a neurological disease or disorder.
[0221] In view of the ability of therapeutic conjugates provided herein, namely, the conjugates having an anti-CD98hc disclosed herein linked to a therapeutic effector moiety to be transported across a BBB, they can be used to treat a neurological disease or disorder. In some embodiments, provided herein are methods of treating a neurological disease or disorder in a subject comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a conjugate disclosed herein having a therapeutic effector moiety (e.g., anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies) . The neurological disease or disorder can be, for example, a neuropathy disorder, a neurodegenerative disease, cancer, an ocular disease disorder, a seizure disorder, a lysosomal storage disease, amyloidosis, a viral or microbial disease, ischemia, a behavioral disorder, or CNS inflammation. The neurological disease or disorder can be, for example, a neurodegenerative disease (such as Lewy body disease, postpoliomyelitis syndrome, Shy-Drager syndrome, olivopontocerebellar atrophy, Parkinson’s disease, Gaucher disease, multiple system atrophy, striatonigral degeneration, spinocerebellar ataxia, spinal muscular atrophy) , a tauopathy (such as Alzheimer’s disease and supranuclear palsy) , a prion disease (such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy, scrapie, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, kuru, Gerstmann- -Scheinker disease, chronic wasting disease, and fatal familial insomnia) , bulbar palsy, motor neuron disease, a nervous system heterodegenerative disorder (such as Canavan disease, Huntington's disease, neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinosis, Alexander’s disease, Tourette's syndrome, Menkes kinky hair syndrome, Cockayne syndrome, Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome, Lafora disease, Rett syndrome, hepatolenticular degeneration, Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, and Unverricht-Lundborg syndrome) , dementia (such as Pick's disease and spinocerebellar ataxia) , cancer of the CNS and / or brain (such as glioblastoma or brain metastases resulting from cancer elsewhere in the body) , stroke, muscular dystrophy (MD) , multiple sclerosis (MS) , amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) , limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE) , cystic fibrosis, Angelman syndrome, Liddle syndrome, Paget’s disease, addictive disorder, or traumatic brain injury. In some embodiments, the neurological disease or disorder is a neurodegenerative disease. In some embodiments, the neurological disease or disorder is an amyloid-related disease or disorder. In some embodiments, the neurological disease or disorder is Alzheimer’s disease.
[0222] The anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies herein can be used for detection and imaging purposes, especially within the CNS. In some embodiments, anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies described herein can be conjugated with various effector moieties, such as fluorescent dyes or radioactive isotopes. These conjugates leverage the BBB-penetrating ability of anti-CD98 antibodies to deliver imaging agents into the brain, facilitating the detection and visualization of disease processes in the CNS. Fluorescently labeled anti-CD98 antibodies can also be used for in vivo imaging within the brain. Exemplary fluorescent dyes include Alexa Fluor 680, Cy5, and IRDye 800CW. Additionally, anti-CD98 antibodies can also be conjugated with radioactive isotopes such as technetium-99m (99mTc) , iodine-131 (131I) , fluorine-18 (18F) or Carbon-11 (11C) . These radiolabeled conjugates enable the use of nuclear imaging techniques like single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or positron emission tomography (PET) .
[0223] The anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies provided herein can be used for prognostic, diagnostic, monitoring, and / or screening applications, including in vivo applications well known and standard to the skilled artisan and based on the present description. For prognostic applications, conjugates can carry biomarkers that indicate disease progression or treatment response, enabling early prediction of outcomes. Diagnostic applications involve using conjugates with imaging agents, such as fluorescent dyes or radiolabeled isotopes, to visualize and detect neurological conditions, including brain tumors and neurodegenerative diseases, through non-invasive imaging techniques like PET or SPECT. Monitoring applications include the use of these conjugates to track disease status and therapeutic efficacy over time by delivering agents that can be periodically detected and measured within the brain. Screening applications involve the use of these conjugates in high-throughput assays to identify patients at risk for CNS disorders or to discover new therapeutic targets.
[0224] In some embodiments, the anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies provided herein are not significantly toxic. For example, anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies provided herein are not significantly toxic to an organ of a human, e.g., one or more of the liver, kidney, brain, lungs, and heart, as determined, e.g., in clinical trials. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibodies disclosed herein do not significantly trigger an undesirable immune response, e.g., autoimmunity or inflammation.
[0225] Actual dosage levels of the active ingredients (e.g., the bispecific antibodies provided herein) in the pharmaceutical compositions described herein can be varied so as to obtain an amount of the active ingredient which is effective to achieve the desired therapeutic response for a particular patient, composition, and mode of administration, without being toxic to the patient. The selected dosage level will depend upon a variety of pharmacokinetic factors including the activity of the particular compositions described herein, the route of administration, the time of administration, the rate of excretion, the duration of the treatment, other drugs, compounds and / or materials used in combination with the particular compositions employed, the age, sex, weight, condition, general health and prior medical history of the patient being treated, and like factors well known in the medical arts.
[0226] The anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies or pharmaceutical compositions provided herein can be administered to a subject by any methods known in the art, including, but not limited to, pleural administration, intravenous administration, subcutaneous administration, intranodal administration, intratumoral administration, intramuscular administration, intradermal administration, intrathecal administration, intrapleural administration, intraperitoneal administration, intracranial administration, spinal or other parenteral routes of administration, for example by injection or infusion, or direct administration to the thymus. The phrase “parenteral administration” as used herein means modes of administration other than enteral and topical administration, usually by injection, and includes, without limitation, intravenous, intramuscular, intraarterial, intrathecal, intracapsular, intraorbital, intracardiac, intradermal, intraperitoneal, transtracheal, subcutaneous, subcuticular, intraarticular, subcapsular, subarachnoid, intraspinal, epidural and intrastemal injection and infusion. In some embodiments, subcutaneous administration is adopted. In some embodiments, intravenous administration is adopted. In some embodiments, oral administration is adopted. In some embodiments, intrathecal administration is adopted. In some embodiments, intranasal administration is adopted. In some embodiments, transdermal administration is adopted. In some embodiments, intra parenchymal administration is adopted. In some embodiments, intramuscular administration is adopted.
[0227] The anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies or pharmaceutical compositions provided herein can be administered with medical devices known in the art. For example, in some embodiments, a needleless hypodermic injection device can be used, such as the devices disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,399,163; 5,383,851; 5,312,335; 5,064,413; 4,941,880; 4,790,824; or 4,596,556. Examples of well-known implants and modules for use described herein include: U.S. Patent No. 4,487,603, which discloses an implantable micro-infusion pump for dispensing medication at a controlled rate; U.S. Patent No. 4,486,194, which discloses a therapeutic device for administering medicaments through the skin; U.S. Patent No. 4,447,233, which discloses a medication infusion pump for delivering medication at a precise infusion rate; U.S. Patent No. 4,447,224, which discloses a variable flow implantable infusion apparatus for continuous drug delivery; U.S. Patent No. 4,439,196, which discloses an osmotic drug delivery system having multi-chamber compartments; and U.S. Patent No. 4,475,196, which discloses an osmotic drug delivery system. These patents are incorporated herein by reference. Many other such implants, delivery systems, and modules are known to those skilled in the art.
[0228] The anti-Aβ / CD98hc bispecific antibodies or pharmaceutical compositions described herein can be administered with another treatment, such as a standard of care treatment. The additional therapy can be administered prior to, concurrently with, or subsequent to administration of the conjugates (e.g., bispecific antibodies) or pharmaceutical compositions described herein. Combined administration can include co-administration, either in a single pharmaceutical formulation or using separate formulations, or consecutive administration in either order but generally within a time period such that all active agents can exert their biological activities simultaneously. A person skilled in the art can readily determine appropriate regimens for administering a pharmaceutical composition described herein and an additional therapy in combination, including the timing and dosing of an additional agent to be used in a combination therapy, based on the needs of the subject being treated. 5.7 Exemplified Embodiments
[0229] Embodiment 1: A bispecific antibody comprising (i) a first antigen-binding fragment that specifically binds to amyloid beta (Aβ) , and (ii) a second antigen-binding fragment that specifically binds to CD98hc; wherein the first antigen-binding fragment comprises a first heavy chain variable domain (VH1) and a first light chain variable domain (VL1) ; wherein the VH1 comprises VH1 CDR1, VH1 CDR2, and VH1 CDR3 from a heavy chain variable domain (VH) having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 63, 21, 23, or 25, or a variant thereof having up to about 5 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VH CDRs, and the VL1 comprises VL1 CDR1, VL1 CDR2, and VL1 CDR3 from a light chain variable domain (VL) having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 64, 22, 24, or 26, or a variant thereof having up to about 5 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VL CDRs; and wherein the second antigen-binding fragment comprises a second heavy chain variable domain (VH2) and a second light chain variable domain (VL2) , wherein the VH2 comprises VH2 CDR1, VH2 CDR2, and VH2 CDR3 from a VH having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1; or a variant thereof having up to about 5 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VH CDRs; and the VL2 comprises VL2 CDR1, VL2 CDR2, and VL2 CDR3 from a VL having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; or a variant thereof having up to about 5 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VL CDRs.
[0230] Embodiment 2: The bispecific antibody of Embodiment 1, wherein the VH1 comprises VH1 CDR1, VH1 CDR2, and VH1 CDR3 from a VH having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 63, and the VL1 comprises VL1 CDR1, VL1 CDR2, and VL1 CDR3 from a VL having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 64.
[0231] Embodiment 3: The bispecific antibody of Embodiment 2, wherein the VH1 CDR1, VH1 CDR2, and VH1 CDR3 have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 65, 66 and 67, respectively, and the VL1 CDR1, VL1 CDR2, and VL1 CDR3 have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 68, 69, and 70, respectively.
[0232] Embodiment 4: The bispecific antibody of Embodiment 2, wherein the VH1 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 63; and the VL1 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 64.
[0233] Embodiment 5: The bispecific antibody of Embodiment 1, wherein the VH1 comprises VH1 CDR1, VH1 CDR2, and VH1 CDR3 from a VH having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21, and the VL1 comprises VL1 CDR1, VL1 CDR2, and VL1 CDR3 from a VL having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22.
[0234] Embodiment 6: The bispecific antibody of Embodiment 5, wherein the VH1 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 21; and the VL1 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 22.
[0235] Embodiment 7: The bispecific antibody of Embodiment 1, wherein the VH1 comprises VH1 CDR1, VH1 CDR2, and VH1 CDR3 from a VH having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23, and the VL1 comprises VL1 CDR1, VL1 CDR2, and VL1 CDR3 from a VL having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24.
[0236] Embodiment 8: The bispecific antibody of Embodiment 7, wherein the VH1 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 23; and the VL1 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 24.
[0237] Embodiment 9: The bispecific antibody of Embodiment 1, wherein the VH1 comprises VH1 CDR1, VH1 CDR2, and VH1 CDR3 from a VH having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25, and the VL1 comprises VL1 CDR1, VL1 CDR2, and VL1 CDR3 from a VL having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 26.
[0238] Embodiment 10: The bispecific antibody of Embodiment 9, wherein the VH1 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 25; and the VL1 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 26.
[0239] Embodiment 11: The bispecific antibody of any one of Embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the VH2 CDR1, VH2 CDR2, and VH2 CDR3 have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 3, 4, and 5, respectively, and the VL2 CDR1, VL2 CDR2, and VL2 CDR3 have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 6, 7, and 8, respectively.
[0240] Embodiment 12: The bispecific antibody of Embodiment 11, wherein VH2 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 1; and VL2 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 2.
[0241] Embodiment 13: The bispecific antibody of any one of Embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the VH2 CDR1, VH2 CDR2, and VH2 CDR3 have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 3, 13, and 5, respectively, and the VL2 CDR1, VL2 CDR2, and VL2 CDR3 have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 6, 7, and 8, respectively.
[0242] Embodiment 14: The bispecific antibody of Embodiment 13, wherein VH2 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 9; and VL2 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 10.
[0243] Embodiment 15: The bispecific antibody of any one of Embodiments 1 to 14, comprising (1) a first peptide chain (HC1) comprising, from N-terminus to C-terminus, VH1, a first heavy chain constant (CH) region, a linker, and a single chain variable fragment (scFv) comprising VH2 and VL2; (2) a second peptide chain (HC2) comprising, from N-terminus to C-terminus, VH1 and a second CH region; and (3) a third peptide chain (LC) comprising, from N-terminus to C-terminus, VL1 and a light chain constant (CL) region.
[0244] Embodiment 16: The bispecific antibody of Embodiment 15, wherein the linker has an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 71-75.
[0245] Embodiment 17: The bispecific antibody of Embodiment 15 or 16, wherein the scFv comprises, from N-terminus to C-terminus, VL2, a second linker, and VH2.
[0246] Embodiment 18: The bispecific antibody of Embodiment 15 or 16, wherein the scFv comprises, from N-terminus to C-terminus, VH2, a second linker, and VL2.
[0247] Embodiment 19: The bispecific antibody of Embodiment 17 or 18, wherein the second linker has an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 71-75.
[0248] Embodiment 20: The bispecific antibody of Embodiment 15 or 16, wherein the scFv has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 11.
[0249] Embodiment 21: The bispecific antibody of any one of Embodiments 15 to 20, wherein (1) the CL region is Cκ (SEQ ID NO: 78) or Cλ (SEQ ID NO: 79) , or a variant thereof having up to 10 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions; or (2) the first and second CH regions are human IgG1 CH regions (SEQ ID NO: 80) , IgG2 CH regions (SEQ ID NO: 81) , IgG3 CH regions (SEQ ID NO: 82) , or IgG4 CH regions (SEQ ID NO: 83) , or variants thereof having up to 10 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions; or both (1) and (2) .
[0250] Embodiment 22: The bispecific antibody of any one of Embodiments 15 to 21, wherein the CL region is Cκ (SEQ ID NO: 78) .
[0251] Embodiment 23: The bispecific antibody of any one of Embodiments 15 to 22, wherein the first CH region and the second CH region are IgG1 CH regions (SEQ ID NO: 80) or variants thereof having up to 10 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions.
[0252] Embodiment 24: The bispecific antibody of Embodiment 23, wherein the first CH region and the second CH region form a heterodimer.
[0253] Embodiment 25: The bispecific antibody of Embodiment 24, wherein the first CH region has T350V, L351Y, F405A, and Y407V substitutions and the second CH region has T350V, T366L, K392L, and T394W substitutions.
[0254] Embodiment 26: The bispecific antibody of Embodiment 24, wherein the first CH region has T350V, T366L, K392L, and T394W substitutions and the second CH region has T350V, L351Y, F405A, and Y407V substitutions.
[0255] Embodiment 27: The bispecific antibody of Embodiment 24, wherein the first CH region comprises a Hole-Fc region, and the second CH region comprises a Knob-Fc region.
[0256] Embodiment 28: The bispecific antibody of Embodiment 24, wherein the first CH region comprises a Knob-Fc region, and the second CH region comprises a Hole-Fc region.
[0257] Embodiment 29: The bispecific antibody of Embodiment 27 or 28, wherein the Knob-Fc region has a T366W substitution, and the Hole-Fc region has T366S, L368A, and Y407V substitutions.
[0258] Embodiment 30: The bispecific antibody of any one of Embodiments 23 to 29, wherein the first CH region, or the second CH region, or both the first and the second CH regions have M252Y, S254T, and T256E substitutions.
[0259] Embodiment 31: The bispecific antibody of Embodiment 30, wherein the first CH region has M252Y, S254T, and T256E substitutions.
[0260] Embodiment 32: The bispecific antibody of any one of Embodiments 23 to 31, wherein the first CH region, or the second CH region, or both the first and the second CH regions have H435R and Y436F substitutions.
[0261] Embodiment 33: The bispecific antibody of Embodiment 32, wherein the second CH region has H435R and Y436F substitutions.
[0262] Embodiment 34: The bispecific antibody of Embodiment 24, wherein the first CH region is an IgG1 CH region having M252Y, S254T, T256E, T350V, L351Y, F405A, and Y407V substitutions (SEQ ID NO: 84) , and the second CH region is an IgG1 CH region having T350V, T366L, K392L, T394W, H435R, and Y436F substitutions (SEQ ID NO: 85) .
[0263] Embodiment 35: The bispecific antibody of Embodiment 15, wherein the HC1, HC2, and LC have amino acid sequences that are at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NOs: 42, 43, and 44, respectively.
[0264] Embodiment 36: The bispecific antibody of any one of Embodiments 15 to 35 consisting of one HC1, one HC2, and two LC.
[0265] Embodiment 37: A polynucleotide or a plurality of polynucleotides that encodes or collectively encode the HC1, HC2, and LC of the bispecific antibody of any one of Embodiments 15 to 36.
[0266] Embodiment 38: A host cell comprising the polynucleotide or plurality of polynucleotides of Embodiment 37.
[0267] Embodiment 39: A method of making a bispecific antibody that specifically binds to human CD98hc and Aβ, comprising culturing the cell of Embodiment 38 under conditions that allow expression of the bispecific antibody.
[0268] Embodiment 40: The method of Embodiment 39 that comprises isolating the bispecific antibody from the culture.
[0269] Embodiment 41: A pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of the bispecific antibody of any one of Embodiments 1 to 36, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
[0270] Embodiment 42: A method of treating a neurological disease or disorder in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the bispecific antibody of any one of Embodiments 1 to 36.
[0271] Embodiment 43: The method of Embodiment 42, further comprising administering an additional therapy to the subject.
[0272] Embodiment 44: The method of Embodiment 42 or 43, wherein the subject is a human.
[0273] Embodiment 45: Use of the bispecific antibody of any one of Embodiments 1 to 36 for treating a neurological disease or disorder.
[0274] Embodiment 46: Use of the bispecific antibody of any one of Embodiments 1 to 36 for manufacture of a medicament for a neurological disease or disorder.
[0275] Embodiment 47: The method or use of any one of Embodiments 42 to 46, wherein the neurological disease or disorder is a neurodegenerative disease.
[0276] Embodiment 48: The method or use of any one of Embodiments 42 to 46, wherein the neurological disease or disorder is an amyloid-related disease or disorder.
[0277] Embodiment 49: The method or use of any one of Embodiments 42 to 46, wherein the neurological disease or disorder is Alzheimer’s Disease. 5.8 Experimental
[0278] The examples provided below are for purposes of illustration only, which are not intended to be limiting unless otherwise specified. Thus, the invention should in no way be construed as being limited to the following examples, but rather, should be construed to encompass any and all variations which become evident as a result of the teaching provided herein. 5.8.1 Example 1: CD98 Antibody Generation and Screening
[0279] Anti-CD98hc IgG antibodies were generated from mouse hybridoma by repetitive immunization with C57 bl / 6 and Balb / c mice. Serum titers were assessed by FACS prior to harvesting spleen from sera-positive animals. The supernatant from mouse hybridoma was screened by FACS for binding to human CD98 or Cyno CD98 expressing HEK293 cells. Positive clones were further evaluated for endocytosis activity using human CD98 expressing HEK293 cells; and CD98 / LAT1 transporter activity was also assessed. Those Cyno CD98 cross reactive clones without interfering with CD98 / LAT1 transporter function were selected for converting to scFv as the CD98 binding motif of bispecific antibody. 5.8.2 Example 2: Candidate Bispecific Antibody Generation
[0280] An anti-CD98hc monovalent scFv was fused to the C-terminus of an anti-N3pGlu Aβ IgG heavy chain via a short GGAGGA (SEQ ID NO: 75) or long linker (GGGGS) 3 (SEQ ID NO: 73) to prepare the bsAb in IgG-scFv format (2+1) . The bsAb has three peptide chains, namely, the first heavy chain HC1, the second heavy chain HC2, and the light chain LC, with the first heavy chain containing the scFv at its C-terminus. The VH and VL domains within scFv were connected by a long linker GTEGKSSGSGSESKST (SEQ ID NO: 74) or (GGGGS) 3 (SEQ ID NO: 73) . In some instances, the scFvs were in a VL-linker-VH format. Mutations in CH3 (HC1: T350V, L351Y, F405A, Y407V; HC2: T350V, T366L, K392L, T394W) were incorporated in the antibody heavy chain to facilitate asymmetric heterodimerization. In some cases, a Knob (T366W) mutation and a Hole mutation (T366S, L368A, Y407V) in the constant regions were used. In some cases, mutations of M252Y / S254T / T256E were introduced to enhance FcRn binding at acidic pH, thereby extending half-life. To better remove the homodimer side products in purification process, a RF mutation (H435R, Y436F) was incorporated into the CH3 domain of the heavy chain HC2. For some bispecific antibodies, additional Hisx6 tag was used in the C-terminus of HC2 for a two-step purification by Ni-NTA. 5.8.3 Example 3: Determination of Binding of Candidate Bispecific Antibodies to CD98 Receptor In Vitro by Flow Cytometry
[0281] The binding of candidate bispecific antibody SIR-BP-A001 to cellular CD98hc was evaluated by FACS using huCD98hc overexpressing HEK293 compared with an isotype control antibody. In general, single cell suspensions were prepared with FACS buffer and then incubated with MagicTM Fc Receptor blocker (Abace, CDN-ZF3) for 15 min. 100,000 cells were seeded in cell culture plates and incubated with serially diluted candidate bispecific antibodies starting from 200 nM for 30 min. After three washes, the cells were incubated with Alexa 488 conjugated donkey anti-human IgG Fcg fragment specific secondary antibody (Jackson, #709-545-098, 1: 200, 30 min, 4℃) . Binding activity was analyzed by flow cytometry (Millipore, Guava easyCyte BGV) .
[0282] As shown in FIG. 2, SIR-BP-A001 exhibited specific binding to cellular CD98hc in a dose dependent manner compared to the isotype control antibody. 5.8.4 Example 4: Determination of Binding of Candidate Bispecific Antibodies to N3pGlu Aβ In Vitro by ELISA
[0283] The Abeta38 / 40 / 42 / 43 antibody (Synaptic Systems) was diluted in coating buffer (0.05 M carbonate-bicarbonate buffer, pH 9.6) to a concentration of 1 μg / mL for use as the capture antibody. The 96-well microplate was coated with 100 μL of the capture antibody, then sealed and incubated overnight at 4℃. The surface was blocked with blocking buffer (5%BSA in PBST) for 1 hour at room temperature and under agitation at a speed of 500 rpm, followed by three washes with washing buffer (PBST Tween-20, Thermo Scientific) . [Pyr3] -β-Amyloid (3-42) (AnaSpec, Inc) was diluted in blocking buffer to a concentration of 1 μg / mL. A volume of 100 μL was added to each well, followed by an incubation for 2 hours at room temperature with agitation at 500 rpm. After three additional washes, candidate bispecific antibodies or control antibodies were added at concentrations up to 500 ng / mL in blocking buffer and incubated for another two hours at room temperature with agitation at 500 rpm. The parental anti-Aβ monoclonal antibody SIR-BP-AB001 was used as control antibody. Following three more washes, HRP-coupled goat anti-human Fc antibody (Jackson lab) was diluted in blocking buffer to a concentration of 20 ng / mL and used as the detector antibody. This detector antibody was then applied to each well in a volume of 100 μL and incubated for one hour at room temperature with agitation at 500 rpm. After another round of three washes, 100 μL TMB reagent (Invitrogen) was added to each well for an interval lasting between 5-10 minutes while maintaining ambient conditions without direct light exposure. The reaction was stopped using 100 μL TMB stop solution from Beyotime before reading the absorbance values at wavelength 450 nm using Multiskan Sky from Thermo Scientific.
[0284] Calculation and data analysis was performed as follows. The standard curve was generated using GraphPad Prism9 with a 4 parameter algorithm for the best fit. Background absorbance was subtracted from all data points prior to plotting, including standards and tested samples. The concentrations for samples were read from the standard curve and the appropriate correction factor was applied to account for sample dilution when multiplying obtained values.
[0285] As shown in FIG. 3, candidate bispecific antibody SIR-BP-A001 exhibited a binding affinity to N3pGlu Aβ comparable to that of SIR-BP-AB001. 5.8.5 Example 5: In Vivo PK of Candidate Bispecific Antibody in huCD98+ / +: 5xFAD mice
[0286] Animal model huCD98+ / +: 5xFAD mice were prepared as follows. HuCD98 knock-in mice were generated by Biocytogen, in which the extracellular domain (ECD) of mouse CD98hc was replaced with the ECD of human CD98hc, while retaining the transmembrane and intracellular regions of mouse CD98hc (WO 2023 / 109956 A1) . The 5xFAD transgenic mice were generated by Robert Vassar at Northwestern University (MMRRC stock #34840, The Jacksons Lab) through overexpression of mutant human amyloid beta precursor protein 695 with the Swedish (K670N, M671L) , Florida (I716V) , and London (V717I) mutations along with human presenilin 1 (PS1) harboring M146L and L286V mutations. HuCD98 knock-in mice were crossbred with 5xFAD transgenic mice to generate huCD98+ / +: 5xFAD mice.
[0287] Male and female huCD98+ / +: 5xFAD mice received intraperitoneal injections of candidate bispecific antibody, SIR-BP-A001, and control antibody, SIR-BP-AB001, at a dose of 15 mg / kg. Plasma and brain samples were collected at designated time points following the administration of antibodies to mice, respectively 0h, 24h, 48h, 72h, 96h, 120h, 144h, and 168h after administration. Prior to brain sample collection, anesthetized mice underwent cardiac perfusion with PBS to remove vascular blood. The brains were then collected and halved for weighing. Tissues were added to a calculated volume of 1%NP40 dPBS buffer (0.2mg tissue / 1.0 mL buffer) with 1x protease inhibitor (cOmpleteTM, Mini Protease Inhibitor Cocktail, Roche) . Brain samples were homogenized at 8500 rpm of 30 seconds, repeated 3 times, and then kept on ice for 0.5 hour. After complete lysis, the brain samples were centrifuged at 5400×g for 15 minutes and the supernatants were transferred into new tubes for ELISA analysis. The concentration of hIgG in plasma and brain lysate was measured using ELISA. Both plasma and brain samples were analyzed by a commercially available hIgG ELISA kit following the instructions (Human IgG ELISA kit, Abcam) . Briefly, plasma or brain samples were diluted in PBS+0.5%BSA at specific dilution factors (plasma: 500-100,000; brain: 15-20) . The standard samples were prepared at the following concentrations: 15, 7.5, 3.75, 1.87, 0.93, 0.47, 0.23 and 0 ng / mL. Then the capture and detection antibodies were diluted and mixed with 50 mL samples or standard samples. The mixture was added to the precoated plates and gently rotated at room temperature for 40 minutes. After the final wash, the plates were developed by adding tetramethylbenzidine solution and incubated for 5-10 minutes. The reaction was stopped by adding 100 mL stop solution. The OD value at 450 was recorded by a microplate reader (Multiskan Sky) . The concentration of hIgG in brain or plasma samples was determined by back-calculating with standard curve and dilution factor.
[0288] As shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, in both male and female mice, the overall plasma exposure and half-life of the monoclonal antibody SIR-BP-AB001 were higher and longer than those of the candidate bispecific antibody SIR-BP-A001. The shorter half-life of SIR-BP-A001 indicated the target-mediated degradation by binding to peripheral CD98hc, as well as receptor-mediated transcytosis into the brain by binding to capillary CD98hc.
[0289] As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the higher concentration of the candidate bispecific antibody SIR-BP-A001 in brain lysate (FIG. 5) , along with a 17~22 fold increase in the brain-to-plasma ratio compared to control monoclonal antibody SIR-BP-AB001 (FIG. 6) , indicated efficient transport of SIR-BP-A001 into the brain parenchyma.
[0290] HuCD98+ / +: 5xFAD mice were treated with SIR-BP-A001 or SIR-BP-AB001 once weekly for 4 weeks at a dose of 15 mg / kg. As shown in FIG. 7, the concentration of hIgG in brain lysates following multiple-doses treatment was comparable to that observed after single-dose injection, indicating that once-weekly treatment maintained consistent antibody levels in the brain. 5.8.6 Example 6: Efficacy of Aβ antibodies in reducing total burden of Aβ40 and Aβ42 in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease
[0291] Male and female huCD98+ / +: 5xFAD mice aged 10 weeks were grouped and administered intraperitoneal injections of candidate bispecific antibodies SIR-BP-A001 or monoclonal antibodies SIR-BP-AB001 at a dosage of 100 nmol / kg once weekly for a total of 8 treatments. The monoclonal anti-LILRB2 hIgG1 antibody was used as the isotype control. One week post-treatment, the brains of mice were harvested and the total burden of Aβ40 and Aβ42 in each sample was quantified. Brains from huCD98+ / +: 5xFAD mice aged 10 weeks without treatment were collected and used as the Time Zero control.
[0292] Prior to brain sample collection, anesthetized mice underwent cardiac perfusion with PBS to remove vascular blood. The brains were then collected and halved for weighing, and freshly frozen at -80℃. Each partially frozen cerebral sample was fully thawed on ice, followed by the addition of 9 volumes of lysis buffer (5.5 M guanidine, 50 mM Tris, pH 8.8) and 1g of plastic beads to the sample. The samples were homogenized using a high-throughput tissue grinder at a frequency of 60 HZ for 30 seconds with a pause of 10 seconds between cycles, repeated four times. Following homogenization, the samples were centrifuged at 12000 rpm and at a temperature of 4℃ for 30 minutes. The resulting supernatant was then aliquoted and stored at -80℃ for preservation.
[0293] Protein concentrations of brain homogenates were measured strictly following the protocol provided with the Omni-Easy BCA Kits (Yamei) . The total volume of working solution required was calculated and prepared freshly. Solutions A and B were thoroughly mixed at a ratio of 50: 1. Standards and diluted samples (20 μL each) were added to the designated wells, followed by the addition of 200 μL of working solution to each well, ensuring proper mixing. The plate was incubated at room temperature for 30 minutes, protected from light. Absorbance at 562 nm was then measured using the Multiskan Sky microplate reader (Thermo Scientific) .
[0294] Aβ40 and Aβ42 levels in brain lysis were measured using ELISA kits (Invitrogen) . Briefly, 50 μL of standards, controls, or samples were added to the appropriate wells, followed by the addition of 50 μL of Hu Aβ40 or Hu Aβ42 Detection Antibody solution into each well. The plate was then covered and incubated for 3 hours at room temperature. After thorough aspiration and washing of the wells with 1X Wash Buffer, 100 μL Anti-Rabbit IgG HRP was added into each well (except the chromogen blanks) and incubated for 30 minutes at room temperature. Subsequently, 100 μL Stabilized Chromogen was added to each well and incubated for another 30 minutes at room temperature in the dark until the substrate solution turned blue. The reaction was stopped by adding 100 μL Stop Solution to each well, causing color change from blue to yellow. Absorbance readings were taken at a wavelength of 450 nm within 30 minutes after adding the Stop Solution.
[0295] As shown in FIG. 8, the total burden of Aβ40 and Aβ42 in mice rapidly accumulated from 10 weeks to 18 weeks, with the Aβ42 levels significantly higher than Aβ40 levels. Female mice exhibited a higher level of both Aβ40 and Aβ42 compared to male mice. These findings collectively indicated that huCD98+ / +: 5xFAD mice recapitulated the amyloid accumulation phenotype observed in 5xFAD mice. Furthermore, SIR-BP-A001 demonstrated a more potent reduction in the total burden of Aβ40 and Aβ42 in both male and female AD mice brains compared to SIR-BP-AB001 and the isotype control. These findings support that SIR-BP-A001 can provide greater clinical benefit than SIR-BP-AB001. 5.9 Sequences ***
[0296] Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it is readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the teachings of this invention that certain changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the appended claims.
[0297] Accordingly, the preceding merely illustrates the principles of the invention. It will be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements which, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the invention and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples and conditional language recited herein are principally intended to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventors to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents and equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims.
[0298] All publications and patents cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication or patent were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and / or materials in connection with which the publications are cited. The citation of any publication is for its disclosure prior to the filing date and should not be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from the actual publication dates which may need to be independently confirmed.
Claims
1.A bispecific antibody comprising (i) a first antigen-binding fragment that specifically binds to amyloid beta (Aβ) , and (ii) a second antigen-binding fragment that specifically binds to CD98hc;wherein the first antigen-binding fragment comprises a first heavy chain variable domain (VH1) and a first light chain variable domain (VL1) ; wherein the VH1 comprises VH1 CDR1, VH1 CDR2, and VH1 CDR3 from a heavy chain variable domain (VH) having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 63, 21, 23, or 25, or a variant thereof having up to about 5 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VH CDRs, and the VL1 comprises VL1 CDR1, VL1 CDR2, and VL1 CDR3 from a light chain variable domain (VL) having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 64, 22, 24, or 26, or a variant thereof having up to about 5 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VL CDRs; andwherein the second antigen-binding fragment comprises a second heavy chain variable domain (VH2) and a second light chain variable domain (VL2) , wherein the VH2 comprises VH2 CDR1, VH2 CDR2, and VH2 CDR3 from a VH having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1; or a variant thereof having up to about 5 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VH CDRs; and the VL2 comprises VL2 CDR1, VL2 CDR2, and VL2 CDR3 from a VL having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; or a variant thereof having up to about 5 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VL CDRs.2.The bispecific antibody of claim 1, wherein the VH1 comprises VH1 CDR1, VH1 CDR2, and VH1 CDR3 from a VH having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 63, and the VL1 comprises VL1 CDR1, VL1 CDR2, and VL1 CDR3 from a VL having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 64.3.The bispecific antibody of claim 2, wherein the VH1 CDR1, VH1 CDR2, and VH1 CDR3 have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 65, 66 and 67, respectively, and the VL1 CDR1, VL1 CDR2, and VL1 CDR3 have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 68, 69, and 70, respectively.4.The bispecific antibody of claim 2, wherein the VH1 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 63; and the VL1 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 64.5.The bispecific antibody of claim 1, wherein the VH1 comprises VH1 CDR1, VH1 CDR2, and VH1 CDR3 from a VH having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21, and the VL1 comprises VL1 CDR1, VL1 CDR2, and VL1 CDR3 from a VL having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22.6.The bispecific antibody of claim 5, wherein the VH1 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 21; and the VL1 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 22.7.The bispecific antibody of claim 1, wherein the VH1 comprises VH1 CDR1, VH1 CDR2, and VH1 CDR3 from a VH having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23, and the VL1 comprises VL1 CDR1, VL1 CDR2, and VL1 CDR3 from a VL having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24.8.The bispecific antibody of claim 7, wherein the VH1 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 23; and the VL1 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 24.9.The bispecific antibody of claim 1, wherein the VH1 comprises VH1 CDR1, VH1 CDR2, and VH1 CDR3 from a VH having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25, and the VL1 comprises VL1 CDR1, VL1 CDR2, and VL1 CDR3 from a VL having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 26.10.The bispecific antibody of claim 9, wherein the VH1 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 25; and the VL1 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 26.11.The bispecific antibody of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the VH2 CDR1, VH2 CDR2, and VH2 CDR3 have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 3, 4, and 5, respectively, and the VL2 CDR1, VL2 CDR2, and VL2 CDR3 have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 6, 7, and 8, respectively.12.The bispecific antibody of claim 11, wherein VH2 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 1; and VL2 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 2.13.The bispecific antibody of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the VH2 CDR1, VH2 CDR2, and VH2 CDR3 have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 3, 13, and 5, respectively, and the VL2 CDR1, VL2 CDR2, and VL2 CDR3 have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 6, 7, and 8, respectively.14.The bispecific antibody of claim 13, wherein VH2 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 9; and VL2 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 10.15.The bispecific antibody of any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising(1) a first peptide chain (HC1) comprising, from N-terminus to C-terminus, VH1, a first heavy chain constant (CH) region, a linker, and a single chain variable fragment (scFv) comprising VH2 and VL2;(2) a second peptide chain (HC2) comprising, from N-terminus to C-terminus, VH1 and a second CH region; and(3) a third peptide chain (LC) comprising, from N-terminus to C-terminus, VL1 and a light chain constant (CL) region.16.The bispecific antibody of claim 15, wherein the linker has an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 71-75.17.The bispecific antibody of claim 15 or 16, wherein the scFv comprises, from N-terminus to C-terminus, VL2, a second linker, and VH2.18.The bispecific antibody of claim 15 or 16, wherein the scFv comprises, from N-terminus to C-terminus, VH2, a second linker, and VL2.19.The bispecific antibody of claim 17 or 18, wherein the second linker has an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 71-75.20.The bispecific antibody of claim 15 or 16, wherein the scFv has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 11.21.The bispecific antibody of any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein(1) the CL region is Cκ (SEQ ID NO: 78) or Cλ (SEQ ID NO: 79) , or a variant thereof having up to 10 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions; or(2) the first and second CH regions are human IgG1 CH regions (SEQ ID NO: 80) , IgG2 CH regions (SEQ ID NO: 81) , IgG3 CH regions (SEQ ID NO: 82) , or IgG4 CH regions (SEQ ID NO: 83) , or variants thereof having up to 10 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions; or both (1) and (2) .22.The bispecific antibody of any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein the CL region is Cκ (SEQ ID NO: 78) .23.The bispecific antibody of any one of claims 15 to 22, wherein the first CH region and the second CH region are IgG1 CH regions (SEQ ID NO: 80) or variants thereof having up to 10 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions.24.The bispecific antibody of claim 23, wherein the first CH region and the second CH region form a heterodimer.25.The bispecific antibody of claim 24, wherein the first CH region has T350V, L351Y, F405A, and Y407V substitutions and the second CH region has T350V, T366L, K392L, and T394W substitutions.26.The bispecific antibody of claim 24, wherein the first CH region has T350V, T366L, K392L, and T394W substitutions and the second CH region has T350V, L351Y, F405A, and Y407V substitutions.27.The bispecific antibody of claim 24, wherein the first CH region comprises a Hole-Fc region, and the second CH region comprises a Knob-Fc region.28.The bispecific antibody of claim 24, wherein the first CH region comprises a Knob-Fc region, and the second CH region comprises a Hole-Fc region.29.The bispecific antibody of claim 27 or 28, wherein the Knob-Fc region has a T366W substitution, and the Hole-Fc region has T366S, L368A, and Y407V substitutions.30.The bispecific antibody of any one of claims 23 to 29, wherein the first CH region, or the second CH region, or both the first and the second CH regions have M252Y, S254T, and T256E substitutions.31.The bispecific antibody of claim 30, wherein the first CH region has M252Y, S254T, and T256E substitutions.32.The bispecific antibody of any one of claims 23 to 31, wherein the first CH region, or the second CH region, or both the first and the second CH regions have H435R and Y436F substitutions.33.The bispecific antibody of claim 32, wherein the second CH region has H435R and Y436F substitutions.34.The bispecific antibody of claim 24, wherein the first CH region is an IgG1 CH region having M252Y, S254T, T256E, T350V, L351Y, F405A, and Y407V substitutions (SEQ ID NO: 84) , and the second CH region is an IgG1 CH region having T350V, T366L, K392L, T394W, H435R, and Y436F substitutions (SEQ ID NO: 85) .35.The bispecific antibody of claim 15, wherein the HC1, HC2, and LC have amino acid sequences that are at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NOs: 42, 43, and 44, respectively.36.The bispecific antibody of any one of claims 15 to 35 consisting of one HC1, one HC2, and two LC.37.A polynucleotide or a plurality of polynucleotides that encodes or collectively encode the HC1, HC2, and LC of the bispecific antibody of any one of claims 15 to 36.38.A host cell comprising the polynucleotide or plurality of polynucleotides of claim 37.39.A method of making a bispecific antibody that specifically binds to human CD98hc and Aβ, comprising culturing the cell of claim 38 under conditions that allow expression of the bispecific antibody.40.The method of claim 39 that comprises isolating the bispecific antibody from the culture.41.A pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of the bispecific antibody of any one of claims 1 to 36, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.42.A method of treating a neurological disease or disorder in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the bispecific antibody of any one of claims 1 to 36.43.The method of claim 42, further comprising administering an additional therapy to the subject.44.The method of claim 42 or 43, wherein the subject is a human.45.Use of the bispecific antibody of any one of claims 1 to 36 for treating a neurological disease or disorder.46.Use of the bispecific antibody of any one of claims 1 to 36 for manufacture of a medicament for a neurological disease or disorder.47.The method or use of any one of claims 42 to 46, wherein the neurological disease or disorder is a neurodegenerative disease.48.The method or use of any one of claims 42 to 46, wherein the neurological disease or disorder is an amyloid-related disease or disorder.49.The method or use of any one of claims 42 to 46, wherein the neurological disease or disorder is Alzheimer’s Disease.