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WO2025166058A1 - Protéines multispécifiques se liant au trem2 et au récepteur de la transferrine et leurs utilisations - Google Patents

Protéines multispécifiques se liant au trem2 et au récepteur de la transferrine et leurs utilisations

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Publication number
WO2025166058A1
WO2025166058A1 PCT/US2025/013864 US2025013864W WO2025166058A1 WO 2025166058 A1 WO2025166058 A1 WO 2025166058A1 US 2025013864 W US2025013864 W US 2025013864W WO 2025166058 A1 WO2025166058 A1 WO 2025166058A1
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seq
nos
amino acid
antigen
acid sequence
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Arnon Rosenthal
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Alector LLC
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Alector LLC
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K67/00—Rearing or breeding animals, not otherwise provided for; New or modified breeds of animals
    • A01K67/027—New or modified breeds of vertebrates
    • A01K67/0275—Genetically modified vertebrates, e.g. transgenic
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K39/00—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies
    • A61K39/395—Antibodies; Immunoglobulins; Immune serum, e.g. antilymphocytic serum
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P25/00—Drugs for disorders of the nervous system
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K16/00—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies
    • C07K16/18—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from animals or humans
    • C07K16/28—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from animals or humans against receptors, cell surface antigens or cell surface determinants
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K16/00—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies
    • C07K16/46—Hybrid immunoglobulins
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K2207/00—Modified animals
    • A01K2207/15—Humanized animals
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K2217/00—Genetically modified animals
    • A01K2217/07—Animals genetically altered by homologous recombination
    • A01K2217/072—Animals genetically altered by homologous recombination maintaining or altering function, i.e. knock in
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K2227/00—Animals characterised by species
    • A01K2227/10—Mammal
    • A01K2227/105—Murine
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K2267/00—Animals characterised by purpose
    • A01K2267/03—Animal model, e.g. for test or diseases
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12P—FERMENTATION OR ENZYME-USING PROCESSES TO SYNTHESISE A DESIRED CHEMICAL COMPOUND OR COMPOSITION OR TO SEPARATE OPTICAL ISOMERS FROM A RACEMIC MIXTURE
    • C12P21/00—Preparation of peptides or proteins

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to multi-specific proteins comprising an antibody or antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 and comprising an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human transferrin receptor (TfR) and uses (e.g., therapeutic uses) thereof. These multi-specific proteins are capable of crossing the blood brain barrier (BBB).
  • BBB blood brain barrier
  • BBB blood brain barrier
  • CNS central nervous system
  • Alterations of the BBB are an important component of pathology and progression of different neurological diseases.
  • the BBB poses a problem with regard to delivering therapeutics to the CNS. While recombinant proteins and antibody therapeutics have shown much success outside the CNS, such biologics do not cross the BBB efficiently. As a result, delivery of some therapeutics to the CNS has relied on injection of the therapeutic directly into the CNS.
  • Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-2 is an immunoglobulin-like receptor that is expressed, for example, on myeloid lineage cells.
  • TREM2 activity has been implicated in diseases, disorders, and conditions, such as frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke/ischemic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and Nasu-Hakola disease (Neumann, H et al., (2007) J Neuroimmunol 184: 92-99; Takahashi, K et al., (2005) J Exp Med 201: 647-657; Takahashi, K et al., (2007) PLoS Med 4: e124; and Hsieh, CL et al., (2009) J Neurochem 109: 1144-1156; Malm, TM et al, Neurotherapeutics.2014 Nov 18; Paloneva, J et al., (2002) Am J Hum Genet 71: 656-662; and Paloneva, J et al., (2003) J Exp Med 198: 669-675; Guerreiro, RJ et al., (2013) JAMA Neurol 70:
  • multi-specific proteins comprising an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TfR linked to an anti-TREM2 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, and methods of making and using the same.
  • the antigen-binding domain can bind specifically to human transferrin receptor (TfR) to facilitate the transport of the anti-TREM2 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof across the blood brain barrier (BBB).
  • a multi-specific protein comprising (i) an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-2 (TREM2) and (ii) an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human transferrin receptor (TfR).
  • TfR Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-2
  • the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising a VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising a VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3, wherein the VH CDR1 comprises the acid sequence YAFSSQWMN (SEQ ID NO: 2 ny-2680984 735022004440 500), the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence RIYPGGGDTNYAGKFQG (SEQ ID NO: 501), the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence ARLLRNQPGESYAMDY (SEQ ID NO: 502), the VL CDR1comprise
  • the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising a VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising a VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3, wherein the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:526, the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:527, the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:528, the VL CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:529, the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:530, and the VL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:505.
  • VH heavy chain variable region
  • VL light chain variable region
  • the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising a VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising a VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3, wherein the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:536, the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:537, the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:538, the VL CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:539, the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:540, and the VL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:541.
  • VH heavy chain variable region
  • VL light chain variable region
  • the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising a VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising a VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3, wherein the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:544, the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:545, the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:546, the VL CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:547, the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:548, and the VL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:549.
  • VH heavy chain variable region
  • VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:545
  • the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:546
  • the VL CDR1 comprises the amino acid
  • the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising a VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising a VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3, wherein the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:552 or 553, 3 ny-2680984 735022004440 the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:554, the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:555, the VL CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:556, the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:557, and the VL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:558.
  • VH heavy chain variable region
  • VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:552 or 553
  • VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence
  • the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising a VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising a VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3, wherein the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:561, the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:562, the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:563, the VL CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:564, the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:565, and the VL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:566.
  • VH heavy chain variable region
  • VL light chain variable region
  • the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising a VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising a VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3, wherein the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:569, the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:570, the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:571, the VL CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:572, the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:573, and the VL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:574.
  • VH heavy chain variable region
  • VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:570
  • the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:571
  • the VL CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence
  • the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising a VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising a VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3, wherein the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:579, the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:580, the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:581, the VL CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:582, the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:583, and the VL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:584.
  • VH heavy chain variable region
  • VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:580
  • the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:581
  • the VL CDR1 comprises the amino
  • the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising a VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising a VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3, wherein the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence EYAMH (SEQ ID NO:94), the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence GIAPNTGGTSYNQKFKG (SEQ ID 4 ny-2680984 735022004440 NO:415), the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence QGWLLRGGDY (SEQ ID NO:418), the VL CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence KASQSLLDEGGKTYLN (SEQ ID NO:423), the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence LVSKLDS (SEQ ID NO:150), and the CL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence WQGTHFPQ
  • the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 comprises a VH comprising an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 506. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 comprises a VL comprising an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 507. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 comprises a VH comprising an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 506 and a VL comprising an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 507. [0020] In some embodiments, the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 508.
  • the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 509. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 510. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 511. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 comprises a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 512.
  • the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 510 and a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 512. In some embodiments, antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 511 and a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 512. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 comprises a heavy chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 508-511 and a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 512.
  • the anti-TfR antigen-binding domain comprises a VH comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 399. In some embodiments, the anti-TfR antigen-binding domain comprises a VL comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 400. In other embodiments, the anti-TfR antigen-binding domain comprises a VH comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 399 and a VL comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ 5 ny-2680984 735022004440 ID NO: 400. In yet other embodiments, the anti-TfR antigen-binding domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 279.
  • the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 is an antibody, optionally wherein the antibody is a full-length antibody. In other embodiments, the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 is an IgG antibody, optionally wherein the IgG antibody is an IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or an IgG4 antibody. In some embodiments, wherein the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 is a bivalent, monoclonal antibody. In other embodiments, the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 is a humanized antibody.
  • the antigen-binding domain antibody or antigen- binding fragment thereof that specifically binds to TREM2 is a Fab, a Fab’, a Fab’-SH, a F(ab’)2, a Fv, or a scFv.
  • the multi-specific protein comprises an Fc region.
  • the Fc region comprises a hole mutation.
  • the Fc region comprises a knob mutation.
  • the Fc region comprises a hole mutation and a knob mutation.
  • the multi-specific protein comprises one or more amino acid substitutions in the Fc region at a residue position selected from the group consisting of: C127S, L234A, L234F, L235A, L235E, S267E, K322A, L328F, A330S, P331S, E345R, E430G, S440Y, and any combination thereof, wherein the numbering of the residues is according to EU numbering.
  • the multi-specific protein comprises an Fc region, wherein: the Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at positions E430G, L243A, L235A, and P331S, wherein the numbering of the residue position is according to EU numbering; the Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at positions E430G and P331S, wherein the numbering of the residue position is according to EU numbering; the Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at positions E430G and K322A, wherein the numbering of the residue position is according to EU numbering; the Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at positions E430G, A330S, and P331S, wherein the numbering of the residue position is according to EU numbering; the Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at positions E430G, K322A, A330S, and P331S, wherein the numbering of the residue position is according to EU numbering; the Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at positions E430G, K322A, A330S, and P331S, wherein the numbering of
  • the 6 ny-2680984 735022004440 multi-specific protein has an Fc region, and wherein the Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at positions E430G and P331S, wherein the numbering of the residue position is according to EU numbering.
  • the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TfR is a VHH.
  • the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TfR is a single-chain fragment variable (scFv).
  • the multi-specific protein further comprises a linker. In some embodiments, the linker connects an Fc domain of the multi-specific protein to the antigen- binding domain that specifically binds to TfR.
  • the linker connects the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 to the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TfR.
  • the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TfR has the orientation of VH-linker-VL.
  • the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TfR has the orientation of VL-linker-VH.
  • the linker is about 5 to about 25 amino acids, is about 5 to about 20 amino acids, is about 10 to about 25 amino acids, or is about 10 to about 20 amino acids.
  • the linker comprises the amino acid sequence of GGSEGKSSGSGSESKSTGGS (SEQ ID NO:183) or GGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGS (SEQ ID NO: 288). In other embodiments, the linker comprises (GGGGS)x3 (SEQ ID NO:184). [0027] In some embodiments, the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2is a Fab or fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TfR comprises a VH comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 399.
  • the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TfR comprises a VL comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 400. In some embodiments, the antigen- binding domain that specifically binds to TfR comprises a VH and VL, wherein the VH comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 399 and wherein the VL comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 400.
  • the multi-specific protein is bivalent and bi-specific. In other embodiments, the multi-specific protein is trivalent and bi-specific. In some embodiments, the multi-specific protein is tetravalent and bi-specific. In some embodiments, the multi-specific protein has any one of the formats described herein.
  • the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 comprises two antigen-binding domains that each bind to TREM2.
  • the multi-specific protein comprises: (i) a single antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to 7 ny-2680984 735022004440 human TfR and (ii) the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 comprises two heavy chains and two light chains; wherein the single antigen-binding domain that binds to human TfR is linked to the C-terminus of one of the two heavy chains.
  • the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR is an scFv linked, optionally via an amino acid linker, to the C-terminus of one of the two heavy chains.
  • the multi-specific protein comprises two antigen-binding domains that specifically binds to human TfR and wherein the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 is a scFv, VHH, or Fab, and optionally, wherein the multi-specific protein comprises an Fc domain.
  • the multi-specific protein is tetravalent, wherein the multi- specific protein comprises two antigen-binding domains that specifically bind to human TfR, and wherein the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 comprises two antigen- binding domains that each bind to TREM2.
  • the multi-specific protein comprises two antigen-binding domains that specifically binds to human TfR and wherein the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 is a scFv, VHH, or Fab, and optionally wherein the multi-specific protein comprises an Fc domain.
  • the multi-specific protein comprises (i) a first polypeptide comprising, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, a VH, a CH1, a hinge region, a CH2, a CH3, a linker, and a scFv; (ii) a second polypeptide comprising, from the N-terminus to the C- terminus, a VH, a CH1, a hinge region, a CH2, and a CH3; and (iii) a third polypeptide and a fourth polypeptide each comprising, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, a VL and a CL; wherein the scFv specifically binds to human TfR; wherein the VH of the first polypeptide and the VL of the third polypeptide form a first antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2; wherein the VH of the second polypeptide and the VL of the fourth polypeptide form a second
  • the multi-specific protein comprises (i) two antigen-binding domains that specifically bind to human TfR and (ii) an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2, wherein the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 comprises two heavy chains and two light chains, wherein one of the antigen-binding domains that specifically binds to human TfR is linked to the C-terminus of one of the two heavy chains, and the other antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR is linked to the C- terminus of the other of the two heavy chains.
  • the multi-specific protein comprises (i) a first polypeptide comprising, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, a VH, a CH1, a hinge region, a CH2, a CH3, 8 ny-2680984 735022004440 a linker, and a scFv; (ii) a second polypeptide comprising, from the N-terminus to the C- terminus, a VH, a CH1, a hinge region, a CH2, a CH3, a linker, and a scFv; and (iii) a third polypeptide and a fourth polypeptide each comprising, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, a VL and a CL; wherein the scFv of the first polypeptide and the scFv of the second polypeptide each specifically bind to human TfR; wherein the VH of the first polypeptide and the VL of the third polypeptide form
  • the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds TfR comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) complementarity determining region (CDR) 1, VH CDR2, VH CDR3 and a light chain variable region (VL) CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 sequences comprising the amino acid sequences of: SEQ ID NOs:94, 415, 418, 423, 150, and 151, respectively; SEQ ID NOs:74-76 and 135-137, respectively; SEQ ID NOs:77-79 and 138- 140, respectively; SEQ ID NOs:80-82 and 135-137, respectively; SEQ ID NOs:83-85 and 141- 143, respectively; SEQ ID NOs:74, 86, 76 and 135-137, respectively; SEQ ID NOs:87-89, and 143-145, respectively; SEQ ID NOs:90-92 and 146-148, respectively; SEQ ID NOs:83, 93, 85 and 141-143
  • the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds TfR comprises a VH and a VL, wherein the VH and VL comprise the amino acid sequences of: SEQ ID NOs:399 and 400, respectively; SEQ ID NOs:10 and 11, respectively; SEQ ID NOs:12 and 13, respectively; SEQ ID NOs:14 and 15, respectively; SEQ ID NOs:16 and 17, respectively; SEQ ID NOs:18 and 19, respectively; SEQ ID NOs:20 and 21, respectively; SEQ ID NOs:22 and 23, respectively; SEQ ID NOs:24 and 25, respectively; SEQ ID NOs:26 and 27, respectively; SEQ ID NOs:28 and 29, respectively; SEQ ID NOs:30 and 31, respectively; SEQ ID NOs:32 and 33, respectively; SEQ ID NOs:34 and 35, respectively; SEQ ID NOs:36 and 37, respectively; SEQ ID NOs:38 and 39, respectively; SEQ ID NOs:40 and 41, respectively; SEQ ID NOs:42 and 43,
  • the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR is an scFv comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 279; and (ii) the antigen- binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 comprises two heavy chains and one light chain, wherein one heavy chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 514, wherein the other heavy chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 515; and the light chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID: 516.
  • the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR is an scFv comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 279; and (ii) the antigen- binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 comprises two heavy chains and one light chain, wherein one heavy chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 517, wherein the other heavy chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 518; and the light chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID: 519.
  • the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR is an scFv comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 279; and (ii) the antigen- binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 comprises two heavy chains and one light chain, wherein one heavy chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 520, wherein the other heavy chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 521; and the light chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID: 522.
  • the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR is an scFv comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 279; and (ii) the antigen- binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 comprises two heavy chains and one light chain, wherein one heavy chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 523, wherein the other heavy chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 524; and the light chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID: 525.
  • the multi-specific protein comprises three polypeptide sequences, wherein the first polypeptide sequence comprises SEQ ID NO: 514, wherein the second polypeptide sequence comprises SEQ ID NO: 515, and wherein the third polypeptide sequence comprises SEQ ID NO: 516. In some embodiments, the multi-specific protein comprises three polypeptide sequences, wherein the first polypeptide sequence comprises SEQ ID NO: 517, wherein the second polypeptide sequence comprises SEQ ID NO: 518, and wherein the third polypeptide sequence comprises SEQ ID NO: 519.
  • the multi- specific protein comprises three polypeptide sequences, wherein the first polypeptide sequence comprises SEQ ID NO: 520, wherein the second polypeptide sequence comprises SEQ ID NO: 521, and wherein the third polypeptide sequence comprises SEQ ID NO: 522.
  • the first polypeptide sequence comprises SEQ ID NO: 523, wherein the second polypeptide sequence comprises SEQ ID NO: 524, and wherein the third polypeptide sequence comprises SEQ ID NO: 525.
  • a host cell comprises the multi-specific protein of the present disclosure.
  • a polynucleotide encodes the multi-specific protein of the present disclosure.
  • a vector comprises the polynucleotide of the present disclosure.
  • a host cell comprises the vector of the present disclosure..
  • a method of producing a multi-specific protein comprising culturing the host cell of the present disclosure so that the multi-specific protein is produced, optionally wherein the method further comprises isolating the multi-specific protein from the culture.
  • an isolated multi-specific protein produced by the methods disclosed herein.
  • a pharmaceutical composition comprising the multi-specific protein disclosed herein.
  • the pharmaceutical composition further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
  • a method of treating a neurological disease or disorder in a subject comprising administering the multi-specific protein disclosed herein or the 13 ny-2680984 735022004440 pharmaceutical composition disclosed herein to the subject.
  • the neurological disease or disorder is selected from a neuropathy disorder, a neurodegenerative disease, an ocular disease disorder, a seizure disorder, a lysosomal storage disease, ischemia, a behavioral disorder, and CNS inflammation.
  • the neurological disease or disorder is selected from Alzheimer's disease (AD), Huntington’s disease, dystonia, ataxia, stroke, dementia, Lewy body dementia, multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease, Pick's disease, encephalitis, traumatic brain injury, and limbic- predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE).
  • AD Alzheimer's disease
  • MS multiple sclerosis
  • ALS amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
  • Parkinson's disease Pick's disease
  • encephalitis traumatic brain injury
  • LATE limbic- predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy
  • the neurological disease or disorder is Alzheimer’s disease.
  • the Alzheimer's disease is early onset Alzheimer’s disease, prodromal Alzheimer’s disease, mild Alzheimer’s disease, or late onset Alzheimer’s disease.
  • the neurological disease or disorder is Parkinson’s disease.
  • Also provided herein is a method of transporting an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds to TREM2 across the blood brain barrier (BBB) of a subject, comprising administering the multi-specific protein disclosed herein or the pharmaceutical composition disclosed herein to the subject.
  • the multi-specific protein is linked to an imaging agent.
  • a method of imaging an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds to TREM2 within a subject comprising administering the multi-specific protein disclosed herein and locating the imaging agent within the subject.
  • FIG.1A shows an example of a 2+1 bispecific antibody.
  • FIG.1B shows an example of a 2+2 bispecific antibody.
  • FIG.1C shows an example of a 2+2 bispecific antibody with two different scFvs. 14 ny-2680984 735022004440
  • FIG.1D shows exemplary formats comprising a TfR antigen-binding domain. (i) shows an exemplary 2 +1 format; (ii) shows an exemplary 1 + 1 format; and (iii) shows another exemplary 1 + 1 format, with two different VHH domains.
  • FIG.2 shows TfR surface levels on hCMEC/D3 cells after treatment with 2+1 anti-TfR bispecific antibodies, evaluated via FACS.
  • FIG.3 shows TfR surface levels on hCMEC/D3 cells after treatment with humanized 2+1 anti-TfR bispecific antibodies, evaluated via FACS.
  • FIG.4 shows total TfR protein levels in hCMEC/D3 cells after treatment with 2+1 anti-TfR bispecific antibodies, evaluated via Western blot.
  • FIG.5 shows the brain PK of 2+1 anti-TfR bispecific antibodies as fold change over isotype control.
  • FIG.6 shows the serum PK of 2+1 anti-TfR bispecific antibodies in wild-type and hTfR ECD +/- knock-in mice.
  • FIG.7 shows total vessel TfR levels after hu-TfR +/- KI mice were injected with anti- TfR antibodies (i.e., TfR-9.1B.39 and TfR-15.WH8) compared to those from isotype treated animals.
  • FIG.8 shows blood reticulocyte levels after 2+1 anti-TfR bispecific antibody treatment.
  • FIG.9 shows a modest antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) response of 2+1 anti-TfR bispecific antibodies against a BBB cell line.
  • ADCC antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity
  • FIG.10 shows that NSLF and LALAPS strongly ameliorate ADCC signal from 2+1 anti-TfR bispecific antibodies.
  • FIG.11 shows a 2+1 anti-TfR bispecific antibody activity as measured by sTREM2 levels in an in vitro assay.
  • FIG.12 shows absolute reticulocyte counts in non-human primates (NHP) following administration of a 2+1 anti-TfR bispecific antibody.
  • FIG.13 shows serum and CSF levels of a 2+1 anti-TfR bispecific antibody after a first and second dosing.
  • FIG.14 shows antibody concentration in NHP brain fractions following administration of a 2+1 anti-TfR bispecific antibody.
  • FIG.15 shows soluble TREM2 (sTREM2) levels in serum and CSF of NHPs following administration of a 2+1 anti-TfR bispecific antibody.
  • sTREM2 soluble TREM2
  • FIG.16 shows levels of CSF-1 in the CSF of NHPs following administration of a 2+1 anti-TfR bispecific antibody.
  • FIG.17 shows relative TfR protein levels (determined by a sandwich Meso Scale Discovery method) in cynomolgus brain sections 48 hours after a 2nd dose of 2+1 anti-TfR antibody. Tfr protein concentrations for each animal were normalized and are shown as a percentage of the TfR level in the average of the control-treated animals (hIgG1 Iso). (See Example 30.) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE [0071] The present disclosure relates to multi-specific proteins that specifically bind to TREM2 and to human transferrin receptor (TfR).
  • the multi-specific proteins can comprise antibodies, antigen-binding domains, or antigen-binding fragments thereof.
  • the present disclosure relates to methods of making and using such multi-specific proteins, antigen-binding domains, antibodies, and antigen-binding fragments thereof; pharmaceutical compositions comprising such multi-specific proteins, antigen-binding domains, antibodies, and antigen- binding fragments thereof; nucleic acids encoding such multi-specific proteins, antigen-binding domains, antibodies, and antigen-binding fragments thereof; and host cells comprising nucleic acids encoding such multi-specific proteins, antigen-binding domains, antibodies, and antigen- binding fragments thereof.
  • central nervous system and “CNS” refer to the complex of nerve tissues that control bodily function and includes the brain, spinal cord.
  • CNS central nervous system
  • BBB blood brain barrier
  • a "central nervous system antigen” or “CNS antigen” is an antigen expressed in the CNS, including the brain, which can be targeted with an antibody or small molecule.
  • Examples 16 ny-2680984 735022004440 of such antigens include, without limitation: triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), beta-secretase 1 (BACE1), amyloid beta (Abeta), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), tau, apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4), alpha-synuclein, CD20, huntingtin, prion protein (PrP), leucine rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2), parkin, presenilin 1, presenilin 2, ⁇ -glucocerebrosidase (Gcase or GBA), progranulin (PGRN), Prosaposin (PSAP), gamma secretase, death receptor 6 (DR6), amyloid
  • a "brain antigen” is a CNS antigen expressed in the brain.
  • a “neurological disorder” as used herein refers to a disease or disorder which affects the CNS and/or which has an etiology in the CNS.
  • Exemplary CNS diseases or disorders include, but are not limited to, neuropathy, amyloidosis, cancer, an ocular disease or disorder, viral or microbial infection, inflammation, ischemia, neurodegenerative disease, seizure, behavioral disorders, and a lysosomal storage disease.
  • an “interaction” between a Sortilin protein and a second protein encompasses, without limitation, protein-protein interaction, a physical interaction, a chemical interaction, binding, covalent binding, and ionic binding.
  • an antibody “inhibits interaction” between two proteins when the antibody disrupts, reduces, or completely eliminates an interaction between the two proteins.
  • a “blocking” antibody, an “antagonist” antibody, or an “inhibitory” antibody is an antibody, such as an anti-Sortilin antibody of the present disclosure, which inhibits or reduces one or more biological activities of the antigen it binds, such as interactions with one or more proteins.
  • blocking antibodies, antagonist antibodies, or inhibitory antibodies substantially or completely inhibit one or more biological activities or interactions of the antigen.
  • TREM2 proteins or polypeptides of the present disclosure include, without limitation, a human TREM2 protein (Uniprot Accession No.
  • TREM2 protein a non-human mammalian TREM2 protein
  • mouse TREM2 protein Uniprot Accession No. Q99NH8
  • rat TREM2 protein Uniprot Accession No. D3ZZ89
  • Rhesus monkey TREM2 protein Uniprot Accession No. F6QVF2
  • cynomolgus monkey TREM2 protein NCBI Accession No. XP_015304909.1
  • equine TREM2 protein Uniprot Accession No. F7D6L0
  • pig TREM2 protein Uniprot Accession No. H2EZZ3;
  • dog TREM2 protein Uniprot Accession No. E2RP4
  • TREM2 protein refers to both wild-type sequences and naturally occurring variant sequences.
  • Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-2 (TREM2) is variously referred to as TREM-2, TREM2a, TREM2b, TREM2c, triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-2a, and triggering receptor expressed on monocytes-2.
  • TREM2 is a 230 amino acid membrane protein.
  • TREM2 is an immunoglobulin-like receptor primarily expressed on myeloid lineage cells, including without limitation, macrophages, dendritic cells, monocytes, Langerhans cells of skin, Kupffer cells, osteoclasts, and microglia.
  • TREM2 forms a receptor signaling complex with DAP12.
  • TREM2 phosphorylates and signals through DAP12 (an ITAM domain adaptor protein).
  • TREM2 signaling results in the downstream activation of PI3K or other intracellular signals.
  • Toll-like receptor (TLR) signals are important for the activation of TREM2 activities, e.g., in the context of an infection response.
  • TLRs also play a key role in the pathological inflammatory response, e.g., TLRs expressed in macrophages and dendritic cells.
  • an example of a human TREM2 amino acid sequence is set forth below as SEQ ID NO: 513: 10 20 30 40 50 60 MEPLRLLILL FVTELSGAHN TTVFQGVAGQ SLQVSCPYDS MKHWGRRKAW CRQLGEKGPC 70 80 90 100 110 120 QRVVSTHNLW LLSFLRRWNG STAITDDTLG GTLTITLRNL QPHDAGLYQC QSLHGSEADT 130 140 150 160 170 180 LRKVLVEVLA DPLDHRDAGD LWFPGESESF EDAHVEHSIS RSLLEGEIPF PPTSILLLLA 190 200 210 220 230 CIFLIKILAA SALWAAAWHG QKPGTHPPSE LDCGHDPGYQ LQTLPGLRDT [0083]
  • the human TREM2 is a preprotein that includes a signal peptide.
  • the human TREM2 is a mature protein. In some embodiments, the mature TREM2 protein does not include a signal peptide. In some embodiments, the mature TREM2 protein is expressed on a cell. In some embodiments, TREM2 contains a signal peptide located at 18 ny-2680984 735022004440 amino acid residues 1-18 of human TREM2 (SEQ ID NO: 513); an extracellular immunoglobulin-like variable-type (IgV) domain located at amino acid residues 29-112 of human TREM2 (SEQ ID NO: 513); additional extracellular sequences located at amino acid residues 113-174 of human TREM2 (SEQ ID NO: 513); a transmembrane domain located at amino acid residues 175-195 of human TREM2 (SEQ ID NO: 513); and an intracellular domain located at amino acid residues 196-230 of human TREM2 (SEQ ID NO: 513).
  • SEQ ID NO: 513 signal peptide located at 18 ny-2680984
  • the transmembrane domain of human TREM2 contains a lysine at amino acid residue 186 that can interact with an aspartic acid in DAP12, which is a key adaptor protein that transduces signaling from TREM2, TREM1, and other related IgV family members.
  • Homologues of human TREM2 include, without limitation, the natural killer (NK) cell receptor NK-p44 (NCTR2), the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR), CD300E, CD300A, CD300C, and TREML1/TLT1. In some embodiments, NCTR2 has similarity with TREM2 within the IgV domain.
  • TfR Transferrin receptor
  • TfR polypeptide TfR protein
  • mammals such as primates (e.g., humans and cynomolgus monkeys (cynos)) and rodents (e.g., mice and rats), unless otherwise indicated.
  • TfR is also referred to as transferrin receptor protein 1, TR, tfR1, Trfr, T9, and p90.
  • 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 TfR, as well as any form of TfR that results from processing in the cell.
  • the TfR is human TfR.
  • the term “human TfR” refers to a polypeptide with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:8.
  • antibody encompasses monoclonal antibodies, chimeric antibodies, humanized antibodies, human antibodies, multi-specific (e.g. bi- specific) antibodies, and any other immunoglobulin molecule so long as the antibodies exhibit the desired biological activity.
  • An antibody can be of any 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 regions referred to as alpha, delta, epsilon, gamma, and mu, respectively.
  • the different classes of antibodies have different and well-known subunit structures and three-dimensional configurations.
  • the terms "anti-TfR antibody,” “antibody that binds to TfR,” and “antibody that specifically binds TfR” refer to an antibody that is capable of binding TfR with sufficient affinity such that the antibody is useful as a diagnostic and/or therapeutic agent in targeting TfR.
  • the anti-TfR antibody is capable of transporting another diagnostic and/or therapeutic agent into the brain.
  • an anti-TfR antibody binds to an epitope of TfR that is conserved among TfR from different species.
  • the term "antibody fragment” refers to a portion of an antibody.
  • An "antigen-binding fragment” of an antibody refers to a portion of an antibody that binds to an antigen.
  • An antigen- binding fragment of an antibody can comprise the antigenic determining regions of an antibody (e.g., the complementarity determining regions (CDRs)).
  • antigen-binding fragments of antibodies include, but are not limited to Fab, Fab', F(ab')2, and Fv fragments, linear antibodies, and single chain antibodies.
  • An antigen-binding fragment of an antibody can be monovalent or multi-valent (e.g., bi-valent).
  • An antigen-binding fragment of an antibody can be monospecific or multi-specific (e.g., bi-specific.)
  • An antigen-binding fragment of an antibody 20 ny-2680984 735022004440 can be derived from any animal species, such as rodents (e.g., mouse, rat, or hamster) and humans or can be artificially produced.
  • an “antigen-binding domain” or “antigen-binding region” refers to a monovalent portion of an antibody that binds to an antigen.
  • An “antigen-binding domain” can comprise the antigenic determining regions of an antibody (e.g., the complementarity determining regions (CDRs)).
  • An antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof including mono-specific and multi- specific (e.g., bi-specific) antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof can comprise an antigen-binding domain.
  • an antigen-binding domain is not present in the context of an antibody.
  • an antibody comprising an antigen-binding domain.
  • anti-TfR antigen-binding domain refers to an antigen-binding domain that binds to TfR with sufficient affinity such that the antigen-binding domain is useful as a diagnostic and/or therapeutic agent in targeting TfR.
  • the extent of binding of an anti-TfR antigen-binding domain to an unrelated, non-TfR polypeptide is less than about 10% of the binding of the antigen-binding domain to TfR as measured, e.g., by a radioimmunoassay (RIA).
  • RIA radioimmunoassay
  • an antibody that binds to TfR has a dissociation constant (KD) of ⁇ 20 ⁇ M, ⁇ 15 ⁇ M, ⁇ 12 ⁇ M, ⁇ 10 ⁇ M, ⁇ 7.5 ⁇ M , ⁇ 5 ⁇ M , ⁇ 2.5 ⁇ M, ⁇ 1 ⁇ , ⁇ 100 nM, ⁇ 10 nM, ⁇ 1 nM, ⁇ 0.1 nM, ⁇ 0.01 nM, or ⁇ 0.001 nM (e.g., 10 -8 M or less, e.g. from 10 -8 M to 10 -13 M, e.g., from 10 -9 M to 10 -13 M).
  • KD dissociation constant
  • an anti-TfR antigen-binding domain binds to an epitope of TfR that is conserved among TfR from different species.
  • full-length antibody “intact antibody” or “whole antibody” are used interchangeably to refer to an antibody in its substantially intact form, as opposed to an antibody fragment. Specifically, whole antibodies include those with heavy and light chains including an Fc region.
  • the constant regions can be native sequence constant regions (e.g., human native sequence constant regions) or amino acid sequence variants thereof. In some cases, the intact antibody can have one or more effector functions.
  • “Native IgG antibodies” are usually heterotetrameric glycoproteins of about 150,000 Daltons, composed of two identical light (“L”) chains and two identical heavy (“H”) chains. Each light chain is linked to a heavy chain by one covalent disulfide bond, while the number of disulfide linkages varies among the heavy chains of different immunoglobulin isotypes. Each heavy and light chain also has regularly spaced intra-chain disulfide bridges. Each heavy chain 21 ny-2680984 735022004440 has at one end a variable domain (VH) followed by a number of constant domains.
  • VH variable domain
  • Each light chain has a variable domain at one end (VL) and a constant domain at its other end; the constant domain of the light chain is aligned with the first constant domain of the heavy chain, and the light chain variable domain is aligned with the variable domain of the heavy chain. Particular amino acid residues are believed to form an interface between the light chain and heavy chain variable domains.
  • a “Fc fragment,” “fragment crystallizable region,” or “Fc region” is composed of two or more polypeptides, each being an antibody heavy chain fragment and each containing at least one (e.g., two or three) heavy chain constant domains. In some aspects, an Fc region is composed of two heavy chain fragments, each containing a CH2 domain and a CH3 domain.
  • the human IgG heavy-chain Fc region is usually defined to stretch from an amino acid residue at position Cys226, or from Pro230, to the carboxyl-terminus thereof.
  • the C-terminal lysine (residue 447 according to the EU numbering system) of the Fc region can be removed, for example, during production or purification of the antibody, or by recombinantly engineering the nucleic acid encoding a heavy chain of the antibody.
  • an Fc region may not contain any K447 residues, may contain at least one polypeptide containing a K447 residue and at least one polypeptide that does not contain a K447 residue, or may only contain polypeptides that include a K447 residue.
  • Suitable native-sequence Fc regions for use in the present disclosure include human IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4.
  • an Fc region refers to the region of an antibody that interacts with cell surface receptors called Fc receptors and some proteins of the complement system.
  • an Fc region can be modified to increase, decrease, or eliminate interaction with Fc receptors and/or proteins of the compliment system.
  • an “Fc region” comprises a first polypeptide comprising an Fc domain (e.g., IgG1 Fc domain) with a knob mutation and a second polypeptide comprising an Fc domain (e.g., IgG1 Fc domain) with a hole mutation.
  • the Fc region contains three heavy chain constant domains (CH domains 2–4) in each polypeptide chain.
  • the term “Fc domain” refers to one or more domains within an Fc region, such as a CH2 or CH3 domain., in a single polypeptide.
  • the Fc domain includes at least 22 ny-2680984 735022004440 one amino acid deletion, addition, or substitution as compared to the amino acid sequence of a native Fc domain, 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 of the Fc domain to favor attractive interactions among different polypeptide chains.
  • the Fc domain is in a "knob” format.
  • the Fc domain is in a "hole” format.
  • “Fv” is the minimum antibody fragment which comprises a complete antigen- recognition and -binding site.
  • This fragment consists of a dimer of one heavy- and one light- chain variable region domain in tight, non-covalent association. From the folding of these two domains emanate six hypervariable loops (3 loops each from the H and L chain) that contribute the amino acid residues for antigen binding and confer antigen binding specificity to the antibody. However, even a single variable domain (or half of an Fv comprising only three CDRs specific for an antigen) can recognize and bind antigen, although at a lower affinity than the entire binding site.
  • Single-chain Fv also abbreviated as “sFv” or “scFv” are antibody fragments that comprise the VH and VL antibody domains connected into a single polypeptide chain.
  • the scFv polypeptide further comprises a polypeptide linker between the V H and V L domains, which enables the scFv to form the desired structure for antigen binding.
  • the term “diabodies” refers to small antibody fragments prepared by constructing scFv fragments (see preceding paragraph) with short linkers (about 5-10) residues) between the V H and VL domains such that inter-chain but not intra-chain pairing of the variable domains is achieved, thereby resulting in a bivalent fragment, i.e., a fragment having two antigen-binding sites.
  • variable region refers to the amino-terminal domains of the heavy or light chain of the antibody.
  • the variable domains of the heavy chain and light chain may be referred to as “VH” and “VL”, respectively. These domains are generally the most variable parts of the antibody (relative to other antibodies of the same class) and contain the antigen binding sites.
  • the variable region or variable domain is typically about the amino-terminal 110 to 120 amino acids or 110 to 125 amino acids in the mature heavy chain and about 90 to 115 amino acids in the mature light chain.
  • CDR or “complementarity determining region” refers to hypervariable regions (HVRs) in the variable region of an immunoglobulin that determine antibody diversity and antigen specificity.
  • HVR hypervariable regions
  • Kabat numbering and like terms are recognized in the art and refer to a system of numbering amino acid residues in the heavy and light chain variable regions of an antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof.
  • CDRs can be determined according to the Kabat numbering system (see, e.g., Kabat EA & Wu TT (1971) Ann NY Acad Sci 190: 382-391 and Kabat EA et al., (1991) Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, Fifth Edition, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NIH Publication No.91- 3242).
  • CDRs within an antibody heavy chain molecule are typically present at amino acid positions 31 to 35, which optionally can include one or two additional amino acids, following 35 (referred to in the Kabat numbering scheme as 35A and 35B) (CDRH1), amino acid positions 50 to 65 (CDRH2), and amino acid positions 95 to 102 (CDRH3).
  • CDRH1 amino acid positions 31 to 35
  • CDRH2 amino acid positions 50 to 65
  • CDRH3 amino acid positions 95 to 102
  • CDRs within an antibody light chain molecule are typically present at amino acid positions 24 to 34 (CDRL1), amino acid positions 50 to 56 (CDRL2), and amino acid positions 89 to 97 (CDRL3).
  • Chothia refers to the location of the structural loops (see, e.g., Chothia C & Lesk AM, (1987), J Mol Biol 196: 901-917; Al-Lazikani B et al., (1997) J Mol Biol 273: 927- 948; Chothia C et al., (1992) J Mol Biol 227: 799-817; Tramontano A et al., (1990) J Mol Biol 215(1): 175-82; and U.S. Patent No.7,709,226).
  • CDRs can be determined according to the Chothia system.
  • the Chothia residues are numbered as shown in the table below.
  • CDRs can be determined according to the AbM system.
  • the CDRs can be “contact” CDRs.
  • the “contact” CDRs are based on an analysis of the available complex crystal structures.
  • CDRs can be determined according to contact CDRs.
  • the residues from each of these CDRs are noted below.
  • CDRs can comprise “extended CDRs” as follows: 24-36 or 24-34 (L1), 46-56 or 50-56 (L2), and 89-97 or 89-96 (L3) in the VL, and 26-35
  • variable-domain residues are numbered according to Kabat et al., supra, for each of these extended-CDR definitions.
  • CDRs can be determined according to extended CDRs. [0107] CDRs can also be identified according to the IMGT numbering system as described in Lefranc M-P, (1999) The Immunologist 7: 132-136 and Lefranc M-P et al., (1999) Nucleic Acids Res 27: 209-212.
  • VH-CDR1 is at positions 26 to 35
  • VH-CDR2 is at positions 51 to 57
  • VH-CDR3 is at positions 93 to 102
  • VL-CDR1 is at positions 27 to 32
  • VL-CDR2 is at positions 50 to 52
  • VL-CDR3 is at positions 89 to 97.
  • CDRs can be determined according to the IMGT numbering system.
  • VH and VH domain are used interchangeably to refer to the heavy chain variable region of an antibody.
  • the term "heavy chain” when used in reference to an antibody can refer to any distinct type, e.g., alpha ( ⁇ ), delta ( ⁇ ), epsilon ( ⁇ ), gamma ( ⁇ ), and mu ( ⁇ ), based on the amino acid sequence of the constant region, which give rise to IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM classes of antibodies, respectively, including subclasses of IgG, e.g., IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4. Heavy chain amino acid sequences are well known in the art. In some aspects, the heavy chain is a human heavy chain.
  • VL and “VL domain” are used interchangeably to refer to the light chain variable region of an antibody.
  • the term "light chain” when used in reference to an antibody can refer to any distinct type, e.g., kappa ( ⁇ ) or lambda ( ⁇ ) based on the amino acid sequence of the constant regions. Light chain amino acid sequences are well known in the art. In some aspects, the light chain is a human light chain.
  • the term "constant region” is a region of an antibody that is not the variable region of the antibody, e.g., a carboxyl terminal portion of a light and/or heavy chain which is not directly involved in binding of an antibody to antigen, but which can exhibit various effector functions, such as interaction with the Fc receptor.
  • the constant region of an 25 ny-2680984 735022004440 immunoglobulin molecule generally has a more conserved amino acid sequence relative to an immunoglobulin variable domain.
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment comprises a constant region or portion thereof that is sufficient for antibody-dependent cell- mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC).
  • a "constant domain” means a domain within a constant region that is capable of forming an immunoglobulin fold. Constant domains include the CH1, CH2, CH3, and CL domains.
  • the term "monoclonal” when referring to an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof refers to a homogeneous antibody or antigen-binding fragment population involved in the highly specific recognition and binding of a single antigenic determinant, or epitope. This is in contrast to polyclonal antibodies that typically include different antibodies directed against different antigenic determinants.
  • the term "monoclonal" antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof encompasses both intact and full-length monoclonal antibodies as well as antibody fragments (such as Fab, Fab', F(ab')2, Fv), single chain (scFv) mutants, fusion proteins comprising an antibody or antibody portion, and any other modified immunoglobulin molecule comprising an antigen recognition site.
  • a “monoclonal” antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof refers to such antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof made in any number of manners including but not limited to by hybridoma, phage selection, recombinant expression, and transgenic animals.
  • chimeric antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof refers to antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof wherein the amino acid sequence is derived from two or more species.
  • the variable region of both light and heavy chains corresponds to the variable region of antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof derived from one species of mammals (e.g. mouse, rat, rabbit, etc.) with the desired specificity, affinity, and capability while the constant regions are homologous to the sequences in antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof derived from another (usually human) to avoid eliciting an immune response in that species.
  • humanized antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof refers to forms of non-human (e.g.
  • humanized antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof are human immunoglobulins in which residues from the complementarity determining regions (CDRs) are replaced by residues from the CDRs of a molecule originating 26 ny-2680984 735022004440 from a non-human species (e.g.
  • the humanized antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof can be further modified by the substitution of additional residues either in the Fv framework region and/or within the replaced non-human residues to refine and optimize the specificity, affinity, and/or capability of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof.
  • the humanized antibody or antigen- binding fragment thereof will comprise VH and VL that comprise substantially all of at least one, and typically two or three, of the CDR regions that correspond to the non-human immunoglobulin, whereas all or substantially all of the FR regions are those of a human immunoglobulin consensus sequence.
  • the humanized antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof can also comprise at least a portion of an immunoglobulin constant region or Fc region, typically that of a human immunoglobulin. Examples of methods used to generate humanized antibodies are described in U.S. Pat.5,225,539; Roguska et al., Proc. Natl. Acad.
  • a "humanized antibody” is a resurfaced antibody.
  • the term "human” antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof means an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof having an amino acid sequence derived from a human immunoglobulin gene locus, where such antibody or antigen-binding fragment is made using any technique known in the art. This definition of a human antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof includes intact or full-length antibodies and fragments thereof.
  • “Framework” or “FR” residues are those variable-domain residues other than the CDR residues as herein defined.
  • an “acceptor human framework” as used herein is a framework comprising the amino acid sequence of a VL or VH framework derived from a human immunoglobulin framework or a human consensus framework.
  • An acceptor human framework “derived from” a human immunoglobulin framework or a human consensus framework can comprise the same amino acid sequence thereof, or it can comprise pre-existing amino acid sequence changes. In some aspects, the number of pre-existing amino acid changes are 10 or less, 9 or less, 8 or less, 7 or less, 6 or less, 5 or less, 4 or less, 3 or less, or 2 or less.
  • VL acceptor human framework is identical in sequence to the VL human immunoglobulin framework sequence or human consensus framework sequence.
  • a “human consensus framework” is a framework that represents the most commonly occurring amino acid residues in a selection of human immunoglobulin VL or VH framework sequences. Generally, the selection of human immunoglobulin VL or VH sequences is from a subgroup of variable domain sequences.
  • the subgroup of sequences is a subgroup as in Kabat et al., Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, 5th Ed. Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (1991). Examples include for the VL, the subgroup can be subgroup kappa I, kappa II, kappa III or kappa IV as in Kabat et al., supra. Additionally, for the V H , the subgroup can be subgroup I, subgroup II, or subgroup III as in Kabat et al., supra.
  • amino-acid modification at a specified position, e.g., of an antibody of the present disclosure, refers to the substitution or deletion of the specified residue, or the insertion of at least one amino acid residue adjacent the specified residue. Insertion “adjacent” to a specified residue means insertion within one to two residues thereof. The insertion can be N-terminal or C- terminal to the specified residue. In some aspects, an amino acid modification is a substitution.
  • Antibody “effector functions” refer to those biological activities attributable to the Fc region (a native sequence Fc region or amino acid sequence variant Fc region) of an antibody and vary with the antibody isotype.
  • a “native sequence Fc region” comprises an amino acid sequence identical to the amino acid sequence of an Fc region found in nature.
  • Native sequence human Fc regions include a native sequence human IgG1 Fc region (non-A and A allotypes); native sequence human IgG2 Fc region; native sequence human IgG3 Fc region; and native sequence human IgG4 Fc region as well as naturally occurring variants thereof.
  • a “variant Fc region” comprises an amino acid sequence which differs from that of a native sequence Fc region by virtue of at least one amino acid modification, in some aspects one or more amino acid substitution(s).
  • the variant Fc region has at least one amino acid substitution compared to a native sequence Fc region or to the Fc region of a parent polypeptide, e.g. from about one to about ten amino acid substitutions, and in some aspects from about one to about five amino acid substitutions in a native sequence Fc region or in the Fc region of the parent polypeptide.
  • the variant Fc region possesses at least 80% homology with a native sequence Fc region and/or with an Fc region of a parent polypeptide, at least 90% homology therewith, or at least 95% homology therewith.
  • Fc receptor or “FcR” describes a receptor that binds to the Fc region of an antibody.
  • an FcR is a native sequence human FcR.
  • a FcR is one which binds an IgG antibody (a gamma receptor) and includes receptors of the Fc ⁇ RI, Fc ⁇ RII, and Fc ⁇ RIII subclasses, including allelic variants and alternatively spliced forms of these receptors, Fc ⁇ RII receptors include Fc ⁇ RIIA (an “activating receptor”) and Fc ⁇ RIIB (an “inhibiting receptor”), which have similar amino acid sequences that differ primarily in the cytoplasmic domains thereof.
  • Activating receptor Fc ⁇ RIIA contains an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (“ITAM”) in its cytoplasmic domain.
  • Inhibiting receptor Fc ⁇ RIIB contains an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif (“ITIM”) in its cytoplasmic domain.
  • ITAM immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif
  • ITIM immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif
  • Other FcRs can also increase the serum half-life of antibodies.
  • Binding affinity generally refers to the strength of the sum total of non-covalent interactions between a single binding site of a molecule (e.g., an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof) and its binding partner (e.g., an antigen).
  • binding affinity refers to intrinsic binding affinity which reflects a 1:1 interaction between members of a binding pair (e.g., antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof and antigen).
  • the affinity of a molecule X for its partner Y can generally be represented by the equilibrium dissociation constant (K D ).
  • Affinity can be measured and/or expressed in a number of ways known in the art, including, but not limited to, equilibrium dissociation constant (K D ), and equilibrium association constant (KA).
  • K D equilibrium dissociation constant
  • KA equilibrium association constant
  • kon refers to the association rate constant of, e.g., an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof to an antigen
  • k off refers to the dissociation rate constant of, e.g., an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof from an antigen.
  • the kon and koff can be determined by techniques known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such as BIAcore ® or KinExA.
  • the term "specific binding” or “specifically binds" or is "specific for" a particular polypeptide or an epitope on a particular polypeptide target means binding that is measurably different from a non-specific interaction.
  • Specific binding can be measured, for example, by determining binding of a molecule compared to binding of a control molecule. For example, specific binding can be determined by competition with a control molecule that is similar to the target, for example, an excess of non-labeled target. In this case, specific binding is indicated if the binding of the labeled target to a probe is competitively by excess unlabeled target.
  • affinity and KD values are inversely related. A high affinity for an antigen is measured by a low KD value.
  • specific binding refers to binding where a molecule binds to a particular polypeptide or epitope on a particular polypeptide without substantially binding to any other polypeptide or polypeptide epitope.
  • linker or “linked” refers to the covalent linkage between two polypeptides or two heterologous molecules.
  • a linker is a chemical linker.
  • the linker comprises a peptide bond, and the two polypeptides or two heterologous molecules are linked to each other either directly to or via one or more additional amino acids.
  • a glycine linker is one that comprises one or more glycines but no other amino acids, e.g., GGGG (SEQ ID NO:285).
  • a glycine-rich linker is one that comprises one or more glycines and can contain other amino acids as long as glycine is the predominant species in the linker e.g., GGGNGG, wherein N is any amino acid (SEQ ID NO:286).
  • a glycine-serine linker is one which contains both glycine and serine in any proportion, e.g., GGGS (SEQ ID NO:287).
  • a proline linker is one that comprises one or more prolines but no other amino acids.
  • a proline-rich linker is one that comprises one or more prolines and can contain other amino acids so long as proline is the predominant species in the linker.
  • “percent (%) amino acid sequence identity” and “homology” with respect to a peptide, polypeptide or antibody sequence refers to the percentage of amino acid residues in a candidate sequence that are identical with the amino acid residues in the specific peptide or polypeptide sequence, after aligning the sequences and introducing gaps, if necessary, to achieve the maximum percent sequence identity, and not considering any conservative substitutions as part of the sequence identity.
  • Alignment for purposes of determining percent amino acid sequence identity can be achieved in various ways that are within the skill in the art, for instance, using publicly available computer software such as BLAST, BLAST-2, ALIGN or MEGALIGN TM (DNASTAR) software. Those skilled in the art can determine appropriate parameters for measuring alignment, including any algorithms known in the art needed to achieve maximal alignment over the full-length of the sequences being compared. 30 ny-2680984 735022004440 [0130]
  • epitope includes any determinant capable of being bound by an antibody.
  • An epitope is a region of an antigen that is bound by an antibody that targets that antigen, and when the antigen is a polypeptide, includes specific amino acids that directly contact the antibody.
  • epitopes reside on polypeptides, but in some instances, can reside on other kinds of molecules, such as nucleic acids.
  • Epitope determinants can include chemically active surface groupings of molecules such as amino acids, sugar side chains, phosphoryl or sulfonyl groups, and can have specific three-dimensional structural characteristics, and/or specific charge characteristics.
  • antibodies specific for a particular target antigen will preferentially recognize an epitope on the target antigen in a complex mixture of polypeptides and/or macromolecules.
  • An antibody that "binds to the same epitope" as a reference antibody refers to an antibody that contacts the same amino acid residues on the antigen as the reference antibody.
  • the ability of an antibody to bind to the same epitope as a reference antibody can be determined using peptide scanning mutagenesis or high throughput alanine scanning mutagenesis.
  • a comprehensive mutation library of antigen, or a portion thereof e.g., the extracellular domain
  • An antibody is said to "competitively inhibit" binding of a reference antibody to a given epitope if it preferentially binds to that epitope or an overlapping epitope such that it blocks, to some degree, binding of the reference antibody to the epitope.
  • Competitive inhibition can be determined by any method known in the art, for example, competition ELISA assays.
  • An antibody can be said to competitively inhibit binding of the reference antibody to a given epitope by at least 90%, at least 80%, at least 70%, at least 60%, or at least 50%.
  • a polypeptide, antibody, polynucleotide, vector, cell, or composition which is "isolated” is a polypeptide, antibody, polynucleotide, vector, cell, or composition which is in a form not found in nature.
  • Isolated polypeptides, 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.
  • an antibody, polynucleotide, vector, cell, or composition which is isolated is substantially pure.
  • substantially pure refers to material which 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. 31 ny-2680984 735022004440 [0135]
  • expression system refers to one or more nucleic acid molecules comprising coding sequence and control sequence(s) in operable linkage, along with a host cell and/or other in vitro transcription and translation machinery, such that one or more proteins encoded by the nucleic acid molecule(s) are capable of being produced.
  • vector is intended to refer to a nucleic acid molecule capable of transporting another nucleic acid to which it has been linked.
  • plasmid refers to a circular double stranded DNA into which additional DNA segments can be ligated.
  • phage vector refers to a viral vector, wherein additional DNA segments can be ligated into the viral genome.
  • viral vector capable of autonomous replication in a host cell into which they are introduced (e.g., bacterial vectors having a bacterial origin of replication and episomal mammalian vectors).
  • vectors e.g., non-episomal mammalian vectors
  • vectors can be integrated into the genome of a host cell upon introduction into the host cell, and thereby are replicated along with the host genome.
  • certain vectors are capable of directing the expression of genes to which they are operatively linked.
  • Such vectors are referred to herein as “recombinant expression vectors,” or simply, “expression vectors.”
  • expression vectors of utility in recombinant DNA techniques are often in the form of plasmids.
  • plasmid and vector can be used interchangeably as the plasmid is the most commonly used form of vector.
  • Polynucleotide or “nucleic acid,” as used interchangeably herein, refer to 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 or by a synthetic reaction.
  • a “host cell” includes an individual cell or cell culture that can be or has been a recipient for vector(s) for incorporation of polynucleotide inserts.
  • Host cells include progeny of a single host cell, and the progeny may not necessarily be completely identical (in morphology or in genomic DNA complement) to the original parent cell due to natural, accidental, or deliberate mutation.
  • a host cell includes cells transfected in vivo with a polynucleotide(s) of this invention.
  • Carriers as used herein include pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients, or stabilizers that are nontoxic to the cell or mammal being exposed thereto at the dosages and concentrations employed.
  • treatment refers to clinical intervention designed to alter the natural course of the individual being treated during the course of clinical pathology.
  • Desirable 32 ny-2680984 735022004440 effects of treatment include decreasing the rate of progression, ameliorating or palliating the pathological state, and remission or improved prognosis of a particular disease, disorder, or condition.
  • An individual is successfully “treated”, for example, if one or more symptoms associated with a particular disease, disorder, or condition are mitigated or eliminated.
  • the terms "administer,” “administering,” “administration,” and the like, as used herein, refer to methods that can be used to deliver a drug, e.g., an anti-human antibody or antigen- binding fragment thereof, to the desired site of biological action.
  • an “effective amount” refers to at least an amount effective, at dosages and for periods of time necessary, to achieve the desired therapeutic result.
  • An effective amount can be provided in one or more administrations.
  • An effective amount is also one in which any toxic or detrimental effects of the treatment are outweighed by the therapeutically beneficial effects.
  • beneficial or desired results include clinical results such as decreasing one or more symptoms resulting from the disease, increasing the quality of life of those suffering from the disease, decreasing the dose of other medications required to treat the disease, enhancing effect of another medication such as via targeting, delaying the progression of the disease, and/or prolonging survival.
  • An effective amount of drug, compound, or pharmaceutical composition is an amount sufficient to accomplish therapeutic treatment either directly or indirectly.
  • an effective amount of a drug, compound, or pharmaceutical composition may or may not be achieved in conjunction with another drug, compound, or pharmaceutical composition.
  • an “effective amount” can be considered in the context of administering one or more therapeutic agents, and a single agent can be considered to be given in an effective amount if, in conjunction with one or more other agents, a desirable result can be or is achieved.
  • the terms "subject” and "patient” are used interchangeably.
  • the subject can be a mammal such as a non-human animal (e.g., cow, pig, horse, cat, dog, rat, mouse, monkey or other primate, etc.).
  • the subject is a cynomolgus monkey.
  • the subject is a human.
  • administration “in conjunction” or “in combination” with another compound or composition includes simultaneous administration and/or administration at different times. Administration in conjunction also encompasses administration as a co- formulation or administration as separate compositions, including at different dosing frequencies or intervals, and using the same route of administration or different routes of administration. In 33 ny-2680984 735022004440 some aspects, administration in conjunction is administration as a part of the same treatment regimen.
  • a "neurological disorder” as used herein refers to a disease or disorder which affects the CNS and/or which has an etiology in the CNS.
  • Exemplary CNS diseases or disorders include, but are not limited to, neuropathy, amyloidosis, cancer, an ocular disease or disorder, viral or microbial infection, inflammation, ischemia, neurodegenerative disease, seizure, behavioral disorders, and a lysosomal storage disease.
  • the terms “about” and “approximately,” when used to modify a numeric value or numeric range indicate that deviations of up to 10% above and down to 10% below the value or range remain within the intended meaning of the recited value or range. It is understood that wherever aspects are described herein with the language “about” or “approximately” a numeric value or range, otherwise analogous aspects referring to the specific numeric value or range are also provided.
  • Multi-Specific Proteins that Bind TfR and TREM2 [0149] Provided herein are multi-specific proteins comprising an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR and an anti-TREM2 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof.
  • the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR facilitates the transport of the anti-TREM2 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof across the blood brain barrier (BBB).
  • BBB blood brain barrier
  • a multi-specific protein comprising an antigen- binding domain that binds to human TfR and an binding domain that binds to TREM2.
  • 34 ny-2680984 735022004440 In some aspects, provided herein is a multi-specific protein comprising an antigen- binding domain linked to an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, wherein the antigen- binding domain specifically binds to human TfR and wherein the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof specifically binds to TREM2.
  • the linker is a protein linker.
  • a multi-specific protein comprising an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR and an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2, wherein the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR comprises any TfR antigen-binding domain described herein or incorporated by reference herein, and wherein the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 comprises any antigen TREM2 antigen-binding domain described herein or incorporated by reference herein.
  • a multi-specific protein comprising an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR and an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2, wherein the antigen binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising a VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising a VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3, wherein the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence EYAMH (SEQ ID NO:94), the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence GIAPNTGGTSYNQKFKG (SEQ ID NO:415), the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence QGWLLRGGDY (SEQ ID NO:418), the VL CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence KASQSLLDEGGKTYLN (SEQ ID NO:423), the VL CDR2 comprises the
  • a multi-specific protein comprising an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR and an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2, wherein the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising a VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising a VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3, wherein the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence YAFSSQWMN (SEQ ID NO: 500), the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence RIYPGGGDTNYAGKFQG (SEQ ID NO: 501), the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence ARLLRNQPGESYAMDY (SEQ ID NO: 502), the VL CDR1comprises the amino acid sequence RSSQSLVHSNRYTYLH (SEQ 35 ny-2
  • a multi-specific protein comprising an antigen-binding domain that binds to human TfR and an antigen-binding domain that binds to TREM2, wherein the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising a VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising a VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3, wherein the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence EYAMH (SEQ ID NO:94), the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence GIAPNTGGTSYNQKFKG (SEQ ID NO:415), the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence QGWLLRGGDY (SEQ ID NO:418), the VL CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence KASQSLLDEGGKTYLN (SEQ ID NO:423), the VL CDR2 comprises the
  • a multi-specific protein comprising an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR and an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2, wherein the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising a VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising a VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3, wherein the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence YAFSSDWMN (SEQ ID NO: 526), the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence RIYPGEGDTNYARKFHG (SEQ ID NO: 527), the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence ARLLRNKPGESYAMDY (SEQ ID NO:528), the VL CDR1comprises the amino acid sequence RTSQSLVHSNAYTYLH (SEQ 36 ny-268
  • a multi-specific protein comprising an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR and an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2, wherein the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising a VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising a VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3, wherein the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:536, the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:537, the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:538, the VL CDR1comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:539, the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:540, and the VL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:541
  • a multi-specific protein comprising an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR and an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2, wherein the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising a VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising a VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3, wherein the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:544, the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:545, the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:546, the VL CDR1comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:547, the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:548, and the VL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:549 and
  • a multi-specific protein comprising an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR and an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2, wherein the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising a VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising a VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL 37 ny-2680984 735022004440 CDR3, wherein the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:552, the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:554, the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:555, the VL CDR1comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:556, the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:557, and the VL CDR3 comprises
  • a multi-specific protein comprising an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR and an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2, wherein the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising a VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising a VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3, wherein the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:553, the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:554, the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:555, the VL CDR1comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:556, the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:557, and the VL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:558 and
  • a multi-specific protein comprising an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR and an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2, wherein the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising a VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising a VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3, wherein the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:561, the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:562, the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:563, the VL CDR1comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:564, the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:565, and the VL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:566 and where
  • a multi-specific protein comprising an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR and an antigen-binding domain that 38 ny-2680984 735022004440 specifically binds to TREM2, wherein the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising a VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising a VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3, wherein the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:569, the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:570, the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:571, the VL CDR1comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:572, the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:573, and the VL CDR3 comprises
  • a multi-specific protein comprising an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR and an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2, wherein the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising a VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising a VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3, wherein the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:579, the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:580, the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:581, the VL CDR1comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:582, the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:583, and the VL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:584
  • the multi-specific protein comprises a “1+1” multi-specific protein format, wherein the multi-specific protein is bivalent and bi-specific.
  • the multi-specific protein comprises: (i) one antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR; and (ii) an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds to TREM2, wherein the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof is a scFv, VHH, or Fab, optionally comprising an Fc domain.
  • a bivalent, bispecific protein comprising (i) a single scFv, VHH, or Fab antigen-binding domain that binds to human TfR linked to the N-terminus of an Fc domain of an Fc dimer, and (ii) a TREM2 antigen binding domain, wherein the TREM2 antigen binding domain is linked to the N-terminus of the second Fc domain of an Fc dimer.
  • the multi-specific protein comprises a “2+1” multi-specific protein format, wherein the multi-specific protein is trivalent and bi-specific.
  • the multi-specific protein comprises: (i) a single antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR and (ii) an antibody that specifically binds to TREM2, wherein the antibody comprises two heavy chains and two light chains; wherein the single antigen- binding domain that binds to human TfR is linked to the C-terminus of one of the two antibody heavy chains.
  • This format is exemplified in Figure 1A and (i) in Figure 1D.
  • the single antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR comprises a single scFv, Fab or VHH antigen-binding domain.
  • a multi-specific protein of the present disclosure comprises a “2+1” multi-specific protein format, wherein the multi-specific protein comprises: (i) a first polypeptide comprising, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, a VH, a CH1, a hinge region, a CH2, a CH3, a linker, and a scFv; (ii) a second polypeptide comprising, from the N-terminus to the C- terminus, a VH, a CH1, a hinge region, a CH2, and a CH3; and (iii) a third polypeptide and a fourth polypeptide each comprising, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, a VL and a CL; wherein the scFv specifically binds to human TfR; wherein the VH of the first polypeptide and the VL of the third polypeptide form a first antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2;
  • FIG.1D An example of the 2+1 format is shown in (i) of Fig.1D: a trivalent, bi-specific protein comprising (i) a single scFv, Fab or VHH antigen-binding domain that binds to human TfR and (ii) an anti-TREM2 antibody, wherein the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises two heavy chains and two light chains; and wherein the single scFv, Fab or VHH antigen-binding domain that binds to human TfR is linked to the C-terminus or N-terminus of one of the two antibody heavy chains.
  • the Fc may be a heterodimeric Fc such as knob and hole Fc.
  • the a multi-specific protein of the present disclosure comprises a “1+2” multi-specific protein format, wherein the multi-specific protein is trivalent and bi- specific.
  • the multi-specific protein comprises: (i) two antigen-binding domains that specifically binds to human TfR and (ii) an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds to TREM2, wherein the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof is a scFv, VHH, or Fab, optionally comprising an Fc domain.
  • the a multi-specific protein of the present disclosure comprises a “2+2” multi-specific protein format, wherein the multi-specific protein is tetravalent and bi- 40 ny-2680984 735022004440 specific.
  • the multi-specific protein comprises: (i) two antigen-binding domains that specifically bind to human TfR and (ii) an antibody that specifically binds to TREM2, wherein the antibody comprises two heavy chains and two light chains; wherein one antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR is linked to the C-terminus of one of the two antibody heavy chains, and the other antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR is linked to the C-terminus of the other of the two antibody heavy chains.
  • the two antigen-binding domains that bind to human TfR comprise the same amino acid sequence.
  • the two antigen-binding domains that bind to human TfR comprise different amino acid sequences.
  • a multi-specific protein of the present disclosure comprises a “2+2” multi-specific protein format, wherein the multi-specific protein comprises: (i) a first polypeptide comprising, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, a VH, a CH1, a hinge region, a CH2, a CH3, a linker, and a scFv; (ii) a second polypeptide comprising, from the N-terminus to the C- terminus, a VH, a CH1, a hinge region, a CH2, a CH3, a linker, and a scFv; and (iii) a third polypeptide and a fourth polypeptide each comprising, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, a VL and a CL; wherein the scFv of the first polypeptide and the scFv of the second polypeptid
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present disclosure comprises an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR and an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2. Also provided herein are antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof that bind to the same epitope of TfR as a TfR antigen- binding domain provided herein. Also provided herein are antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof that competitively inhibit binding to TfR of a TfR antigen-binding domain provided herein.
  • a multi-specific protein provided herein comprises a TfR antigen- binding domain that is an scFv linked to an anti-TREM2 antibody, wherein the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises two heavy chains and two light chains.
  • the anti-TfR scFv is linked to the C-terminus of one of the two anti-TREM2 antibody heavy chains, e.g., via a protein linker. 41 ny-2680984 735022004440 [0174]
  • the multi-specific protein of the present disclosure comprises 1) an antigen-binding domain that binds TfR, 2) an antigen-binding domain that binds to TREM2, and 3) an Fc region.
  • the a multi-specific protein of the present disclosure comprises an antigen-binding domain that binds TfR, an antigen-binding domain that binds to TREM2, and an Fc region, wherein the TfR antigen-binding domain and theTREM2 antigen-binding domain are connected or linked to the Fc region of the multi-specific protein.
  • the a multi-specific protein of the present disclosure comprises 1) an antigen-binding domain that comprises a heavy chain variable region and binds TfR, 2) a second antigen binding domain that comprises a heavy-chain variable region and binds to TREM2, and 3) an Fc region, wherein the TfR antigen-binding domain and the TREM2 antigen-binding domain are connected or linked to the Fc region of the multi-specific protein.
  • the TfR antigen-binding domain and the TREM2 antigen-binding domain are connected or linked to the N-terminus of the Fc portion of the multi-specific protein.
  • the TfR antigen-binding domain is connected or linked to the N-terminus of an Fc portion of the multi-specific protein and the TREM2 antigen- binding domain is linked to the C-terminus of the Fc portion of the multi-specific protein.
  • the TfR antigen-binding domain is connected or linked to the C-terminus of an Fc portion of the multi-specific protein and the second antigen-binding domain is linked to the N- terminus of the Fc portion of the multi-specific protein.
  • any of the formats described herein can be used to generate a multi-specific protein comprising any of the TfR antigen-binding domain, antibody or fragment thereof described herein linked or connected to any of the TREM2 antibodies or antibody fragments thereof described herein or incorporated by reference therein.
  • Anti-TREM2 Antibodies [0176] Provided herein are antibodies that specifically bind to TREM2 (i.e., anti-TREM2 antibodies). Also provided herein include antigen-binding domains and multi-specific proteins that specifically bind to TREM2.
  • Anti-TREM2 antibodies, antigen-binding domains, and multi- specific proteins that specifically bind to TREM2 provided herein are TREM2 agonist anti- TREM2 antibodies, wherein such anti-TREM2 antibodies, antigen-binding domains, and multi- specific proteins increase, enhance, and/or induce TREM2 activities.
  • Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to antibodies (e.g., monoclonal antibodies) that specifically bind to TREM2 with improved affinity.
  • antibodies of the present disclosure bind a mature TREM2 protein.
  • antibodies of the present disclosure bind a TREM2 protein, wherein the mature TREM2 42 ny-2680984 735022004440 protein is expressed on a cell.
  • antibodies of the present disclosure bind a TREM2 protein expressed on one or more human cells selected from human dendritic cells, human macrophages, human monocytes, human osteoclasts, human Langerhans cells of skin, human Kupffer cells, human microglia, and any combinations thereof.
  • anti-TREM2 antibodies of the present disclosure bind to a TREM2 protein without competing with, inhibiting, or otherwise blocking one or more TREM2 ligands from binding to the TREM2 protein.
  • anti-TREM2 antibodies of the present disclosure do not inhibit the growth of one or more innate immune cells.
  • anti-TREM2 antibodies of the present disclosure cluster and activate TREM2 signaling.
  • anti-TREM2 antibodies of the present disclosure increase immune cell survival.
  • anti-TREM2 antibodies of the present disclosure may, due to their epitope specificity, bind TREM2 and activate one or more TREM2 activities.
  • TREM2 activities that may be induced and/or enhanced by anti-TREM2 antibodies of the present disclosure and/or one or more TREM2 ligands of the present disclosure include, without limitation, TREM2 binding to DAP12; DAP12 phosphorylation; activation of Syk kinase; modulation of one or more pro-inflammatory mediators selected from IFN-gamma, IL-1alpha, IL-1 ⁇ , TNF- ⁇ , IL-6, IL-8, CRP, CD86, MCP-1/CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CCR2, CXCL-10, Gata3, IL-20 family members, IL-33, LIF, IFN-gamma, OSM, CNTF, CSF-1, OPN, CD11
  • anti-TREM2 antibodies and uses thereof to be used as compositions or in the methods of the present disclosure are described in U.S. Patent No.10,676,525 and WO 2019/028292, which are each incorporated by reference in their entirety.
  • the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises AL2p-58, as described in U.S. Patent No.10,676,525.
  • the anti-TREM2 antibody is AL2p-58 huIgG1 PSEG, as described in U.S. Patent No.10,676,525.
  • anti-TREM2 antibodies to be used in the methods of the present disclosure are described in any of WO 2019/028292, WO 2018/015573, WO 2018/195506, WO 2019/055841, WO 2020/172450, WO 2020/079580, WO 2022/120373, WO 2023/039450, WO 2020/121195, WO 2023/092146, WO 2023/039612, WO 2022/032293, WO 2021/146256, WO 2022/241082, WO 2022/120390, WO 2020/172457, WO 2016/023019, WO 2017/062672, US Patent No.8,231,878, WO 2019/118513, WO 2020/123664, WO 2020/055975, KR 102156165 B1, WO 2021/101823, WO 2024/206738, WO 2024/160736, WO 2024/097798, WO 2024/040658, WO 2023/1922
  • the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising a VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising a VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3, wherein the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence YAFSSQWMN (SEQ ID NO: 500), the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence RIYPGGGDTNYAGKFQG (SEQ ID NO: 501), the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence ARLLRNQPGESYAMDY (SEQ ID NO: 502), the VL CDR1comprises the amino acid sequence RSSQSLVHSNRYTYLH (SEQ ID NO: 503), the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence KVSNRFS (SEQ ID NO: 504), and the VL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence SQSTRVPYT (SEQ ID NO: 505).
  • VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence
  • the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising a VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising a VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3, wherein the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:526, the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:527, the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:528, the VL CDR1comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:529, the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:530, and the VL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:505.
  • VH heavy chain variable region
  • VL light chain variable region
  • the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising a VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a light chain variable 44 ny-2680984 735022004440 region (VL) comprising a VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3, wherein the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:536, the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:537, the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:538, the VL CDR1comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:539, the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:540, and the VL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:541.
  • VH heavy chain variable region
  • VL light chain variable 44 ny-2680984 735022004440 region
  • the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising a VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising a VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3, wherein the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:544, the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:545, the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:546, the VL CDR1comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:547, the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:548, and the VL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:549.
  • VH heavy chain variable region
  • VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:545
  • the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:546
  • the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising a VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising a VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3, wherein the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:552 or 553, the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:554, the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:555, the VL CDR1comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:556, the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:557, and the VL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:558.
  • VH heavy chain variable region
  • VL light chain variable region
  • the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising a VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising a VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3, wherein the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:561, the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:562, the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:563, the VL CDR1comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:564, the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:565, and the VL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:566.
  • VH heavy chain variable region
  • VL light chain variable region
  • the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising a VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising a VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3, wherein the VH CDR1 45 ny-2680984 735022004440 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:569, the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:570, the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:571, the VL CDR1comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:572, the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:573, and the VL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:574.
  • VH heavy chain variable region
  • VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:570
  • the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:571
  • the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising a VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising a VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3, wherein the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:579, the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:580, the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:581, the VL CDR1comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:582, the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:583, and the VL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:584.
  • VH heavy chain variable region
  • VL light chain variable region
  • the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) and a light chain variable region (VL), wherein the VH comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 506 and/or the light chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 507.
  • the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a VH comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 506.
  • the anti- TREM2 antibody comprises a VL comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 507.
  • the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) and a light chain variable region (VL), wherein the VH comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:531 and/or the light chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:532.
  • the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a VH comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 531.
  • the anti- TREM2 antibody comprises a VL comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:532.
  • the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) and a light chain variable region (VL), wherein the VH comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:542 and/or the light chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 543.
  • the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a VH comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:542.
  • the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a VL comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:543.
  • the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) and a light chain variable region (VL), wherein the VH comprises the amino acid 46 ny-2680984 735022004440 sequence of SEQ ID NO:550 and/or the light chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 551.
  • the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a VH comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:550.
  • the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a VL comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 551.
  • the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) and a light chain variable region (VL), wherein the VH comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:559 and/or the light chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:560.
  • the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a VH comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:559. In some embodiments, the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a VL comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:560.
  • the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) and a light chain variable region (VL), wherein the VH comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:567 and/or the light chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:568.
  • the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a VH comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:567.
  • the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a VL comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:568.
  • the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) and a light chain variable region (VL), wherein the VH comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:575 and/or the light chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:576.
  • the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a VH comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:575.
  • the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a VL comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:576.
  • the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) and a light chain variable region (VL), wherein the VH comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:585 and/or the light chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:586.
  • the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a VH comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:585.
  • the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a VL comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:586.
  • the anti-TREM2 antibody is an antibody described in Table A, below (for example, the anti-TREM2 antibody designated AL2p-47, described by the CDR sequences of SEQ ID NOs:526-530 and 505 in Table A).
  • Table A Exemplary anti-TREM2 antibody sequences 47 ny-2680984 735022004440 SEQ ID S Description 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 7 5 5 5 5 5 5 L2 48 ny-2680984 735022004440 QVQLVQSGAEVKKPGASVKVSCKASGYAFSSQWMN 5 5 5 5 5 49 ny-2680984 735022004440 EYKCKVSNKALPASIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPS - 5 - 5 5 n 5 - 5 5 538 ARWNGNYGFAY 42E8.H1 CDR-H3 50 ny-2680984 735022004440 539 RSSQSLVHINGNTYLH 42E8.H1 CDR-L1 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 ) 5 ) 5 ) 557 GASTRAT WO2018/195506 51 ny-2680984 735022004440 13E7 (SST202443) 557 GASTRAT
  • the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 509. In some embodiments, the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 510. In some embodiments, the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 511. In some embodiments, the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:533. In some embodiments, the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising 54 ny-2680984 735022004440 the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:534.
  • the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:577. [0199] In some embodiments, the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 512. In some embodiments, the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 535. In some embodiments, the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 578.
  • the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a heavy chain and a light chain, wherein the heavy chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 510 and the light chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 512. In some embodiments, the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a heavy chain and a light chain, wherein the heavy chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 511 and the light chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 512. [0201] In some embodiments, the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a heavy chain and a light chain, wherein the heavy chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:533 and the light chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:535.
  • the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a heavy chain and a light chain, wherein the heavy chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:534 and the light chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:535. [0203] In some embodiments, the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a heavy chain and a light chain, wherein the heavy chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:577 and the light chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:578. In some embodiments, the anti-TREM2 antibody comprises a heavy chain and a light chain, wherein the heavy chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 508 and the light chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 512.
  • the anti- TREM2 antibody comprises a heavy chain and a light chain, wherein the heavy chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 509 and the light chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 512.
  • Anti-TfR Antigen-Binding Domains [0204] Provided herein are antigen-binding domains that specifically bind to human TfR. [0205] Such antigen-binding domains can be capable of crossing the blood brain barrier (BBB) and capable of transporting other agents (e.g., therapeutically active agents) associated with the antigen-binding domain across the BBB.
  • BBB blood brain barrier
  • an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR comprises the six CDRs of an antibody listed in Tables 12 and 13 (i.e., the three VH CDRs of the antibody listed in Table 12 and the three VL CDRs of the same antibody listed in Table 13).
  • an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR comprises the six CDRs of an antibody listed in Tables 12 and 13 and 19, 21, 24 and 25.
  • the CDRs of such an antigen-binding domain can be determined according to the Chothia numbering scheme, which refers to the location of immunoglobulin structural loops (see, e.g., Chothia C & Lesk AM, (1987), J Mol Biol 196: 901-917; Al-Lazikani B et al., (1997) J Mol Biol 273: 927-948; Chothia C et al., (1992) J Mol Biol 227: 799-817; Tramontano A et al., (1990) J Mol Biol 215(1): 175-82; and U.S. Patent No.7,709,226).
  • Chothia numbering scheme refers to the location of immunoglobulin structural loops
  • the Chothia CDR-H1 loop is present at heavy chain amino acids 26 to 32, 33, or 34
  • the Chothia CDR-H2 loop is present at heavy chain amino acids 52 to 56
  • the Chothia CDR-H3 loop is present at heavy chain amino acids 95 to 102
  • the Chothia CDR-L1 loop is present at light chain amino acids 24 to 34
  • the Chothia CDR-L2 loop is present at light chain amino acids 50 to 56
  • the Chothia CDR-L3 loop is present at light chain amino acids 89 to 97.
  • an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR comprises the six Chothia CDRs of an antibody listed in Tables 12, 13, 19, 21, 24 and 25.
  • an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR comprises one or more CDRs, in which the Chothia and Kabat CDRs have the same amino acid sequence.
  • antigen-binding domains that specifically bind to human TfR and comprise combinations of Kabat CDRs and Chothia CDRs.
  • the CDRs of an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR can be determined according to MacCallum RM et al., (1996) J Mol Biol 262: 732- 745. See also, e.g., Martin A.
  • antigen-binding domains 56 ny-2680984 735022004440 that specifically bind to human TfR and comprise VH and VL CDRs of an antibody listed in Tables 12, 13, 19, 21, 24 and 25, as determined by the method in MacCallum RM et al.
  • the CDRs of an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR can be determined according to the AbM numbering scheme, which refers to AbM hypervariable regions, which represent a compromise between the Kabat CDRs and Chothia structural loops, and are used by Oxford Molecular's AbM antibody modeling software (Oxford Molecular Group, Inc.).
  • the AbM numbering scheme refers to AbM hypervariable regions, which represent a compromise between the Kabat CDRs and Chothia structural loops, and are used by Oxford Molecular's AbM antibody modeling software (Oxford Molecular Group, Inc.).
  • provided herein are antigen-binding domains that specifically bind to human TfR and comprise VH and VL CDRs of an antibody listed in Tables 12, 13, 19, 21, 24 and 25 as determined by the AbM numbering scheme.
  • an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR comprises the six IMGT CDRs of an antibody listed in Tables 12, 13, 19, 21, 24 and 25 according to the IMGT numbering system as described in Lefranc M-P, (1999) The Immunologist 7: 132-136 and Lefranc M-P et al., (1999) Nucleic Acids Res 27: 209-212.
  • VH-CDR1 is at positions 26 to 35
  • VH-CDR2 is at positions 51 to 57
  • VH-CDR3 is at positions 93 to 102
  • VL-CDR1 is at positions 27 to 32
  • VL- CDR2 is at positions 50 to 52
  • VL-CDR3 is at positions 89 to 97.
  • an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR provided herein is described by its VL domain alone, or its VH domain alone, or by its 3 VL CDRs alone, or its 3 VH CDRs alone.
  • the screen produced 14 new partners for a specific VH domain and 13 new partners for a specific VL domain, which were strong binders, as determined by ELISA. See also Kim SJ & Hong HJ, (2007) J Microbiol 45: 572-577, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describing methods of producing antibodies that bind a specific antigen by using a specific VH domain and screening a library (e.g., human VL library) for complementary VL domains; the selected VL domains in turn could be used to guide selection of additional complementary (e.g., human) VH domains.
  • a library e.g., human VL library
  • an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR comprises the VH of an antibody listed in Tables 19, 21, 24 and 25.
  • an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR comprises the VL of antibody listed in Tables 19, 21, 24 and 25.
  • an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR comprises the VH and the VL of an antibody listed in Table 11 (i.e., the VH of the antibody listed in Table 11 and the VL of the same antibody listed in Table 11) or Tables 19, 21, 24 and 25 (i.e., the VH of the antibody listed in Tables 19, 21, 24 and 25 and the VL of the same antibody listed in Tables 19, 21, 24 and 25).
  • an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR comprises (i) a VH comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 80% identical to a VH amino acid sequence of an antibody in Tables 11, 19, 21, 24 and 25 and (ii) a VL comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 80% identical to the VL amino acid sequence of the same antibody in Tables 11, 19, 21, 24 and 25.
  • the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR also comprises the CDRs of the antibody in Tables 12, 13, 19, 21, 24 and 25 (e.g., the non-identical amino acids in the VH and/or VL are outside of the CDRs).
  • an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR comprises (i) a VH comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 85% identical to a VH amino acid sequence of an antibody in Tables 11, 19, 21, 24 and 25 and (ii) a VL comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 85% identical to the VL amino acid sequence of the same antibody in Tables 11, 19, 21, 24 and 25.
  • the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR also comprises the CDRs of the antibody in Tables 12, 13, 19, 21, 24 and 25 (e.g., the non-identical amino acids in the VH and/or VL are outside of the CDRs).
  • an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR comprises (i) a VH comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 90% identical to a VH amino acid sequence of an antibody in 11, 19, 21, 24 and 25 and (ii) a VL comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 90% identical to the VL amino acid sequence of the same antibody in Tables 11, 19, 21, 24 and 25.
  • the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR also comprises the CDRs of the antibody in Tables 12, 13, 19, 21, 24 and 25 (e.g., the non-identical amino acids in the VH and/or VL are outside of the CDRs).
  • an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR comprises (i) a VH comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 95% identical to a VH amino acid sequence of an antibody in Tables 11, 19, 21, 24 and 25 and (ii) a VL comprising an 58 ny-2680984 735022004440 amino acid sequence that is at least 95% identical to the VL amino acid sequence of the same antibody in Tables 11, 19, 21, 24 and 25.
  • the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR also comprises the CDRs of the antibody in Tables 12, 13, 19, 21, 24 and 25 (e.g., the non-identical amino acids in the VH and/or VL are outside of the CDRs).
  • an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR comprises (i) a VH comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 96% identical to a VH amino acid sequence of an antibody in Tables 11, 19, 21, 24 and 25 and (ii) a VL comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 96% identical to the VL amino acid sequence of the same antibody in Tables 11, 19, 21, 24 and 25.
  • the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR also comprises the CDRs of the antibody in Tables 12, 13, 19, 21, 24 and 25 (e.g., the non-identical amino acids in the VH and/or VL are outside of the CDRs).
  • an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR comprises (i) a VH comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 97% identical to a VH amino acid sequence of an antibody in Tables 11, 19, 21, 24 and 25 and (ii) a VL comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 97% identical to the VL amino acid sequence of the same antibody in Tables 11, 19, 21, 24 and 25.
  • the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR also comprises the CDRs of the antibody in Tables 12, 13, 19, 21, 24 and 25 (e.g., the non-identical amino acids in the VH and/or VL are outside of the CDRs).
  • an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR comprises (i) a VH comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 98% identical to a VH amino acid sequence of an antibody in Tables 11, 19, 21, 24 and 25 and (ii) a VL comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 98% identical to the VL amino acid sequence of the same antibody in Tables 11, 19, 21, 24 and 25.
  • the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR also comprises the CDRs of the antibody in Tables 12, 13, 19, 21, 24 and 25 (e.g., the non-identical amino acids in the VH and/or VL are outside of the CDRs).
  • an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR comprises (i) a VH comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 99% identical to a VH amino acid sequence of an antibody in Tables 11, 19, 21, 24 and 25 and (ii) a VL comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 99% identical to the VL amino acid sequence of the same antibody in Tables 11, 19, 21, 24 and 25.
  • the antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR also comprises the CDRs of the antibody in Tables 12, 13, 19, 21, 24 and 25 (e.g., the non-identical amino acids in the VH and/or VL are outside of the CDRs).
  • 59 ny-2680984 735022004440 [0224]
  • an antigen-binding domain that binds to the same TfR epitope as an antibody comprising a VH amino acid sequence of an antibody in Tables 11, 19, 21, 24 and 25 and a VL amino acid sequence of the same antibody in Tables 11, 19, 21, 24 and 25.
  • an antigen-binding domain that competitively inhibits binding to TfR of as an antibody comprising a VH amino acid sequence of an antibody in Tables 11, 19, 21, 24 and 25 and a VL amino acid sequence of the same antibody in Tables 11, 19, 21, 24 and 25.
  • an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR comprises a VH and a VL on a single polypeptide chain (e.g., a VH and VL in Tables 11, 19, 21, 24 and 25).
  • the antigen-binding domain comprises an scFv.
  • the scFv can comprise a VH that is N-terminal to a VL or a VL that is N-terminal to a VH.
  • the scFv can comprise a linker, e.g., between a VH and a VL. Accordingly, the scFv can be in the orientation VH-linker-VL or VL-linker-VH.
  • a linker can be about 5 to about 25 amino acids in length.
  • Such a linker can be about 5 to about 20 amino acids in length.
  • Such a linker can be about 10 to about 25 amino acids in length.
  • Such a linker can be about 10 to about 20 amino acids in length.
  • Such a linker can be, e.g., a glycine linker, a glycine-rich linker, or a glycine-serine linker.
  • a linker can comprise the amino acid sequence of GGSEGKSSGSGSESKSTGGS (SEQ ID NO:183).
  • Such a linker can comprise the amino acid sequence of GGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGS (SEQ ID NO:288).
  • an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR comprises a VH on a first polypeptide and a VL on a second polypeptide (e.g., a Fab).
  • an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR comprises the antigen-binding fragment of a heavy chain only antibody (e.g., a VHH or nanobody).
  • an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR is a murine antigen-binding domain.
  • an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR is a chimeric antigen-binding domain.
  • an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR is a humanized antigen-binding domain.
  • an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR is a human antigen- binding domain.
  • an antigen-binding domain provided herein that specifically binds to human TfR also binds to cynomolgus monkey TfR. 60 ny-2680984 735022004440 [0231] In some embodiments, an antigen-binding domain provided herein binds human TfR with “low” affinity. In some aspects, the antigen-binding domain binds human TfR with an affinity between 500 nM and 10 uM. In some aspects, the antigen-binding domain binds human TfR with an affinity between 2 ⁇ M and 5 ⁇ M. In some aspects, the antigen-binding domain binds human TfR with an affinity between 1 ⁇ M and 5 ⁇ M.
  • the antigen-binding domain binds human TfR with an affinity between 2 ⁇ M and 8 ⁇ M. In some aspects, the antigen- binding domain binds human TfR with an affinity between 750 nM and 2 ⁇ M.
  • the antigen-binding domain binds human TfR with an affinity between about 750 nM and about 10,000 nM (or about 10 ⁇ M), such as about 751 nM to about 10,000 nM, such as about 751 nM to about 2,500 nM, about 751 nM to about 5,000 nM, about 2,500 nM to about 5,000 nM, about 2,500 nM to about 10,000 nM, about 5,000 nM to about 10,000 nM, and values and ranges there between.
  • the antigen-binding domain binds human TfR with an affinity between about 2 ⁇ M and about 5 ⁇ M.
  • the antigen-binding domain binds human TfR with an affinity between about 1 ⁇ M and about 5 ⁇ M. In some aspects, the antigen-binding domain binds human TfR with an affinity between about 2 ⁇ M and about 8 ⁇ M. In some aspects, the antigen-binding domain binds human TfR with an affinity between about 750 nM and about 2 ⁇ M. [0233] In some embodiments, an antigen-binding domain provided herein binds to human TfR with “medium” affinity. In some embodiments, an antigen-binding domain provided herein binds to human TfR with “medium” affinity.
  • the antigen-binding domain binds human TfR with an affinity between 10 nM and 500 nM. In some aspects, the antigen-binding domain binds human TfR with an affinity between 50 nM and 500 nM. In some aspects, the antigen-binding domain binds human TfR with an affinity between 100 nM and 250 nM. In some aspects, the antigen-binding domain binds human TfR with an affinity between 10 nM and 100 nM. In some aspects, the antigen-binding domain binds human TfR with an affinity between 250 nM and 500 nM.
  • the antigen-binding domain binds human TfR with an affinity between 51 nM and 750 nM, such as about 51 nM to about 100 nM, about 51 nM to about 250 nM, about 51 nM to about 500 nM, about 100 nM to about 250 nM, about 100 nM to about 500 nM, about 100 nM to about 750 nM, about 250 nM to about 500 nM, about 250 nM to about 750 nM, about 500 nM to about 750 nM, and values and ranges therebetween.
  • the antigen- binding domain binds human TfR with an affinity between about 50 nM and about 500 nM.
  • the antigen-binding domain binds human TfR with an affinity between about 100 61 ny-2680984 735022004440 nM and about 250 nM. In some aspects, the antigen-binding domain binds human TfR with an affinity between about 10 nM and about 100 nM. In some aspects, the antigen-binding domain binds human TfR with an affinity between about 250 nM and about 500 nM. [0235] In some embodiments, an antigen-binding domain provided herein binds human TfR with “high” affinity. In some aspects, the antigen-binding domain binds human TfR with an affinity less than 10 nM.
  • the antigen-binding domain binds human TfR with an affinity between 0.01 nM and 10 nM. In some aspects, the antigen-binding domain binds human TfR with an affinity between 0.1 nM and 10 nM. In some aspects, the antigen-binding domain binds human TfR with an affinity between 0.01 nM and 1 nM.
  • an antigen-binding domain provided herein that specifically binds to human TfR binds with an affinity of about 0.01 nM to about 50 nM (e.g., about 1 nM to about 50 nM, about 5 nM to about 50 nM, about 10 nM to about 50 nM, about 10 nM to about 25 nM, or about 15 nM to about 25 nM).
  • the antigen-binding domain binds human TfR with an affinity less than about 50 uM.
  • the antigen-binding domain binds human TfR with an affinity less than about 10 nM.
  • the antigen-binding domain binds human TfR with an affinity between about 0.01 nM about about 50 ⁇ M. In some aspects, the antigen-binding domain binds human TfR with an affinity between about 0.01 nM and about 10 nM. In some aspects, the antigen-binding domain binds human TfR with an affinity between about 0.1 nM and about 10 nM. In some aspects, the antigen-binding domain binds human TfR with an affinity between about 0.01 nM and about 1 nM.
  • an antigen-binding domain provided herein specifically binds to human TfR with an affinity of no more than 250 nM (e.g., 10 ⁇ M to 250 nM, 5 ⁇ M to 250 nM, 1 nM to 250 nM or 3 nM to 250 nM), an affinity of no more than 200 nM (e.g., 10 ⁇ M to 200 nM, 5 ⁇ M to 200 nM, 1 nM to 200 nM or 3 nM to 200 nM), or an affinity of no more than 150 nM (e.g., 10 ⁇ M to 150 nM, 5 ⁇ M to 150 nM, 1 nM to 150 nM or 3 nM to 150 nM), optionally wherein the affinity is measured using surface plasmon resonance.
  • 250 nM e.g., 10 ⁇ M to 250 nM, 5 ⁇ M to 250 nM, 1 nM to 250 nM or 3 nM to 250 n
  • Surface plasmon resonance can be measured, e.g., using the Carterra LSA platform.
  • an antigen-binding domain provided herein that specifically binds to human TfR binds to human TfR as measured by ELISA OD 450 .
  • an antigen-binding domain provided herein that specifically binds to human TfR binds to cynomolgus TfR with an affinity of no more than 250 nM (e.g., 10 ⁇ M to 250 nM, 5 ⁇ M to 250 nM, 1 ⁇ M to 250 nM, 1 nM to 250 nM or 3 nM to 250 nM), an affinity of no more than 200 nM (e.g., 10 ⁇ M to 200 nM, 5 ⁇ M to 200 nM, 1 ⁇ M to 200 nM, 1 nM to 200 62 ny-2680984 735022004440 nM or 3 nM to 200 nM), or an affinity of no more than 150 nM (e.g., 10 ⁇ M to 150 nM, 5 ⁇ M to 150 nM, 1 ⁇ M to 150 nM, 1 nM to 150 nM or 3 nM to 150 nM), or an affinity of no
  • an antigen-binding domain provided herein that specifically binds to human TfR with an affinity of 0.1 ⁇ M to 10 ⁇ M, 0.1 ⁇ M to 100 ⁇ M, 0.1 ⁇ M to 100 ⁇ M, 0.1 ⁇ M to 1nM, 1 ⁇ M to 10 ⁇ M, 1 ⁇ M to 100 ⁇ M, 1 ⁇ M to 1 nM, 1 ⁇ M to 10 nM, 1 ⁇ M to 100 nM, 1 ⁇ M to 150 nM, or 1 ⁇ M to 250 nM.
  • an antigen-binding domain provided herein that specifically binds to human TfR binds to each of human TfR and cynomolgus TfR with an affinity of no more than 250 nM (e.g., 1 ⁇ M to 250 nM, 10 ⁇ M to 250 nM,1 nM to 250 nM or 3 nM to 250 nM), an affinity of no more than 200 nM (e.g., 1 ⁇ M to 200 nM, 10 ⁇ M to 250 nM, 1 nM to 200 nM or 3 nM to 200 nM), or an affinity of no more than 150 nM (e.g., 1 ⁇ M to 150 nM, 10 ⁇ M to 250 nM, 1 nM to 150 nM or 3 nM to 150 nM), optionally wherein the affinity is measured using surface plasmon resonance.
  • 250 nM e.g., 1 ⁇ M to 250 nM, 10 ⁇ M to
  • an antigen-binding domain provided herein that specifically binds to human TfR binds to each of human TfR and cynomolgus TfR with an affinity of 1 ⁇ M to 100 ⁇ M, 1 ⁇ M to 1 nM, 1 ⁇ M to 10 nM, 1 ⁇ M to 100 nM, 1 ⁇ M to 150 nM, or 1 ⁇ M to 250 nM.
  • an antigen-binding domain provided herein that specifically binds to human TfR binds to human TfR with an affinity of 6.7 nM to 3.5 ⁇ M and binds to cynomolgus TfR with an affinity of 38 nM to 2.3 ⁇ M.
  • an antigen-binding domain provided herein that specifically binds to human TfR binds to human TfR with an affinity of 6.7 nM to 340 nM and binds to cynomolgus TfR with an affinity of 18 nM to 870 nM, optionally wherein the affinity is measured using surface plasmon resonance.
  • an antigen-binding domain provided herein that specifically binds to human TfR reduces cell surface expression of TfR on HCMED/D3 cells by 40-80% relative to cell surface expression of TfR on HCMEC/D3 cells treated with an isotype control. Cell surface expression can be measured, e.g., using Western blot or FACS.
  • an antigen-binding domain provided herein that specifically binds to human TfR does not significantly increase cell surface expression of TfR on HCMED/D3 cells relative to cell surface expression of TfR on HCMEC/D3 cells treated with an isotype control.
  • an antigen-binding domain provided herein that specifically binds to human TfR does not reduce cell surface expression of TfR on HCMED/D3 cells by more than 40%, 60%, or 80% relative to cell surface expression of TfR on HCMEC/D3 cells treated with an isotype control and does not significantly increase cell surface expression of TfR on HCMED/D3 cells relative to cell surface expression of TfR on HCMEC/D3 cells treated with an isotype control.
  • Cell surface expression can be measured, e.g., using Western blot or FACS.
  • an antigen-binding domain provided herein that specifically binds to human TfR accumulates at least 4- or 5-fold more than an isotype control in vessel-depleted human TfR knock-in mouse brain after peripheral injection.
  • an antigen-binding domain provided herein that specifically binds to human TfR accumulates at least 2-fold more than an isotype control in vessel-depleted non- human primate brain after peripheral injection.
  • an antigen-binding domain provided herein that specifically binds to human TfR accumulates at least 4- or 5-fold more than an isotype control in vessel-depleted non-human primate brain after peripheral injection.
  • an antigen-binding domain provided herein that specifically binds to human TfR accumulates at least 8-fold more than an isotype control in vessel-depleted non-human primate brain after peripheral injection. In some aspects, an antigen-binding domain provided herein that specifically binds to human TfR accumulates 8 to 64-fold more than an isotype control in vessel- depleted non-human primate brain after peripheral injection. In some aspects, an antigen-binding domain provided herein that specifically binds to human TfR accumulates 8 to 64-fold more than an isotype control in vessel-depleted non-human primate brain after peripheral injection.
  • an antigen-binding domain provided herein that specifically binds to human TfR accumulates 2 to 11-fold more than an isotype control in vessel-depleted non-human primate brain after peripheral injection. [0246] In some aspects, an antigen-binding domain provided herein specifically binds to human TfR at least 5-fold more than binding to an irrelevant protein. In some aspects, an antigen-binding domain provided herein that specifically binds to cynomolgus TfR at least 5-fold more than binding to an irrelevant protein.
  • an antigen-binding domain provided herein that specifically binds to human TfR at least 5-fold more than binding to an irrelevant protein and/or specifically binds to cynomolgus TfR at least 5-fold more than binding to an irrelevant protein.
  • antigen-binding domains that bind to the same epitope of TfR as a TfR antigen-binding domain provided herein.
  • antigen-binding 64 ny-2680984 735022004440 domains that competitively inhibit binding to TfR of TfR antigen-binding domain provided herein.
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein provided herein can be multi-specific, e.g., bi-specific.
  • Many different formats and uses of bi-specific binding molecules are known in the art (reviewed in, e.g., Kontermann; Drug Discov Today, 2015 July; 20(7):838-47; MAbs, 2012 March-April; 4(2):182-97).
  • a bispecific protein according to the present invention is not limited to any particular bispecific format or method of producing it.
  • bispecific protein of the present disclosure can include various configurations having a first antigen-binding domain that binds to human TfR and a second antigen-binding domain, e.g., that binds to a CNS antigen or a brain antigen.
  • Bi-specific molecules include, e.g., a kappa-lambda body, a dual-affinity re-targeting molecule (DART), a knob-in-hole antibody, a strand-exchange engineered domain body (SEEDbody), and a DuoBody.
  • a bispecific antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein provided herein comprises a knob mutation and a hole mutation.
  • the knob mutation comprises the amino acid substitution T366W according to EU numbering.
  • the hole mutation comprises the amino acids substitutions T366S, L368A, and Y407V according to EU numbering.
  • bispecific molecules that can be used in the present disclosure include (i) a single antibody that has two arms comprising different antigen-binding domains; (ii) a single chain antibody that has specificity to two different epitopes, e.g., via two scFvs linked in tandem by an extra peptide linker; (iii) a dual-variable-domain antibody (DVD-Ig), where each light chain and heavy chain contains two variable domains in tandem through a short peptide linkage (Wu et al., Generation and Characterization of a Dual Variable Domain Immunoglobulin (DVD-Ig.TM.) Molecule, In: Antibody Engineering, Springer Berlin Heidelberg (2010)); (iv) a chemically-linked bispecific (Fab')2 fragment;
  • a bispecific protein provided herein is selected from one of the following formats: CrossMab, DAF (two-in-one), DAF (four-in-one), DutaMab, DT-IgG, Charge pair, Fab-arm exchange, Triomab, LUZ-Y, Fcab, kappalambda-body, Orthogonal Fab, DVD- IgG, IgG(H)-scFv, scFv-(H)IgG, IgG(L)-scFv, scFv-(L)IgG, IgG(L,H)-Fv, IgG(H)-V, V(H)-IgG, IgG(L)-V, V(L)-IgG, KIH IgG-scFab, 2scFv-IgG, IgG-2s
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof or multi-specific protein provided herein is bivalent.
  • a multi-specific protein provided herein is multivalent (e.g., bivalent).
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein provided herein is trivalent (e.g., in the 2+1 antibody format).
  • a trivalent format comprises a single TfR antigen-binding domain provided herein and two antigen-binding domains that bind to TREM2.
  • the two antigen-binding domains that bind to a CNS antigen or a brain antigen can comprise the same amino acid sequence or can comprise different amino acid sequences.
  • the TfR antigen-binding domain is an scFv.
  • the TfR antigen-binding domain is a VHH.
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein provided herein is tetravalent (e.g., in the 2+2 antibody format).
  • a tetravalent format comprises two TfR antigen-binding domains provided herein and two antigen- binding domains that bind to TREM2.
  • the two TfR antigen-binding domains can comprise the same amino acid sequence or can comprise different amino acid sequences. In some aspects, the two TfR antigen-binding domains comprise the same amino acid sequence. In some aspects, one or both of the TfR antigen-binding domains is an scFv.
  • the two antigen-binding domains that bind to TREM2 can comprise the same amino acid sequence or can comprise different amino acid sequences.
  • An antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein provided herein can comprise a linker, e.g., linking a TfR antigen-binding domain to a heterologous protein, antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or other antigen-binding domain.
  • the linker can be e.g., a glycine linker, a glycine-rich linker, or a glycine-serine linker.
  • the linker can comprise the amino acid sequence (GGGGS)x3 (SEQ ID NO:184).
  • the linker can comprise the amino acid sequence (GGSGG)x3 (SEQ ID NO:289).
  • An antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein provided herein can comprise a constant region.
  • a TfR antigen-binding domain provided herein is linked to the constant region, e.g., the C-terminus of the constant region.
  • a constant domain is a human constant domain.
  • a constant domain is a murine, rat, rabbit, or monkey (e.g., cynomolgus) constant domain.
  • the constant region can be a heavy chain constant region.
  • the constant region can be a human constant region.
  • the constant region can be a human heavy chain constant region.
  • the constant region can be an IgG constant region.
  • the constant region can be an IgG1 constant region.
  • the constant region can be an IgG2 constant region.
  • the constant region can be an IgG4 constant region.
  • the constant region can be a human IgG constant region.
  • the constant region can be a human IgG1 constant region.
  • the constant region can be a human IgG2 constant region.
  • the constant region can be a human IgG4 constant region.
  • the linker can comprise the amino acid sequence GGSGG (no repeats) (SEQ ID NO:304). The linker may be 1 to 20 amino acids in length.
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein provided herein comprises a heavy chain and a light chain.
  • the heavy chain of an antigen-binding protein described herein can be an alpha ( ⁇ ), delta ( ⁇ ), epsilon ( ⁇ ), gamma ( ⁇ ) or mu ( ⁇ ) heavy chain.
  • the heavy chain can comprise a human alpha ( ⁇ ), delta ( ⁇ ), epsilon ( ⁇ ), gamma ( ⁇ ) or mu ( ⁇ ) heavy chain.
  • the heavy chain comprises a human gamma ( ⁇ ) heavy chain constant region.
  • the heavy chain comprises the amino acid sequence of an IgG1 heavy chain constant region.
  • the heavy chain comprises the amino acid sequence of an IgG2 (e.g., IgG2a or IgG2b) heavy chain constant region. In some aspects, the heavy chain comprises the amino acid sequence of an IgG4 heavy chain constant region.
  • the light chain is a kappa light chain. In some aspects, the light chain is a lambda light chain. In some aspects, the light chain is a human kappa light chain or a human lambda light chain.
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein provided herein comprises constant regions comprising the amino acid sequences of the constant regions of an IgG, IgE, IgM, IgD, IgA, or IgY immunoglobulin molecule, or a human IgG, IgE, IgM, IgD, IgA, or IgY immunoglobulin molecule.
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein provided herein comprises constant regions comprising the amino acid sequences of the constant regions of an IgG, IgE, IgM, IgD, IgA, or IgY immunoglobulin molecule, any class (e.g., IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA1, and IgA2), or any subclass (e.g., IgG2a and IgG2b) of immunoglobulin molecule.
  • the constant regions comprise the amino acid sequences of the constant regions of a human IgG, IgE, IgM, IgD, IgA, or IgY immunoglobulin molecule, any class (e.g., IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA1, and IgA2), or any subclass (e.g., IgG2a and IgG2b) of immunoglobulin molecule.
  • any class e.g., IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA1, and IgA2
  • immunoglobulin molecule any class (e.g., IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA1, and IgA2), or any subclass (e.g., IgG2a and IgG2b) of immunoglobulin molecule.
  • Non-limiting examples of human constant region sequences have been described in e.g., U.S. Patent No.5,693,780 and
  • a constant region provided herein comprises a knob mutation.
  • a constant region provided herein comprises a hole mutation.
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein provided herein can comprise a constant region comprising a knob mutation and a constant region comprising a hole mutation.
  • Fc Domains [0259] An antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein provided herein can comprise an Fc domain or fragment thereof. In some aspects, an Fc domain is of IgG class, the IgM class, or the IgA class.
  • an Fc domain or fragment thereof is an IgG Fc domain or fragment thereof. In some aspects, an Fc domain or fragment thereof is a human IgG Fc domain or fragment thereof. In some aspects, an Fc domain or fragment thereof is a human IgG1 Fc domain or fragment thereof. In some aspects, an Fc domain or fragment thereof is a human IgG2 Fc domain or fragment thereof. In some aspects, an Fc domain or fragment thereof is a human IgG4 Fc domain or fragment thereof. In some aspects, an Fc domain or fragment thereof is a monovalent Fc. [0260] In some aspects provided herein, an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein provided comprises a modified Fc domain or fragment thereof.
  • the modified Fc domain or fragment thereof is a modified IgG1 Fc comprising one or 68 ny-2680984 735022004440 more modifications.
  • the IgG1 modified Fc comprises one or more amino acid substitutions (e.g., relative to a wild-type Fc domain of the same isotype).
  • the modified Fc domain or fragment thereof is a modified IgG2 Fc domain.
  • the modified Fc domain or fragment thereof is a modified IgG2 Fc domain comprising one or more modifications relative to a wild-type IgG2.
  • the modified Fc domain or fragment thereof is a modified IgG4 Fc domain relative to a wild-type IgG4.
  • the modified Fc domain or fragment thereof is a modified IgG4 Fc domain comprising one or more modifications relative to a wild-type IgG4.
  • the one or more amino acid substitutions are selected from N297A (Bolt S et al. (1993) Eur J Immunol 23:403-411), D265A (Shields et al. (2001) R. J. Biol. Chem.276, 6591–6604), L234A, L235A (Hutchins et al. (1995) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 92:11980-11984; Alegre et al., (1994) Transplantation 57:1537-1543.
  • the Fc comprises the amino acid substitutions L234A, L235A, and P331S (LALAPS) according to EU numbering.
  • the Fc comprises N325S and L328F mutations according to EU numbering.
  • the Fc comprises P329G or P329S according to EU numbering.
  • the Fc comprises K322A according to EU numbering.
  • the Fc domain comprises S228P according to EU numbering.
  • the Fc domain comprises L235E according to EU numbering. In some aspects, the Fc domain comprises S228P and L235E according to EU numbering. In some aspects, the modified Fc domain or fragment thereof is a modified IgG4 and comprises S228P and L235E according to EU numbering.
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein is a bi-specific fusion protein, antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein.
  • Bi-specific molecules include, e.g., a kappa-lambda body, a dual-affinity re-targeting molecule (DART), a knob-in-hole antibody, a strand-exchange engineered domain body (SEEDbody), and a DuoBody.
  • a bispecific fusion protein, antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein provided herein comprises a knob mutation and a hole mutation.
  • the knob mutation comprises the amino acid substitution T366W according to EU numbering.
  • the hole mutation comprises the amino acids substitutions T366S, L368A, and Y407V according to EU numbering.
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein provided herein comprises one or more mutations to promote heterodimerization of Fc domains.
  • a dimerized Fc domain of a bispecific provided herein is formed by Fc domains that contain amino acid mutations, substitutions, additions, or deletions to promote heterodimerization in which different polypeptides comprising different Fc domains can dimerize to yield a heterodimer configuration.
  • a bispecific 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 [0263]
  • Methods to promote heterodimerization of Fc domains include amino acid deletions, additions, or substitutions of the amino acid sequence of the Fc domain, 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 of the Fc to favor attractive interactions among different polypeptide chains.
  • 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 domains 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).
  • complementary Fc polypeptides of an Fc heterodimer include “knob-into- hole” configurations to promote heterodimerization of two Fc polypeptides. “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).
  • 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).
  • a knob modification comprises the amino acid substitution T366W in one of the two subunits of the Fc domain
  • the hole modification comprises the amino acid substitutions T366S, L368A and Y407V in the other one of the two subunits of the Fc domain.
  • the subunit of the Fc domain comprising the knob modification additionally comprises the amino acid substitution S354C
  • the subunit of the Fc domain comprising the hole modification additionally comprises the amino acid substitution Y349C.
  • 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.
  • 72 ny-2680984 735022004440 Exemplary paired amino acid modifications of complementary Fc polypeptides of an Fc heterodimeric configuration are set forth below in the table below (EU numbering).
  • Antigen-binding fragments of antibodies include, but are not limited to, Fab, Fab', Fab'-SH, F(ab')2, Fv, and scFv fragments, and other fragments described below.
  • Fab fragment antigen-binding fragment antigen-binding fragment antigen-binding fragment antigen-binding fragment antigen-binding fragments of antibodies
  • Fab' fragment antigen-binding fragment antigen-binding fragments of antibodies
  • Fab' fragment antigen-binding fragments of antibodies
  • Fab'-SH fragment antigen-binding fragments of antibodies
  • F(ab')2 fragment antigen-binding fragments of antibodies
  • scFv fragments fragment antigen-binding fragment antigen-binding fragment antigen-binding fragments of antibodies.
  • scFv fragments see, e.g., WO 93/16185; and U.S. Patent Nos.5571894 and 5587458.
  • Diabodies are antibody fragments with two antigen-binding sites that can be bivalent and/or bispecific. See, for example, EP404097; WO 1993/01161; Hudson et al. Nat. Med.9:129- 134 (2003). Triabodies and tetrabodies are also described in Hudson et al. Nat. Med.9:129-134 (2003).
  • Single-domain antibodies are antibody fragments comprising all or a portion of the heavy chain variable domain or all or a portion of the light chain variable domain of an antibody.
  • a single-domain antibody is a human single-domain antibody (see, e.g., U.S. Patent No. 6248516).
  • Antibody fragments can be made by various techniques, including but not limited to proteolytic digestion of an intact antibody as well as production by recombinant host cells (e.g., E. coli or phage), as described herein.
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein provided herein can be chimeric. Certain chimeric antibodies are described, e.g., in U.S. 73 ny-2680984 735022004440 Patent No.4816567.
  • a chimeric antibody comprises a non-human variable region (e.g., a variable region derived from a mouse, rat, hamster, rabbit, or non-human primate, such as a monkey) and a human constant region.
  • a chimeric antibody is a "class switched" antibody in which the class or subclass has been changed from that of the parent antibody.
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein provided herein can be humanized.
  • a non-human antibody is humanized to reduce immunogenicity to humans, while retaining the specificity and affinity of the parental non-human antibody.
  • a humanized antibody is substantially non-immunogenic in humans.
  • a humanized antibody has substantially the same affinity for a target as an antibody from another species from which the humanized antibody is derived. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No.5530101, 5693761; 5693762; and 5585089.
  • amino acids of an antibody variable domain that can be modified without diminishing the native affinity of the antigen-binding domain while reducing its immunogenicity are identified. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos.5766886 and 5869619.
  • a humanized antibody comprises one or more variable domains in which CDRs (or portions thereof) are derived from a non-human antibody, and framework regions (FRs) (or portions thereof) are derived from human antibody sequences.
  • a humanized antibody can comprise at least a portion of a human constant region.
  • some FR residues in a humanized antibody are substituted with corresponding residues from a non-human antibody (e.g., the antibody from which the CDR residues are derived), for example, to restore or improve antibody specificity or affinity.
  • Humanized antibodies and methods of making them are reviewed, for example, in Almagro et al. Front. Biosci.13:1619-1633 (2008), and are further described, e.g., in US Patent Nos.5821337, 7527791, 6982321, and 7087409.
  • Human framework regions that can be used for humanization include but are not limited to: framework regions selected using the "best- fit" method (see, e.g., Sims et al. J. Immunol.151:2296 (1993)); framework regions derived from the consensus sequence of human antibodies of a particular subgroup of light or heavy chain variable regions (see, e.g., Carter et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:4285 (1992); and Presta et al., J. Immunol.151 :2623 (1993)); human mature (somatically mutated) framework regions or human germline framework regions (see, e.g., Almagro and Fransson Front.
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein provided herein can be human.
  • Human antibodies can be produced using various techniques known in the art. Human antibodies are described generally in van Dijk et al. Curr. Opin. Pharmacol.5:368-74 (2001) and Lonberg Curr. Opin.
  • Human antibodies can be prepared by administering an immunogen to a transgenic animal that has been modified to produce intact human antibodies or intact antibodies with human variable regions in response to antigenic challenge.
  • Large human Ig fragments can preserve the large variable gene diversity as well as the proper regulation of antibody production and expression.
  • antigen-specific human MAbs with the desired specificity can be produced and selected.
  • Certain exemplary methods are described in U.S. Pat. No.5545807, EP 546073, and EP 546073. See also, for example, U.S. Patent Nos.6075181 and 6150584 describing XENOMOUSETM technology; U.S. Patent No.5770429 describing HUMAB® technology; U.S. Patent No.7041870 describing K-M MOUSE® technology, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2007/0061900, describing VELOCIMOUSE® technology.
  • Human variable regions from intact antibodies generated by such animals can be further modified, e.g., by combining with a different human constant region.
  • Human antibodies can also be made by hybridoma-based methods. Human myeloma and mouse-human heteromyeloma cell lines for the production of human monoclonal antibodies have been described. (See, e.g., Kozbor J. Immunol.133:3001 (1984) and Boerner et al. J. Immunol.147:86 (1991)). Human antibodies generated via human B-cell hybridoma technology are also described in Li et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 103:3557-3562 (2006). Additional methods include those described, for example, in U.S.
  • Patent No.7189826 (describing production of monoclonal human IgM antibodies from hybridoma cell lines).
  • Human hybridoma technology Trioma technology
  • Human antibodies can also be generated by isolating Fv clone variable domain sequences selected from human-derived phage 75 ny-2680984 735022004440 display libraries. Such variable domain sequences can then be combined with a desired human constant domain. Techniques for selecting human antibodies from antibody libraries are described below.
  • an antibody is a human antibody isolated by in vitro methods and/or screening combinatorial libraries for antibodies with the desired activity or activities. Suitable examples include but are not limited to phage display (CAT, Morphosys, Dyax, Biosite/Medarex, Xoma, Symphogen, Alexion (formerly Proliferon), Affimed) ribosome display (CAT), yeast display (Adimab), and the like.
  • phage display CAT, Morphosys, Dyax, Biosite/Medarex, Xoma, Symphogen, Alexion (formerly Proliferon), Affimed) ribosome display (CAT), yeast display (Adimab), and the like.
  • phage display methods repertoires of VH and VL genes are separately cloned by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and recombined randomly in phage libraries, which can then be screened for antigen-binding phage as described in Winter et al.
  • Phage typically display antibody fragments, either as single-chain Fv (scFv) fragments or as Fab fragments.
  • naive libraries can be cloned (e.g., from human) to provide a single source of antibodies to a wide range of non-self and also self-antigens without any immunization as described by Griffiths et al. EMBO J.12: 725-734 (1993).
  • naive libraries can also be made synthetically by cloning unrearranged V-gene segments from stem cells, and using PCR primers comprising random sequence to encode the highly variable CDR3 regions and to accomplish rearrangement in vitro, as described by Hoogenboom et al. J. Mol.
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein provided herein can comprise an antigen-binding domain that binds to a CNS antigen or a brain antigen.
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein provided herein can comprise an antigen-binding domain that binds to a CNS antigen or a brain antigen.
  • the CNS antigen or brain antigen can be beta- 76 ny-2680984 735022004440 secretase 1 (BACE1), Abeta, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), tau, apolipoprotein, apolipoprotein E (ApoE), apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4), alpha-synuclein, CD20, huntingtin, prion protein (PrP), leucine rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2), parkin, presenilin 1, presenilin 2, gamma secretase, death receptor 6 (DR6), amyloid precursor protein (APP), p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR), caspase 6, sortilin (SORT), triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), CD33 or sialic acid binding Ig-like lectin 3 (Siglec3), Membrane Spanning 4-Domains
  • the CNS antigen or brain antigen can be beta-secretase 1 (BACE1), Abeta, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), tau, apolipoprotein, apolipoprotein E (ApoE), apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4), alpha-synuclein, CD20, huntingtin, prion protein (PrP), leucine rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2), parkin, presenilin 1, presenilin 2, ⁇ - glucocerebrosidase (GCase or GBA), progranulin (PGRN), Prosaposin (PSAP), ubiquitin protein ligase E3A (UBE3A), gamma secretase, death receptor 6 (DR6), amyloid precursor protein (APP), p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR), caspase 6, sortilin (SORT), triggering receptor expressed
  • the CNS or brain antigen is on a cancer cell within the central nervous system.
  • the CNS or brain antigen is a cell surface target on a hematological cancer cell selected from B7H3, BCMA, CD125, CD166, CD19, CD20, CD205, CD22, CD25, CD30, CD37, CD39, CD73, and CD79b.
  • the CNS or brain antigen is a tumor cell target selected from siglec-3 or CD33, siglec-5, siglec-7, siglec-9, siglec 14, PILRA, IL18- BP, MerTK, ACKR1, ALK, AXL, CD25, CD44v6, CD46, CD56 (NCAM), CDH6 (cadherin 6), CEACAM 5 (CD66E), EGFR, EGFR viii, ETBR, FGFR (1-4), Folate Receptor alpha, GAL-3BP (galectin binding protein), GD2, GD3, GloboH (globohexasylceramide), gp100, gpNMB, HER2, HER3, HER4, IGFR1, KIT, LIV1A, LRRC15 (leucine rich repeat containing 15), MET , NaPi2B, PDL1, PMEL17, PRAME, PSMA, PTK7 (CCK4; colon carcinoma kinase), RON
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein provided herein can comprise an antigen-binding domain that binds to a CNS antigen or a brain antigen, such as TREM2.
  • a multi-specific protein provided herein can comprise an antigen-binding domain that binds to a CNS antigen or a brain antigen.
  • the antigen-binding domain that binds to a CNS antigen or a brain antigen can comprise a VH and a VL. Exemplary CNS antigen-binding VH and VL sequences are provided below.
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein provided herein can be capable of crossing the BBB as a result of the fact that the anti- TfR antigen-binding domain in the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi- specific protein is capable of crossing the BBB.
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein provided herein is internalized in blood-brain barrier epithelial cells greater than 10-fold as compared to internalization by an isotype control.
  • the blood-brain barrier endothelial cells can be, e.g., HCMEC/D3 cells.
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein provided herein does not reduce cell-surface expression of TfR on HCMEC/D3 cells by more than 60% relative to cell-surface expression of TfR on HCMEC/D3 cells treated with an isotype control.
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein provided herein does not reduce cell-surface expression of TfR on HCMEC/D3 cells by more than 40% relative to cell-surface expression of TfR on HCMEC/D3 cells treated with an isotype control.
  • Cell surface expression can be measured, e.g., using Western blot or FACS.
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein provided herein does not significantly increase cell-surface expression of TfR on HCMEC/D3 cells relative to cell-surface expression of TfR on HCMEC/D3 cells treated with an isotype control.
  • Cell surface expression can be measured, e.g., using Western blot or FACS.
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein provided herein does not reduce cell-surface expression of TfR on HCMEC/D3 cells by more than 60% relative to cell-surface expression of TfR on HCMEC/D3 cells treated with an isotype control and does not significantly increase cell-surface expression of TfR on HCMEC/D3 cells relative to cell-surface expression of TfR on HCMEC/D3 cells treated with an isotype control.
  • Cell surface expression can be measured, e.g., using Western blot or FACS.
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein provided 79 ny-2680984 735022004440 herein does not reduce cell-surface expression of TfR on HCMEC/D3 cells by more than 40% relative to cell-surface expression of TfR on HCMEC/D3 cells treated with an isotype control and does not significantly increase cell-surface expression of TfR on HCMEC/D3 cells relative to cell-surface expression of TfR on HCMEC/D3 cells treated with an isotype control.
  • Cell surface expression can be measured, e.g., using Western blot or FACS.
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein provided herein accumulates at least 4-fold more than an isotype control in vessel- depleted mouse brain. In some aspects, an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein provided herein accumulates at least 5-fold more than an isotype control in vessel-depleted mouse brain. [0286] In some aspects, an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein provided herein binds human TfR with an equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) of about 6.7 nM to about 3.5 ⁇ M.
  • KD equilibrium dissociation constant
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein provided herein binds human TfR with an equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) of about 6.7 nM to about 340 nM. In some aspects, an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein provided herein binds cynomolgus monkey TfR with a K D of about 38 nM to about 2.3 ⁇ M. In some aspects, an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein provided herein binds cynomolgus monkey TfR with a K D of about 18 nM to about 870 nM.
  • KD equilibrium dissociation constant
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein provided herein binds human TfR with an equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) of about 6.7 nM to about 3.5 ⁇ M and herein binds cynomolgus monkey TfR with a K D of about 38 nM to about 2.3 ⁇ M.
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein provided herein binds human TfR with an equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) of about 6.7 nM to about 340 nM and binds cynomolgus monkey TfR with a KD of about 18 nM to about 870 nM.
  • polynucleotides comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding an antigen-binding domain that specifically bind to human TfR and an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2, or a multi-specific protein described herein or a domain thereof and vectors, e.g., vectors comprising such polynucleotides for recombinant expression in host cells (e.g., E. coli and mammalian cells).
  • host cells e.g., E. coli and mammalian cells.
  • provided herein are 80 ny-2680984 735022004440 polynucleotides comprising one or more nucleotide sequences encoding a multi-specific protein described herein or a domain thereof described herein.
  • polynucleotides comprising one or more nucleotide sequences encoding a multi-specific protein described herein or a domain thereof described herein, wherein the multi-specific protein binds TREM2 and TfR.
  • provided herein are polynucleotides comprising one or more nucleotide sequences encoding a bispecific protein described herein or a domain thereof described herein.
  • a polynucleotide provided herein comprises a nucleic acid molecule encoding the heavy chain of an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR provided herein. In some aspects, a polynucleotide provided herein comprises a nucleic acid molecule encoding the light chain of an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR provided herein.
  • a polynucleotide provided herein comprises a nucleic acid molecule encoding the heavy chain of an antigen-binding domain that specifically bind to human TfR provided herein and a nucleic acid molecule encoding the light chain of an antigen-binding domain that specifically bind to human TfR provided herein.
  • a polynucleotide provided herein comprises a nucleic acid molecule encoding the heavy chain of an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 provided herein.
  • a polynucleotide provided herein comprises a nucleic acid molecule encoding the light chain of an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 provided herein. In some aspects, a polynucleotide provided herein comprises a nucleic acid molecule encoding the heavy chain of an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 provided herein and a nucleic acid molecule encoding the light chain of an antigen- binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 provided herein. [0290] In some aspects, combinations or compositions of polynucleotides are provided herein.
  • combinations or compositions of polynucleotides are provided herein that encode a multi-specific protein described herein or a domain thereof described herein. In some aspects, combinations or compositions of polynucleotides are provided herein that encode a multi-specific protein described herein or a domain thereof described herein, wherein the multi- specific protein binds TREM2 and TfR.
  • a combination or composition comprises a first polynucleotide, a second polynucleotide, and a third polynucleotide, wherein the first, second, and third polynucleotides encode a multi-specific protein provided herein, e.g., wherein the first polynucleotide encodes a first heavy chain, the second polynucleotide encodes a second heavy chain and an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR 81 ny-2680984 735022004440 provided herein, and the third polynucleotide encodes a light chain.
  • the antigen- binding domains that bind to human TfR is an scFv.
  • the first heavy chain comprises a knob mutation and the second heavy chain comprises a hole mutation. In some aspects, the first heavy chain comprises a hole mutation and the second heavy chain comprises a knob mutation.
  • a combination or composition comprises a first polynucleotide, a second polynucleotide, and a third polynucleotide, wherein the first, second, and third polynucleotides encode a multi-specific protein provided herein, wherein the first polynucleotide encodes a first heavy chain and a first antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR, the second polynucleotide encodes a second heavy chain and a second antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR, and the third polynucleotide encodes a light chain.
  • the first and second antigen-binding domains that bind to human TfR comprise the same amino acid sequence. In some aspects, the first and second antigen-binding domains that bind to human TfR comprise different amino acid sequences. In some aspects, the first and/or second antigen-binding domains that bind to human TfR are scFvs. In some aspects, the first heavy chain comprises a knob mutation and the second heavy chain comprises a hole mutation. In some aspects, the first heavy chain comprises a hole mutation and the second heavy chain comprises a knob mutation.
  • a combination or composition comprises a first polynucleotide and a second polynucleotide, wherein the first and second polynucleotides encode a multi-specific protein provided herein, wherein the first polynucleotide encodes a heavy chain and an antigen- binding domain that bind to human TfR provided herein, and wherein the second polynucleotide encodes a light chain.
  • polynucleotides provided herein that encode a multi-specific protein described herein or a domain thereof described herein are optimized, e.g., by codon/RNA optimization, replacement with heterologous signal sequences, and/or elimination of mRNA instability elements.
  • polynucleotides comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding an antigen-binding domain that specifically bind to human TfR and an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2, or a multi-specific protein described herein or a domain thereof, that are optimized, e.g., by codon/RNA optimization, replacement with heterologous signal sequences, and/or elimination of mRNA instability elements.
  • Methods to generate optimized nucleic acids for recombinant expression by introducing codon changes (e.g., a codon change that encodes the same amino acid due to the degeneracy of the genetic code) and/or eliminating 82 ny-2680984 735022004440 inhibitory regions in the mRNA can be carried out by adapting the optimization methods described in, e.g., U.S. Patent Nos.5,965,726; 6,174,666; 6,291,664; 6,414,132; and 6,794,498, accordingly.
  • a polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a multi-specific protein described herein, or a domain thereof described herein can be generated from nucleic acid from a suitable source (e.g., a hybridoma) using methods well known in the art (e.g., PCR and other molecular cloning methods).
  • a suitable source e.g., a hybridoma
  • methods well known in the art e.g., PCR and other molecular cloning methods.
  • a polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding an an antigen-binding domain that specifically bind to human TfR and an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2, or a multi-specific protein described herein or a domain thereof can be generated from nucleic acid from a suitable source (e.g., a hybridoma) using methods well known in the art (e.g., PCR and other molecular cloning methods). For example, PCR amplification using synthetic primers hybridizable to the 3’ and 5’ ends of a known sequence can be performed using genomic DNA obtained from hybridoma cells producing the antibody of interest.
  • Such PCR amplification methods can be used to obtain nucleic acids comprising, e.g., the sequence encoding the light chain and/or heavy chain of an antigen-binding domain, antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof.
  • the amplified nucleic acids can be cloned into vectors for expression in host cells and for further cloning, for example, to generate an antigen- binding domain that specifically bind to human TfR, antibody, antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein described herein, or a domain thereof described herein.
  • Polynucleotides provided herein can be, e.g., in the form of RNA or in the form of DNA.
  • DNA includes cDNA, genomic DNA, and synthetic DNA, and DNA can be double- stranded or single-stranded. If single stranded, DNA can be the coding strand or non-coding (anti-sense) strand.
  • the polynucleotide is a cDNA or a DNA lacking one more endogenous introns.
  • a polynucleotide is a non-naturally occurring polynucleotide.
  • a polynucleotide is recombinantly produced.
  • the polynucleotides are isolated. In some aspects, the polynucleotides are substantially pure.
  • polynucleotides provided herein are in the form of RNA. In some embodiments, polynucleotides provided herein are in the form of RNA encoding a fusion protein provided herein. In some embodiments, a polynucleotide provided herein is a synthetic messenger RNA (mRNA). In some embodiments, the synthetic mRNA has at least one nucleoside modification.
  • mRNA synthetic messenger RNA
  • the at least one nucleoside modification is selected from the group consisting of pyridin-4-one ribonucleoside, 5-aza-uridine, 2-thio-5-aza- uridine, 2-thiouridine, 4-thio-pseudouridine, 2-thio-pseudouridine, 5-hydroxyuridine, 3- 83 ny-2680984 735022004440 methyluridine, 5-carboxymethyl-uridine, 1-carboxymethyl-pseudouridine, 5-propynyl-uridine, 1- propynyl-pseudouridine, 5-taurinomethyluridine, 1-taurinomethyl-pseudouridine, 5- taurinomethyl-2-thio-uridine, 1-taurinomethyl-4-thio-uridine, 5-methyl-uridine, 1-methyl- pseudouridine, 4-thio-1-methyl-pseudouridine, 2-thio-1-methyl-pseudouridine, 1-
  • heterologous polypeptide comprises an antigen binding domain that binds to triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), beta-secretase 1 (BACE1), Abeta, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), tau, apolipoprotein, apolipoprotein E (ApoE), apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4), alpha-synuclein, CD20, huntingtin, prion protein (PrP), leucine rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2), parkin, presenilin 1, presenilin 2, ⁇ -glucocerebrosidase (GCase or GBA), progranulin (PGRN), Prosaposin 84 n
  • the heterologous polypeptide comprises an antigen binding domain that binds to ubiquitin protein ligase E3A (UBE3A).
  • UBE3A ubiquitin protein ligase E3A
  • provided herein are polynucleotides encoding a multi- specific protein provided herein.
  • the multi-specific protein comprises an antigen binding domain that binds to triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), beta- secretase 1 (BACE1), Abeta, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), tau, apolipoprotein, apolipoprotein E (ApoE), apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4), alpha-synuclein, CD20, huntingtin, prion protein (PrP), leucine rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2), parkin, presenilin 1, presenilin 2, ⁇ -glucocerebrosidase (GCase or GBA), progranulin (PGRN), Prosaposin (PSAP), gamma secretase, death receptor 6 (DR6), amyloid precursor protein (APP), p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR), caspase 6, sortilin (SORT), CD33 or
  • the multi-specific protein comprises an antigen binding domain that binds to ubiquitin protein ligase E3A (UBE3A).
  • the polynucleotide is mRNA (e.g., synthetic mRNA).
  • disclosed herein are polynucleotides encoding a fusion protein disclosed herein comprising a heterologous polypeptide.
  • the heterologous polypeptide is an ERT enzyme or an ERT enzyme variant, or a catalytically active fragment thereof.
  • the heterologous polypeptide comprises ⁇ -glucocerebrosidase (GCase or GBA), progranulin (PGRN), Prosaposin (PSAP), or a catalytically active fragment thereof.
  • the heterologous polypeptide in a fusion protein provided herein is a growth factor.
  • the heterologous polypeptide in a fusion protein provided herein is a decoy receptor.
  • the heterologous polypeptide in a fusion protein provided herein is 85 ny-2680984 735022004440 progranulin (PGRN), prosaposin (PSAP), or survival motor neuron protein (SMN).
  • the heterologous protein is an enzyme selected from ⁇ -L Iduronidase (IDUA), Iduronate-2-sulphatase (IDS), N-acetylgalactoslamine-6-sulphatase (GALNS), N- sulfoglucosamine sulfohydrolase (SGSH), N-acetylgalactosamine-4-sulphatase (arylsulphatase B; ARSB), acid sphingomyelinase (ASM), ⁇ -glucocerebrosidase (GCase or GBA), galactosylceramide beta-galactosidase, glucosylceramidase, beta-hexosaminidase A, beta- hexosaminidase B, arylsulphatase A, beta-galactosidase, acid ceramidase, alpha-glucosidase, lysosom
  • the heterologous protein is an enzyme selected from clusterin (APOJ), Reelin, ubiquitin protein ligase E3A (UBE3A), Tripeptidyl Peptidase 1 (CLN2/TPP1), glucosamine (N-acetyl)-6-sulfatase (GNS), heparan-alpha-glucosaminide N- acetyltransferase (HGSNAT), and N-acetyl-alpha-glucosaminidase (NAGLU), ⁇ -L Iduronidase (IDUA), Iduronate-2-sulphatase (IDS), N-acetylgalactoslamine-6-sulphatase (GALNS), N- sulfoglucosamine sulfohydrolase (SGSH), N-acetylgalactosamine-4-sulphatase (arylsulphatase B; ARSB), acid s
  • the polynucleotide is mRNA (e.g., synthetic mRNA).
  • vectors e.g., expression vectors
  • polynucleotides comprising nucleotide sequences encoding a multi-specific protein described herein, or a domain thereof described herein.
  • vectors comprising polynucleotides comprising nucleotide sequences encoding 86 ny-2680984 735022004440 an antigen-binding domain that specifically bind to human TfR and an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2, or a multi-specific protein described herein or a domain thereof, for recombinant expression in a host cell, e.g., in a mammalian host cell.
  • a vector for the production of an antigen-binding domain that specifically bind to human TfR and an antigen- binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2, or a multi-specific protein described herein or a domain thereof can be produced, e.g., by recombinant DNA technology using techniques well known in the art. These methods include, for example, in vitro recombinant DNA techniques, synthetic techniques, and in vivo genetic recombination. Also provided are replicable vectors comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding an antigen-binding domain that specifically bind to human TfR and an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2, or a multi-specific protein described herein or a domain thereof, operably linked to a promoter.
  • Such vectors can, for example, include the nucleotide sequence encoding the constant region of an antigen-binding domain, antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof (see, e.g., International Publication Nos. WO 86/05807 and WO 89/01036; and U.S. Patent No.5,122,464), and variable domains of the antigen-binding domain, antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof can be cloned into such a vector for expression of the entire heavy, the entire light chain, or both the entire heavy and light chains.
  • the vector is gene therapy vector (e.g., an AAV or lentiviral vector).
  • expression systems comprising polynucleotides comprising nucleotide sequences encoding an antigen-binding domain that specifically bind to human TfR and an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2, or a multi-specific protein described herein or a domain thereof.
  • An expression system can be included on a vector.
  • An expression system can also be integrated into a host cell chromosome.
  • an expression system is a cell free expression system.
  • an expressions system comprises a host cell comprising a polynucleotide and/or vector provided herein.
  • host cells comprising polynucleotides and/or vectors for recombinantly expressing an antigen-binding domain that specifically bind to human TfR and an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2, or a multi-specific protein described herein or a domain thereof.
  • vectors encoding both the heavy and light chains, individually can be co-expressed in the host cell for expression of the entire immunoglobulin.
  • a host cell contains two different vectors, a first vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding a heavy chain of an antigen-binding protein described herein, and a second vector 87 ny-2680984 735022004440 comprising a polynucleotide encoding a light chain of the an antigen-binding protein.
  • a first host cell comprises a first vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding a heavy chain
  • a second host cell comprises a second vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding a light chain.
  • provided herein is a population of host cells comprising such first host cell and such second host cell.
  • Such host-expression systems represent vehicles by which the coding sequences of interest can be produced and subsequently purified, but also represent cells which can, when transformed or transfected with the appropriate nucleotide coding sequences, express an antigen-binding domain that specifically bind to human TfR and an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2, or a multi-specific protein described herein or a domain thereof described herein in situ.
  • These include but are not limited to microorganisms such as bacteria (e.g., E. coli and B.
  • cells for expressing an antigen-binding domain that specifically bind to human TfR, antibody, antigen- binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein described herein, or a domain thereof described herein and/or an antigen-binding domain that specifically bind to TREM2, anti- TREM2 antibody, antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein described herein are CHO cells, for example CHO cells from the CHO GS SystemTM (Lonza).
  • cells for expressing an antigen-binding domain that specifically bind to human TfR, antibody, antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein described herein, or a domain thereof described herein and/or an antigen-binding domain that specifically bind to TREM2, anti- TREM2 antibody, antigen-binding fragment thereof, or multi-specific protein described herein are human cells, e.g., human cell lines.
  • a mammalian expression vector is pOptiVECTM or pcDNA3.3.
  • bacterial cells such as Escherichia coli, or eukaryotic cells (e.g., mammalian cells) are used for the expression an antigen-binding domain that specifically bind to human TfR and an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2, or a multi-specific protein described herein or a domain thereof described herein.
  • mammalian cells such as Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells in conjunction with a vector such as the major intermediate early gene promoter element from human cytomegalovirus is an effective expression system for antibodies (Foecking MK & Hofstetter H (1986) Gene 45: 101-105; and Cockett MI et al., (1990) Biotechnology 8: 662-667).
  • CHO Chinese hamster ovary
  • an antigen- binding domain that specifically bind to human TfR and an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2, or a multi-specific protein described herein or a domain thereof is produced by CHO cells or NS0 cells.
  • 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 contribute to the function of the protein.
  • eukaryotic host cells which possess the cellular machinery for proper processing of the primary transcript, glycosylation, and phosphorylation of the gene product can be used.
  • Such mammalian host cells include but are not limited to CHO, VERO, BHK, Hela, MDCK, HEK 293, NIH 3T3, W138, BT483, Hs578T, HTB2, BT2O and T47D, NS0 (a murine myeloma cell line that does not endogenously produce any immunoglobulin chains), CRL7O3O, COS (e.g., COS1 or COS), PER.C6, VERO, HsS78Bst, HEK-293T, HepG2, SP210, R1.1, B-W, L-M, BSC1, BSC40, YB/20, BMT10 and HsS78Bst cells.
  • COS e.g., COS1 or COS
  • PER.C6 VERO, HsS78Bst, HEK-293T, HepG2, SP210, R1.1, B-W, L-M, BSC1, BSC40, YB/20
  • an antigen-binding domain that specifically bind to human TfR and an antigen- binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2, or a multi-specific protein described herein or a domain thereof described herein has been produced by recombinant expression, it can be purified by any method known in the art for purification, for example, by chromatography (e.g., ion exchange, affinity, particularly by affinity for the specific antigen after Protein A, and sizing column chromatography), centrifugation, differential solubility, or by any other standard technique for the purification of proteins.
  • chromatography e.g., ion exchange, affinity, particularly by affinity for the specific antigen after Protein A, and sizing column chromatography
  • centrifugation e.g., centrifugation, differential solubility, or by any other standard technique for the purification of proteins.
  • an antigen-binding domain that specifically bind to human TfR and an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2, or a multi-specific protein described herein or a domain thereof described herein can be fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences to facilitate purification.
  • an antigen-binding domain that specifically bind to human TfR and an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2, or a multi-specific protein described herein or a domain thereof described herein can be isolated or purified.
  • an antigen- binding domain that specifically bind to human TfR and an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2, or a multi-specific protein described herein or a domain thereof is one that is substantially free of other proteins.
  • a preparation of an antigen-binding domain that specifically bind to human TfR and an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2, or a multi-specific protein described herein or a domain thereof is substantially free of cellular material and/or chemical precursors.
  • compositions comprising an antigen-binding domain that specifically bind to human TfR and an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2, or a multi-specific protein described herein or a domain thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient, or stabilizer.
  • compositions comprising an antigen-binding domain that specifically bind to human TfR and an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2, or a multi-specific protein described herein or a domain thereof, having the desired degree of purity is present in a formulation comprising, e.g., a physiologically acceptable carrier, excipient or stabilizer
  • pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include, but are not limited to, amino acids (such as glycine, glutamine, asparagine, arginine or lysine); antimicrobials; antioxidants (such as ascorbic acid, sodium sulfite or sodium hydrogen-sulfite); buffers (such as borate, bicarbonate, Tris-HCl, citrates, phosphates or other organic acids); bulking agents (such as mannitol or glycine); chelating agents (such as ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA)); complexing agents (such as caffeine, polyvinylpyrroli
  • Formulations suitable for parenteral administration include 91 ny-2680984 735022004440 aqueous and non-aqueous, isotonic sterile injection solutions, which can comprise antioxidants, buffers, bacteriostats, and solutes that render the formulation isotonic with the blood of the intended recipient, and aqueous and non-aqueous sterile suspensions that can include suspending agents, solubilizers, thickening agents, stabilizers, and preservatives.
  • a pharmaceutical composition comprises an antigen-binding domain that specifically bind to human TfR and an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2, or a multi-specific protein described herein or a domain thereof described herein, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier as described herein (see, e.g., Gennaro, Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy with Facts and Comparisons: Drugfacts Plus, 20th ed. (2003); Ansel et al., Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, 7th ed., Lippencott Williams and Wilkins (2004); Kibbe et al., Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients, 3rd ed., Pharmaceutical Press (2000)).
  • compositions described herein are, in some aspects, for use as a medicament.
  • the compositions to be used for in vivo administration can be sterile. This is readily accomplished by filtration through, e.g., sterile filtration membranes.
  • pharmaceutical compositions comprising a polynucleotide encoding an antigen-binding domain that specifically bind to human TfR and an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2, or a multi-specific protein described herein or a domain thereof.
  • the pharmaceutical compositions comprise a polynucleotide encoding an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR antibody as described herein.
  • the pharmaceutical compositions comprise a polynucleotide encoding an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2 as described herein.
  • the polynucleotide is RNA.
  • the polynucleotide is synthetic mRNA.
  • the polynucleotide is a modified mRNA.
  • the pharmaceutical composition comprising a polynucleotide further comprises a lipid-based transfection reagent.
  • a pharmaceutical composition described herein can be used to cross a blood brain barrier, e.g., in a subject.
  • a pharmaceutical composition provided herein is used to treat or delay the progression of diseases or conditions in an individual, such as 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, and CNS inflammation.
  • a pharmaceutical composition provided herein is used to 92 ny-2680984 735022004440 treat or delay progression of diseases or conditions in an individual, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), stroke, dementia , muscular dystrophy (MD), multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), cystic fibrosis, Angelman's syndrome, Liddle syndrome, Parkinson's disease, Pick's disease, Paget's disease, cancer, and traumatic brain injury.
  • a pharmaceutical composition provided herein is used to treat or delay progression of frontotemporal dementia.
  • a pharmaceutical composition provided herein is used to treat or delay progression of Alzheimer’s disease, early Alzheimer’s disease, prodromal Alzheimer’s disease, mild Alzheimer’s disease, or late-stage Alzheimer’s disease. In some aspects, a pharmaceutical composition provided herein is used to treat an individual with Alzheimer’s disease, wherein the individual is not homozygous for the ApoE e4 allele. [0313] In some aspects, a pharmaceutical composition provided herein is formulated for intravenous administration. In some aspects, a pharmaceutical composition provided herein is formulated for subcutaneous administration.
  • Multi-specific proteins that bind TfR and TREM2 as provided herein can advantageously be transported across a blood brain barrier. Accordingly, provided herein are methods of administering or transporting an antigen-binding domain that specifically bind to human TfR and an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2, or a multi-specific protein described herein or a domain thereof, across the blood brain barrier of a subject comprising administering to the subject an antigen-binding domain that specifically bind to human TfR and an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2, or a multi-specific protein described herein or a domain thereof.
  • a method of treating a neurological disease or disorder in a subject comprises administering to the subject an antigen- binding domain that specifically bind to human TfR and an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to TREM2, or a multi-specific protein described herein or a domain thereof.
  • 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 can be, for example, a 93 ny-2680984 735022004440 neurodegenerative disease (such as Lewy body disease, postpoliomyelitis syndrome, Shy- Draeger syndrome, olivopontocerebellar atrophy, Parkinson's disease, Gaucher disease, multiple system atrophy, striatonigral degeneration, spinocerebellar ataxia, spinal muscular atrophy), a tauopathy (such as Alzheimer disease and supranuclear palsy), a prion disease (such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy, scrapie, Creutz-feldt-Jakob syndrome, kuru, Gerstmann-Straussler- Scheinker disease, chronic wasting disease, and fatal familial insomnia), bulbar palsy, motor neuron disease, a nervous system heterodegenerative disorders (such as Canavan disease, Huntington's disease, neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinosis, Alexander's disease, Tourette's syndrome, Menkes kinky hair syndrome
  • the neurological disease or disorder is dementia. In some aspects, the neurological disease or disorder is frontotemporal dementia. In some aspects, the neurological disease or disorder is Alzheimer’s disease. In some aspects, the neurological disease or disorder is Parkinson’s disease. In some aspects, the neurological disease or disorder is frontal temporal epilepsy. In some embodiments, the neurological disease or disorder is autism. In some aspects, the neurological disease or disorder is lissencephaly.
  • an antigen e.g., a CNS antigen or a brain antigen.
  • Antigen-binding domains that specifically bind to human TfR and TREM2 and multi-specific proteins as provided herein for such purposes can be labeled.
  • Exemplary labels include, for example, radioisotopes (e.g., 64 CU) and fluorescent labels.
  • methods of detecting an antigen using antigen-binding proteins that specifically bind to human TfR and TREM2 are provided.
  • a method of detecting an antigen in the CNS (e.g., brain) of a subject comprises administering an antigen-binding protein that specifically binds to human TfR and TREM2.
  • Such methods can further comprise, e.g., performing Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging on the subject.
  • PET Positron emission tomography
  • a method of detecting a CNS antigen in vitro comprising contacting an in vitro sample with an antigen- 94 ny-2680984 735022004440 binding domain that specifically binds to human TfR and TREM2, or multi-specific protein disclosed herein and locating the imaging agent within the sample.
  • Antigen-binding domains that specifically bind to human TfR and TREM2 and multi- specific proteins comprising such antigen-binding domains as 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.
  • antigen-binding domains that specifically bind to human TfR and TREM2 and multi-specific proteins comprising such antigen-binding domains as provided herein for use as a diagnostic.
  • the antigen-binding domains that specifically bind to human TfR and TREM2 and multi-specific proteins comprising such antigen-binding domains as provided herein comprise a detectable label.
  • plasmids encoding the antigens were transfected using the Expifectamine 293 Transfection kit (ThermoFisher A14524) according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Five days after transfection, the culture supernatants were harvested, clarified by centrifugation, and purified using HisPur Ni-NTA resin (Thermo Scientific 88223) in a drip-column format. 200mL of culture supernatant was filtered using 0.2 um filtration unit and 3mL of resin slurry in PBS was added to the filtered supernatant.
  • the sample was incubated overnight with shaking at 4°C and the following day the beads were loaded onto 20 mL drip columns, washed with 10 mL of His-Select wash buffer (Millipore Sigma H5288), and eluted with 5mL of His- buffer (Millipore Sigma H5413). Eluate 95 ny-2680984 735022004440 was buffer exchanged into PBS using Amicon Ultra-15 centrifugal filter units (Millipore UFC9010). Quantification of the antibody concentration was determined by measuring the absorbance at 280 nm using the Nanodrop 8000 (ThermoFisher). Purity of the antigens was determined by SDS-PAGE.
  • the antigens were analyzed with size exclusion chromatography (SEC) for aggregation. Some antigens were biotinylated using a BirA biotin-protein ligase kit (AVIDITY), according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • SEC size exclusion chromatography
  • Some antigens were biotinylated using a BirA biotin-protein ligase kit (AVIDITY), according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • the apical domain of TfR presents a means for viruses (Helguera, G., et al., Virology 86(7): 4024-4028 (April 2012)) and antibodies (Kariolis M., et al., Sci. Transl. Med.12(545): eaay1359 (May 2020)) to enter endothelial cells without perturbing the native function of the receptor. Tagged variants of the apical domain of Tfr were generated.
  • constructs included amino acids 69-263 of the full length human TfR sequence, with either a C-terminal Avi-His tag (SEQ ID NO:4) or a C-terminal myc-V5-His tag (SEQ ID NO:5) (sequences in Table 4 below).
  • SEQ ID NO:4 C-terminal Avi-His tag
  • SEQ ID NO:5 C-terminal myc-V5-His tag
  • DNA fragments that encoded a permuted form of the human TfR (huTfR) and cynomologous TfR (cynoTfR) apical domain and N-term His/Avi tags were ordered from GeneArt and cloned into pcDNA 3.4 vector (SEQ ID NOs:6 and 7). The resulting clones were expressed in Expi293 cells and purified by Ni-NTA agarose (QIAGEN 30230) using the manufacturer’s protocol. Table 4.
  • pLenti-EF1a constructs each expressing full length human TfR and mouse TfR (SEQ ID NOs: 8 and 9, respectively) were used to generate CHO cells stably expressing human TfR and mouse TfR.
  • Lentiviral constructs (Genecopoeia) were used to express human TfR with hygromycin selection and mouse TfR with hygromycin selection.
  • Lentivirus was generated from transfection of 293T cells using the ViraSafeTM Lentiviral Packaging System (CellBiolabs VPK-206). Subsequently, the supernatant containing lentivirus 97 ny-2680984 735022004440 was used to transduce Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells.
  • TfR humanized mice [0325] Mouse lines were generated at Taconic Biosciences GmbH (Germany) to humanize the extracellular domains of TfR. CRISPR was used to replace the mouse ECD with the human version, while retaining the mouse intracellular and transmembrane portions under the control of the mouse promotor.
  • lymph nodes were harvested from the mice or rats for hybridoma cell line generation.
  • Sera from the animals were analyzed for reactivity to TfR by FACS on CHO cells overexpressing human or mouse TfR and by ELISA against human, cyno and mouse TfR Avi- His proteins (Example 1).
  • Lymphocytes from animals whose sera demonstrated strong binding to CHO cells overexpressing human or mouse TfR were isolated and fused with SP2/mIL-6 (CRL- 2016, American Type Culture Collection, Rockville, MD) or Sp2ab (ENZ-70008, Enzo Life Sciences, Farmingdale, NY) mouse myeloma cells via electrofusion (Hybrimune, BTX, Holliston, MA) and incubated at 37°C, 5% CO2, overnight in Clonacell-HY Medium C (Stemcell Technologies, Vancouver, BC, Canada, Cat# 03803).
  • SP2/mIL-6 CL- 2016, American Type Culture Collection, Rockville, MD
  • Sp2ab ENZ-70008, Enzo Life Sciences, Farmingdale, NY mice myeloma cells via electrofusion (Hybrimune, BTX, Holliston, MA) and incubated at 37°C, 5% CO2, overnight in Clonacell-HY Medium C (Stemcell Technologies, Vancouver, BC, Canada, Cat# 03803).
  • Clonacell-HY Medium E Stemcell Technologies, Cat# 03805
  • HAT Sigma Aldrich, Cat# H0262
  • the cells were seeded into T225 flasks and grown for 7 days at 37°C, 5% CO2, and then the hybridoma libraries were cryopreserved. The libraries were later thawed and recovered overnight in Clonacell-HY Medium E.
  • IgG positive hybridomas were single cell sorted into Falcon 96-well U-bottom plates using a FACS Aria II cell sorter (BD Biosciences, San Jose, CA).768 hybridomas were sorted from the mouse fusions and 768 hybridomas were sorted from the rat fusions. After the cells were grown in 200ul of Clonacell-HY Medium E at 37°C with 5% CO2 for 11 days, tissue culture supernatants from each well were screened by FACS on CHO cells overexpressing human or mouse TfR (as described below).
  • Example 5 Screening of anti-TfR antibody hybridoma supernatants by FACS [0329] A total of 1536 anti-TfR hybridoma supernatants were initially screened for their ability to differentially bind CHO cells overexpressing human or mouse TfR cells compared to CHO parental cells by FACS. Overexpressing cells were harvested, washed and labeled with Pacific Blue, FITC and Pacific Orange dyes (ThermoFisher) to create uniquely barcoded cell populations.
  • Barcoded cells (5x10 4 of each cell population) were aliquoted into 96-well U- 99 ny-2680984 735022004440 bottom plates and incubated with 50 ⁇ l of hybridoma cell culture supernatant or 1 ⁇ g/ml of commercially available purified mouse anti-human TfR monoclonal antibody (Sigma Aldrich, Cat# SAB4700515) and rat anti-mouse TfR antibody (Invitrogen, Waltham, MA, Cat# R17217) on ice for 30 minutes.
  • mouse anti-human TfR monoclonal antibody Sigma Aldrich, Cat# SAB4700515
  • rat anti-mouse TfR antibody Invitrogen, Waltham, MA, Cat# R17217
  • the cells were washed twice with 175 ⁇ l of ice-cold FACS buffer (PBS + 1% FBS + 2 mM EDTA), and the cells were then further incubated on ice for 20 minutes with anti-mouse IgG Fc-allophycocyanin (APC) or anti-rat IgG Fc-APC (Jackson Labs, Cat# 115-136-071 and Cat # 112-136-071, respectively) (diluted 1:1000). Following this secondary antibody incubation, the cells were again washed twice with ice-cold FACS buffer and resuspended in a final volume of 50 ⁇ l of FACS buffer.
  • APC anti-mouse IgG Fc-allophycocyanin
  • APC anti-rat IgG Fc-APC
  • Binding intensity on cells was analyzed using the FACS Canto system (BD Biosciences), and the ratio of APC Mean Fluorescence Intensity (MFI) on each barcoded cell population was determined for each anti-TfR hybridoma supernatant tested.
  • MFI APC Mean Fluorescence Intensity
  • 96-well polystyrene plates were coated with 5 ⁇ g/ml of streptavidin (Thermo Fisher, Cat# PI21125) in coating buffer (0.05M carbonate buffer, pH 9.6, Sigma, Cat# C3041) overnight at 4oC. Coated plates were then blocked with ELISA diluent (PBS + 0.5% BSA + 0.05% Tween20) for one hour. Blocking buffer was removed and Avi-His-tagged human TfR, human TfR apical domain, mouse TfR and an irrelevant Avi-His-tagged protein were added at 1 ⁇ g/ml in ELISA diluent and captured for 1 hour at room temperature.
  • PBST PBS + 0.05% Tween20, Thermo 28352
  • the hybridoma cell culture supernatants were added (50 ⁇ l/well) to each well.
  • the plates were washed three times with 300 ⁇ l of PBST.
  • Anti-mouse IgG Fc-HRP or anti-rat IgG Fc-HRP (Jackson Immunoresearch, Cat#115-035-071 and 112-036-071, respectively) secondary antibodies were diluted 1:5000 in ELISA diluent, added to each well at 50 ⁇ l/well, and incubated for 30 minutes at room temperature with shaking.
  • BioFx TMB substrate (Surmodics, Cat#TMBW-1000- 01) was added to the wells. The reaction was then quenched after 5-10 mins with 50 ⁇ l/well of 2N sulfuric acid. The plates were read for absorbance at 450 nm on a SpectraMax M5 (Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale, CA) using SoftMax Pro software.
  • Table 9 ELISA (OD450) results for selected rat hybridoma supernatants (shown as fold over irrelevant protein) F old over irrelevant
  • Example 7 In vitro internalization of anti-TfR antibodies into a blood-brain barrier endothelial cell line [0333] Anti-TfR hybridoma antibodies were purified and screened for their ability to internalize into an hCMEC/D3 cell line.
  • the concentrations of the purified antibodies were determined by measuring the absorbance at 280 nm using the Nanodrop 8000 (ThermoFisher). Hybridoma purified antibodies were then tested for their ability to internalize. [0335] Internalization into endothelial cells at the blood-brain barrier is the first stage of transcytosis across the BBB and into the brain. To identify anti-TfR antibodies with internalization ability, HCMEC/D3 cells were seeded at 2.5*10 ⁇ 4 cells/well in a black wall clear bottom 96-well plate (#3904, Corning).
  • variable regions of IgG/IgM, IgK, and IgL were amplified using proprietary primers in a 5’ RACE strategy.
  • Hybridoma variable region amplicons were sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq platform (Illumina, San Diego, CA). Reads from the hybridomas were processed through Abterra’s Reptor analysis pipeline. [0339] Out of the 72 apical domain positive anti-TfR hybridoma clones, a total of 32 unique sequences were identified. Amino acid sequences of the variable heavy chains and variable light chains of unique mouse-derived apical domain binding anti-TfR antibodies are provided below 106 ny-2680984 735022004440 in Table 11.
  • IgG isotype antibody with no target specificity (“inert isotype control antibody”) with knob-hole mutations in the constant domains of the heavy chains was used for formatting into a 2+1 bispecific antibody.
  • An anti-TfR scFv (VH and VL) was appended to the IgG isotype antibody via a linker at the C-terminus of the constant domain with the “hole” mutation (“hole side” of the IgG isotype antibody).
  • the IgG isotype antibody attached to a scFv is called a 2+1 bispecific antibody, as shown in Figure 1A and (i) in Figure 1D.
  • the 20 amino acid linker connecting the VH and VL domains within the scFv was GGSEGKSSGSGSESKSTGGS (SEQ ID NO:183) (Bird et al, Science 1988. Oct 21;242(4877):423-6), and the linker connecting the C- terminus of the Fc ‘hole’ domain to the scFv was (GGGGS)x3 (SEQ ID NO:184).
  • DNA encoding the 2+1 bispecific antibodies were prepared by gene synthesis and cloned into the expression vector pcDNA3.4 (ThermoFisher).
  • the scFv (VH and VL) sequences were formatted into an expression construct of the heavy chain of the IgG with the “hole” mutation (“heavy chain-hole” construct) using the framework in SEQ ID NO:185.
  • the “heavy chain-hole” construct included a set of mutations (H435R, Y436F) to minimize binding to Protein A (Tustian et al., MAbs. May- Jun 2016;8(4):828-38) (SEQ ID NO:186).
  • the corresponding heavy chain-knob and the light chain expression constructs were also generated (SEQ ID NOs:187-188).
  • the heavy chain-hole and the heavy chain-knob also included mutations to reduce effector function (SEQ ID NOs:189-194).
  • An example structure of a 2+1 bispecific antibody comprised the following components: 1) Isotype control hIgG1 wildtype antibody with a knob ((T366W) mutation and a hole mutation (T366S_L368A_Y407V) in the constant regions, 2) a (G4S)x3 linker between the “hole side” of the hIgG1 antibody and a scFv, 3) a VH sequence of the scFv, 4) a 20 amino acid linker sequence between the VH and VL of the scFv, and 5) a VL sequence of the scFv.
  • ny-2680984 735022004440 190 Isotype control heavy chain EVRLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSNYAMGWVR N S D V , , , , , , 1 N S D V 1 N S V - , amino of any one of SEQ ID NOs:10, 12, 14, 16, 119 ny-2680984 735022004440 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, , , , , , , 1 N S V , , , , , , , 1 N S V C 120 ny-2680984 735022004440 [0344] To generate the 2+1 bispecific antibodies, transient transfection of Expi293 cells (Invitrogen) was performed according to manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Neutralized eluates containing the antibodies were dialyzed into PBS. Quantification of the antibody concentration was determined by measuring the absorbance at 280 nm using the Nanodrop 8000 (ThermoFisher) or Lunatic (Unchained Labs). Purity of the 2+1 bispecific antibodies was determined by SDS-PAGE. The 2+1 bispecific antibodies were analyzed with size exclusion chromatography (SEC) for aggregation. Next, antibodies were produced and purified as 2+1 bispecific antibodies and analyzed via ELISA, FACS and internalization to confirm retention of binding in the 2+1 format.
  • SEC size exclusion chromatography
  • Example 10 Production and characterization of 2+1 anti-TfR bispecific antibodies
  • Anti-TfR hybridoma antibodies were converted into a 2+1 format and expressed and purified as described in Example 9. Retention of binding was confirmed via ELISA and FACS.
  • PBST phosphate buffered saline with 0.05% tween-20
  • Plates were washed three times again with PBST and incubated with biotinylated human, cyno, and mouse TfR and an irrelevant antigen, human transferrin receptor (1 ⁇ g/ml, 1 h, room temperature). Plates were washed three times again with PBST and incubated with anti- TfR antibodies (1 ⁇ g/ml, 1 h, room temperature). Plates were washed three times again with PBST and incubated with a secondary detection antibody, anti-human horseradish peroxidase conjugated antibody (1:5000 dilution, 30 min, room temperature).
  • HCMEC/D3 cells a cell line derived from human brain endothelial cells
  • human and mouse TfR CHO cell lines overexpressing human and mouse TfR CHO cell lines
  • CHO cells for non-specific binding.
  • Cells were seeded in tissue culture plates (50,000 cells/well) and washed and resuspended in FACS buffer (PBS + 2% BSA + 1 mM EDTA).
  • Anti-TfR antibodies were then incubated with cells (5 ⁇ g/ml, 1 hr, on ice) and washed twice with FACS buffer.
  • Example 11 In vitro internalization of 2+1 anti-TfR bispecific antibodies in a BBB endothelial cell line [0349] Internalization of 2+1 anti-TfR bispecific antibodies into the hCMEC/D3 cell line was carried out as described previously (Example 7). 2+1 anti-TfR bispecific antibodies showed a wide range of internalization capability with many showing significantly higher internalization than an anti-TfR control antibody.
  • Table 16 Internalization characteristics of anti-TfR antibodies reformatted into 2+1 bispecific antibody format (Fold change of Integrated Intensity/Phase area per well) TfR6 123 ny-2680984 735022004440 TfR7 32
  • Example 12 Humanization of anti-TfR mouse antibodies [0350] The scFv portion of TfR9, TfR12 and TfR15 were chosen for humanization. These antibodies were chosen for their cyno cross-reactivity, but also function (internalization), functional stability (ability to internalize after heat stress) and sequence diversity. [0351] Humanization was carried out using a CDR transplantation method.
  • Per one mouse mAb (query), five most similar VL and five most similar VH germline sequences were selected and combined with the most similar VJ and HJ genes, producing 25 humanized sequences.
  • the CDRs to be transplanted onto the human framework were defined according to the AbM definition (http://www.bioinf.org.uk/abs/#cdrdef).
  • Two humanized sequences were selected based on the frequency of their VH and VL frameworks in human repertoire. The query and the humanized sequences were used to create Fv homology models.
  • the BioMOE module or the Antibody Modeler module of MOE was utilized to create Fv homology models.
  • AMBER10:EHT force field was used for energy minimization through the entire antibody homology modeling process.
  • molecular descriptors such as interaction energy between VL and VH, coordinate-based isoelectric point (3D pI), hydrophobic patch, and charged surface area were calculated, analyzed, and sorted by scoring metrics provided by MOE. These molecular descriptors were utilized to prioritize the humanized mAbs for downstream experimental procedures, including protein expression, purification, and binding affinity test, and functional assays.
  • the BioMOE module of MOE provides a tool, Mutation Site Properties, to visualize and classify potential residues for back-mutation.
  • Back-mutation is defined as amino acid substitution which is reverted to the original query sequence replacing the humanized sequence.
  • the original query reference
  • the selected humanized variants for both the primary amino acid sequence and the 3D structure of the 3D Fv homology model.
  • 125 ny-2680984 735022004440 [0355] The changes between the reference and the humanized variant were classified based on amino acid type difference, interaction potential with CDR residues, impact potential for VL / VH pairing, and potential change in hydrophobic and charged surface area in and near the CDRs.
  • FACS and Western blot methods were employed.
  • FACS method HCMEC/D3 cells were seeded at 1.5*10 ⁇ 5 cells/well in a 24-well plate in 100 ⁇ L of culture medium (EBM2, Lonza). Cells were then treated with 20 mg/ml of 2+1 anti- TfR bispecific antibodies for 24 hrs before being processed by FACS Canto system (BD Biosciences). A human IgG1 isotype was included in the assay as negative control.
  • TfR9 and TfR12 were selected for further engineering and a panel of humanized antibodies were generated (Examples 8 and 12).
  • TfR9 i.e., TfR9.1B and TfR9.5B
  • TfR9 some antibody clones derived from TfR9 (i.e., TfR9.1B and TfR9.5B) displayed no adverse effect on receptor recycling.
  • TfR9 some antibody clones derived from TfR9 (i.e., TfR9.1B and TfR9.5B) displayed no adverse effect on receptor recycling.
  • TfR9 i.e., TfR9.1B and TfR9.5B
  • Membrane was treated with blocking buffer (TBST + 5% milk powder) for 1 hr at RT, before being probed with 1mg/ml of 2+1 anti-TfR bispecific antibody (R&D Systems Inc, #MAB2474) for 24 hrs at 4°C. Afterwards, membrane was washed 4x with PBST, followed by 1 hr incubation with 1:3000 dilution of HRP-conjugated goat anti- mouse IgG1 antibody (Jackson Immunoresearch, #115-035-003) at RT. After 4 washes with PBST, the membrane was developed with Supersignal West Pico reagent (ThermoFisher, #34580), imaged, and analyzed using an iBright instrument.
  • blocking buffer TST + 5% milk powder
  • 2+1 anti-TfR bispecific antibody R&D Systems Inc, #MAB2474
  • the membrane was incubated with stripping buffer (ThermoFisher, #21059) to remove the bound antibodies, before being 135 ny-2680984 735022004440 probed with anti-human b-actin (Abcam, #ab8227) for quantification purposes.
  • the TfR band density of each antibody was normalized to their corresponding b-actin band density. Then, these values were normalized to that obtained from the cells treated with human IgG1 isotype.
  • treatment of HCMEC/D3 cells with 2+1 anti-TfR bispecific antibodies had either minor or no effects on the total amount of TfR protein, with TfR9.1B in particular having no effect on total protein levels.
  • TfR9.1B Humanized TfR9.1B was selected for further affinity optimization.
  • the anti-TfR scFv portion of TR9.1B was cloned into pComb3X phagemid vector (Addgene, Watertown MA) and overlap extension polymerase chain reaction (PCR) mutagenesis was used to generate randomized VH and VL libraries, consisting of a theoretical library size of 9E+07 different sequences. These were packaged into bacteriophages, each carrying and expressing a unique VH/VL combination.
  • the library of phages was subjected to three rounds of panning using the soluble biotinylated TfR Avi-his protein with increasing stringency. Individual colonies were picked after the third round and scFv from periplasmic extracts (PPE) were screened for binding by ELISA. After the initial ELISA screening, 46 of the 9_1B scFv variants were selected to clone into the 2+1 ‘hole’ vector (described above in Example 9) in between BamHI and NotI sites which is 3’ of the 3x(G4S) linker that connect the Fc portion and the scFv portion.
  • TfR9.1B 2+1 bispecific antibodies were expressed and purified in the Expi293 expression system as described above (Example 9) for further characterization and are listed below in Table 19.
  • Table 19 Affinity-optimized TfR9.1B variant sequences 136 ny-2680984 735022004440 TfR9.1B.2 QVQLVQSGAEVKKPGASVKVSCKASGYTFTEYA NO:233) T F A SSQSLKDSDGKTYLNWLQQRPGQSPRRLIYLVS 137 ny-2680984 735022004440 KLDSGVPDRFSGSGSGTDFTLKISRVEAEDVGVY YCWQGTHFPQTFGGGTKVEIK (SEQ ID NO:234) TfR9.1B.8 QVQLVQSGAEVKKPGASVKVSCKASGYTFTEYA 138 ny-2680984 735022004440 TfR9.1B.14 QVQLVQSGAEVKKPGASVK
  • TfR9.1B.39 variant sequences V T s T s (SEQ ID NO:275) 151 ny-2680984 735022004440 TfR9.1B.39.8 QVQLVQSGAEVKKPGASVKVSCKASGYTFTEYAMHWVRQAPG s L T 6 L T 7 L T 8 L T T 9 T 0 L T Table 22 – Variable heavy and variable light chain domains for TfR9.1B.39 variants A T S s Q S (SEQ ID NO:357) 152 ny-2680984 735022004440 TfR9.1B.39.5 QVQLVQSGAEVKKPGASVKV DVVMTQSPLSLPVTLGQPASISCKAS s R T T S s R T T S 6 R T T S 7 R T T S 8 Q T S 9 R T T S 0 Q S (SEQ ID NO:402) 153 ny-2680984 735022004440 Table 23: CDR sequences for affinity-
  • Example 16 Engineering of Humanized TfR.15.WH8.1 Variants
  • Engineering of humanized TfR.15.WH8.1 variants was carried out to optimize target affinity. The first step was alanine scanning of the CDRs, followed by amino acid substitution at selected positions in the CDRs. For alanine scanning of the CDRs, DNA fragments containing the variants were ordered from Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT) and cloned into an expression vector. Proteins were expressed and purified from Expi293 cells, and subjected to further characterization.
  • IDTT Integrated DNA Technologies
  • Table 25 Affinity-optimized TfR.15.WH8.1 variant sequences V t T I .W N R T T I .W N .2 R T T I .W N .2 R T T I .W N .2 R T T I .W N .2 R T T I .W N .24H FDTMDNWGQGTTVTVSSGGSEGKSSGSGSESKSTGGSEIVLTQSPATLSLSPGER 156 ny-2680984 735022004440 ATLSCRASSSIRYMNWYQQKPGQAPRRLIYDTSNRATGIPARFSGSGSGTDFTLT T I .W N .2 R T T T I .W N .2 R T T T I .W N .2 R T T I .W NF .2 T T I .W N .4 R T T I .W N .4 R T T T I .W N .4 R T T T I .W N .4 R T T I
  • a capture lawn was prepared on a HC30M sensor chip (Carterra) using a goat anti-human Fc ⁇ polyclonal antibody (JacksonImmunoResearch) according to the instrument manufacturer’s instructions. Two independent experiments were performed as follows, resulting in an N of between one and two determinations for each antibody. Spots that yielded less than 20 RU of analyte binding were excluded from further analysis. [0369]
  • the 2+2 anti-TfR bispecific antibodies were prepared by diluting with running buffer (HBS-EP+; Teknova) and adding 0.5 mg/mL BSA (MP Biomedicals), to give a final concentration of 15 ⁇ g/mL and captured in an array on the goat anti-human Fc ⁇ capture surface.
  • TfR apical Avi-His analytes were diluted with running buffer, in a series of eight, three-fold serial dilutions starting from 2500 nM for human and cynomolgus TfR apical Avi-His, followed by two 10-fold dilutions. Analytes were injected for 5 minutes, and dissociation was followed for 15 minutes.
  • 2+2 anti-TfR bispecific antibodies exhibit a range of affinities from approximately 3 nM to >2.5 ⁇ M for TfR apical domain binding.
  • affinity of 2+2 anti-TfR bispecific antibodies for binding to human TfR Avi-His ranged from 6 nM to >2.5 ⁇ M; and affinity of anti-TfR antibodies of the present disclosure for binding to cynomolgus TfR Avi-His ranged from 3 nM to >2.5 ⁇ M.
  • Example 18 Binding kinetics of 2+1 anti-TfR bispecific antibodies [0372] Binding kinetics of humanized 2+1 anti-TfR bispecific antibodies to human and cyno TfR Avi-His were evaluated using a Carterra LSA instrument (Carterra, Salt Lake City, UT). Briefly, 2+1 anti-TfR bispecific antibodies were prepared in duplicates by diluting 20 to 180-fold into 10 mM Acetate, pH 4.5 (Carterra), to give final concentration of 30 ⁇ g/mL.
  • An HC30M sensor chip (Carterra) was activated using the single channel flow cell with a 7-minute injection of a 1:1:1 mixture of 100 mM MES pH 5.5, sulfo-NHS, 400 mM EDC (all reconstituted 164 ny-2680984 735022004440 in MES pH 5.5; 100 ⁇ l of each mixed in vial immediately before running assay).
  • the antibodies were injected over the activated chip in four 96-spot arrays for 15 minutes each.
  • the remaining unconjugated active groups on the chip were then blocked by injecting 1M Ethanolamine pH 8.5 (Carterra) for 7 minutes using the single channel flow cell.
  • the resulting sensor chip contained eight spots for each antibody, at four different densities. Two independent experiments were performed as follows, resulting in an N of between one and eight determinations for each antibody. Spots that yielded less than 20 RU of analyte binding were excluded from further analysis. [0373] After priming with running buffer HBS-EP + (Teknova) with 0.5 mg/ml BSA (MP Biomedicals), the immobilized anti-TfR 2+1 antibodies were tested for their ability to bind to two forms of TfR Avi-His, which are human and cyno orthologs described above. Estimates of affinity were generated by injecting each analyte over the entire antibody array using the single channel flow cell.
  • TfR Avi-His analytes were diluted with running buffer, in a series of eight, three-fold serial dilutions starting from 1 ⁇ M for human and cyno TfR Avi-His. Analytes were injected for 5 minutes, and dissociation was followed for 10 minutes. After each analyte injection, antibodies were regenerated with PierceTM IgG Elution Buffer (ThermoScientific). Data were processed and analyzed using NextGenKIT high-throughput kinetics analysis software (Carterra). [0374] The equilibrium dissociation constants (K D ) were calculated from the fitted association and dissociation rate constants (k-on and k-off) for anti-TfR Avi-His antibodies of the present disclosure.
  • affinity of 2+1 anti-TfR bispecific antibodies of the present disclosure for binding to huTfR Avi-His ranged from 6.7 nM to 340 nM.
  • Affinity of anti-TfR antibodies of the present disclosure for binding to cyno TfR Avi-His ranged from 18 nM to 870 nM.
  • mice were dosed with 10mg/kg of either isotype IgG or 2+1 anti-TfR bispecific antibodies at day 1 and 14.
  • Blood samples were collected from antibody treated animals at different timepoints in serum separator tubes, which are then allowed to clot at room temperature (RT) before centrifugation. The resulting supernatants, representing sera, were subsequently transferred into new tubes, and stored at ⁇ 80 o C until analysis.
  • Sample preparation Brain tissues were collected from antibody treated mice on day 15 (i.e., 24 hrs after the second antibody injection). Prior to this, mice were anesthetized and underwent cardiac perfusion with 15 ml PBS to clear blood vessels.
  • Brain tissues were then minced and homogenized in 1ml HBSS buffer (MilliporeSigma #55037C) containing 10mM HEPES (#15630130, Gibco) using a hand-operated grinder. Subsequently, samples were centrifuged at 1000g for 5 min to pellet the vessel The supernatants, representing the 167 ny-2680984 735022004440 parenchyma, were then transferred into new tubes, and mixed with 10x RIPA buffer (final concentration 1x) including protease and phosphatase inhibitor cocktail (cOmpleteTM, Mini Protease Inhibitor Cocktail, Roche, #11836153001).
  • PK analysis Antibody concentrations in serum and brain samples were measured using MSD (Meso Scale Discovery) method. Briefly, 50 ⁇ l/well of goat anti- human IgG1 Ab (Jackson ImmunoResearch, # 109-005-097) was added to MSD plates at 1 ⁇ g/ml in PBS and incubated overnight at 4 o C. Plates were then washed 3x with wash buffer (0.05% Tween-20 in 1xPBS), followed by incubation with blocking buffer (wash buffer containing 3% BSA) for 1hr at RT.
  • wash buffer 0.05% Tween-20 in 1xPBS
  • blocking buffer wash buffer containing 3% BSA
  • Peripheral PK was determined by measuring antibody concentrations in plasma samples of antibody treated mice.
  • WT mice plasma levels of 2+1 anti-TfR bispecific antibodies were characterized by a slow half-life and were indistinguishable from isotype antibody ( Figure 6).
  • both 2+1 anti-TfR bispecific antibodies exhibited higher plasma clearance in hu-TfR mu/hu mice compared to isotype IgG, which is consistent with TfR-mediated disposition in the periphery.
  • Example 20 Effect of 2+1 anti-TfR bispecific antibodies on TfR expression on brain endothelial cells in vivo [0382] To determine if 2+1 anti-Tfr bispecific antibodies dysregulate receptor recycling in target cells in vivo, the total amount of TfR protein was quantified in the vessel portion of brain tissues, collected from antibody treated animals. To this end, isolated vessels were lysed in RIPA buffer and processed by WB as described in Example 13.
  • Example 21 In vivo reticulocyte depletion upon 2+1 anti-TfR bispecific antibody treatment in mice
  • Anti-TfR antibodies are known to induce cell death in reticulocyte cell population in vivo.
  • a group of WT and hu-TfR +/- KI mice were injected with either 2+1 anti- TfR bispecific antibodies (TfR-9.1B.39 and TfR-15.WH8), a human IgG1 isotype or the previously published anti-ms TfR antibody 8D3 (Boado et al, Biotechnol Bioeng.2009 Mar 1; 102(4): 1251–1258), which is known to drive strong depletion of reticulocytes in mice.
  • Thiazole Orange binds residual ribosomal RNA molecules, which are present in reticulocytes but not in mature RBCs. Compared to RBCs, reticulocytes express high levels of transferrin receptor (CD71). As expected, injection of 8D3 antibody resulted in a complete loss of reticulocytes in WT animals (data not shown). In contrast, this cell population was not altered in isotype treated animals, regardless of genotype. Similarly, no 169 ny-2680984 735022004440 changes in reticulocytes numbers were observed in WT mice receiving anti-TfR 2+1 bispecific antibodies, which makes sense because these animals do not express the target receptor (Figure 8).
  • Example 22 Evaluation of in vitro effector function (CDC and ADCC) [0384] To investigate the mechanism of reticulocyte depletion seen in 2+1 anti-TfR bispecific antibodies, the ability of these same antibodies was evaluated to elicit in vitro effector responses, such as complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC).
  • CDC complement dependent cytotoxicity
  • ADCC antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity
  • Target cells were detached, washed 1x in PBS, and diluted to 2x10 6 cells/mL in RPMI 1640 media.50 uL of target cells were aliquoted per well (1x105 cells per well) in round-bottom 96 well plates (Falcon #351177). To these cells was added 25 uL of 4x antibody diluted in the same media. Cells and antibody were incubated at 37°C for 15 min, then 25 uL of pooled complement human serum (Innovative Research, IPLA-CSER) was added per well as a complement source and the plates incubated for a further 2 hrs at 37°C.
  • IPLA-CSER pooled complement human serum
  • ADCC method and results The ability of 2+1 bispecific antibodies to cause antibody- dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) was evaluated using an ADCC Reporter Bioassay system from Promega (#G7010). This system relies on an engineered Jurkat T cell line stably 170 ny-2680984 735022004440 expressing the FcgRIIIa receptor (V158 variant) and an NFAT response element driving expression of firefly luciferase.
  • Target cells were diluted in assay buffer (RPMI + 4% low IgG Serum) at a concentration of 1.2x10 6 per mL and 25 ⁇ L of cells (30,000 per well) were aliquoted to the appropriate wells of a 96-well white assay plate.
  • the plate was equilibrated to room temperature (15 minutes), while the Bio-Glo Luciferase Assay Reagent was prepared.75 ⁇ L of the Luciferase Assay Reagent were added to each well, the plate was incubated for 10 minutes, and luminescence was measured on a BioTek plate reader. In the wildtype human IgG1 format, some 2+1 bispecific antibodies against TfR were able to drive significant ADCC signal (Figure 9). Further experiments were carried out to test whether these responses could be ameliorated by ablating binding to various FcRs.
  • Fc Engineering and ADCC results Two of the 2+1 anti-TfR bispecific antibodies, which elicited ADCC signal (TfR9.1B.39 and TfR15.WH8) were re-expressed in a variety of Fc formats, including wildtype hIgG1, hIgG1 NSLF and hIgG1 LALAPS and retested in the same ADCC assay format described previously.
  • Example 23 Binding kinetics of 2+1 anti-TfR bispecific antibody affinity and liability optimized clones [0388] Binding kinetics of 2+1 anti-TfR bispecific antibodies to human TfR Avi-His were evaluated using a GatorBio BLI instrument (GatorBio, Palo Alto, CA).
  • Biotinylated TfR Avi-His was diluted with running buffer to 5 ⁇ g/mL. Streptavidin probes (Gator) were dipped into biotinylated TfR Avi-His solution, for five seconds to load protein onto the tips. The probes were then dipped into respective antibody concentrations for three minutes of association, followed by three minutes of dissociation in running buffer. Wash steps in running buffer were performed in between loading and association steps. Probes with biotinylated TfR Avi-His were regenerated with 10 mM glycine-HCl, pH 2.5 buffer. Biotinylated TfR Avi-His was replenished for five seconds at the beginning of each binding cycle.
  • Affinity of 2+1 anti-TfR bispecific antibodies for binding to human TfR Avi-His ranged from 65 nM to 3.5 ⁇ M; affinity of 2+1 anti-TfR bispecific antibodies for binding to cyno TfR Avi-His ranged from 38 nM to 2.3 ⁇ M.
  • Example 24 TD1-TfR Bi-Specific Antibody In Vitro sTREM2 Assay
  • a 2+1 anti-TfR bi-specific antibody was generated with: (i) TfR9.1B.39.38 scFv; and (ii) a monoclonal antibody specific for human MS4A4A (referred to as “TD1”) in a 2+1 (hole) format (referred to as “TD1-TfR”) (described in Example 25).
  • sTREM2 soluble TREM2
  • human monocyte-derived macrophages These cells would be expected to show an increased production of sTREM2 upon antibody treatment with TD1.
  • Human monocytes were isolated from whole blood using RosetteSep Human monocyte enrichment cocktail (Stemcell technologies) and Ficoll centrifugation per manufacturer protocols. After lysing red blood cells with ACK lysing buffer, monocytes were resuspended in complete media (RPMI, 10% FBS, Pen/Strep, L-glutamine, HEPES, non-essential amino acid, and sodium pyruvate).
  • TD1-TfR showed activity by increasing sTREM2 levels in an in vitro assay, as compared to hIgG1 and Iso-TfR.
  • TD-1 and TD1-TfR showed similar increased sTREM2 levels in the in vitro assay. This data indicates that addition of the anti-TfR scFv to the TD1 antibody did not impair function of TD1.
  • TD1-TfR Bi-specific Antibody and Method for Intravenous Administration to Non-Human Primates [0395]
  • a 2 + 1 anti-TfR bispecific antibody was generated with: (i) TfR9.1B.39.38 scFV; and (ii) an antibody specific for human MS4A4A (TD1), in a 2+1 (hole) format (referred to as “TD1-TfR”).
  • TD1 has been shown to increase several biomarkers in the brains of non-human primates including soluble TREM2 (sTREM2) and Colony Stimulating Factor 1 (CSF1) - data not shown.
  • the full amino acid sequence of TD1-TfR is below: [0396] TD1 heavy chain hIgG1 NSLF (N325S, L328F) knob (T366W) QVQLVQSGSELKKPGASVKVSCKASGYAFTSYGLSWVRQAPGQGLEWMGWINTYSGV PTYAQGFTGRFVFSLDTSVSTAYLQISSLKAEDTAVYYCARTMADYWGQGTLVTVSSA STKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSG LYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKKVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGP SVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDV
  • TD1 heavy chain hIgG1 NSLF N325S, L328F
  • hole scFv T366S, L368A, Y407V
  • G4S 3 linker-VH-20AA linker-VL with mutations (H435R, Y436F)
  • Iso-TfR a bispecific antibody with (i) a TfR specific scFv and (ii) IgG1 NSLF in a 2+1 (hole) format was generated for control purposes (referred to as “Iso-TfR”).
  • TD1 heavy chain hIgG1 NSLF N325S, L328F
  • This dose level of TD1 has been shown to generate an incomplete PD response in NHPs, owing to the poor brain penetration of the antibody.
  • the goal of the study was to look for increased antibody level in the brain, and a concurrent increase in the associated PD biomarkers. Table 31.
  • Example 27 CSF and Serum Levels of TD1-TfR Bi-specific Antibody Following IV Administration in Non-Human Primates
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum were collected from the NHPs at various times following the first and second administrations as described in Example 25. The serum and CSF were tested for antibody levels as described below.
  • Sandwich ELISA method 100 ⁇ L/well of goat anti-human IgG, Monkey adsorbed- BIOTIN (Southern Biotech; catalog # 2049-08) working solution (0.5 ⁇ g/mL) was added to a 96- well PierceTM streptavidin coated high binding plate with SuperBlockTM blocking buffer (ThermoScientific; Reference # 15500) and incubated for 1 hour ⁇ 10 minutes at Room Temperature (RT) on a plate shaker at 350 revolutions per minute (RPM).
  • RT Room Temperature
  • RPM revolutions per minute
  • the serum or CSF 177 ny-2680984 735022004440 quality controls (QC) and test samples were diluted to the minimum required dilution (MRD) in assay buffer (1x TBS, 0.05% Tween-20, and 0.1% BSA) prior to loading onto the assay plate while the standard calibration curve and assay buffer QCs (AB-QCs) were added directly to the assay plate.
  • MRD minimum required dilution
  • the plate was washed 3 times with wash buffer (1X PBS and 0.05% Tween-20) using a plate washer and 100 ⁇ L/well of the calibration standards, QCs, and MRD-diluted Serum or CSF QCs and test samples were then added to the plate and incubated for 2 hours ⁇ 15 minutes at room temperature on a plate shaker at 350 RPM.
  • the plate was then washed, and 100 ⁇ L/well of goat anti-human IgG, Monkey adsorbed-HRP (Southern Biotech; catalog # 2049-05) working solution (0.08 ⁇ g/mL) was added to the plate and incubated for 1 hour ⁇ 10 minutes at room temperature on a plate shaker at 350 RPM.
  • TMB tetramethylbenzidine
  • TMBS-1000-01 tetramethylbenzidine substrate solution
  • RT room temperature
  • 100 ⁇ L/well Stop Solution Surmodics Product No. NSTP-1000-01 was added to the plate to stop the reaction.
  • the plate was then placed on a plate shaker at 350 RPM for at least 2 minutes at RT.
  • the plate was then read on a Molecular Devices SpectraMax M5 instrument and a raw optical density (OD450-540) signal was produced from each well.
  • FIG. 13 illustrates that an increased CSF Cmax was seen with TD1-TfR, when compared to TD1. An increased CSF Cmax was also seen with Iso-TfR when compared to isotype control. Further, as illustrated in Figure 13, TD1-TfR demonstrated faster serum clearance in NHPs as compared to either Iso-TfR or TD1 alone.
  • Example 28 Effect of TfR Binding Arm on Brain Uptake and Brain Pharmacodynamics in Non-Human Primates
  • Antibody levels were also assessed directly in multiple NHP brain regions (frontal cortex, entorhinal cortex and hippocampus) using vessel-depleted brain lysates.
  • Brain Sample preparation Brain tissues were collected from the antibody treated cynomolgus monkeys on day 30 (i.e., 48 hours after the second antibody administration). Prior to this, animals were anaesthetized and perfusion with PBS to clear blood 178 ny-2680984 735022004440 vessels. See Example 25 for dosing details.
  • Brain tissues were then minced and homogenized in HBSS buffer (MilliporeSigma #55037C) containing 10mM HEPES (#15630130, Gibco) using a hand-operated grinder. Subsequently, samples were centrifuged at 1000g for 5 minutes to pellet the vessel portion. The supernatants, representing the parenchyma, were then transferred into new tubes, and mixed with 10x RIPA buffer (final concentration 1x) including protease and phosphatase inhibitor cocktail (cOmpleteTM, Mini Protease Inhibitor Cocktail, Roche, #11836153001). After 45 minutes incubation on a nutator at 4 o C, samples were frozen on dry ice and stored at ⁇ 80 o C until analysis.
  • HBSS buffer MilliporeSigma #55037C
  • 10mM HEPES #15630130, Gibco
  • FIG 14 illustrates that the TfR BBB targeting arm was able to increase brain uptake of (i) TD1-TfR compared to TD1 in all 3 brain regions tested (ranging from a 2 to 11 fold increase) and (ii) Iso-TfR compared to isotype parental antibody in all 3 brain regions tested (ranging from an 8 to 64 fold increase).
  • CSF1R Colony Stimulating Factor 1 Receptor
  • the mouse anti-Human M-CSF R Capture Antibody (R&D Systems, Part # 841246) was diluted in 1x PBS (Corning; REF 21-040-CM) to a working concentration of 4 ⁇ g/mL and coated at 100 ⁇ L/well on a 96-well microplate (Nunc- Immuno Maxisorp; ThermoScientific Catalog No.446612) and incubated overnight at room temperature without shaking.
  • the plate was then washed, 100 ⁇ L/well of Human M-CSF1R Standards, diluted QCs and diluted samples in Assay Buffer were added to the appropriate wells and incubated for 2 hours at room temperature.
  • the plate was washed and 100 ⁇ L/well of the 100 ng/mL biotinylated Goat anti-Human M-CSF R detection antibody (R&D Systems, Part # 841247) working solution in reagent diluent was added and incubated for 2 hours at room temperature.
  • the plate was washed and 1:200 dilution of Streptavidin-HRP (R&D Systems, Part # 890803) in reagent diluent was then added and incubated for 20 minutes at room temperature. The plate was washed for a final time and 100 ⁇ L/well of substrate solution (R&D Systems, Parts # 895000 and 895001) was added and incubated for 20 minutes at room temperature. After the incubation was complete, 50 ⁇ L/well of stop solution (R&D Systems, Part # 895032) was added to the plate and mixed thoroughly.
  • substrate solution R&D Systems, Parts # 895000 and 895001
  • the plate was then read on a Molecular Devices SpectraMax M5 instrument and a raw optical density (OD 450-540 ) signal was produced from each well.
  • concentration of CSF1R in each unknown sample was determined by interpolation against the calibration standard curve.
  • the standard regression was performed by SoftMax Pro (Molecular Devices, version 7.1) using a 4-Parameter Logistic (4-PL) model with a weighting factor of 1/Y 2 .
  • CSF1 Method Summary
  • Diluted QCs were further diluted 1:1 with Diluent 43 prior to loading onto the plate.
  • Test samples were diluted at the MRD in assay buffer.
  • Diluted samples were further diluted 1:1 in Diluent 43 prior to loading onto the plate.
  • 50 ⁇ L of Standards, QCs and test samples diluted in Diluent 43 were added to the appropriate wells and incubated for 1 hour at room temperature on a shaker set at 700 RPM.
  • the plate was then washed and 50 ⁇ L of the detection antibody (SULFO-TAG Anti- Human CSF1 Antibody; MSD, Catalog # D21XR-3) diluted 1:100 in Diluent 3 (MSD, Catalog # R50AP-2) was added to each well and incubated for 1 hour at room temperature on a plate shaker set at 700 RPM. After the incubation was complete, the plates were washed and 150 ⁇ L/well of MSD GOLD Read Buffer B (MSD, Catalog # R60AM-2) was then added and plates were read on an MSD Sector 600 Imager. In the presence of read buffer, ruthenium produced a chemiluminescent signal when a voltage was applied.
  • the intensity of the signal was proportional to the concentration of CSF1 present in the sample.
  • the CSF1 levels were quantified according to the standard curve utilizing a four-parameter logistic (4-PL) curve fit equation with 1/y 2 weighting. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel and GraphPad Prism 9.0.
  • sTREM2 Method Summary (serum, CSF and brain lysates)
  • An Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) Assay on the MSD platform was used to measure the concentration of Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells 2 (TREM2) in Cynomolgus Monkey Serum, Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF), and Brain Lysates.
  • a 96-well standard MSD plate (Catalog # L15XA) was coated with 50 ⁇ L/well of capture antibody T2-8F11 (generated at Alector), in 1X PBS (Corning; REF 21-040-CM) at 2-8 o C overnight on a plate shaker set at 500 revolutions per minute (RPM). After washing with wash buffer (1x PBS, 0.05% Tween-20), the plate was blocked with 150 ⁇ L/well of blocking buffer (1% heat-inactivated high- 181 ny-2680984 735022004440 grade BSA in PBS).
  • FIG. 15 illustrates that serum levels of soluble TREM2 (sTREM2) were increased in NHPs treated with TD1-TfR as compared to TD1 alone, Iso-TfR or hIgG1 following administration of the first and the second dose.
  • sTREM2 serum levels of soluble TREM2
  • FIG. 16 illustrates that CSF-1 levels were increased in CSF from NHPs treated with TD1-TfR as compared to TD1 alone, Iso-Tfr or hIgG1. These data show that the enhanced brain penetration seen in Example 28 also led to a stronger pharmacodynamic response.
  • Example 30 Measuring TfR levels in cynomolgus brain after administration of 2+1 anti- TfR bispecific antibodies [0424] Anti-TfR antibodies have been shown to be able to degrade the receptor (Niewoehner et al, Neuron 20148:49-60), which is an undesirable side effect of a BBB-penetrating anti-TfR molecule.
  • Brain tissues were collected from the antibody treated cynomolgus monkeys on day 31 (i.e., 48 hrs after the injection) and subsequently frozen. Prior to 182 ny-2680984 735022004440 this, animals were anesthetized and underwent whole body perfusion with heparinized 0.9% saline to clear blood vessels.
  • TfR The expression levels of TfR in the NHP brain samples were determined using the MSD (Meso Scale Discovery) method. Briefly, a volume of 50 mL/well of a mouse anti- cynomolgus TfR IgG1 Ab (Invitrogen, #MA5-16644) was added to MSD plates at a concentration of 1 mg/mL in PBS. The plates were then incubated overnight at 4°C on a shaker at 500 RPM. Afterward, the plates were washed three times with wash buffer (0.05% Tween-20 in 1xPBS) and incubated with 150 mL/well of blocking buffer (wash buffer containing 3% BSA) for 1 hour at room temperature.
  • wash buffer 0.05% Tween-20 in 1xPBS
  • TfR brain expression levels of TfR in all animals were normalized against the average TfR levels in the control group (treated with hIgG1 isotype control antibody).
  • our quantitative data analysis revealed a slight decline in TfR expression levels in the brain tissues of animals treated with 2+1 anti-TfR bispecific antibodies compared to those injected with either hIgG1 Isotype control antibody or TD1 antibody alone that was not statistically significant.
  • Multi-specific proteins that bind TfR and TREM2 [0427] Multi-specific proteins that comprise an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds TfR and an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds TREM2 in a 2+1 multi-specific binding protein format are generated as follows.
  • Multi-specific proteins are generated using variable heavy chain and light chain anti-TREM2 antibody sequences disclosed herein, including AL2p-58 IgG1 and AL2p-58 PSEG, in combination with an antigen-binding domain that binds TfR, such as anti-TfR9.1B.39.38 linked to the C-terminus of one of the anti-TREM2 antibody heavy chain Fc domains in a 2+1 multi-specific protein format.
  • each anti- TREM2/anti-TfR multi-specific protein contains two binding regions for TREM2 (Fab) and one binding region for TfR (scFv).
  • Each anti-TREM2/anti-TfR-containing multi-specific protein is formulated to include various Fc domains using a knob-hole format, as described above.
  • the TfR scFv is linked to the knob chain or to the hole chain.
  • Exemplary anti-TREM2/anti-TfR multi- specific proteins of the present disclosure, in which the TfR scFv is linked to the knob chain, are found in Table 36 below.
  • a multi-specific protein of the present disclosure that binds TfR and TREM2 (“AL2p- 58 huIgG1 PSEG – BBB”) comprising amino acid sequences from TfR9.1B.39.38 and AL2p-58 huIgG1 PSEG antibodies is expected to have enhanced levels of brain uptake of the multi- specific protein in mice and cynomolgus as compared to the levels of brain uptake of AL2p-58 huIgG1 PSEG without the anti-TfR binding domains.

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Abstract

La présente invention concerne de manière générale des domaines de liaison à l'antigène qui se lient spécifiquement au récepteur de la transferrine humaine (TfR) et déclenchent le récepteur exprimé sur les cellules myéloïdes 2 (TREM2) et leur utilisation dans le transport à travers la barrière hémato-encéphalique (BHE).
PCT/US2025/013864 2024-01-31 2025-01-30 Protéines multispécifiques se liant au trem2 et au récepteur de la transferrine et leurs utilisations Pending WO2025166058A1 (fr)

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