Unexpected Potency Differences between B-Cell-Activating Factor (BAFF) Antagonist Antibodies against Various Forms of BAFF: Trimer, 60-Mer, and Membrane-Bound.

Therapeutic agents antagonizing B-cell-activating factor/B-lymphocyte stimulator (BAFF/BLyS) are currently in clinical development for autoimmune diseases; belimumab is the first Food and Drug Administration-approved drug in more than 50 years for the treatment of lupus. As a member of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily, BAFF promotes B-cell survival and homeostasis and is overexpressed in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune diseases. BAFF exists in three recognized forms: membrane-bound and two secreted, soluble forms of either trimeric or 60-mer oligomeric states. To date, most in vitro pharmacology studies of BAFF neglect one or more of these forms. Here, we report a comprehensive in vitro cell-based analysis of BAFF in assay systems that measure all forms of BAFF-mediated activation. We demonstrate the effects of these BAFF forms in both a primary human B-cell proliferation assay and in nuclear factor κB reporter assay systems in Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing BAFF receptors and transmembrane activator and calcium-modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI). In contrast to the mouse system, we find that BAFF trimer activates the human TACI receptor. Further, we profiled the activities of two clinically advanced BAFF antagonist antibodies, belimumab and tabalumab. Unexpectedly, we revealed differences in inhibitory potencies against the various BAFF forms, in particular that belimumab does not potently inhibit BAFF 60-mer. Through this increased understanding of the activity of BAFF antagonists against different forms of BAFF, we hope to influence the discovery of BAFF antagonist antibodies with distinct therapeutic mechanisms for improvement in the treatment of lupus or other related autoimmune pathologies.

Selective targeting of the IL23 pathway: Generation and characterization of a novel high-affinity humanized anti-IL23A antibody.

Herein, we describe the generation and characterization of BI 655066, a novel, highly potent neutralizing anti-interleukin-23 (IL23) monoclonal antibody in clinical development for autoimmune conditions, including psoriasis and Crohn's disease. IL23 is a key driver of the differentiation, maintenance, and activity of a number of immune cell subsets, including T helper 17 (Th17) cells, which are believed to mediate the pathogenesis of several immune-mediated disorders. Thus, IL23 neutralization is an attractive therapeutic approach. Designing an antibody for clinical activity and convenience for the patient requires certain properties, such as high affinity, specificity, and solubility. These properties were achieved by directed design of the immunization, lead identification, and humanization procedures. Favorable substance and pharmacokinetic properties were established by biophysical assessments and studies in cynomolgus monkeys.

Suppression of CD4+ T cell activation by a novel inhibitor of Src family kinases.

The Src family kinases Lck and Fyn play an important role in T cell development and function. We have synthesized a novel small molecule, A-420983, which inhibits Lck and Fyn, as well as other Src family kinases, but has selectivity with respect to non-Src family kinases. A-420983 completely inhibited antigen-stimulated production of IFN-gamma and IL-4 by mouse Th1 and Th2 cells, respectively. Antigen-induced T cell proliferation was also blocked by treatment with A-420983. In contrast, IL-15-induced proliferation was unaffected by A-420983, suggesting that TCR-independent pathways of T cell activation were not impaired. When mice were dosed orally, A-420983 inhibited TCR-mediated c-jun and ZAP-70 phosphorylation in CD4+ T cells and suppressed the disease course of established EAE. Treatment with A-420983 for 7 days resulted in a block in thymocyte development at the CD4- CD8- stage, consistent with inhibition of Lck and Fyn in vivo. These results demonstrate that a small molecule inhibitor of Lck and Fyn can block TCR-induced T cell activation in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, CNS demyelination mediated by activated encephalitogenic CD4+ T cells is dependent upon the kinase activity of these Src family members. We conclude that inhibition of Src family kinases may represent a promising strategy for the treatment of T cell-mediated disorders.

Measurement of human and mouse interleukin-12.

This unit describes functional assays for measurement of bioactive IL-12 and ELISAs for measurement of IL-12 protein. The functional assays are based on the ability of IL-12 to stimulate proliferation of PHA-activated T lymphoblasts ("PHA blasts"). The ELISAs are technically simpler to perform than the functional assays, but cannot distinguish bioactive from inactive cytokine.