Patent 6,841,345

The present inventors have found that certain preparations containing LPS and/or lipid A variants, derivatives, and/or analogs demonstrate non-pyrogenic properties and exhibit anti-viral activities. In particular, non-pyrogenic preparations of LPS, lipid A, LPS antagonists and lipid A antagonists, and derivatives thereof induce .beta. chemokine secretion, such as MIP-1.beta., but not proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF.alpha., IL-1.beta. and IL-6. Non-pyrogenic preparations of the invention have been demonstrated by the Applicant to suppress HIV replication in human peripheral blood monocytes, as described by way of example herein. The present invention provides preparations of LPS or lipid A variants, analogs and derivatives of decreased or absent pyrogenicity which can be used as therapeutics for the treatment or prevention of immunodeficiency virus infection and its consequences.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to forms of lipid A and LPS which have reduced pyrogenicity as exhibited by reduced proinflammatory and endotoxic activity, relative to wild-type lipid A and LPS respectively, yet stimulate secretion of .beta.-chemokines and are effective at inhibiting HIV replication and/or infection in vitro or in vivo, decreasing viral load, and/or treating or preventing disorders associated with HIV infection. The present invention also relates to LPS and lipid A antagonists which have reduced proinflammatory activity, yet stimulate secretion of .beta.-chemokines and are effective at inhibiting HIV replication and/or infection in vitro or in vivo, decreasing viral load, and/or treating or preventing disorders associated with HIV infection. The LPS and lipid A analogs (including antagonists) of the present invention preferably induce the secretion of .beta.-chemokines but exhibit decreased induction relative to wild-type LPS and lipid A of the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, such as, IL-.beta., IL-6 and TNF-.alpha., thereby providing a non-toxic treatment of immunodeficiency virus infection, in particular, HIV infection and its sequelae, ARC and AIDS. The LPS and lipid A variants, derivatives, and analogs of the present invention exhibit decreased pyrogenicity i.e., preferably induce the secretion of .beta. chemokines but exhibit substantial induction relative to wild-type LPS and lipid A of proinflammatory cytokines. Non-pyrogenic derivatives of lipid A and LPS can be identified by their failure to elicit a toxic or endotoxic response in mammals, their lack of proinflammatory activity and/or their lack of induction of secretion of significant levels of pyrogenic cytokines, e.g., IL-7B, IL-6, TNF.alpha.. Preferably, non-pyrogenic derivatives are used in the therapeutic methods and compositions of the invention; alternatively, derivatives of reduced pyrogenicity relative to wild-type LPS or lipid A may be employed. LPS antagonists and lipid A antagonists can be identified by their ability to interfere or compete with the activities of LPS or lipid A, e.g., to competitively inhibit the interaction between LPS and the cellular receptor for LPS. Thus, by way of example, such an antagonist may be identified by its ability to reduce the physiological manifestation of LPS or lipid A activity, e.g., its ability to reduce TNF.alpha. secretion from LPS-stimulated PBMCs.

Efficacy in treating or preventing HIV infection may be demonstrated by detecting the ability to inhibit the replication of the HIV virus, to inhibit HIV transmission, or to prevent HIV from establishing itself in its host, or to prevent, ameliorate or alleviate the symptoms of a disease caused by HIV infection, or prevent disease progression. The treatment is considered therapeutic if there is, for example, a reduction in viral load, decrease in mortality and/or morbidity.

In specific embodiments, the invention provides an LPS variant with substantially reduced pyrogenicity isolated from gram negative organisms containing at least one mutation selected from the group kdsA, kdsB, htrB or msbB. The present invention further provides an isolated preparation of LPS which has been modified relative to wild-type to yield its reduced or non-pyrogenic properties, including but not limited to the group of monophosphoryl lipid A, penta-acyl lipid A, lipid IV_A or lipid X. The present invention further provides for analogs or derivatives of lipid A or lipopolysaccharide achieved by deacylation, by the treatment with acyloxyacyl hydroxylase or by the treatment with an alkali. The present invention further provides synthetic LPS and lipid A molecules which substantially lack or exhibit reduced proinflammatory activity and are effective at inhibiting HIV replication.

The present invention further relates to therapeutic methods and compositions for treatment and prevention of disorders associated with immunodeficiency virus infection based on non-pyrogenic or reduced-pyrogenic LPS and lipid A preparations and therapeutically effective analogs and derivatives thereof. The invention provides for treatment of HIV infection by administration of a therapeutic compound of the invention. The therapeutic compounds of the invention include preparations of reduced or substantially absent pyrogenicity of LPS and lipid A which do induce .beta. chemokines, such as MIP-1.alpha. and MIP-1.beta., and related derivatives and analogs thereof. Lipopolysaccharides and lipid A variants, analogs and derivatives which are effective for treatment and prevention of HIV infection can be identified by in vitro and in vivo assays such as those described in Section 5.3 infra.

In a preferred embodiment, a therapeutic composition of the invention comprises an isolated lipopolysaccharide isolated from gram negative organisms containing at least one mutation from the group kdsA, kdsB, htrB or msbB, or a synthetic analog of lipopolysaccharide which has been modified relative to wild-type to yield reduced or absent pyrogenic properties, including but not limited to the group of monophosphoryl lipid A, penta-acyl lipid A, lipid IV_A or lipid X. In other preferred embodiments, the therapeutic comprises a lipopolysaccharide analogue or derivative achieved by deacylation, by treatment with acyloxyacyl hydroxylase or by treatment with an alkali. In yet another preferred embodiment, the therapeutic comprises synthetic LPS and lipid A molecules which lack or exhibit reduced proinflammatory activity and are effective at inhibiting HIV replication.

For clarity of disclosure, and not by way of limitation, the detailed description of the invention is divided into the subsections with follow.

5.1. Lipopolysacchride Variants and Derivatives and Analogs Thereof with Reduced or Absent Pyrogenicity

The invention provides isolated preparations of non-pyrogenic or reduced pyrogenic variants of LPS and lipid A and isolated preparations of LPS or lipid A antagonists which exhibit decreased induction relative to wild-type LPS and lipid A of proinflammatory activity, yet preferably stimulate secretion of .beta. chemokines and are effective for treatment or prevention of immunodeficiency virus and/or HIV infection and resulting disorders. Pyrogenicity of the preparations may be determined by measuring the ability of the LPS or lipid A preparation to stimulate the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, e.g., IL-.beta., IL-6 and TNF.alpha., or by any method known in the art. Effectiveness of the lipopolysaccharides of the invention for treatment or prevention of HIV infection can be determined by any of the methods disclosed in Section 5.3 infra or by any method known in the art. In a specific embodiment, the LPS and lipid A preparations and derivatives or analogs thereof inhibit HIV infection.

In a preferred embodiment the lipid A antagonists or lipopolysaccharides are derived from gram negative microorganisms that have mutations in one of the following genes: kdsA, kdsB, htrB or msbB.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, lipid X or lipid IV_A, both LPS and lipid A antagonists of reduced or absent pyrogenicity, are used for the treatment of HIV. Lipid X is a monosaccharide precursor of lipid A (Rietschel et al., supra; and Raetz, supra (1993) and lipid IV_A, a tetra-acyl precursor of lipid A (Wang et al., Infect Immun, 59(12):4655-4664. (1991); Ulmer et al., Infect Immun., 60(12):145-5152 (1992); Kovach et al., J. Exp. Med., 172:77-84 (1990) and Rietschel et al., supra). These molecules are of interest because both lipid X and lipid IV_A display non-pyrogenic characteristics in vitro (Golenbock et al., Infect. Immun., 56:779 (1988); Golenbock et al., J. Biol. Chem., 266:19490 (1991); Wang et al., Infect. Immun., 59(12); 4655-4664 (1991); Ulmer et al., Infect Immun., 60(12):145-5152 (1992); Kovach et al., J. Exp. Med., 172:77-84 (1990); Rietschel et al., supra; and Raetz, supra). In addition, lipid X and lipid IV_A are LPS and lipid A antagonists (Wang et al., supra; Ulmer et al., supra; Kovach et al., supra; Rietschel et al., supra; and Raetz, supra). The activity of these molecules differs, since lipid X is non-pyrogenic in mice, whereas lipid IV_A displays similar toxicity of that of lipid A in mice (Golenbock et al., supra (1988); Golenbock et al., supra (1991)). Furthermore, CD14 has been shown to enhance the cellular responses to LPS and lipid IV_A in mice without imparting ligand-specific recognition (Delude et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 92:9288 (1995)). Together, these results suggested that individual LPS antagonists may operate through distinct mechanisms.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, forms of LPS of reduced or absent pyrogenicity isolated from mutant strains of gram negative bacteria may be used in accordance with the present invention to treat HIV. There is growing evidence that mutations in htrb and msbB may influence the biosynthesis of lipid A. These mutants are temperature sensitive and LPS isolated from these mutants stains less intensely on silver-stain gels (Karow et al., J. Bacteriol, 173:741-750 (1991); Karow and Georgopoulos, J. Bacteriol 174:702-710 (1992)). Although the basis for the temperature-sensitive growth phenotype of the htrb and msbB mutants has remained cryptic, there has been speculation that these mutants produce defective lipid A precursors (Karow and Georgopoulos, supra). This assumption was based on altered membrane lipid content (Karow et al., J. Bacteriol., 174:7407 (1992)). E. coli mutants carrying mutations in htrb, msbB or both htrb and msbB produce non-pyrogenic LPS when grown at temperatures above 33^oC. and below 44^oC. (PCT International Publication No. WO 97/18837 dated May 29, 1997). This non-pyrogenic LPS from E. coli mutants carrying mutations in htrb, msbB or both htrB and msbB also displays LPS antagonist activity (PCT International Publication No. WO 97/18837). Recent evidence demonstrated that HtrB and MsbB function as myristoyl and lauroyl transferases, respectively and are necessary for the synthesis of complete lipid A (Clementz et al., J. Biol. Chem., 271:12095 (1996); Summerville et al., J. Clin. Invest., 97:359 (1996). Collectively, these data suggest that the non-pyrogenic or reduced-pyrogenic property of LPS isolated from E. coli strains carrying mutations in htrB, msbB or both htrB and msbB when grown at temperatures above 33^oC. and below 44^oC. is the result of an accumulation of lipid A precursors, such as lipid IV_A (in htrB, mutants) and penta-acyl lipid A (in the single msbB mutant).

Thus, several mutants of E. coli with defective lipid A biosynthesis have been shown to accumulate LPS and lipid A analogs with LPS antagonist activity and LPS analogs isolated from these strains may be used in accordance with the present invention to treat or prevent HIV infections and disorders associated therewith.

In another embodiment of the present invention, LPS antagonists to be used in accordance with the present invention may be produced by deacylation of LPS or lipid A. LPS antagonists may be developed using chemical (Neter et al., J. Immunol., 76:377 (1956); Qureshi et al., J. Biol. Chem., 266:6532 (1991)) or enzymatic (Munford and Hall, J. Biol. Chem., 264:15613 (1989); Erwin and Munford, J. Biol. Chem., 256:16444 (1990)) procedures known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Chemical production of LPS antagonists from LPS or lipid A can be accomplished by alkaline hydrolysis of LPS or lipid A (Neter et al., supra; Qureshi et al., supra). Enzymatic production of LPS antagonists from LPS or lipid A can be accomplished by treating LPS or lipid A with acyloxyacyl hydrolase. A source of acyloxyacl hydrolase are professional phagocytes which normally produce this enzyme to be utilized by the host to detoxify LPS (Munford and Hall, supra; Erwin and Munford, supra).

In another embodiment, LPS and lipid A compositions of reduced or absent pyrogenicity which may be used in accordance with the present invention may be isolated from bacteria such as Rhodobacter sphaeroides that have LPS with reduced pyrogenicity. Not all gram negative bacteria produce LPS structures that display endotoxin activity (Salimath et al., Qureshi et al., J. Biol. Chem., 266:6532 (1991); Qureshi et al., J. Biol. Chem., 263:5502 (1988)). LPS structures which have significantly less pyrogenicity than LPS isolated from E. coli, e.g., if the LPS structure stimulates significantly less or no secretion of IL-1.beta., IL-6 or TNF.alpha. from peripheral blood monocytes (PBMCs), the LPS structure may be used in accordance with the present invention. For example, but not by way of limitation, Rhodobacter sphaeroides LPS has an unusual pentaacyl structure that is significantly less pyrogenic that E. coli LPS in vitro and in vivo (Salimath et al., Eur. J. Biochem., 136:195 (1983); Qureshi et al., J. Biol. Chem., 266:6532 (1991). Monophosphoryl or diphosphoryl RSLA can also be used in accordance with the present invention. Moreover, R. sphaeroides lipid A (RSLA) is an effective LPS antagonist (Salimath et al., Eur. J. Biochem., 136:195 (1983); Qureshi et al., J. Biol. Chem., 266:6532 (1991); Qureshi et al., J. Biol. Chem., 263:5502 (1988)) and prevents LPS induced lethality in mice (Salimath et al., Eur. J. Biochem., 136:195 (1983); Qureshi et al., J. Biol. Chem., 266:6532 (1991); Qureshi et al., J. Biol. Chem., 263:5502 (1988)). In a further embodiment of the present invention, monophosphoryl RSLA may be a more effective LPS antagonist than diphosphoryl RSLA and therefore is used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention for the treatment of HIV (Salimath et al., Eur. J. Biochem., 136:195 (1983); Qureshi et al., J. Biol. Chem., 266:6532 (1991); Qureshi et al., Qureshi et al., J. Biol. Chem., 263:5502 (1988)).

In accordance with the present invention, lipopolysacchrides and lipid A analogs of reduced or absent pyrogenicity may be yielded by the modification of naturally occurring lipopolysaccharides. Such modification can include, but are not limited to treating the lipopolysaccharide or lipid A with acyloxyacyl hydrolase, or by a alkaline hydrolysis process or a deacylation process.

In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, synthetic LPS antagonists may be used in accordance with the present invention for the treatment of HIV. For example, but not by way of limitation, synthetic lipid A and lipid X analogs (Ulmer et al., Infect. Immun, 60:5145 (1992); Perera et al., Infect Immun., 61:2015 (1993); Wang et al., Infect. Immun., 59:4655 (1991); Kotani et al., Infect. Immuno., 54:673 (1986): Kotani et al., Infect Immun., 49:225 (1985); Fagan et al., J. Immunol., 153:5230 (1994)) can be used. Disaccharide LPS antagonists, which resemble lipid IV_A, may also be used in accordance with the present invention (Ulmer et al., supra; Perera et al., supra); Wang et al., supra; Kotani et al., supra (1985); Kotani et al., supra (1986)). A second group of synthetic molecules were designed to be analogs of R. sphaeroides lipid A and are potent LPS antagonists (Christ et al., Science 269:80 (1995); Christ et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 116:3637 (1994)) and can be used in accordance with the present invention. A further set of synthetic LPS antagonists have been described that are composed of monosaccharide backbones and more closely resemble lipid X; these can be used in accordance with the present invention (Perera et al., supra). Collectively, these molecules have proven to display potent LPS antagonist activity in vitro (Ulmer et al., supra; Perera et al., supra); Wang et al., supra; Kotani et al., supra (1985); Kotani et al., supra (1986)) and have been evaluated for safety in humans (Bunnell et al., Crit. Care Med. Suppl., 23:147 (1995); Bunnell et al., Crit. Care Med. Suppl., 23: A151 (1995)). In a preferred embodiment, synthetic analogs of LPS can be generated which contain a 2-deoxy-2-aminogluconate residue in place of the glucosamine-1-phosphate at the reducing end and further bear a galacturonic acid moiety instead of a phosphate at position 4'.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the lipopolysaccharides and lipid A molecules and analogs and derivatives thereof can be modified in accordance with the present invention so that they are shortened or condensed, e.g., the carbon backbone may be shortened to a 5 carbon backbone. Further, the LPS and lipid A structures of the present invention may be modified so that one or more or all of the glucosamine residues are substituted with galactosamine residues. The diphosphoryl LPS and lipid A structures of the present invention can be converted to either nonphosphoryl or monophosphoryl LPS and lipid A structures in accordance with the present invention. The lipid A and LPS structures of the present invention can be modified to have more or less charge, e.g., the lipid A or LPS structures can be modified to be more charged by the addition of amine groups. The lipid A and LPS structures can further be modified so that they are less immunogenic, i.e., less recognized by the immune system of the host. In accordance with the present invention, any modification of the LPS and lipid A structures of the present invention which results in a non-pyrogenic or reduced-pyrogenic analog or derivative, i.e., analogs which exhibit decreased induction relative to wild-type LPS and lipid A of proinflammatory activity yet stimulate secretion of .beta. chemokines and are effective for treatment or prevention of HIV infection can be used. The invention thus also provides a method of screening LPS and -lipid A derivatives and analogs for anti-immunodeficiency virus activity, e.g., by assaying them for the ability to inhibit immunodeficiency virus replication or expression of immunodeficiency virus RNA or protein or to alleviate symptoms of an immunodeficiency virus-induced disorder.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a mixture of one lipid A or LPS or analog or derivative of the present invention mixed with at least one other LPS or lipid A structure or analog or derivative thereof of the present invention can be used to treat or prevent HIV infections and disorders associated therewith. In accordance with a specific embodiment of the present invention, a mixture comprising at least one LPS antagonist with an LPS or lipid A structure isolated from a gram negative organism, wherein the LPS antagonist is in molar excess of the LPS or lipid A structure can be used to treat or prevent HIV infection and disorders associated therewith.

The lipopolysaccharides and lipid A molecules and analogs and derivatives thereof of the present invention may be associated or conjugated with other molecules. These molecules may be macromolecular carrier groups including, but not limited to, lipid-fatty acid conjugates, polyethylene glycol, protein or carbohydrate. The associated or conjugated molecule may also provide bifunctionality to the lipopolysaccharide by, for example, targeting the lipopolysaccharide to a predetermined tissue or cell type, such as T lymphocytes. The association or conjugation between the lipopolysaccharide and the other molecule may be the result of a direct interaction, such as for example, through a chemical bond or ionic interaction, or alternatively, the association or conjugation with the other molecule may be through a linking group. The linking group may be known in the art which serves to link the lipopolysaccharide, or pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, with the other molecule. Suitable linking groups include saccharides, oligosaccharides, peptides, proteins, C₂ -C₂₀ alkyl, oxyalkylene chains or any other group which does not inhibit the ability of the lipopolysaccharide of the composition to inhibit HIV replication. The ability of the lipopolysaccharide components of the composition to inhibit HIV replication may be determined by applying assays described in Section 5.3.

The lipopolysaccharides or pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives of the present invention may be monosaccharide precursors of lipid A, such as lipid X, or may be a tetra-acyl precursor of lipid A, such as lipid IV_A, etc. Competitive inhibition is typically enhanced by increased valence, as once the first contact is made, the probability of subsequent contact taking place is favored thermo-dynamically. The use of multivalents is especially useful in blocking low affinity events where high avidity can compensate. Such may be the case for the lipid A antagonists of the present invention which are thought to function by competitively inhibiting LPS from interacting with CD14. In a specific embodiment, the composition comprises multivalent monosaccharide precursors of lipid A in order to increase the potency and/or biological half life of the pharmaceutical. In one embodiment, lipid X is found in multiple copies on a compound for use in the invention.

Multivalent carbohydrates can be prepared using methods known in the art to prepare a branching complex carbohydrate, which conceptually resembles a tree in which each branch contains a lipid A precursor, such as, lipid X. Alternatively, monovalent carbohydrates can be associated covalently or noncovalently with a polymer using techniques known in the art (see e.g., Langer et al., International Patent Publication No. WO94/03184, published Feb. 17, 1994, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety). The oligosaccharide units of the lipopolysaccharides of the present invention can be bound directly or through a linking group to the polymer using known techniques so as to produce a conjugate in which more than one individual molecule of the oligosaccharide of each lipopolysaccharide is covalently attached. Suitable linking groups include, but are not limited to saccharides, oligosaccharides, peptides, proteins, C_2-20 alkyl, oxalkylene chains or any other group which does not prevent the lipopolysaccharide from inhibiting HIV replication. Suitable polymers are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, a polyol, a polysaccharide, avidin, lipids, lipid emulsions, liposomes, a dendrimer, human serum albumin, a protein, polylysine, dextran, a glycosaminoglycan, cytclodextrin, agarose, sepharose, and polyacrylamide.

The lipopolysaccharides or pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives of the invention may be associated (e.g., ionic interaction) or conjugated (e.g., covalent linkage) with a ligand for a cell-surface molecule so as to target the lipopolysaccharides to tissue or cells expressing these molecules. Such oligosaccharide-ligand combinations may be through direct interaction of the oligosaccharide and ligand or indirectly using linker means known in the art. The oligosaccharide/ligand combination may be generated by techniques known in the art (See e.g., Stowell & Lee, 1980, Advances in Carbohydrate Chemistry, 37:225-281) and are generated so as not to inhibit the ability of the lipopolysaccharide to inhibit HIV infection. The ability of the lipopolysaccharide/ligand combination to inhibit HIV replication may routinely be determined applying in vitro assays described in Section 5.3 herein and known in the art. The ability of the lipopolysaccharide/ligand combination to bind to the cell-surface binding partner of the ligand may be determined using techniques known in the art. The ligand component of the lipopolysaccharide ligand combination may comprise monoclonal antibody, cell-surface receptor ligand or other homing molecules for therapeutically significant targets that are known or may routinely be identified and isolated and/or generated using techniques known in the art. Ligands encompassed by this embodiment include, but are not limited to, CD4-derived peptide bound by gp120of HIV (from the D1 domain of CD4 and distinct from the MHC-binding region (see e.g., Sakihama et al., 1995, PNAS 92:644-648; Ryu et al., 1994, Structure 2:59-74), peptides derived from the extracellular domain of chemokine receptors (e.g., CC-CXR-5 or fusion) to which the V3 loop of gp120binds (Choe et al., 1996, Cell 85:1135-1148; Feng et al., 1996, Science 272:872-30 876).

5.2. Synthesis and Isolation of Lipopoltsaccharides

In accordance with the present invention the lipopolysaccharides, LPS analogs (e.g., antagonists), and lipid A analogs (e.g., antagonists) of the present invention can be purified from gram negative microorganisms or produced using classical organic chemistry synthetic techniques known in the art. Lipid A and LPS antagonists can be identified by their ability to interfere or compete with the activities of LPS or lipid A, e.g., to competitively inhibit the interaction between LPS and the cellular receptor for LPS, for example, as reflected by the inhibition of a biological consequence of such an interaction. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the lipopolysaccharide analogs and derivatives of the present invention may be prepared by enzymatic processes. Some non-pyrogenic forms of LPS and lipid A are commercially available (e.g., from ICN).

5.2.1 Purification of Lipopolysaccharides from Microorganisms

5.2.1.1 Sources of Lipopolysaccharides

Native preparations of non-pyrogenic or reduced-pyrogenic forms of lipid A and LPS amy be obtained from a variety of sources. In accordance with the present invention, a variety of gram negative strains may be used as the starting material in producing non-pyrogenic or reduced-pyrogenic forms of LPS and lipid A. Examples of these strains include, but are not limited to, Haemophilus influenzae, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bordella pertussis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Chlamydia psittaci, Rhodobacter spearoides, it and Legionella pneumophila.

In accordance with the present invention, the non-pyrogenic or reduced-pyrogenic LPS and lipid A preparations may be isolated from gram negative strains carrying mutations in one of the following genes: kdsA, kdsB, htrB, msbB or both htrB and msbB. The genetics of lipid A biosynthesis are well described (Raetz, supra; Raetz, Ann. Rev. Biochem 59:129-170 (1990); and Schnaitman and Klena, supra). The majority of mutations that prevent the biosynthesis of lipid A, such as mutations in 1pxA, 1pxB, kdsA, kdsB, kdtA, are lethal as the biosynthesis of lipid A is essential for cell survival (Rick et al., J. Biol. Chem., 252:4904-4912 (1977); Rick and Osborn, J. Biol. Chem., 252:4895-4903 (1977); Raetz et al., J. Biol. Chem., 260:16080-16088 (1985); Raetz, supra (1990); Raetz, supra (1993); and Belunis et al., J. Biol. Chem., 270:27646 (1995)). For the most part, therefore, analysis of these genes has involved the use of temperature-sensitive mutants, which only display null phenotypes under non-permissive conditions (Rich et al., supra; Rich and Osborn, supra; Raetz et al., supra; Raetz, supra (1990); Raetz, supra (19930; and Belunis et al., supra). When grown under non-permissive conditions, 1pxB, kdsA, kdsB, kdsA mutants accumulate non-pyrogenic precursor forms of LPS (to about 50% of the total LPS), such as lipid X (also called 2,3-diacyl-glucosamine-1-phosphate) or lipid IV_A (Raetz et al., supra; Belunis et al., supra).

Alternatively, non-pyrogenic or reduced-pyrogenic LPS and lipid A preparations may be isolated from gram negative microorganisms carrying at least one mutation in the genes encoding for myristoyl transferase or lauroyl transferase. Gram negative microorganisms carrying mutations in the pgsA gene, which encodes phosphatidylglycerophospate synthase; 1pxB, the structural gene for disaccharide synthase; the 1pxA gene, encoding UDP-GlcNAc O-acetyltransferase; kdtA the structural gene encoding the KDO (3-deoxy-D-manno-actulosonic acid) transferase, may also be used as a source of non-pyrogenic or reduced-pyrogenic LPS or lipid A structures in accordance with the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, non-pyrogenic forms of LPS may be isolated from strains of E.coli carrying mutations in both htrB and msbB, which produce non-pyrogenic LPS when grown at temperatures above 33^oC. and below 44^oC. (See PCT International Publication No. WO 97/18837). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, non-pyrogenic LPS is isolated from the E. coli htrB1::Tn10 msbB::.OMEGA.cam double mutant MLK986. In yet another preferred embodiment, non-pyrogenic preparations of lipid A are isolated from gram negative bacteria KDO-deficient mutants which accumulate lipid IV_A, a non-pyrogenic form of lipid A (Goldman et al., 1988, J. Bacteriol. 170:2185-2192; Raetz et al., 1985, J. Biol. Chem. 260:16080-16088).

Many of the proteins involved in lipid A metabolism are essential to bacteria vitality and therefore mutations in these genes must be introduced as ones inducible by growth conditions, i.e., temperature sensitive mutants, or the mutant genes may be under the control of an inducible promoter, such as a tetracycline promoter, tetR, or a repressible promoter, such as a lexA-repressed promoter. Mutations may be introduced into the genomes of gram negative bacteria using standard recombinant DNA techniques well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Mutations in the designated genes listed above may consist of the deletion of the gene or a portion thereof, insertion of nucleic acids into the gene coding region, missense mutations, nonsense mutations (see, e.g., Miller 1992, A Short Course in Bacterial Genetics, Cold Spring Harbor Press; Sambrook et al., 1989, Molecular Cloning, A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 2d Ed., Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Glover), etc. Any technique for mutagenesis known in the art may be used, including but not limited to, chemical mutagenesis, in vitro site-directed mutagenesis (Hutchinson, C. et al., 1978, J. Biol. Chem. 253:6551), use of TAB.TM. linkers (Pharmacia), PCR with mutant primers, etc.

Further, in vivo cloning techniques can be used to introduce mutation-containing nucleic acids into the genomes of gram negative bacteria (see, e.g., Miller 1992, A Short Course in Bacterial Genetics, Cold Spring Harbor Press; Sambrook et al., 1989, Molecular Cloning, A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 2d Ed., Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Glover), etc.

Other bacterial strains may be used in accordance with the present invention as a source of forms of LPS and lipid A of reduced or absent pyrogenicity. For example, Rhodobacter sphaeroides LPS has an unusual pentaacyl structure that is significantly less pyrogenic than E. coli LPS in vitro and in vivo (Salimath et al. supra; Qureshi et al. supra, 1991; Qureshi et al. supra 1988). R. sphaeroides lipid A (RSLA) is an effective LPS antagonist (Salimath et al. supra) and prevents LPS induced lethality in mice. Bacterial strain Rhizobium leguminosarum may also be used as a source of non-pyrogenic form of LPS and lipid A, in accordance with the present invention. Lipid A isolated from R. leguminosarum lacks phosphate altogether and does not contain a glucosamine disaccharide (Bhat et al. 1992 Glycobiology 2:535-539) and is a very potent antagonist of lipid A. R. leguminosarum lipid A contains a 2-deoxy-2-aminogluconate residue in place of the glucosamine 1-phosphate at the reducing end, and bears a glacturonic acid moiety instead of a monophosphate at position 4'.

5.2.1.2 Isolation of Lipopolysaccharides

The lipopolysaccharides of the present invention may be purified from gram negative microorganisms using any technique known in the art. In this embodiment, the lipopolysaccharides of the present invention are isolated from the cell wall of the bacteria. In gram-negative bacteria, the cell wall is far more complex than for gram positives and contains glycopeptide, lipopolysaccharide, phospholipid and protein. Up to 20% of the wall content may be lipids but only a proportion of these are readily extractable by conventional solvent methods. That is due to the covalent nature of the lipopolysaccharide linkages. In spite of the foregoing, in accordance with the present invention, the lipopolysaccharides of the present invention may be isolated from gram-negative bacteria using the procedures described infra.

By way of example, and not by limitation, the lipopolysaccharides of the present invention may be isolated by the following method:

Bacterial strains are cultured on solid media both at 30^oC., 37^oC. or 42^oC. prior to seeding the liquid media. Liquid cultures (1L) are seeded the following day at a starting inoculum of ca. 1x10⁴ cfu/ml and grown for 16 hr at 30^oC., 37^oC. or 42^oC. with shaking (250 opm).

The liquid cultures are harvested by centrifugation at 7000xg for 10 min, washed once in 250 ml endotoxin-free irrigation saline (Baxter) and the weight of the bacterial pellets was determined. The pellets then are resuspended in endotoxin-free water (Baxter) at a final density of 2% w/v+0.25%. Subsequently, LPS is isolated by two cycles of hot-water phenol extraction. In short, the bacterial suspensions are heated to 70^oC. to which an equal volume of pre-warmed phenol is added and mixed for 15 min at 70^oC. The mixtures are cooled to 25^oC. and then centrifuged at 18,000xg for 15 min. Following this centrifugation the aqueous phases are removed, placed into dialysis tubing (SpectraPor) and dialyzed against running distilled H₂ O overnight. The retentates are then placed into fresh 50 ml polypropylene tubes and treated with RNaseA (100 .mu.g/ml) at 37^oC. for 1 hr, followed by DNaseI (50 .mu.g/ml and 5 mM Mgcl₂) at 37^oC. for 1 hr, followed by Pronase (250 .mu.g/ml) at 37^oC. for 1 hr. Then EDTA is added to a final concentration of 5 mM and the hot-water phenol extraction procedure described above is repeated. Following dialysis the retentates are centrifuged at 20,000xg for 15 min at 4^oC. The supernatants are transferred to fresh Beckman 50Ti tubes and the LPS is pelleted by centrifugation at 110,000xg for 2H at 4^oC. The supernatants are discarded and the pellets are vacuum dried. Each LPS preparation is evaluated for DNA and protein contamination by standard techniques in the art, such as SDS-PAGE and silver stain, BCA protein estimate assay and UV spectrophotometry.

Also included within the scope of the present invention are LPS and lipid A molecules which are differentially modified during or after synthesis to yield reduced or absent pyrogenic properties of the preparation. In specific embodiments, the LPS and lipid A molecules are treated by alkaline hydrolysis or acyloxyacyl hydrolase. Any of numerous chemical modifications may be carried out by known techniques, such as acylation, deacylation, formylation, oxidation, reduction, etc.

5.2.2 Synthesis of Lipopolysaccharides

Potent synthetic lipid A molecules with strong LPS antagonist properties and of reduced or absent pyrogenicity may be synthesized by a variety of organic chemistry synthetic techniques. In one embodiment of the present invention, the synthetic lipid A and LPS molecules are modeled after LPS molecules of reduced or absent pyrogenicity which occur in nature and molecules with strong LPS antagonist activities which occur in nature.

The lipopolysaccharide is a complex polymer in four parts. Outermost is a carbohydrate chain variable length (called the O-antigen) which is attached to a core polysaccharide. The core polysaccharide is divided into the outer core and the backbone. These two structures vary between bacteria. Finally the backbone is attached to a glycolipid called lipid A. The link between lipid A and the rest of the molecule is usually via a number of 3-deoxy-D-manno-octulosonic acid (KDO) molecules. The presence of KDO is often used as a marker for lipopolysaccharide (or outer membrane) even though it is not present in all bacterial lipopolysaccharides. The phosphate and 3-deoxy-D-mannooctulosomic acid (KDO) molecules (the presence of KDO is often used as a marker for lipopolysaccharide) are also substituted. Unsaturated and cyclopropane fatty acids which are common in other lipid types are absent from lipopolysaccharide.

Lipid A is composed of a disaccharide of glucosamines. The amino groups are substituted with 3-hydroxymristate while hydroxyl groups contain saturated (12-16 carbon) acids and 3-myristoxymyristate. Lipopolysaccharides and lipid A may be obtained from commercial sources, e.g., from Sigma. However, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, lipolysaccharides may be synthesized as follows: hydroxy acids and disaccharides are condensed followed by addition of saturated fatty acids. The hydroxy fatty acids may come from acetyl CoA whereas CMP-KDO may serve as the source of the second additional units. After the addition of saturated fatty acids, sugars are added from nucleotide diphosphate derivatives.

The O-antigen is may be synthesized in three stages. For example, but not by way of limitation, the oligosaccharide units are transferred from nucleotide diphosphate carriers to a galactose attached to another lipid carrier. The oligosaccharide units are then polymerized and lipid carriers are released in the process. Finally the complete O-antigen is transferred to the R-core with the release of an isoprenoid carrier.

For an overview of the synthesis of lipopolysaccharides and lipid A structures, see, e.g., Raetz, 1993, J. Bacteriology 175:5745-5753. (See also U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,593,969 and 5,191,072).

The polysaccharide unit may also be synthesized with donor saccharide moieties and acceptor moieties which are commercially available and/or may be synthesized through organic synthesis applying techniques known in the art. Activated saccharides generally consist of uridine or guanosine diphosphate and cytidine monophosphate derivatives of the saccharides in which the nucleoside mono and diphosphate serves as a leaving group. Thus, the activated saccharide may be a saccharide-UDP, a saccharide-GDP, or a saccharide-CMP. Nucleoside monophosphates are commercially available, may be prepared from known sources such as digested yeast RNA (see e.g., Leucks et al,. 1979, J. Am. Soc. 101:5829), or routinely prepared using known chemical synthetic techniques (see e.g., Heidlas et al., 1992, Acc, Chem. Res. 25:307; Kochetkov et al., 1973, Adv. Carbohydr. Chem. Biochem. 28:307). These nucleoside monophosphates may then be routinely transformed into nucleoside diphosphates by kinase treatment. For review, see Wong et al., 1994, Enzymes in Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Pergamon Press, Volume 12, pp. 256-264.

Glycosyltransferase enzymes for synthesizing the compositions of the invention can be obtained commercially or may be derived from biological fluids, tissue or cell cultures. Such biological sources include, but are not limited to, pig serum and bovine milk. Glycosyltransferases that catalyze specific glycosidic linkages may routinely be isolated and prepared as described in International Patent Publication No. WO 93/13198 (published Jul. 8, 1993). Alternatively, the glycosyltransferases can be produced through recombinant or synthetic techniques known in the art (For review, see Wong et al., 1994, Enzymes in Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Pergamon Press, Volume 12, pp. 275-279).

The compositions of the invention are preferably synthesized using enzymatic processes (see e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,189,674, and International Patent Publication No. 91/16449, published Oct. 31, 1991). Briefly, a glycosyltransferase is contacted with an appropriate activated saccharide and an appropriate acceptor molecule under conditions effective to transfer and covalently bond the saccharide to the acceptor molecule. Conditions of time, temperature, and pH appropriate and optimal for a particular saccharide unit transfer can be determined through routine testing; generally, physiological conditions will be acceptable. Certain co-reagents may also be desirable; for example, it may be more effective to contact the glycosyltransferase with the activated sugar and the acceptor molecule in the presence of a divalent cation. Optionally, an apparatus as described by U.S. Pat. No. 5,288,637, is used to prepare such compositions.

While glycosyltransferases are highly stereospecific and substrate-specific, minor chemical modifications are tolerated on both the donor and acceptor components. Accordingly, the oligosaccharide components of the invention may be synthesized using acceptor and/or donor components that have been modified so as not to interfere with enzymatic formation of the desired glycosidic linkage. The ability of such a modification not to interfere with the desired lycosidic linkage may routinely be determined using techniques and bioassays known in the art, such as, for example, labelling the carbohydrate moiety of the activated sugar donor, contacting the acceptor and donor moieties with the glycosyltransferase specific for forming the glycosidic linkage between the donor and acceptor moieties, and determining whether the label is incorporated into the molecule containing the acceptor moiety.

Also included within the scope of the present invention are LPS and lipid A molecules which are differentially modified during or after synthesis to enhance or yield of reduced or absent pyrogenicity of the preparation. In specific embodiments, the LPS and lipid A molecules are treated by alkaline hydrolysis or acyloxyacyl hydrolase. Any of numerous chemical modifications may be carried out by known techniques, such as acylation, deacylation, formylation, oxidation, reduction, etc.

It is also within the scope of this invention, to synthesize analogs of lipid a having one or more acyloxyacyl groups removed. Lipid A, either chemically synthesized or isolated from a gram negative microorganism may be treated with acyloxyacyl hydrolase in order to achieve or enhance the non-pyrogenic properties of the preparation. Acyloxyacyl hydrolase hydrolyzes the ester bonds between non-hydroxylated fatty acids and the 3-hydroxy functions of 3-hydroxy fatty acids bound in ester or amide linkages to glucosamine disaccharide of lipid A.

It is further within the scope of this invention, to synthesize analogs of lipid A and LPS having one or more non-hydroxylated fatty acids removed. Lipid A or LPS either chemically synthesized or isolated from a gram negative microorganism may be deacylated in order to achieve or enhance the substantially reduced or absent pyrogenicity of the preparation.

5.3 Therapeutic Uses

The invention provides for treatment or prevention of diseases and disorders associated with immunodeficiency virus infection, including, but not limited to, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), by administration of a therapeutic compound (termed herein "Therapeutic"). Such "Therapeutics" include, but are not limited to: preparations of LPS or lipid A of reduced or absent pyrogenicity, and analogs and derivatives and antagonists thereof, of reduced or absent pyrogenicity. By way of example, but not limitation, the antagonists can be derived from gram negative bacteria, or gram-negative bacteria containing at least one mutation selected from the group consisting of kdsA, kdsB, htrB, msbb and derivative and analogs of the foregoing; LPS orlipid A preparations which have been modified to enhance or yield reduced or absent pyrogenicity, including, but not limited to monophosphoryl lipid A, penta-acyl lipid A, lipid X, lipid IV_A or lipid A or LPS derived from deacylation, treatment with acyloxyacl hydroxylase, or by treatment with an alkaline, and derivatives and analogs of the foregoing; synthetic lipid A and LPS antagonists, such as lipid X, lipid IV_A and prophylactically and therapeutically effective LPS and lipid A analogs and derivatives thereof.

It is also within the scope of this invention, to use therapeutically or prophylactically monosaccharide analogs of lipid A and LPS. Lipid A or LPS structures to be used therapeutically or prophylactically in accordance with the present invention can be either chemically synthesized or isolated from a gram negative microorganism, in which the ester bond of LPS and lipid A is catalyzed or the glycosidic bond of LPS and lipid A is catalyzed resulting in a monosaccharide derivative with enhanced non-pyrogenic properties.

It is also within the scope of this invention, to use mixtures of lipid A or LPS structures and antagonists and analogs and derivatives thereof therapeutically or prophylactically in accordance with the present invention.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a mixture of one lipid A or LPS structure of the present invention mixed with at least one other LPS or lipid A structure of the present invention can be used to treat or prevent immunodeficiency virus infection, including HIV infections and disorders associated therewith. In accordance with the present invention, a mixture comprising at least one LPS antagonist and an LPS or lipid A structure isolated from a gram negative bacteria, wherein the LPS antagonist is in molar excess of the LPS or lipid A structure can be used to treat or prevent HIV infection and disorders associated therein. For example, an LPS or lipid A antagonist combined with a fully active LPS or lipid A, or a monophosphate LPS or lipid A, or a second LPS or lipid A antagonist.

Examples of Therapeutics are those lipopolysaccharides described in Section 5.1 and 5.2.

A preferred embodiment of the invention relates to methods of using a Therapeutic for treatment or prevention of HIV infection, preferably HIV-1 infection, in a human subject. In a specific embodiment, the Therapeutic is used for the treatment or prevention of HIV infection in a human subject who suffers from Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). In the treatment of HIV infection, the Therapeutic of the invention can be used to prevent progression of HIV-1 infection in a seropositive patient to ARC or to AIDS in the patient, or to treat a human patient with ARC or AIDS.

In a preferred aspect of the invention, preparations of reduced or absent pyrogenicity of LPS and/or lipid A and/or derivatives and/or analogs thereof are used to treat HIV infection. The utility of such preparations may be determined by the in vitro and in vivo assays described in Section 5.5 infra or by any other method known in the art.

5.4 Combination Therapy

According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, a preparation of reduced or absent pyrogenicity of LPS or lipid A or an analog or derivative thereof, an inhibitor of HIV viral replication, may optionally be used in combination with other therapeutic agents to enhance the antiviral effect achieved. Preferably a non-pyrogenic preparation of LPS or lipid A or an analog or derivative thereof is used in combination with another antiviral agent. Such additional antiviral agents which may be used with a preparation of reduced or absent pyrogenicity of LPS or lipid A or analog or derivative thereof include but are not limited to those which function on a different target molecule involved in viral replication, e.g., reverse transcriptase inhibitors, viral protease inhibitors, glycosylation inhibitors; those which act on a different target molecule involved in viral transmission; those which act on a different loci of the same molecule; and those which prevent or reduce the occurrence of viral resistance. One skilled in the art would know of a wide variety of antiviral therapies which exhibit the above modes of activity.

A preparation of reduced or absent pyrogenicity of LPS or lipid A or an analog or derivative thereof can also be used in combination with retrovirus inhibitors, such as nucleoside derivatives. Nucleoside derivatives are modified forms of purine and pyrimidine nucleosides which are the building blocks of RNA and DNA. Many of the nucleoside derivatives under study as potential anti-HIV medications result in premature termination of viral DNA replication before the entire genome has been transcribed. These derivatives lack 3' substituents that can bind to subsequent nucleosides and result in chain termination. Nucleoside derivatives such as 3' azido-3'-thymidine (AZT) and dideoxyinosine (ddI) have been exploited as inhibitors of HIV-1 replication, both in vitro and in vivo. Nucleoside analogs are currently the only licensed therapeutics for the treatment of HIV infection and AIDS (Fischl et al, 1987 N. Engl. J. Med. 317, 185-191; Mitsuya and Broder, 1987 Nature 325, 773-778). This class of compounds works by inhibiting reverse transcriptase resulting in a block in cDNA synthesis (Mitsuya and Broder, 1987), these inhibitors work early in the infectious cycle of HIV-1 and inhibit integration into T-cell genome. However, AZT therapy leads to development of resistant HIV strains (Larder 1989, 1991, Ibid.) and demonstrates toxicity in AIDS patients upon long-term therapy (Fischl et al., 1987, N. Engl. J. Med. 317:185-191; Creagh-Kirk, et al., 1988, J.A.M.A. 260:3045-3048).

Further, a preparation of reduced or absent pyrogenicity of LPS or lipid A or a derivative or analog thereof can be used in combination with nucleoside derivatives which include but are not limited to, 2',3'-dideoxyadenosine (ddA); 2',3'-dideoxyguanosine (ddG); 2',3'-dideoxyinosine (ddI); 2',3'-dideoxycytidine (ddC); 2',3'-dideoxythymidine (ddT); 2',3'-dideoxy-dideoxythymidine (d4T) and 3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxythymidine (AZT). Alternatively, halogenated nucleoside derivatives may be used, preferably 2',3'-dideoxy-2'-fluoronucleosides including, but not limited to, 2',3'-dideoxy-2'-fluoroadenosine; 2',3'-dideoxy-2'-fluoroinosine; 2',3'-dideoxy-2'-fluorothymidine; 2',3'-dideoxy-2'-fluorocytosine; and 2',3'-dideoxy-2',3'-didehydro-2'-fluoronucleosides including, but not limited to 2',3'-dideoxy-2',3'-didehydro-2'-fluorothymidine (Fd4T). Preferably, the 2',3'-dideoxy-2'-fluoronucleosides of the invention are those in which the fluorine linkage is in the beta configuration, including, but not limited to, 2'3'-dideoxy-2'-beta-fluoroadenosine (F-ddA), 2',3'-dideoxy-2'-beta-fluoroinosine (F-ddI), and 2',3'-dideoxy-2'-beta-fluorocytosine (F-ddC). Such combinations allow one to use a lower dose of the nucleoside derivative thus reducing the toxicity associated with that agent, without loss of antiviral activity because of the use of the non-pyrogenic preparation of LPS or lipid A. Moreover, such a combination reduces or avoids viral resistance.

Preferred combinations of preparations of reduced or absent pyrogenicity of LPS or lipid A or derivatives or analogs thereof and nucleoside derivatives within the scope of the present invention include an effective amount of a preparation of reduced or absent pyrogenicity of LPS or lipid A or analogs or derivatives thereof and an effective amount of AZT to treat HIV infection; and an effective amount of a preparation of reduced or absent pyrogenicity of LPS or lipid A or derivative and analogs thereof and an effective amount of ddI.

According to the present invention, preparations of reduced or absent pyrogenicity of LPS or lipid A or derivatives and analogs thereof can also be used in combination with uridine phosphorylase inhibitors, including but not limited to acyclouridine compounds, including benzylacyclouridine (BAU); benzyloxybenzylacyclouridine (BBAU); aminomethyl-benzylacyclouridine (AMBAU); aminomethyl-benzyloxybenzylacyclouridine (AMB-BAU); hydroxymethyl-benzylacyclouridine (HMBAU); and hydroxymethyl-benzyloxybenzylacyclouridine (HMBBAU).

According to the present invention, preparations of; reduced or absent pyrogenicity of LPS or lipid A or derivatives and analogs thereof can be used in combination with viral protease inhibitors, including but not limited to, Invirase (saquinavir, Roche), ABT-538 (Abbott, CAS Reg. No. 155213-67-5), AG1343 (Burroughs Wellcome/Glaxo, CAS Reg. No. 161814-49-9). Protease inhibitors are generally thought to work primarily during or after assembly (i.e., viral budding) to inhibit maturation of virions to a mature infectious state. For example, ABT-538 has been shown to have potent antiviral activity in vitro and favorable pharmokinetic and safety profiles in vivo (Ho, et al., 1995, Nature 373:123-126). Administration of ABT-538 to AIDS patients causes plasma HIV-1 levels to decrease exponentially and CD4 lymphocyte counts to rise substantially. The exponential decline in plasma viraemia following ABT-538 treatment reflects both the clearance of free virions and the loss of HIV-1 producing cells as the drug substantially blocks new rounds of infection. ABT-538 treatment reduces virus-mediated destruction of CD4 lymphocytes. Combining this treatment with a preparation of reduced or absent pyrogenicity of LPS or lipid A or an analog or derivative thereof, which inhibits at an earlier stage of HIV infection, viral fusion, would be likely to have synergistic effects and have a dramatic clinical impact.

In order to evaluate potential therapeutic efficacy of reduced-pyrogenic or non-pyrogenic preparations of LPS or lipid A or derivatives and analogs thereof in combination with the antiviral therapeutics described above, these combinations may be tested for antiviral activity according to methods known in the art.

A compound of the invention can be administered to a human patient by itself or in pharmaceutical compositions where it is mixed with suitable carriers or excipients at doses to treat or ameliorate various conditions involving HIV-infection. A therapeutically effective dose further refers to that amount of the compound sufficient to inhibit HIV infection. Therapeutically effective doses may be administered alone or as adjunctive therapy in combination with other treatments for HIV infection or associated diseases. Techniques for the formulation and administration of the compounds of the instant application may be found in "Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences" Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa., latest addition.

In another embodiment, HIV infection is treated or prevented by administration of a Therapeutic of the invention in combination with one or more chemokines. In particular, the Therapeutic is administered with one or more C--C type chemokines, especially one or more from the group RANTES, MIP-1.alpha. and MIP-1.beta.).

5.5 Demonstration of Therapeutic Utility

The present invention relates to assaying the therapeutic compounds of the present invention for their therapeutic effectiveness, including assaying their pyrogenicity properties in addition to their ant-HIV properties

Such assays include, but are not limited to:

5.4.1 Determining the Pyrogenicity of the Preparation

The Therapeutics of the invention are preferably tested in vitro, and then in vivo for non-pyrogenicity or reduced pyrogenicity, prior to use in humans. Any in vitro or in vivo assay known in the art to measure pyrogenic, inflammatory or endotoxic activity can be used to test the pyrogenicity of a Therapeutic of the invention. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, one could use any of the in vitro assays described infra in Section 6.

In an embodiment of the invention, a method of screening a preparation comprising LPS or lipid A or a derivative or analog thereof for pyrogenic properties comprises assaying said preparation for the ability to induce secretion of pyrogenic cytokines. In one specific embodiment, the preparation comprising LPS or lipid A or a derivative or analog thereof is assayed by a method comprising measuring cytokine levels secreted from peripheral blood monocytes, which cells have been contacted with the preparation and comparing to levels of cytokines secreted from cells not contacted with the preparation and/or levels of cytokines secreted from cell contacted with E. coli LPS (known to be highly pyrogenic). Quantitation of TNF.alpha., IL-1.beta. or IL-6 in culture supernatants can be achieved by capture ELISA. In another specific embodiment, the preparation comprising LPS or lipid A or a derivative or analogue thereof is assayed by a method comprising measuring .beta. chemokine levels secreted from peripheral blood monocytes, which cells have been contacted with the preparation and comparing to levels of .beta. chemokines secreted from cells not contacted with the preparation and/or levels of chemokines secreted from cells contacted with E. coli LPS. Quantitation of MIP-1.alpha., MIP-1.beta. and RANTES in culture supernatants can be achieved by capture ELISA.

The assays described above may be carried out by any method known in the art. By example, and not by limitation, the assays described above may be carried out as follows:

50 ml of whole blood is mixed with an equal volume of RPMI (Life Technologies) and PBMCs are isolated by density gradient using lymphocyte separation medium according to the manufacturer's directions (Organon). The PBMCs are washed twice with RPMI then resuspended in 6 ml of ice cold sterile water and placed on ice for 30 sec to lyse the erythrocytes. The osmolarity is adjusted by adding 2 ml of ice cold 3.5% (w/v) NaCl; the PBMCs are harvested by centrifugation, washed with RPMI and resuspended in complete medium (CM; RPMI containing pyruvate, glutamine, PenStrep, and 10% endotoxin-free human AB serum (Life Technologies) at a density of 6x10⁶ PBMCs/ml. CM containing the preparations to be assayed are placed into duplicate wells of a 96-well flat bottom culture late (Costar) at double the target final concentration. An equal volume of CM containing the PBMCs then is added to these wells and the culture plates are incubated at 37^oC. in 5% CO₂ for 8 hr. The supernatants are then removed and stored at 70^oC.

Quantitation of TNF.alpha., IL-1.beta., IL-6, MIP-1.alpha., MIP-1.beta. and RANTES in these culture supernatants is achieved by capture ELISA (R&D Systems).

The Therapeutics of the invention may also be tested in vivo for non-pyrogenicity prior to use in humans. For example, pyrogenic activity may be measured in vivo by a dermal Schwartzman reaction and the rabbit pyrogen test. By way of example but not limitation, this is performed as follows: New Zealand rabbits may receive an intradermal injection of the preparation of LPS or lipid A or a derivative or analog thereof (approximately 2.5 .mu.g), followed by an intravenous dose (2-4 .mu.g/kg) 24 hours later. The dermal lesions are scored 4 to 6 hours later and compared to rabbits which received an infection of a preparation of LPS from E. coli. The therapeutics of the invention may also be determined by the rabbit pyrogen test. The thermal response index (TRI) for LPS preparations is determined by injecting a New Zealand white rabbit weighing 3-4 kg with an intravenous dose of approximately 50 ng LPS. Temperature is monitored with a rectal probe and recorded every 10 minutes. The TRI is the integrated product of the temperature above baseline (0C) and time (degree-hours) (Zimmer et al., 1981 Peptides 2:413).

5.4.2 Determining the ANTI-HIV Activity of the Preparation

The Therapeutics of the invention are preferably tested in vitro, and then in vivo for the desired therapeutic or prophylactic activity, prior to use in humans. Any in vitro or in vivo assay known in the art to measure HIV infection or production can be used to test the efficacy of a Therapeutic of the invention. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, one could use any of the in vitro or in vivo assays described infra in Section 6.

In an embodiment of the invention, a method of screening a preparation comprising a lipopolysaccharide, i.e. lipid A or LPS or lipid A antagonist or LPS antagonist, having non-pyrogenic properties or any derivative or analogue thereof, for anti-HIV activity is provided, which assay comprises assaying said preparation for the ability to inhibit HIV replication or expression of HIV RNA or protein. In one specific embodiment, the lipopolysaccharide preparation is assayed by a method comprising measuring HIV-1 p24 antigen levels in cultured hematopoietic cells which have been contacted with the lipopolysaccharide preparation prior to infection with HIV-1, and comparing the measured HIV-1 p24 antigen levels in the cells which have been contacted with the lipopolysaccharide preparation with said levels in cells not so contacted with the preparation, wherein a lower level in said contacted cells indicates that the preparation has anti-HIV activity. In another specific embodiment, the lipopolysaccharide preparation is assayed by a method comprising measuring the activity of a reporter gene product expressed from a construct in which the HIV-1 LTR is operably linked to said reporter gene, wherein said construct is present in cells which have been contacted with the preparation; and comparing the measured expression of said reporter gene in the cells which have been contacted with the preparation with said levels in such cells not so contacted, wherein a lower level in said contacted cells indicates that the preparation has anti-HIV activity. In another specific embodiment, the lipopolysaccharide preparation is assayed by a method comprising measuring HIV-1 derived RNA transcripts or HIV-1 antigen levels in HIV-1 transgenic mice administered the preparation; and comparing the measured transcript or antigen levels in the mice which have been administered the preparation with said levels in mice not so administered, wherein a lower level in said administered mice indicates that the preparation has anti-HIV activity. In yet another specific embodiment, the lipopolysaccharide preparation is assayed by a method comprising measuring SIV p27 antigen levels in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of SIV infected monkeys administered the preparation; and comparing the measured antigen levels in the monkeys which have been exposed to the preparation with said levels in monkeys not so administered, wherein a lower level in said administered monkeys indicates that the preparation has anti-HIV activity.

By way of example, to assay a Therapeutic in vitro, one can examine the effect of the Therapeutic on HIV replication in cultured cells. Briefly, cultured hematopoietic cells (e.g., primary PBMCs, isolated macrophages, isolated CD4⁺ T cells or cultured H9 human T cells) are acutely infected with HIV-1 using titers known in the art to acutely infect cells in vitro, such as 10⁵ TCID₅₀ /ml. Then, appropriate amounts of the Therapeutic are added to the cell culture media. Cultures are assayed 3 and 10 days after infection for HIV-1 production by measuring levels of p24 antigen using a commercially available ELISA assay. Reduction in p24 antigen levels over levels observed in untreated controls indicates the Therapeutic is effective for treatment of HIV infection.

Additionally, assays for HIV-1 LTR driven transcription are useful for testing the efficacy of Therapeutics of the invention. Specifically, a reporter gene, i.e., a gene the protein or RNA product of which is readily detected, such as, but not limited to, the gene for chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT), is cloned into a DNA plasmid construct such that the transcription of the reporter gene is driven by the HIV-1 LTR promoter. The resulting construct is then introduced by transfection, or any other method known in the art, into a cultured cell line, such as, but not limited to, the human CD4⁺ T cell line HUT78. After exposure of the transformed cells to the Therapeutic, transcription from the HIV-1 LTR is determined by measurement of CAT activity using techniques which are routine in the art. Reduction in HIV-1 LTR driven transcription demonstrates utility of the Therapeutic for treatment and/or prevention of HIV infection.

Exemplary tests in animal models are described briefly as follows: First, a Therapeutic of the invention is administered to mice transgenic for HIV-1, e.g., mice which have integrated molecular clone pNL4-3 containing 7.4 kb of the HIV-1 proviral genome deleted in the gag and pol genes (Dickie, P., et al., 1991, Virology 185:109-119). Skin biopsies taken from the mice are tested for HIV-1 gene expression by RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) or for HIV-1 antigen expression, such as expression of gp120or NEF, by immunostaining. Additionally, the mice are examined for reduction in the cachexia and growth retardation usually observed in HIV-1 transgenic mice (Franks, R. R., et al., 1995, Pediatric Res. 37:56-63).

The efficacy of Therapeutics of the invention can also be determined in SIV infected rhesus monkeys (see Letrin, N. L., and King, N. W., 1990, J. AIDS 3:1023-1040), particularly rhesus monkeys infected with SIV_mac251, which SIV strain induces a syndrome in experimentally infected monkeys which is very similar to human AIDS (Kestler, H., et al., 1990, Science 248:1109-1112). Specifically, monkeys can be infected with cell free SIV_mac251, for example, with virus at a titer of 10^4.5 TCID₅₀ /ml. Infection is monitored by the appearance of SIV p27 antigen in PBMCs. Utility of the Therapeutic is characterized by normal weight gain, decrease in SIV titer in PBMCs and an increase in CD4⁺ T cells.

Once the Therapeutic has been tested in vitro, and also preferably in a non-human animal model, the utility of the Therapeutic can be assayed in human subjects. The efficacy of treatment with a Therapeutic can be assessed by measurement of various parameters of HIV infection and HIV associated disease. Specifically, the change in viral load can be determined by quantitative assays for plasma HIV-1 RNA using quantitative RT-PCR (Van Gemen, B., et al., 1994, J. Virol. Methods 49:157-168; Chen, Y. H., et al., 1992, AIDS 6:533-539) or by assays for viral production from isolated PBMCs. Viral production from PBMCs is determined by co-culturing PBMCs from the subject with H9 cells and subsequent measurement of HIV-1 titers using an ELISA assay for p24 antigen levels (Popovic, M., et al., 1984, Science 204:309-25 321). Another indicator of plasma HIV-1 levels and AIDS progression is the production of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-.alpha.; thus, efficacy of the Therapeutic can be assessed by ELISA tests for reduction of serum levels of any or all of these cytokines. Administration of the Therapeutic can also be evaluated by assessing changes in CD4⁺ T cell levels, body weight, or any other physical condition associated with HIV infection or AIDS or AIDS Related Complex (ARC). Reduction in HIV viral load or production, increase in CD4⁺ T cell or amelioration of HIV-associated symptoms demonstrates utility of a Therapeutic for administration in treatment/prevention of HIV infection.

5.6 Therapeutic Compositions and Methods of Administration

The invention provides methods of treatment and prevention by administration to a subject in need of such treatment of a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of a Therapeutic of the invention. The subject is preferably an animal, including, but not limited to, animals such as primates, monkeys, cows, pigs, horses, chickens, cats, dogs, etc., and is preferably a mammal, and most preferably human. In a specific embodiment, the subject is a human afflicted with HIV infection or related disorders. In a preferred embodiment, the Therapeutic is purified (i.e., separated from components with which it is associated in its natural environment).

Various delivery systems are known and can be used to administer a Therapeutic of the invention, e.g., encapsulation in liposomes, microparticles, microcapsules, recombinant cells capable of expressing the Therapeutic, receptor-mediated endocytosis (see, e.g., Wu and Wu, 1987, J. Biol. Chem. 262:4429-4432), construction of a Therapeutic nucleic acid as part of a retroviral or other vector, etc. Methods of introduction include but are not limited to intradermal, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intravenous, subcutaneous, intranasal, epidural, and oral routes. The compounds may be administered by any convenient route, for example by infusion or bolus injection, by absorption through epithelial or mucocutaneous linings (e.g., oral mucosa, rectal and intestinal mucosa, etc.) and may be administered together with other biologically active agents. Administration can be systemic or local. In addition, it may be desirable to introduce the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention into the central nervous system by any suitable route, including intraventricular and intrathecal injection; intraventricular injection may be facilitated by an intraventricular catheter, for example, attached to a reservoir, such as an Ommaya reservoir. Pulmonary administration can also be employed, e.g., by use of an inhaler or nebulizer, and formulation with an aerosolizing agent.

In a specific embodiment, it may be desirable to administer the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention locally to the area in need of treatment; this may be achieved, for example and not by way of limitation, by topical application, by injection, by means of a catheter, by means of a suppository, or by means of an implant, said implant being of a porous, non-porous, or gelatinous material, including membranes, such as sialastic membranes, or fibers.

In another embodiment, the Therapeutic can be delivered in a vesicle, in particular a liposome (see Langer, Science 249:1527-1533 (1990); Treat et al., in Liposomes in the Therapy of Infectious Disease and Cancer, Lopez-Berestein and Fidler (eds.), Liss, N.Y., pp. 353-365 (1989); Lopez-Berestein, ibid., pp. 317-327; see generally ibid.) In yet another embodiment, the Therapeutic can be delivered in a controlled release system. In one embodiment, a pump may be used (see Langer, supra; Sefton, CRC Crit. Ref. Biomed. Eng. 14:201 (1987); Buchwald et al., Surgery 88:507 (1980); Saudek et al., N. Engl. J. Med. 321:574 (1989)). In another embodiment, polymeric materials can be used (see Medical Applications of Controlled Release, Langer and Wise (eds.), CRC Pres., Boca Raton, Florida (1974); Controlled Drug Bioavailability, Drug Product Design and Performance, Smolen and Ball (eds.), Wiley, N.Y. (1984); Ranger and Peppas, J. Macromol. Sci. Rev. Macromol. Chem. 23:61 (1983); see also Levy et al., Science 228:190 (1985); During et al., Ann. Neurol. 25:351 (1989); Howard et al., J. Neurosurg. 71:105 (1989)). In yet another embodiment, a controlled release system can be placed in proximity of the therapeutic target, thus requiring only a fraction of the systemic dose (see, e.g., Goodson, in Medical Applications of Controlled Release, supra, vol. 2, pp. 115-138 (1984)).

Other controlled release systems are discussed in the review by Langer (Science 249:1527-1533 (1990)).

The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions. Such compositions comprise a therapeutically effective amount of a Therapeutic, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. As used herein, the term "pharmaceutically acceptable carrier" refers to a carrier medium that does not interfere with the effectiveness of the biological activity of the active ingredient, is chemically inert and is not toxic to the patient to whom it is administered. In a specific embodiment, the term "pharmaceutically acceptable" means approved by a regulatory agency of the Federal or a state government or listed in the U.S. Pharmacopeia or other generally recognized pharmacopeia for use in animals, and more particularly in humans. The term "carrier" refers to a diluent, adjuvant, excipient, or vehicle with which the Therapeutic is administered. Such pharmaceutical carriers can be sterile liquids, such as water and oils, including those of petroleum, animal, vegetable or synthetic origin, such as peanut oil, soybean oil, mineral oil, sesame oil and the like. Water is a preferred carrier when the pharmaceutical composition is administered intravenously. Saline solutions and aqueous dextrose and glycerol solutions can also be employed as liquid carriers, particularly for injectable solutions. Suitable pharmaceutical excipients include starch, glucose, lactose, sucrose, gelatin, malt, rice, flour, chalk, silica gel, sodium stearate, glycerol monostearate, talc, sodium chloride, dried skim milk, glycerol, propylene glycol, water, ethanol and the like. The composition, if desired, can also contain minor amounts of wetting or emulsifying agents, or pH buffering agents. These compositions can take the form of solutions, suspensions, emulsion, tablets, pills, capsules, powders, sustained-release formulations and the like. The composition can be formulated as a suppository, with traditional binders and carriers such as triglycerides. Oral formulation can include standard carriers such as pharmaceutical grades of mannitol, lactose, starch, magnesium stearate, sodium saccharine, cellulose, magnesium carbonate, etc. Examples of suitable pharmaceutical carriers are described in "Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences" by E. W. Martin. Such compositions will contain a therapeutically effective amount of the Therapeutic, preferably in purified form, together with a suitable amount of carrier so as to provide the form for proper administration to the patient. The formulation should suit the mode of administration.

In a preferred embodiment, the composition is formulated in accordance with routine procedures as a pharmaceutical composition adapted for intravenous administration to human beings. Typically, compositions for intravenous administration are solutions in sterile isotonic aqueous buffer. Where necessary, the composition may also include a solubilizing agent and a local anesthetic such as lignocaine to ease pain at the site of the injection. Generally, the ingredients are supplied either separately or mixed together in unit dosage form, for example, as a dry lyophilized powder or water free concentrate in a hermetically sealed container such as an ampoule or sachette indicating the quantity of active agent. Where the composition is to be administered by infusion, it can be dispensed with an infusion bottle containing sterile pharmaceutical grade water or saline. Where the composition is administered by injection, an ampoule of sterile water for injection or saline can be provided so that the ingredients may be mixed prior to administration.

The Therapeutics of the invention can be formulated as neutral or salt forms. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts include those formed with free amino groups such as those derived from hydrochloric, phosphoric, acetic, oxalic, tartaric acids, etc., and those formed with free carboxyl groups such as those derived from sodium, potassium, ammonium, calcium, ferric hydroxides, isopropylamine, triethylamine, 2-ethylamino ethanol, histidine, procaine, etc.

The amount of the Therapeutic of the invention which will be effective in the treatment of a particular disorder or condition will depend on the nature of the disorder or condition, and can be determined by standard clinical techniques. In addition, in vivo and/or in vitro assays may optionally be employed to help predict optimal dosage ranges. The precise dose to be employed in the formulation will also depend on the route of administration, and the seriousness of the disease or disorder, and should be decided according to the judgment of the practitioner and each patient's circumstances. Predicted suitable doses of a non-pyrogenic preparation of LPS or lipid A or derivatives or analogs thereof for treatment or prevention of HIV infection include, but are not limited to, 1 ng/kg to 2 mg/kg per week. Routes of administration of a Therapeutic include, but are not limited to, intramuscularly, subcutaneously or intravenously. Effective doses may be extrapolated from dose-response curves derived from in vitro or animal model test systems.

Suppositories generally contain active ingredient in the range of 0.5% to 10% by weight; oral formulations preferably contain 10% to 95% active ingredient.

Claim 1 of 17 Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An in vitro method of reducing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) replication in monocytes comprising introducing to the monocytes a composition comprising a variant lipopolysaccharide (LPS) component in an amount effective to reduce HIV replication therein, wherein the variant LPS is an isolated and purified LPS component obtained from a double mutant E. coli which is designated E coli htrB1::Tn10 msbB::.OMEGA.cam strain having ATCC Accession No. PTA-2794, wherein the LPS component has the following properties:

(a) exhibits reduced pyrogenicity relative to a wild-type E. coli lipopolysaccharide;

(b) stimulates .beta. chemokine secretion from the mononuclear cells;

(d) reduces replication of HIV in the monocytes

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