DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The invention herein is the discovery of a human monoclonal Fab that we have named IK17 that binds specifically to both OxLDL and MDA-LDL, but not native LDL, and uses of the Fab in the improved detection and treatment of atherosclerosis. This is the first discovery of an antibody that recognizes two forms of modified LDL. IK17 was isolated from a phage display library prepared from RNA from PMNCs from a donor with coronary heart disease. It was found to be specific to Cu-OxLDL and MDA-LDL by a number of direct and competition binding assays using purified LDL. It was also found to be highly effective in a macrophage uptake assay, inhibiting the phagocytosis of both OxLDL and apoptotic cells. Additionally, the Fab was found to be useful for labeling atherosclerotic plaques, both in vitro and in vivo. Radioactively labeled IK17 injected into mice was found to co-localize to atherosclerotic plaques as determined by Sudan staining.

[0018] IK17 was cloned from a combinatorial Fab library by methods known to those skilled in the art. Briefly, human plasma samples were screened for the presence of antibodies to OxLDL using a chemiluminescence assay (Hörkkö et al., 1996). A patient was identified as having a high antibody titer to MDA-LDL. PBMC were isolated from the patient and total RNA was extracted and used as a template to synthesize cDNA. The cDNA was used as a template for PCR amplification of the light and heavy chains, as described previously (Barbas and Lerner, 1991). Subsequently, 3 pairs of extension primers were used for secondary amplification to add restriction sites to each of the three classes of fragments, V-kappa, V-lambda, and VH.

[0019] PCR products of the expected size were cloned into the phage display vector pComb3H. The resultant phagemid DNA was transformed into XL-1 blue E. coli cells by electroporation. Clones were panned against MDA-LDL coated onto an ELISA plates. A suspension containing approximately 10⁹-10¹⁰ (100 μl) of recombinant phage was applied to each coated well and incubated at 37° C. for 1 hour. After incubation, the wells were washed, once after the first round of panning or 10 times after subsequent rounds to remove unbound phage. Bound phage were eluted and used to infect bacteria for amplification by methods well known to one skilled in the art. After the final round of panning, phagemid DNA was prepared to remove gene III which anchors Fab on the phage surface, by endonuclease digestion and religation. The resultant products were transformed into XL1 -blue cells to express soluble Fab by induction with isopropyl beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG). Cell lysates were prepared and ELISA assays were performed to analyze Fab production and MDA-LDL binding activity. For subsequent experiments, selected monoclonal Fabs were purified using an IgG(Fab) affinity column by methods known to one skilled in the art.

[0020] Plasmid DNA containing the VH and VL genes of the Fab was isolated from cells and sequenced using an automated sequencer. Nucleotide sequences were analyzed using the EMBL/GenBank database. Analysis revealed that the repertoire of Fab of the invention light chain uses a v-kappa 3 family gene (Vg/38κ/L6) with the rearrangement to Jκ2. The repertoire of heavy chain uses a VH3 family gene, 3-23NH26c/DP47, with the rearrangement to JH4b.

[0021] The binding specificity of affinity purified Fab was studied by analyzing binding of the purified protein to MDA-LDL, Cu-OxLDL, and native LDL as well as a panel of unrelated protein and nucleic acid antigens, using both direct binding and competition assays. The binding of the Fab was found to be specific to MDA-LDL and Cu-OxLDL, with a preference for MDA-LDL with an affinity of 37 nM. The Fab did not bind significantly to 4-HNE-LDL, nor did it bind to non-specific MDA modified proteins. The Fab was capable of binding both the lipid and protein fractions of the Cu-OxLDL, but did not bind the native LDL, either whole or fractionated

[0022] The ability of the Fab to localize to atherosclerotic plaques makes it ideal for use in a method for detection of atherosclerotic lesions. The Fab can be produced easily and inexpensively in large quantities, as opposed to antibodies produced from hybridoma cell lines. Additionally, hybridoma lines may be unstable and decrease antibody expression levels over time. As there are no IgG type molecules in the E. coli in which the Fab is produced, purification can be carried out in a single affinity purification step. The antibody can be linked to radioisotopes, paramagnetic labels, echogenic liposomes, or other appropriate agents that can be detected by imaging methods, and injected into the host intravenously. After an appropriate time, imaging can be performed, either whole body for diagnostic purposes or locally at specific sites, such as carotid artery, in a quantitative manner to assess the hosts response to a treatment regimen.

[0023] LDL and apoptotic cells accumulate at the site of atherosclerotic lesions and likely contribute to the pathology of the disease. However, they could be exploited as a means for targeting drugs to lesions. Drugs for the treatment of atherosclerosis could be targeted to the appropriate site by linking them to the IK17, which in turn binds to its unique, oxidation specific epitope in the lesion. Such a method could be used to reduce the effective dose of drugs currently being used for atherosclerosis by targeting them to and retaining them at the site of lesions. Additionally it could be used to target therapeutic agents with desired activities that were found to be cleared to rapidly to be effective.

[0024] As noted above, it was demonstrated that in animal models of atherosclerosis, immunization with MDA-LDL could ameliorate the progression of the disease. IK17 could be administered as a protein or it could be administered using a gene therapy vector, as a means to ameliorate the progression of atherosclerosis.

[0025] As the sequence of IK17 is cloned it could be easily manipulated for a number of purposes. The coding sequence for linker amino acids, such as lysine or cystiene could be added for modification of IK17 with imaging or therapeutic agents. The pharmacodynamic properties of the antibody could be changes to increase stability, plasma clearance and tissue uptake. The sequences of the antigen recognition region could be mutagenized and subjected to additional rounds of screening with phage display against different model compounds to identify other OxLDL binding antibodies.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] The preferred embodiments of the invention are described below. All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to illustrate known methods and/or materials which may be of use in, but not essential to, the practice of the invention.

Preparation of Combinatorial Fab Library and Cloning of an OxLDL Specific Fab

[0027] Plasma from patients was screened for the presence of antibodies to epitopes of OxLDL using a highly sensitive chemiluminescent immunoassay (Hörkkö et al., 1996). Antigens used for screening included Cu-OxLDL and MDA-LDL as model epitopes and native LDL as a negative control. These antigens were prepared as described (Palinski et al, 1996). A patient who had serious coronary artery disease was identified as having a high antibody titer to MDA-LDL.

[0028] Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from the patient and total RNA was isolated using RNA STAT-60 (Tel-Test) per the manufacturer's instructions. cDNA was synthesized with oligo dT primer using the Superscript II cDNA Synthesis Kit (Gibco-BRL). PCR reactions were carried out using the cDNA as template. Seventeen pairs of primers, including 4 pairs for immunoglobulin light chain of V-kappa genes and 5 pairs for V-lambda genes, as well as 5 pairs for variable regions of heavy chain (VH genes), as described previously (Barbas and Lerner, 1991). Additionally, 3 pairs of extension primers were used for secondary amplification to add restriction sites to V-kappa, V-lambda, and VH.

[0029] PCR products of the expected size were cloned into the phage display vector pComb3H by two steps: the V-kappa or V-lambda fragments were cloned into the SacI and XbaI sites of the vector first, followed by the cloning of the of the VH product into the XhoI and SpeI sites. The resultant phagemid DNA was transformed into XL-1 blue E. coli cells by electroporation. Clones were panned against MDA-LDL coated onto an ELISA plate. A suspension containing approximately 10⁹-10¹⁰ (100 μl ) of recombinant phage was applied to each coated well and incubated at 37° C. for 1 hour. After incubation, the wells were washed, once after the first round of panning or 10 times after subsequent rounds, with boric buffered saline (BBS) with 1% BSA. Bound phage were eluted with acetic acid (pH 2.0) and neutralized with 2M Tris buffer (pH 8.5). The eluent from each panning was used to infect bacteria for amplification by methods well known to one in the art.

[0030] After the final round of panning, phagemid DNA was prepared from infected bacteria. The DNA was digested with SpeI and NheI, gel purified, self-ligated, and transformed into XL1-blue cells.

[0031] Cultures were grown and Fab expression was induced with isopropyl beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG). Cell lysates were prepared and ELISA assays were performed to analyze Fab production and MDA-LDL binding activity. For subsequent experiments, selected monoclonal Fabs were purified against an IgG(Fab) affinity column by methods known to one skilled in the art.

Sequence Analysis of Anti MDA-LDL Clones

[0032] Cultures were grown and plasmid DNA was isolated for sequencing using an automated sequencer (ABI Prism). Nucleotide sequences were analyzed using the EMBL/GenBank database. Analysis revealed that the repertoire of Fab of the invention light chain uses a v-kappa 3 family gene (Vg/38κ/L6) with the rearrangement to Jκ2. The repertoire of heavy chain uses a VH3 family gene, 3-23NH26c/DP47, with the rearrangement to JH4b.

Macrophage OxLDL Binding Assay

[0033] To confirm the capacity of the Fab to inhibit binding of OxLDL to macrophage scavenger receptors, a macrophage binding assay was performed. Mouse peritoneal macrophages were elicited by intraperitoneal injection fo 2 ml of thioglycollate medium (Difco Laboratories) three days prior to harvesting the cells by saline lavage. The macrophages were plate in 24-well clustered dishes at a density of 1×10⁶ cells per well in RPMI 1640 supplemented with 5% fetal calf serum (FCS). Non-adherent cells were removed after three hours and the medium was replaced for overnight incubation.

[0034] The binding or degradation of ¹²⁵I-Cu-OxLDL to macrophages was determined using methods of Goldstein et al. as previously described (Hörrkö, et al., 1999).

[0035] For the binding assay, cells were kept on ice for the entire procedure to prevent the internalization of the OxLDL. Cells were incubated at 4° C. for 30 minutes in serum free media before the addition of ¹²⁵I-Cu-OxLDL in the absence or presence of competitors including non-radioactive Cu-OxLDL, a mouse monoclonal directed against OxLDL, the Fab of the invention, and human IgG Fab. After three hours, cells were washed with ice cold PBS with 1% BSA and then solubilized in 0.2 N NaOH. Aliquots were removed for quanitfication of protein and radioactivity.

[0036] IK17 was able to inhibit the binding of the ¹²⁵I-Cu-OxLDL to the macrophages efficiently (70-85%) in a dose dependent manner. The binding of ¹²⁵I-Cu-OxLDL was not effected by the presence of the non-specific human IgG Fab, demonstrating that the inhibition was specific and that IK17 could effectively mask the epitope on the OxLDL that was seen by the scavenger receptors.

Macrophage OxLDL Degradation Assay

[0037] Macrophages were harvested and plated by the same method as in the binding assay above. Specific concentrations of ¹²⁵I-Cu-OxLDL or ¹²⁵I-MDA-LDL in serum free media was added to each well in the absence or presence of competitors for 5 hours at 37° C. The amount of lipoprotein degraded was determined by the amount of ¹²⁵I-labeled trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-soluble (noniodide) material present in the medium. IK17 inhibited the degradation of ¹²⁵I-Cu-OxLDL by macrophages by 50-65% in a concentration specific manner. The degradation of ¹²⁵I-Cu-OxLDL and ¹²⁵I-MDA-LDL were not effected by the presence of the non-specific human IgG Fab, demonstrating that the inhibition was specific and that IK17 could effectively mask the epitope on the OxLDL that was seen by the scavenger receptors.

[0038] In both the binding and degradation assays, the amount of lipoprotein bound or degraded was calculated as per mg of cell protein and the result expressed as % of control in the absence of any competitor.

Binding of IK17 to Apoptotic Cells and Inhibition of Macrophage Uptake

[0039] FACScan: Dexamethasone treated apoptotic thymocytes were harvested and washed in ice cold PBS with 0.1% BSA. 1×10⁶ cells were incubated with 50 μg/ml of IK17 or an isotype matched control human IgG(Fab) in PBS with 0.1% BSA at 4° C. for 20 minutes, washed and then incubated in for another 20 minutes with 10-20 μg/ml of propidium iodide (PI) and immediately analyzed by fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis. PI staining allows for the separation of apoptotic and viable cells. The sorted cells were further analyzed for their ability to bind IK17. IK17 was found to bind apoptotic cells, but not viable cells indicating that cells undergoing apoptosis display epitopes recognized by IK17.

[0040] Phagocytosis assay: Phagocytosis of apoptotic thymocytes was determined as described by Chang et al., 1999. Macrophages were elicited and plated as described above. Cells were treated with dexamethasone and and suspended in 0.5 ml of PBS with 0.1% BSA and labeled with Calcein AM^R from Molecular Probes for 15 minutes at 37° C. Cells were washed and resuspended in supplemented DMEM. To assess phagocytosis, labeled apoptotic thymocytes were added to macrophage containing wells in the absence or presence of IK17 or non-human Fab as competitor, and incubated at 37° C. for 90 min. Wells were washed. Macrophages were harvested and fixed. Fluorescence was analyzed by FACS. Cells were sorted by size to select for macrophages and not smaller cells. Fluorescent labeling of macrophages indicated the uptake of the labeled apoptotic cells. These studies revealed that the uptake of apoptotic cells was inhibited by 43% by IK17, indicating that IK17 is able to mask the epitope on apoptotic cells that is recognized by macrophage scavenger receptors.

Immunohistochemistry

[0041] Immunohistochemistry was performed on lesions of various stages from human and rabbit arteries. Sections from most of these tissues have been used previously in a number of studies and characterized in terms of the presence of macrophages and oxidation specific epitopes. Tissues were obtained during surgery or autopsy and fixed, sectioned, and stained by methods known to one skilled in the art. Staining of atherosclerotic lesions in human and rabbit arteries indicated that the epitopes recognized by IK17 occur mostly in the necrotic core. Macrophage-rich early lesions and shoulder areas of transitional lesions showed very little IK17 staining. Only a few human coronary lesions contained pockets of weak cellular staining. In contrast, strong IK17 staining was found in necrotic areas of advanced lesions of human coronary arteries and in the core of classical atheromas in human brain arteries. Similarly, in aortas from a rabbit model system of atherosclerosis, IK17 stained necrotic areas whereas only weak staining of early lesions and superficial macrophages was detected.

[0042] These results are in contrast to staining patterns obtained with antisera and Mabs against oxidation specific epitopes that had been induced by immunization with homologous oxidized LDL or with natural Mabs cloned from atherosclerotic apo E^-/- mice. All of these antibodies consistently showed stronger macrophage-associated and diffuse extracellular staining in early lesions in humans, rabbits, and mice with relatively weaker staining in necrotic areas.

Optimization of IK17 for Use

[0043] The cDNA that codes for IK17 can be readily manipulated in a randomized or directed manner to optimize it for use in imaging and other applications. Coding sequences for linkers to attach labeling reagents, small molecules, or pharmaceuticals can be engineered into the cDNA. Additionally, IK17 itself can be modified to improve stability, increase plasma elimination rate to decrease background and increased tissue uptake rate. The coding sequence can be subjected to mutagenesis and screened against model compounds other than MDA-LDL to obtain antibodies that have slightly different specificities. Modifications can be made to optimize expression levels in the system of choice.

Conversion of IK17 into scFv

[0044] After analyzing the cDNA sequence of IK17, PCR primers were designed to create a human scFv from the parental pComb3H vector that harbors the cDNA for VL and VH genes of IK17. To amplify the variable gene rearrangements, one VH (400 base pair) amplification and one Vk (350 bp) amplification was performed. The products of each reaction were separately pooled and ethanol precipitated. To perform an overlap PCR, aliquots of the Vk product were mixed with equal amounts of the VH product. The primers were created with identical sequences in the downstream portion of the Vk products and the upstream portion of the VH products to enable the creation of in-frame genes encoding scFv by overlap PCR. A 750 bp product for the Vk-linker-VH product was confirmed and was agarose gel size fractionated. The Vk-linker-VH sequence was then subcloned into Sfi site of prokaryotic expression vector pARA, which has an arabinose inducible promoter for high level expression and a polyhistidine tag for affinity purification using a nickel column. The sequence of scFv IK17 has been determined and consists of entire Vk region and entire VH region (125 amino acids each) connected by a seven amino acid linker having a molecular weight of approximately 30 kD. Immunology testing has shown that scFv IK17 has very similar binding properties as Fab IK17. In addition, scFv IK17 displays 50 to 500 greater binding activity to Cu-OxLDL and MDA-LDL than that of its parent Fab as assayed by chemiluminescent ELISA.

Labeling Technique for Noninvasive Imaging

[0045] IK17 can be genetically or chemically engineered to contain ^99mTc binding sites for nuclear scintigraphy imaging. In vivo SPECT imaging can be carried out in a number of hosts atherosclerosis. Because nuclear scintigraphy may not have ideal resolution to detect small lesions, IK17 can be labeled with gadolinium or echogenic liposomes for magnetic resonance and transvascular or intravascular ultrasound imaging, respectively.

Conjugation of Human MAbs to Echogenic Liposomes for Transvascular Enhancement of Atherosclerotic Lesions

[0046] Recently, antibody-conjugated echogenic liposomes have been developed for site-specific intravascular (30 MHz) and transvascular (15 MHz) image enhancement. Anti-fibrinogen and anti-intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (anti-ICAM-1) antibodies have been conjugated to acoustically reflective liposomes and images obtained in animal models of thrombi and atherosclerotic lesions. These acoustic liposomes consist of a 60:8:2:30 molar mixture of phosphatidylcholine:phosphatidyl-ethanolamine: phosphatidylglycerol:cholesterol and are prepared by a dehydration/rehydration mixture. They are multilamellar with well separated lipid bilayers and internal vesicles which confers echogenicity. Their mean size is ˜800 nm as measured by quasielastic light scattering. These liposomes are stable in circulation, do not trap gas, pass through pulmonary capillaries and retain their properties at 37° C., even after conjugation with antibodies. The antibodies are thiolated with N-succinimidyl-3-(2-pyridyldithio) propionate, reduced, and conjugated with the liposomes by creating a thioether linkage between the antibody and phospholipid. The conjugated antibodies are stable and have a long shelf half-life. Atherosclerotic lesions are known to have increased permeability, which enhances penetration into the deeper areas of the plaque. Plaques with the thinnest “caps”—the endothelial/smooth muscle cell barrier overlying the atheroma—and the ones most vulnerable to rupture, are also the most permeable. Imaging is carried out as described below.

Gadolinium(Gd³⁺)-Labeled scFv Antibodies

[0047] An alternative imaging method that provides enhanced resolution (<0.5 mm), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is evaluated by Gd³⁺-labeling IK17 as a contrast agent. MRI has the advantages of rapid acquisition, increased resolution, absence of radioactivity and the ability to image the vessel wall without interference from signal in the vessel lumen. However, because free Gd³⁺ as a contrast agent is toxic, it is used in clinical MRI imaging bound to diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA). Precedent exists for conjugating Gd³⁺ to MAbs by reacting cyclic-diaminetriaminepentaacetic acid anhydride (c-DTPA) with the MAb. Initial attempts using this technique were suboptimal but subsequent studies have shown that polylysine-DTPA-Gd³⁺-coupl ed antibodies can be used for tumour imaging with up to 30 Gd³⁺ ions conjugated without significantly affecting antigen affinity. Previous studies using Gd³⁺-labeled MAbs have either directly bound Gd³⁺ to available NH2 groups or chemically conjugated polylysine. The natural site for coupling DTPA is limited in scFv (single chain antibody) molecules. Therefore, we genetical fused several clusters of polylysine groups (6-30 in length) to the N-terminal or C-terminal of scFv MAb and react this with c-DTPA. Although other amino groups may potentially react, the availability of polylysine in the tail of the molecule should allow preferential site-directed labeling. The bioengineering of the polylysine site was done by PCR using primers encoding six lysine residues and restriction site for cloning at both 5′ and 3′ ends.

Imaging with ^99mTc-Labeled MAb

[0048] ^99mTc-labeling of oxidation specific antibodies has been previously described (Tsimikas et al., 1999). ^99mTc-IK17 intravenously injected into atherosclerotic and normal mice and rabbits and is analyzed for the pharmacokinetics, organ distribution and aortic plaque uptake. For in vivo imaging, 1-5 mCi are intravenously injected in hypercholesterolemia prone rabbits and imaging performed with a dual detector ADAC vertex model gamma camera set to a 20% window for ^99mTc (VXUR collimator) equipped with ADAC Pegasys computer software. In vivo images planar (anterior, posterior and 45° oblique positions) and SPECT will be acquired on a 256×256×12 matrix for a minimum of 1×10⁶ counts at 10 minutes post injection. Repeat imaging is be performed for 3-500,000 counts at various timepoints based on the optimal target to background ratio derived from in vivo uptake data. Imaging studies using whole Mab often had a low signal to noise ratio due to the prolonged half-life of the ^99mTc-MAb in the circulation. Injections of the antigen, prior to imaging speed plasma clearance of the antibody, reducing the background for imaging. The use of Fab, scFv, or smaller fragments, can abrogate this problem under certain imaging conditions as the Fabs and scFvs have a very short half lifes (<30 minutes) and injection of antigen may not be required. When the signal to noise ratio is not favorable, injections of MDA-LDL, Cu-OxLDL, or other appropriate antigen is injected to clear the background signal.

Imaging with Gd³⁺-labeled MAb

[0049] Labeling of Gd³⁺ to the antibody-DTPA complex has been previously described (Lister-James, et al, 1996; Wu et al, 1995). In vivo uptake assays are carried out with ¹⁵³Gd-IK17 in mice and rabbits and the pharmacokinetics, biodistribution and aortic plaque uptake of IK17 is determined. In vivo imaging will then be performed in rabbits with a 1.5 T GE MRI scanner with a small surface coil

Transvascular Enhancement of Atherosclerotic Lesions with Echogenic Liposomes Conjugated with MAb

[0050] Native IK17 or IK17 modified by the addition of cysteines to the C- or N-terminus of the protein is thiolated and conjugated to liposomes. A 12 MHz imaging catheter (Acuson) is used for imaging (resolution <1 mm). Rabbits prescreened for evidence of lesion and are injected with 2-4 ml of MAb-conjugated liposomes, unconjugated liposomes and normal saline. Videodensitometric analysis of liposome brightness is then be carried out to assess uptake.

In Vivo Plaque Uptake Assay to Determine Presence or Progression/Regression of Atherosclerotic Lesions

[0051] To assess atherosclerotic lesions in vivo, labeled IK17 is injected into humans or animals having, or suspected of having, atherosclerotic disease. After a predetermined amount of time, dependent upon the stability of the labeling reagent, the type of imaging to be performed (local or whole body) and pharmacokinetic considerations, imaging is performed. To assess the efficacy of a treatment regimen, localized quantitative imaging is performed (e.g. with SPECT). To determine if disease is present anywhere in the body, full body imaging is performed. By the use of radioactive tracers on IK17, the progression or regression of plaques can be monitored quantitatively over the course of treatment with repeated imaging at desired intervals.

Intravascular Imaging of Lesions

[0052] Presently available methods of angiography could be combined with the use of labeled IK17 for enhanced imaging. The limitations of angiography were discussed above. Labeling of plaques before imaging would allow for the detection of smaller and more diffuse plaques that do not yet occlude the artery. IK17 labeled with ^99mTc, gamma radiation or echogenic liposomes could be detected intravascularly by the use of catheters. This would increase the prognostic value of the method by providing a means to determine the composition of the lesion.

In Vitro Assay for the Presence of Atherosclerosis

[0053] To determine if OxLDL forms recognized by IK17 are present in the serum of hosts suspected of having atherosclerotic disease, a sensitive, double-layered sandwich chemiluminescent immunoassays were developed. For example, an antiserum which binds to apo B, a component of LDL, was coated onto the bottom of a microtiter plate. A series of dilutions of plasma is added to allow binding of LDL, the middle of the sandwich. After extensive washing, an appropriate dilution of IK17 Fab is added as the top layer of the sandwich. The presence of IK17 Fab is detected using an alkaline phosphatase linked Fab specific anti-human antibody which is in turn detected by a colormetric, luminescent or fluorescent assay. In a similar manner, an antiserum to human apoA1 can be used as the bottom layer to caputer HDL from plasma and allow the subsequent determination of IK17 epitopes in HDL. Finally, IK17 can be used as both top and bottom of the sandwich to obtain a measure of total IK17 epitopes.

Targeting of Atherosclerotic Drugs

[0054] One of the most challenging aspects of the development of pharmaceuticals is drug delivery. By the use of IK17, drugs for the treatment of atherosclerosis can be targeted to the required site of action, the atherosclerotic lesion. A panel of drugs are presently available for the treatment of atherosclerosis that work at the site of the lesion include thrombolytic agents, antioxidants, antimetalloproteinases, and immunomodulators. By targeting these drugs to their specific site of action, the active dose, and therefore the side effects, can be reduced. Additionally, active drugs with unfavorable pharmacokinetics can be linked to IK17 to improve their targeting to the plaque.

Development of Atherosclerotic Drugs

[0055] Immunization of LDLR^-/- mice with OxLDL reduced the severity of the disease suggesting that antibodies of anti-OxLDL antibodies could be useful as therapeutic reagents. The Fab can be delivered directly or by means of a gene therapy vector as IK17 is expressed from a single gene.

[0056] A possible mechanism of action for the antibody is that by blocking the uptake of the OxLDL by macrophages, the formation of foam cells is inhibited and the progression of the disease is decreased. The binding site of IK17 for the OxLDL can be determined by direct structure determination or modeling, and used as a starting point for the development of small molecules to inhibit the uptake of OxLDL by macrophages.

Photodynamic Therapy

[0057] IK17 can be labeled with photodynamic compounds that emit energy upon stimulation with an appropriate wavelength of light that can be administered by the use of a catheterized light source. Activation of the compound may ablate the atherosclerotic plaque or inhibit the growth of the plaque.

REFERENCES

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[0066] Although an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been described above by way of example only, it will be understood by those skilled in the field that modifications may be made to the disclosed embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.