Biovation Limited

Merck Patent Gmbh

Fiona Suzanne Adair

Anita Anne Hamilton

Francis Joseph Carr

Graham Carter

Stephen Williams

A target protein is rendered less immunogenic to a given species by (a) determining at least part of the amino acid sequence of the target protein; (b) identifying in the amino acid sequence one or more potential epitopes for T-cells ('T-cell epitopes') of the given species; and (c) modifying the amino acid sequence to eliminate at least one of the T-cell epitopes identified in step (b) to reduce the immunogenicity of the protein when exposed to the immune system of the given species.

De-immunized streptokinase

Protein, or parts of proteins, may be rendered non-immunogenic, or less immunogenic, to a given species by identifying in their amino acid sequences one or more potential epitopes for T-cells of the given species and modifying the amino acid sequence to eliminate at least one of the T-cell epitopes. This eliminates or reduces the immunogenicity of the protein when exposed to the immune system of the given species. Monoclonal antibodies and other immunoglobulin-like molecules can particularly benefit from being de-immunised in this way: for example, mouse-derived immunoglobulins can be de-immunised for human therapeutic use.

Method for rendering streptokinase less immunogenic to a human

This invention provides methods of protein/polypeptide screening based on the provision of libraries of individual proteins/polypeptides, which in turn can be screened for a number of activities, including cell binding and biological activity. Methods for recovering genes encoding such proteins/polypeptides are also provided.

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Aberdeen, United Kingdom

Fiona Suzanne Adair