Pharmaceutical compositions of glycoconjugates

[0001] Most naturally occurring peptides contain carbohydrate moieties attached to the peptide via specific linkages to a select number of amino acids along the length of the primary peptide chain. Thus, many naturally occurring peptides are termed “glycopeptides.” The variability of the glycosylation pattern on any given peptide has enormous implications for the function of that peptide. For example, the structure of the N-linked glycans on a peptide can impact various characteristics of the peptide, including the protease susceptibility, intracellular trafficking, secretion, tissue targeting, biological half-life and antigenicity of the peptide in a cell or organism. The alteration of one or more of these characteristics greatly affects the efficacy of a peptide in its natural setting, and also affects the efficacy of the peptide as a therapeutic agent in situations where the peptide has been generated for that purpose.

[0002] The carbohydrate structure attached to the peptide chain is known as a “glycan” molecule. The specific glycan structure present on a peptide affects the solubility and aggregation characteristics of the peptide, the folding of the primary peptide chain and therefore its functional or enzymatic activity, the resistance of the peptide to proteolytic attack and the control of proteolysis leading to the conversion of inactive forms of the peptide to active forms. Importantly, terminal sialic acid residues present on the glycan molecule affect the length of the half life of the peptide in the mammalian circulatory system. Peptides whose glycans do not contain terminal sialic acid residues are rapidly removed from the circulation by the liver, an event which negates any potential therapeutic benefit of the peptide.

[0003] The glycan structures found in naturally occurring glycopeptides are typically divided into two classes, N-linked and O-linked glycans.

[0004] Peptides expressed in eukaryotic cells are typically N-glycosylated on asparagine residues at sites in the peptide primary structure containing the sequence asparagine-X-serine/threonine where X can be any amino acid except proline and aspartic acid. The carbohydrate portion of such peptides is known as an N-linked glycan. The early events of N-glycosylation occur in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and are identical in mammals, plants, insects and other higher eukaryotes. First, an oligosaccharide chain comprising fourteen sugar residues is constructed on a lipid carrier molecule. As the nascent peptide is translated and translocated into the ER, the entire oligosaccharide chain is transferred to the amide group of the asparagine residue in a reaction catalyzed by a membrane bound glycosyltransferase enzyme. The N-linked glycan is further processed both in the ER and in the Golgi apparatus. The further processing generally entails removal of some of the sugar residues and addition of other sugar residues in reactions catalyzed by glycosylases and glycosyltransferases specific for the sugar residues removed and added.

[0005] Typically, the final structures of the N-linked glycans are dependent upon the organism in which the peptide is produced. For example, in general, peptides produced in bacteria are completely unglycosylated. Peptides expressed in insect cells contain high mannose, paunci-mannose N-linked oligosaccharide chains, among others. Peptides produced in mammalian cell culture are usually glycosylated differently depending, e.g., upon the species and cell culture conditions. Even in the same species and under the same conditions, a certain amount of heterogeneity in the glycosyl chain is sometimes encountered. Further, peptides produced in plant cells comprise glycan structures that differ significantly from those produced in animal cells. The dilemma in the art of the production of recombinant peptides, particularly when the peptides are to be used as therapeutic agents, is to be able to generate peptides that are correctly glycosylated, i.e., to be able to generate a peptide having a glycan structure that resembles, or is identical to that present on the naturally occurring form of the peptide. Most peptides produced by recombinant means comprise glycan structures that are different from the naturally occurring glycans.

[0006] A variety of methods have been proposed in the art to customize the glycosylation pattern of a peptide including those described in WO 99/22764, WO 98/58964, WO 99/54342 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,047,335, among others. Essentially, many of the enzymes required for the in vitro glycosylation of peptides have been cloned and sequenced. In some instances, these enzymes have been used in vitro to add specific sugars to an incomplete glycan molecule on a peptide. In other instances, cells have been genetically engineered to express a combination of enzymes and desired peptides such that addition of a desired sugar moiety to an expressed peptide occurs within the cell.

[0007] Peptides may also be modified by addition of O-linked glycans, also called mucin-type glycans because of their prevalence on mucinous glycopeptide. Unlike N-glycans that are linked to asparagine residues and are formed by en bloc transfer of oligosaccharide from lipid-bound intermediates, O-glycans are linked primarily to serine and threonine residues and are formed by the stepwise addition of sugars from nucleotide sugars (Tanner et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta. 906:81-91 (1987); and Hounsell et al., Glycoconj. J. 13:19-26 (1996)). Peptide function can be affected by the structure of the O-linked glycans present thereon. For example, the activity of P-selectin ligand is affected by the O-linked glycan structure present thereon. For a review of O-linked glycan structures, see Schachter and Brockhausen, The Biosynthesis of Branched O-Linked Glycans, 1989, Society for Experimental Biology, pp. 1-26 (Great Britain). Other glycosylation patterns are formed by linking glycosylphosphatidylinositol to the carboxyl-terminal carboxyl group of the protein (Takeda et al., Trends Biochem. Sci. 20:367-371 (1995); and Udenfriend et al., Ann. Rev. Biochem. 64:593-591 (1995).

[0008] Although various techniques currently exist to modify the N-linked glycans of peptides, there exists in the art the need for a generally applicable method of producing peptides having a desired, i.e., a customized glycosylation pattern. There is a particular need in the art for the customized in vitro glycosylation of peptides, where the resulting peptide can be produced at industrial scale. This and other needs are met by the present invention.

[0009] The administration of glycosylated and non-glycosylated peptides for engendering a particular physiological response is well known in the medicinal arts. Among the best known peptides utilized for this purpose is insulin, which is used to treat diabetes. Enzymes have also been used for their therapeutic benefits. A major factor, which has limited the use of therapeutic peptides is the immunogenic nature of most peptides. In a patient, an immunogenic response to an administered peptide can neutralize the peptide and/or lead to the development of an allergic response in the patient. Other deficiencies of therapeutic peptides include suboptimal potency and rapid clearance rates. The problems inherent in peptide therapeutics are recognized in the art, and various methods of eliminating the problems have been investigated. To provide soluble peptide therapeutics, synthetic polymers have been attached to the peptide backbone.

[0010] Poly(ethylene glycol) (“PEG”) is an exemplary polymer that has been conjugated to peptides. The use of PEG to derivatize peptide therapeutics has been demonstrated to reduce the immunogenicity of the peptides and prolong the clearance time from the circulation. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,179,337 (Davis et al.) concerns non-immunogenic peptides, such as enzymes and peptide hormones coupled to polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polypropylene glycol. Between 10 and 100 moles of polymer are used per mole peptide and at least 15% of the physiological activity is maintained.

[0011] WO 93/15189 (Veronese et al.) concerns a method to maintain the activity of polyethylene glycol-modified proteolytic enzymes by linking the proteolytic enzyme to a macromolecularized inhibitor. The conjugates are intended for medical applications.

[0012] The principal mode of attachment of PEG, and its derivatives, to peptides is a non-specific bonding through a peptide amino acid residue. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,088,538 discloses an enzymatically active polymer-enzyme conjugate of an enzyme covalently bound to PEG. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,496,689 discloses a covalently attached complex of α-1 protease inhibitor with a polymer such as PEG or methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) (“mPEG”). Abuchowski et al. (J. Biol. Chem. 252: 3578 (1977) discloses the covalent attachment of mPEG to an amine group of bovine serum albumin. U.S. Pat. No. 4,414,147 discloses a method of rendering interferon less hydrophobic by conjugating it to an anhydride of a dicarboxylic acid, such as poly(ethylene succinic anhydride). PCT WO 87/00056 discloses conjugation of PEG and poly(oxyethylated) polyols to such proteins as interferon-β, interleukin-2 and immunotoxins. EP 154,316 discloses and claims chemically modified lympholines, such as IL-2 containing PEG bonded directly to at least one primary amino group of the lymphokine. U.S. Pat. No. 4,055,635 discloses pharmaceutical compositions of a water-soluble complex of a proteolytic enzyme linked covalently to a polymeric substance such as a polysaccharide.

[0013] Another mode of attaching PEG to peptides is through the non-specific oxidation of glycosyl residues on a peptide. The oxidized sugar is utilized as a locus for attaching a PEG moiety to the peptide. For example M'Timkulu (WO 94/05332) discloses the use of a hydrazine- or amino-PEG to add PEG to a glycoprotein. The glycosyl moieties are randomly oxidized to the corresponding aldehydes, which are subsequently coupled to the amino-PEG.

[0014] In each of the methods described above, poly(ethylene glycol) is added in a random, non-specific manner to reactive residues on a peptide backbone. For the production of therapeutic peptides, it is clearly desirable to utilize a derivatization strategy that results in the formation of a specifically labeled, readily characterizable, essentially homogeneous product.

[0015] Two principal classes of enzymes are used in the synthesis of carbohydrates, glycosyltransferases (e.g., sialyltransferases, oligosaccharyltransferases, N-acetylglucosaminyltransferases), and glycosidases. The glycosidases are further classified as exoglycosidases (e.g., β-mannosidase, β-glucosidase), and endoglycosidases (e.g. Endo-A, Endo-M). Each of these classes of enzymes has been successfully used synthetically to prepare carbohydrates. For a general review, see, Crout et al., Curr. Opin. Chem. Biol. 2: 98-111 (1998).

[0016] Glycosyltransferases modify the oligosaccharide structures on peptides. Glycosyltransferases are effective for producing specific products with good stereochemical and regiochemical control. Glycosyltransferases have been used to prepare oligosaccharides and to modify terminal N- and O-linked carbohydrate structures, particularly on peptides produced in mammalian cells. For example, the terminal oligosaccharides of glycopeptides have been completely sialylated and/or fucosylated to provide more consistent sugar structures, which improves glycopeptide pharmacodynamics and a variety of other biological properties. For example, β-1,4-galactosyltransferase is used to synthesize lactosamine, an illustration of the utility of glycosyltransferases in the synthesis of carbohydrates (see, e.g., Wong et al., J. Org. Chem. 47: 5416-5418 (1982)). Moreover, numerous synthetic procedures have made use of α-sialyltransferases to transfer sialic acid from cytidine-5′-monophospho-N-acetylneuraminic acid to the 3-OH or 6-OH of galactose (see, e.g. Kevin et al., Chem. Eur. J. 2: 1359-1362 (1996)). Fucosyltransferases are used in synthetic pathways to transfer a fucose unit from guanosine-5′-diphosphofucose to a specific hydroxyl of a saccharide acceptor. For example, Ichikawa prepared sialyl Lewis-X by a method that involves the fucosylation of sialylated lactosamine with a cloned fucosyltransferase (Ichikawa et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 114: 9283-9298 (1992)). For a discussion of recent advances in glycoconjugate synthesis for therapeutic use see, Koefler et al., Nature Biotechnology 18: 835-841 (2000). See also, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,876,980; 6,030,815; 5,728,554; 5,922,577; and WO/9831826.

[0017] Glycosidases can also be used to prepare saccharides. Glycosidases normally catalyze the hydrolysis of a glycosidic bond. However, under appropriate conditions, they can be used to form this linkage. Most glycosidases used for carbohydrate synthesis are exoglycosidases; the glycosyl transfer occurs at the non-reducing terminus of the substrate. The glycosidase binds a glycosyl donor in a glycosyl-enzyme intermediate that is either intercepted by water to yield the hydrolysis product, or by an acceptor, to generate a new glycoside or oligosaccharide. An exemplary pathway using an exoglycosidase is the synthesis of the core trisaccharide of all N-linked glycopeptides, including the β-mannoside linkage, which is formed by the action of β-mannosidase (Singh et al., Chem. Commun. 993-994 (1996)).

[0018] In another exemplary application of the use of a glycosidase to form a glycosidic linkage, a mutant glycosidase has been prepared in which the normal nucleophilic amino acid within the active site is changed to a non-nucleophilic amino acid. The mutant enzyme does not hydrolyze glycosidic linkages, but can still form them. Such a mutant glycosidase is used to prepare oligosaccharides using an α-glycosyl fluoride donor and a glycoside acceptor molecule (Withers et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,716,812).

[0019] Although their use is less common than that of the exoglycosidases, endoglycosidases are also utilized to prepare carbohydrates. Methods based on the use of endoglycosidases have the advantage that an oligosaccharide, rather than a monosaccharide, is transferred. Oligosaccharide fragments have been added to substrates using endo-β-N-acetylglucosamines such as endo-F, endo-M (Wang et al., Tetrahedron Lett. 37: 1975-1978); and Haneda et al., Carbohydr. Res. 292: 61-70 (1996)).

[0020] In addition to their use in preparing carbohydrates, the enzymes discussed above are applied to the synthesis of glycopeptides as well. The synthesis of a homogenous glycoform of ribonuclease B has been published (Witte K et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 119: 2114-2118 (1997)). The high mannose core of ribonuclease B was cleaved by treating the glycopeptide with endoglycosidase H. The cleavage occurred specifically between the two core GlcNAc residues. The tetrasaccharide sialyl Lewis X was then enzymatically rebuilt on the remaining GlcNAc anchor site on the now homogenous protein by the sequential use of β-1,4-galactosyltransferase, α-2,3-sialyltransferase and α-1,3-facosyltransferase V. However, while each enzymatically catalyzed step proceeded in excellent yield, such procedures have not been adapted for the generation of glycopeptides on an industrial scale.

[0021] Methods combining both chemical and enzymatic synthetic elements are also known in the art. For example, Yamamoto and coworkers (Carbohydr. Res. 305: 415-422 (1998)) reported the chemoenzymatic synthesis of the glycopeptide, glycosylated Peptide T, using an endoglycosidase. The N-acetylglucosaminyl peptide was synthesized by purely chemical means. The peptide was subsequently enzymatically elaborated with the oligosaccharide of human transferrin peptide. The saccharide portion was added to the peptide by treating it with an endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase. The resulting glycosylated peptide was highly stable and resistant to proteolysis when compared to the peptide T and N-acetylglucosaminyl peptide T.

[0022] The use of glycosyltransferases to modify peptide structure with reporter groups has been explored. For example, Brossmer et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,753) discloses the formation of a fluorescent-labeled cytidine monophosphate (“CMP”) derivative of sialic acid and the use of the fluorescent glycoside in an assay for sialyl transferase activity and for the fluorescent-labeling of cell surfaces, glycoproteins and peptides. Gross et al. (Analyt. Biochem. 186: 127 (1990)) describe a similar assay. Bean et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,432,059) discloses an assay for glycosylation deficiency disorders utilizing reglycosylation of a deficiently glycosylated protein. The deficient protein is reglycosylated with a fluorescent-labeled CMP glycoside. Each of the fluorescent sialic acid derivatives is substituted with the fluorescent moiety at either the 9-position or at the amine that is normally acetylated in sialic acid. The methods using the fluorescent sialic acid derivatives are assays for the presence of glycosyltransferases or for non-glycosylated or improperly glycosylated glycoproteins. The assays are conducted on small amounts of enzyme or glycoprotein in a sample of biological origin. The enzymatic derivatization of a glycosylated or non-glycosylated peptide on a preparative or industrial scale using a modified sialic acid has not been disclosed or suggested in the prior art.

[0023] Considerable effort has also been directed towards the modification of cell surfaces by altering glycosyl residues presented by those surfaces. For example, Fukada and coworkers have developed a method for attaching glycosides of defined structure onto cell surfaces. The method exploits the relaxed substrate specificity of a fucosyltransferase that can transfer fucose and fucose analogs bearing diverse glycosyl substrates (Tsuboi et al., J. Biol. Chem. 271: 27213 (1996)).

[0024] Enzymatic methods have also been used to activate glycosyl residues on a glycopeptide towards subsequent chemical elaboration. The glycosyl residues are typically activated using galactose oxidase, which converts a terminal galactose residue to the corresponding aldehyde. The aldehyde is subsequently coupled to an amine-containing modifying group. For example, Casares et al. (Nature Biotech. 19: 142 (2001)) have attached doxorubicin to the oxidized galactose residues of a recombinant MHCII-peptide chimera.

[0025] Glycosyl residues have also been modified to contain ketone groups. For example, Mahal and co-workers (Science 276: 1125 (1997)) have prepared N-levulinoyl mannosamine (“ManLev”), which has a ketone functionality at the position normally occupied by the acetyl group in the natural substrate. Cells were treated with the ManLev, thereby incorporating a ketone group onto the cell surface. See, also Saxon et al., Science 287: 2007 (2000); Hang et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 123: 1242 (2001); Yarema et al., J. Biol. Chem. 273: 31168 (1998); and Charter et al., Glycobiology 10: 1049 (2000).

[0026] The methods of modifying cell surfaces have not been applied in the absence of a cell to modify a glycosylated or non-glycosylated peptide. Further, the methods of cell surface modification are not utilized for the enzymatic incorporation preformed modified glycosyl donor moiety into a peptide. Moreover, none of the cell surface modification methods are practical for producing glycosyl-modified peptides on an industrial scale.

[0027] Despite the efforts directed toward the enzymatic elaboration of saccharide structures, there remains still a need for an industrially practical method for the modification of glycosylated and non-glycosylated peptides with modifying groups such as water-soluble polymers, therapeutic moieties, biomolecules and the like. Of particular interest are methods in which the modified peptide has improved properties, which enhance its use as a therapeutic or diagnostic agent. The present invention fulfills these and other needs.

[0028] The invention includes a multitude of methods of remodeling a peptide to have a specific glycan structure attached thereto. Although specific glycan structures are described herein, the invention should not be construed to be limited to any one particular structure. In addition, although specific peptides are described herein, the invention should not be limited by the nature of the peptide described, but rather should encompass any and all suitable peptides and variations thereof.

[0029] The description which follows discloses the preferred embodiments of the invention and provides a written description of the claims appended hereto. The invention encompasses any and all variations of these embodiments that are or become apparent following a reading of the present specification.

[0030] The invention includes a cell-free, in vitro method of remodeling a peptide having the formula:

[0031]
wherein

[0032] AA is a terminal or internal amino acid residue of the peptide;

[0033] X¹—X² is a saccharide covalently linked to the AA, wherein

[0034] X¹ is a first glycosyl residue; and

[0035] X² is a second glycosyl residue covalently linked to X¹, wherein X¹ and X² are selected from monosaccharyl and oligosaccharyl residues. The method comprises:

• • [0036] (a) removing X² or a saccharyl subunit thereof from the peptide, thereby forming a truncated glycan; and
  • [0037] (b) contacting the truncated glycan with at least one glycosyltransferase and at least one glycosyl donor under conditions suitable to transfer the at least one glycosyl donor to the truncated glycan, thereby remodeling the peptide.

[0038] In one aspect, the method further comprises

• • [0039] (c) removing X¹, thereby exposing the AA; and
  • [0040] (d) contacting the AA with at least one glycosyltransferase and at least one glycosyl donor under conditions suitable to transfer the at least one glycosyl donor to the AA, thereby remodeling the peptide.

[0041] In another aspect, the method further comprises:

• • [0042] (e) prior to step (b), removing a group added to the saccharide during post-translational modification.

[0043] In one embodiment, the group is a member selected from phosphate, sulfate, carboxylate and esters thereof.

[0044] In another embodiment, the peptide has the formula:

[0045]
wherein

[0046] Z is a member selected from O, S, NH, and a crosslinker.

[0047] At least one of the glycosyl donors comprises a modifying group, and the modifying group may be a member selected from the group consisting of a water-soluble polymer, a therapeutic moiety, a detectable label, a reactive linker group, and a targeting moiety. Preferably, the modifying group is a water soluble polymer, and more preferably, the water soluble polymer comprises poly(ethylene glycol). Even more preferably, the poly(ethylene glycol) has a molecular weight distribution that is essentially homodisperse.

[0048] In this and several other embodiments, the peptide may be selected from the group consisting of granulocyte colony stimulating factor, interferon-alpha, interferon-beta, Factor VIIa, Factor IX, follicle stimulating hormone, erythropoietin, granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor, interferon-gamma, alpha-1-protease inhibitor, beta-glucosidase, tissue plasminogen activator protein, interleukin-2, Factor VIII, chimeric tumor necrosis factor receptor, urokinase, chimeric anti-glycoproteinIIb/IIIa antibody, chimeric anti-HER2 antibody, chimeric anti-respiratory syncytial virus antibody, chimeric anti-CD20 antibody, DNase, chimeric anti-tumor necrosis factor antibody, human insulin, hepatitis B sAg, and human growth hormone.

[0049] Also included in the invention is a cell-free in vitro method of remodeling a peptide having the formula:

[0050]
wherein

• • [0051] X³, X⁴, X⁵, X⁶, X⁷ and X¹⁷ are independently selected monosaccharyl or oligosaccharyl residues; and
  • [0052] a, b, c, d, e, and x are independently selected from the integers 0, 1 and 2, with the proviso that at least one member selected from a, b, c, d, e, and x is 1 or 2. The method comprises:
  • [0053] (a) removing at least one of X³, X⁴, X⁵, X⁶, X⁷ or X¹⁷, or a saccharyl subunit thereof from the peptide, thereby forming a truncated glycan; and
  • [0054] (b) contacting the truncated glycan with at least one glycosyltransferase and at least one glycosyl donor under conditions suitable to transfer the at least one glycosyl donor to the truncated glycan, thereby remodeling the peptide.

[0055] In one aspect, the removing of step (a) produces a truncated glycan in which a, b, c, e and x are each 0.

[0056] In another aspect, X³, X⁵ and X⁷ are selected from the group consisting of (mannose)_z and (mannose)_z—(X⁸)_y

wherein

• • [0057] X⁸ is a glycosyl moiety selected from mono- and oligo-saccharides;
  • [0058] y is an integer selected from 0 and 1; and
  • [0059] z is an integer between 1 and 20, wherein
  • [0060] when z is 3 or greater, (mannose)_z is selected from linear and branched structures.

[0061] In yet another aspect, X⁴ is selected from the group consisting of GlcNAc and xylose. In a further aspect, wherein X³, X⁵ and X⁷ are (mannose)_u, wherein u is selected from the integers between 1 and 20, and when u is 3 or greater, (mannose)_u is selected from linear and branched structures.

[0062] At least one of the glycosyl donors comprises a modifying group, and the modifying group may be a member selected from the group consisting of a water-soluble polymer, a therapeutic moiety, a detectable label, a reactive linker group, and a targeting moiety. Preferably, the modifying group is a water soluble polymer, and more preferably, the water soluble polymer comprises poly(ethylene glycol). Even more preferably, the poly(ethylene glycol) has a molecular weight distribution that is essentially homodisperse.

[0063] In addition, the peptide maybe selected from the group consisting of granulocyte colony stimulating factor, interferon-alpha, interferon-beta, Factor VIIa, Factor IX, follicle stimulating hormone, erythropoietin, granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor, interferon-gamma, alpha-1-protease inhibitor, beta-glucosidase, tissue plasminogen activator protein, interleukin-2, Factor VIII, chimeric tumor necrosis factor receptor, urokinase, chimeric anti-glycoproteinIIb/IIIa antibody, chimeric anti-HER2 antibody, chimeric anti-respiratory syncytial virus antibody, chimeric anti-CD20 antibody, DNase, chimeric anti-tumor necrosis factor antibody, human insulin, hepatitis B sAg, and human growth hormone.

[0064] Also included is a cell-free in vitro method of remodeling a peptide comprising a glycan having the formula:

[0065]
wherein

• • [0066] r, s, and t are integers independently selected from 0 and 1. The method comprises:
  • [0067] (a) contacting the peptide with at least one glycosyltransferase and at least one glycosyl donor under conditions suitable to transfer the at least one glycosyl donor to the glycan, thereby remodeling the peptide.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the glycosyl donors comprises a modifying group, and the modifying group may be a member selected from the group consisting of a water-soluble polymer, a therapeutic moiety, a detectable label, a reactive linker group, and a targeting moiety. Preferably, the modifying group is a water soluble polymer, and more preferably, the water soluble polymer comprises poly(ethylene glycol). Even more preferably, the poly(ethylene glycol) has a molecular weight distribution that is essentially homodisperse.

[0069] Further, the peptide may be selected from the group consisting of granulocyte colony stimulating factor, interferon-alpha, interferon-beta, Factor VIIa, Factor IX, follicle stimulating hormone, erythropoietin, granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor, interferon-gamma, alpha-1-protease inhibitor, beta-glucosidase, tissue plasminogen activator protein, interleukin-2, Factor VIII, chimeric tumor necrosis factor receptor, urokinase, chimeric anti-glycoproteinIIb/IIIa antibody, chimeric anti-HER2, antibody, chimeric anti-respiratory syncytial virus antibody, chimeric anti-CD20 antibody, DNase, chimeric anti-tumor necrosis factor antibody, human insulin, hepatitis B sAg, and human growth hormone.

[0070] In yet another aspect, the peptide has the formula:

[0071]
wherein

[0072] X⁹ and X¹⁰ are independently selected monosaccharyl or oligosaccharyl residues; and

[0073] m, n and f are integers selected from 0 and 1.

[0074] In another aspect, the peptide has the formula:

[0075]
wherein

[0076] X¹¹ and X¹² are independently selected glycosyl moieties; and

[0077] r and x are integers independently selected from 0 and 1.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, X¹¹ and X¹² are (mannose)_q, wherein

[0079] q is selected from the integers between 1 and 20, and when q is three or greater, (mannose)_q is selected from linear and branched structures.

[0080] In another aspect, the peptide has the formula:

[0081]
wherein

• • [0082] X¹³, X¹⁴, and X¹⁵ are independently selected glycosyl residues; and
  • [0083] g, h, i, j, k, and p are independently selected from the integers 0 and 1, with the proviso that at least one of g, h, i, j, k and p is 1.

[0084] In one embodiment of this aspect of the invention, X¹⁴ and X¹⁵ are members independently selected from GlcNAc and Sia; and i and k are independently selected from the integers 0 and 1, with the proviso that at least one of i and k is 1, and if k is 1, g, h, and j are 0.

[0085] In another aspect of the invention, the peptide has the formula:

[0086]
wherein

[0087] X¹⁶ is a member selected from:

[0088]
wherein

• • [0089] s, u and i are independently selected from the integers 0 and 1.

[0090] On one embodiment of the invention the removing utilizes a glycosidase.

[0091] Also included in the invention is a cell-free, in vitro method of remodeling a peptide having the formula:

[0092]
wherein

• • [0093] AA is a terminal or internal amino acid residue of the peptide;
  • [0094] X¹ is a glycosyl residue covalently linked to the AA, selected from monosaccharyl and oligosaccharyl residues; and
  • [0095] u is an integer selected from 0 and 1. The method comprises: contacting the peptide with at least one glycosyltransferase and at least one glycosyl donor under conditions suitable to transfer the at least one glycosyl donor to the truncated glycan, wherein the glycosyl donor comprises a modifying group, thereby remodeling the peptide.

[0096] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the glycosyl donors comprises a modifying group, and the modifying group may be a member selected from the group consisting of a water-soluble polymer, a therapeutic moiety, a detectable label, a reactive linker group, and a targeting moiety. Preferably, the modifying group is a water soluble polymer, and more preferably, the water soluble polymer comprises poly(ethylene glycol). Even more preferably, the poly(ethylene glycol) has a molecular weight distribution that is essentially homodisperse.

[0097] In addition, the peptide may be selected from the group consisting of granulocyte colony stimulating factor, interferon-alpha, interferon-beta, Factor VIIa, Factor IX, follicle stimulating hormone, erythropoietin, granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor, interferon-gamma, alpha-1-protease inhibitor, beta-glucosidase, tissue plasminogen activator protein, interleukin-2, Factor VIII, chimeric tumor necrosis factor receptor, urokinase, chimeric anti-glycoproteinIIb/IIIa antibody, chimeric anti-HER2 antibody, chimeric anti-respiratory syncytial virus antibody, chimeric anti-CD20 antibody, DNase, chimeric anti-tumor necrosis factor antibody, human insulin, hepatitis B sAg, and human growth hormone.

[0098] The invention additionally includes a covalent conjugate between a peptide and a modifying group that alters a property of the peptide, wherein the modifying group is covalently attached to the peptide at a preselected glycosyl or amino acid residue of the peptide via an intact glycosyl linking group.

[0099] In one aspect, the modifying group is a member selected from the group consisting of a water-soluble polymer, a therapeutic moiety, a detectable label, a reactive linker group, and a targeting moiety.

[0100] In another aspect, the modifying group and an intact glycpsyl linking group precursor are bound as a covalently attached unit to the peptide via the action of an enzyme, the enzyme converting the precursor to the intact glycosyl linking group, thereby forming the conjugate.

[0101] The covalent conjugate of the invention comprises:

[0102] a first modifying group covalently bound to a first residue of the peptide via a first intact glycosyl linking group, and

[0103] a second glycosyl linking group bound to a second residue of the peptide via a second intact glycosyl linking group.

[0104] In one embodiment, the first residue and the second residue are structurally identical. In another embodiment, the first residue and the second residue have different structures. In an additional embodiment, the first residue and the second residue are glycosyl residues. In another embodiment, the first residue and the second residue are amino acid residues.

[0105] In yet another embodiment, the peptide is remodeled prior to forming the conjugate. Preferably, peptide is remodeled to introduce an acceptor moiety for the intact glycosyl lining group.

[0106] In another embodiment, the modifying group is a water-soluble polymer that may comprises poly(ethylene glycol), which, in another embodiment, may have a molecular weight distribution that is essentially homodisperse.

[0107] In yet a further embodiment, the peptide is selected from the group consisting of granulocyte colony stimulating factor, interferon-alpha, interferon-beta, Factor VIIa, Factor IX, follicle stimulating hormone, erythropoietin, granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor, interferon-gamma, alpha-1-protease inhibitor, beta-glucosidase, tissue plasminogen activator protein, interleukin-2, Factor VIII, chimeric tumor necrosis factor receptor, urokinase, chimeric anti-glycoproteinIIb/IIIa antibody, chimeric anti-HER2 antibody, chimeric anti-respiratory syncytial virus antibody, chimeric anti-CD20 antibody, DNase, chimeric anti-tumor necrosis factor antibody, human insulin, hepatitis B sAg, and human growth hormone.

[0108] In another embodiment, the intact glycosyl linking unit is a member selected from the group consisting of a sialic acid residue, a Gal residue, a GlcNAc residue and a GalNAc residue.

[0109] There is also provided in the invention a method of forming a covalent conjugate between a polymer and a glycosylated or non-glycosylated peptide, wherein the polymer is conjugated to the peptide via an intact glycosyl linking group interposed between and covalently linked to both the peptide and the polymer. The method comprises contacting the peptide with a mixture comprising a nucleotide sugar covalently linked to the polymer and a glycosyltransferase for which the nucleotide sugar is a substrate under conditions sufficient to form the conjugate.

[0110] In a preferred embodiment, the polymer is a water-soluble polymer. In another preferred embodiment, the glycosyl linking group is covalently attached to a glycosyl residue covalently attached to the peptide, and in another embodiment, the glycosyl linking group is covalently attached to an amino acid residue of the peptide.

[0111] In yet a further embodiment, the polymer comprises a member selected from the group consisting of a polyalkylene oxide and a polypeptide. The polyalkylene oxide may be poly(ethylene glycol) in one embodiment of the invention. In another embodiment, the poly(ethylene glycol) has a degree of polymerization of from about 1 to about 20,000, preferably, from about 1 to about 5,000, or also preferably, the polyethylene glycol has a degree of polymerization of from about 1 to about 1,000.

[0112] In another embodiment, the glycosyltransferase is selected from the group consisting of sialyltransferase, galactosyltransferase, glucosyltransferase, GalNAc transferase, GlcNAc transferase, fucosyltransferase, and mannosyltransferase. In one embodiment, the glycosyltransferase is recombinantly produced, and in another embodiment, the glycosyltransferase is a recombinant prokaryotic enzyme, or a recombinant eukaryotic enzyme.

[0113] In yet a further embodiment, the nucleotide sugar is selected from the group consisting of UDP-glycoside, CMP-glycoside, and GDP-glycoside and is preferably selected from the group consisting of UDP-galactose, UDP-galactosamine, UDP-glucose, UDP-glucosamine, UDP-N-acetylgalactosamine, UDP-N-acetylglucosamine, GDP-mannose, GDP-fucose, CMP-sialic acid, CMP-NeuAc.

[0114] In another embodiment, the peptide is a therapeutic agent.

[0115] In yet another embodiment, the glycosylated peptide is partially deglycosylated prior to the contacting.

[0116] In a further embodiment, the intact glycosyl linking group is a sialic acid residue.

[0117] Further, the method may be performed in a cell-free environment.

[0118] And, in another embodiment, the covalent conjugate may be isolated, and preferably, the covalent conjugate is isolated by membrane filtration.

[0119] There is also provided a method of forming a covalent conjugate between a first glycosylated or non-glycosylated peptide, and a second glycosylated or non-glycosylated peptide cojoined by a linker moiety, wherein

• • [0120] the linker moiety is conjugated to the first peptide via a first intact glycosyl linking group interposed between and covalently linked to both the first peptide and the linker moiety, and
  • [0121] the linker moiety is conjugated to the second peptide via a second intact glycosyl linking group interposed between and covalently linked to both the second peptide and the linker moiety. The method comprises:
  • [0122] (a) contacting the first peptide with a derivative of the linker moiety precursor comprising a precursor of the first intact glycosyl linking group and a precursor of the second intact glycosyl linking group;
  • [0123] (b) contacting the mixture from (a) with a glycosyl transferase for which the precursor of the first glycosyl linking group is a substrate, under conditions sufficient to convert the precursor of the first intact glycosyl linking group into the first intact glycosyl linking group, thereby forming a first conjugate between the linker moiety precursor and the first peptide;
  • [0124] (c) contacting the first conjugate with the second peptide and a glycosyltransferase for which the precursor of the second intact glycosyl group is a substrate under conditions sufficient to convert the precursor of the second intact glycosyl linking group into the second glycosyl linking group, thereby forming the conjugate between the linker moiety and the first glycosylated or non-glycosylated peptide, and the second glycosylated or non-glycosylated peptide.

[0125] In one aspect, the linker moiety comprises a water-soluble polymer, and in one embodiment, the water-soluble polymer comprises poly(ethylene glycol).

[0126] There is also provided a method of forming a covalent conjugate between a first glycosylated or non-glycosylated peptide, and a second glycosylated or non-glycosylated peptide cojoined by a linker moiety, wherein

• • [0127] the linker moiety is covalently conjugated to the first peptide, and
  • [0128] the linker moiety is conjugated to the second peptide via an intact glycosyl linking group interposed between and covalently linked to both the second peptide and the linker moiety. The method comprises:
  • [0129] (a) contacting the first peptide with an activated derivative of the linker moiety comprising;
    • [0130] a reactive functional group of reactivity complementary to a residue on the first peptide, and a precursor of the intact glycosyl linking group, under conditions sufficient to form a covalent bond between the reactive functional group and the residue, thereby forming a first conjugate; and
  • [0131] (b) contacting the first conjugate with the second peptide and a glycosyltransferase for which the precursor of the intact glycosyl linking group is a substrate, under conditions sufficient to convert the precursor of the intact glycosyl linking group into the intact glycosyl linking group, thereby forming the conjugate between the first glycosylated or non-glycosylated peptide, and the second glycosylated or non-glycosylated peptide cojoined by the linker moiety.

[0132] In one embodiment the linker moiety comprises a water-soluble polymer, which may be poly(ethylene glycol).

[0133] Also provided is a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent and a covalent conjugate between a polymer and a glycosylated or non-glycosylated peptide, wherein the polymer is conjugated to the peptide via an intact glycosyl linking group interposed between and covalently linked to both the peptide and the polymer.

[0134] The invention further includes a composition for forming a conjugate between a peptide and a modified sugar, the composition comprising: an admixture of a modified sugar, a glycosyltransferase, and a peptide acceptor substrate, wherein the modified sugar has covalently attached thereto a member selected from a polymer, a therapeutic moiety and a biomolecule.

[0135] The invention also includes peptides remodeled using the methods of the invention and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the remodeled peptides.

[0136] Also provided in the invention is a compound having the formula:

[0137]
wherein

• • [0138] MS is a modified sugar comprising a sugar covalently bonded to a modifying group;
  • [0139] Nu is a nucleoside; and
  • [0140] b is an integer from 0 to 2.

[0141] In one aspect, there is included a compound having the formula:

[0142]
wherein

• • [0143] X, Y, Z, A and B are members independently selected from S, O and NH;
  • [0144] R²¹, R²², R²³, R²⁴, and R²⁵ members independently selected from H and a polymer;
  • [0145] R²⁶ is a member selected from H, OH, and a polymer;
  • [0146] R²⁷ is a member selected from COO⁻ and Na⁺;
  • [0147] Nu is a nucleoside; and
  • [0148] a is an integer from 1 to 3.

[0149] The invention further provides a cell-free, in vitro method of remodeling a peptide having the formula:

[0150]
wherein

[0151] AA is a terminal or internal amino acid residue of the peptide. The method comprises:

[0152] contacting the peptide with at least one glycosyltransferase and at least one glycosyl donor under conditions suitable to transfer the at least one glycosyl donor to the amino acid residue, wherein the glycosyl donor comprises a modifying group, thereby remodeling the peptide.

[0153] In each of the embodiments that are discussed below, specific remodeling schemes and peptides are identified solely to emphasize preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0154] The invention therefore includes a method of forming a conjugate between a granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) peptide and a modifying group, wherein the modifying group is covalently attached to the G-CSF peptide through an intact glycosyl linking group, the G-CSF peptide comprising a glycosyl residue having the formula:

[0155]
wherein

[0156] a, b, c, and e are members independently selected from 0 and 1;

[0157] d is 0; and

[0158] R is a modifying group, a mannose or an oligomannose. The method comprises:

• • [0159] (a) contacting the G-CSF peptide with a glycosyltransferase and a modified glycosyl donor, comprising a glycosyl moiety which is a substrate for the glycosyltransferase covalently bound to the modifying group, under conditions appropriate for the formation of the intact glycosyl linking group.

[0160] In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

• • [0161] (b) prior to step (a), contacting the G-CSF peptide with a sialidase under conditions appropriate to remove sialic acid from the G-CSF peptide.

[0162] In another embodiment, the method further comprises:

• • [0163] (c) prior to step (a), contacting the G-CSF peptide with a galactosyl transferase and a galactose donor under conditions appropriate to transfer the galactose to the G-CSF peptide.

[0164] In yet another embodiment, the method further comprises:

• • [0165] (d) contacting the product from step (a) with a moiety that reacts with the modifying group, thereby forming a conjugate between the intact glycosyl linking group and the moiety.

[0166] In another embodiment, the method further comprises:

• • [0167] (e) prior to step (a), contacting the G-CSF peptide with N-acetylgalactosamine transferase and a GalNAc donor under conditions appropriate to transfer GalNAc to the G-CSF peptide.

[0168] In a further embodiment, the method further comprises:

• • [0169] (f) prior to step (a), contacting the G-CSF peptide with endo-N-acetylgalactosaminidase operating synthetically and a GalNAc donor under conditions appropriate to transfer GalNAc to the G-CSF peptide.

[0170] In yet a further embodiment, the modifying group is a member selected from a polymer, a toxin, a radioisotope, a therapeutic moiety and a glycoconjugate.

[0171] In specific embodiments, referring to the G-CSF peptide formula presented above, a, b, c, and e are 0. Alternatively, a and e are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and b, c, and d are 0. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, and e are members independently selected from 0 and 1.

[0172] The invention further includes a G-CSF peptide conjugate formed by the above-described methods.

[0173] There is also included a method of forming a conjugate between an interferon alpha peptide and a modifying group, wherein the modifying group is covalently attached to the glycopeptide through an intact glycosyl linking group, the glycopeptide comprising a glycosyl residue having a formula selected from:

[0174]
wherein

• • [0175] a, b, c, d, i, n, o, p, q, r, s, t, u, aa, bb, cc, dd, and ee are members independently selected from 0 and 1;
  • [0176] e, f, g, and h are members independently selected from the integers from 0 to 6;
  • [0177] j, k, l, and m are members independently selected from the integers from 0 to 20;
  • [0178] v, w, x, y, and z are 0; and
  • [0179] R is a modifying group, a mannose or an oligomannose
  • [0180] R′ is H, a glycosyl residue, a modifying group, or a glycoconjugate.

[0181] The method comprises:

• • [0182] (a) contacting the glycopeptide with a member selected from a glycosyltransferase, an endo-acetylgalactosaminidase operating synthetically and a trans-sialidase, and a modified glycosyl donor, comprising a glycosyl moiety which is a substrate for the glycosyltransferase covalently bound to the modifying group, under conditions appropriate for the formation of the intact glycosyl linking group.

[0183] In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

• • [0184] (b) prior to step (a), contacting the glycopeptide with a sialidase under conditions appropriate to remove sialic acid from the glycopeptide.

[0185] In another embodiment, the method further comprises:

• • [0186] (c) contacting the product from step (a) with a moiety that reacts with the modifying group, thereby forming a conjugate between the intact glycosyl linking group and the moiety.

[0187] In yet an additional embodiment, the method further comprises:

• • [0188] (d) prior to step (a) contacting the glycopeptide with a combination of a glycosidase and a sialidase.

[0189] In an additional embodiment, the method further comprises:

• • [0190] (e) prior to step (a), contacting the glycopeptide with an endoglycanase under conditions appropriate to cleave a glycosyl moiety from the glycopeptide.

[0191] In yet another embodiment, the method also comprises:

• • [0192] (f) prior to step (a), contacting the glycopeptide with N-acetylglucosamine transferase and a GlcNAc donor under conditions appropriate to transfer GlcNAc to the glycopeptide.

[0193] In addition, the method also comprises:

• • [0194] (g) prior to step (a), contacting the glycopeptide with a galactosyl transferase and a galactose donor under conditions appropriate to transfer galactose to the product.

[0195] Also, the method further comprises:

• • [0196] (h) prior to step (b), contacting the glycopeptide with endoglycanase under conditions appropriate to cleave a glycosyl moiety from the glycopeptide.

[0197] The invention also further comprises:

• • [0198] (i) prior to step (a), contacting the glycopeptide with a mannosidase under conditions appropriate to remove mannose from the glycopeptide.

[0199] In addition, the method further comprises:

• • [0200] (j) contacting the product of step (a) with a sialyltransferase and a sialic acid donor under conditions appropriate to transfer sialic acid to the product.

[0201] In one aspect, the modifying group is a member selected from a polymer, a toxin, a radioisotope, a therapeutic moiety and a glycoconjugate.

[0202] According to the invention and with respect to the interferon alpha peptide formula disclosed above, a, b, c, d, aa, and bb are 1; e, f, g, and h are members independently selected from the integers from 1 to 4; i, j, k, l, m, r, s, t, u, and cc are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and n, o, p, q, v, w, x, y, z, dd, and ee are 0. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, f, h, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, q, s, u, v, w, x, y, z, cc, dd, and ee are 0; e, g, i, r, and t are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and aa and bb are 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, i, j, k, l, m, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; h is a member independently selected from the integers from 1 to 3; dd, v, w, x, and y are 0; and aa and bb are 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, f, h, j, k, l, m, s, u, v, w, x, y, and dd are 0; e, g, i, r, and t are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and aa and bb are 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, and dd are 0; r, s, t, u, v, w, x, and y are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and aa and bb are 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; j, k, l, m, v, w, x, y, and dd are 0; and aa and bb are 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, i, j, k, l, m, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; h is a member independently selected from the integers from 1 to 3; v, w, x, y, and dd are 0; and aa and bb are 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, f, h, j, k, l, m, s, u, v, w, x, y, and dd are 0; e, g, i, r, and t are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and aa and bb are 1. Alternatively, n, o, and p are members independently selected from 0 and 1; q is 1; and z, cc, and ee are 0. Alternatively, n and q are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and o, p, z, cc, and ee are 0. Alternatively, n is 0 or 1; q is 1; and o, p, z, cc, and ee are 0. Alternatively, n, o, p, and f are members independently selected from 0 and 1; q is 1; and z and ee are 0. Alternatively, n, o, p, and q are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and z, cc, and ee are 0. Alternatively, n and q are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and o, p, z, cc, and ee are 0. Alternatively, n, o, p, q, z, cc, and ee are 0.

[0203] There is also provided an interferon alpha peptide conjugate formed by the disclosed method.

[0204] The invention also includes a method of forming a conjugate between an interferon beta peptide and a modifying group, wherein the modifying group is covalently attached to the interferon beta peptide through an intact glycosyl linking group, the interferon beta peptide comprising a glycosyl residue having the formula:

[0205]
wherein

• • [0206] a, b, c, d, i, p, q, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1;
  • [0207] e, f, g, and h are members independently selected from the integers between 0 and 6;
  • [0208] j, k, l, and m are members independently selected from the integers between 0 and 100;
  • [0209] v, w, x, and y are 0;
  • [0210] R is a modifying group, mannose or oligomannose; and
  • [0211] R′ is H or a glycosyl, modifying group or glycoconjugate group the method comprises:
  • [0212] (a) contacting the interferon beta peptide with a member selected from a glycosyltransferase and a trans-sialidase and a modified glycosyl donor, comprising a glycosyl moiety which is a substrate for the glycosyltransferase covalently bound to the modifying group, under conditions appropriate for the formation of the intact glycosyl linking group.

[0213] In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

• • [0214] (b) prior to step (a), contacting the interferon beta peptide with a sialidase under conditions appropriate to remove sialic acid from the interferon beta peptide.

[0215] In another embodiment, the method further comprises:

• • [0216] (c) contacting the product from step (a) with a moiety that reacts with the modifying group, thereby forming a conjugate between the intact glycosyl linking group and the moiety.

[0217] In yet another embodiment, the method also further comprises:

• • [0218] (d) prior to step (a) contacting the interferon beta peptide with a combination of a glycosidase and a sialidase.

[0219] In an additional embodiment, the method further comprises:

• • [0220] (e) prior to step (a), contacting the interferon beta peptide with an endoglycanase under conditions appropriate to cleave a glycosyl moiety from the interferon beta peptide.

[0221] Also, the method further comprises:

• • [0222] (f) prior to step (a), contacting the interferon beta peptide with N-acetylglucosamine transferase and a GlcNAc donor under conditions appropriate to transfer GlcNAc to the interferon beta peptide.

[0223] Additionally, the method also further comprises:

• • [0224] (g) prior to step (a), contacting the interferon beta peptide with a galactosyl transferase and a galactose donor under conditions appropriate to transfer galactose to the product.

[0225] In yet another embodiment, the method further comprises:

• • [0226] (h) prior to step (b), contacting the interferon beta peptide with endoglycanase under conditions appropriate to cleave a glycosyl moiety from the interferon beta peptide.

[0227] In yet a further embodiment, the method further comprises:

• • [0228] (i) prior to step (a), contacting the interferon beta peptide with a mannosidase under conditions appropriate to remove mannose from the interferon beta peptide.

[0229] In addition, the method further comprises:

• • [0230] (j) contacting the product of step (a) with a sialyltransferase and a sialic acid donor under conditions appropriate to transfer sialic acid to the product.

[0231] In one aspect, the modifying group is a member selected from a polymer, a toxin, a radioisotope, a therapeutic moiety and a glycoconjugate.

[0232] In preferred embodiments and referring to the beta interferon peptide formula disclosed above, h is a member independently selected from the integers between 1 and 3; a, b, c, d, e, f, g, i, j, k, l, m, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; n, v, w, x, and y are 0; and q, p are 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, f, h, j, k, l, m, n, s, u, v, w, x, and y are 0; e, g, i, r, and t are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and q, p are 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, j, k, l, m, n, r, s, t, u, v, w, x, and y are 0; q, p are 1; and i is independently selected from 0 and 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, r, s, t, u, V, W, X, and y are 0; and p, q are 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, and n are 0; q, p are 1; and r, s, t, u, v, w, x, and y are members independently selected from 0 and 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; j, k, l, m, n, v, w, x, and y are 0; and q, p are 1. Alternatively, wherein a, b, c, d, h, j, k, l, m, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; e, f, g, are members selected from the integers between 0 and 3; n, v, w, x, and y are 0; and q, p are 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, i, j, k, l, m, r, s, t, u, p and q are members independently selected from 0 and 1; e, f, g, and h are 1; and n, v, w, x, and y are 0.

[0233] Further included is an interferon beta peptide conjugate formed by the above-described method.

[0234] The invention also provides a method of forming a conjugate between a Factor VIIa peptide and a modifying group, wherein the modifying group is covalently attached to the Factor VIIa peptide through an intact glycosyl linking group, the Factor VIIa peptide comprising a glycosyl residue having a formula which is a member selected from:

[0235]
wherein

• • [0236] a, b, c, d, i, o, p, q, r, s, t, and u, are members independently selected from 0 and 1;
  • [0237] e, f, g, h and n are members independently selected from the integers from 0 to 6;
  • [0238] j, k, l and m are members independently selected from the integers from 0 to 20;
  • [0239] v, w, x and y are 0; and
  • [0240] R is a modifying group, a mannose, an oligomannose, SialylLewis^x or SialylLewis^a.

[0241] The method comprises:

• • [0242] (a) contacting the Factor VIIa peptide with a glycosyltransferase and a modified glycosyl donor, comprising a glycosyl moiety which is a substrate for the glycosyltransferase covalently bound to the modifying group, under conditions appropriate for the formation of the intact glycosyl linking group.

[0243] In a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises:

• • [0244] (b) prior to step (a), contacting the Factor VIIa peptide with a sialidase under conditions appropriate to remove sialic acid from the Factor VIIa peptide.

[0245] In yet another preferred embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0246] (c) prior to step (a), contacting the Factor VIIa peptide with a galactosidase under conditions appropriate to remove galactose from the Factor VIIa peptide.

[0247] In another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0248] (d) prior to step (a), contacting the Factor VIIa peptide with a galactosyl transferase and a galactose donor under conditions appropriate to transfer the galactose to the Factor VIIa peptide.

[0249] In an additional embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0250] (e) contacting the product of step (a) with a sialyltransferase and a sialic acid donor under conditions appropriate to transfer sialic acid to the product.

[0251] In one aspect, the modifying group is a member selected from a polymer, a toxin, a radioisotope, a therapeutic moiety and a glycoconjugate.

[0252] In preferred embodiments, and referring to the Factor VIIa peptide formula disclosed above, a, b, c, d, e, g, i, j, l, o, p and q members independently selected from 0 and 1; r and t are 1; f, h, k, m, s, u, v, w, x and y are 0; and n is selected from the integers from 0 to 4. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, q, r, s, t and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; v, w, x and y are 0; and n is a member selected from the integers from 0 to 4.

[0253] In addition, there is included a Factor VIIa peptide conjugate formed by the method disclosed herein.

[0254] The invention additionally provides a method of forming a conjugate between a Factor DC peptide and a modifying group, wherein the modifying group is covalently attached to the Factor IX peptide through an intact glycosyl linking group, the Factor IX peptide comprising a glycosyl residue having a formula which is a member selected from:

[0255]
wherein

• • [0256] a, b, c, d, i, n, o, p, q, r, s, t, u, bb, cc, dd, ee, ff and gg are members independently selected from 0 and 1;
  • [0257] e, f, g, h and aa are members independently selected from the integers from 0 to 6;
  • [0258] j, k, l and m are members independently selected from the integers from 0 to 20;
  • [0259] v, w, x, y and z are 0;
  • [0260] R is a modifying group, a mannose or an oligomannose. The method comprises
  • [0261] (a) contacting the Factor IX peptide with a glycosyltransferase and a modified glycosyl donor, comprising a glycosyl moiety which is a substrate for the glycosyltransferase covalently bound to the modifying group, under conditions appropriate for the formation of the intact glycosyl linking group.

[0262] In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

• • [0263] (b) prior to step (a), contacting the Factor IX peptide with a sialidase under conditions appropriate to remove sialic acid from the Factor IX peptide.

[0264] In another embodiment, the method further comprises: (c) contacting the product formed in step (a) with a sialyltransferase and a sialic acid donor under conditions appropriate to transfer sialic acid to the product.

[0265] Additionally, the method comprises:

• • [0266] (d) contacting the product from step (b) with a galactosyltransferase and a galactose donor under conditions appropriate to transfer the galactose to the product.

[0267] Moreover, the method comprises:

• • [0268] (e) contacting the product from step (d) with ST3Gal3 and a sialic acid donor under conditions appropriate to transfer sialic acid to the product.

[0269] In yet another embodiment, the method further comprises:

• • [0270] (d) contacting the product from step (a) with a moiety that reacts with the modifying group, thereby forming a conjugate between the intact glycosyl linking group and the moiety.

[0271] Also included is the fact that the modifying group is a member selected from a polymer, a toxin, a radioisotope, a therapeutic moiety and a glycoconjugate.

[0272] In additional embodiments and referring to the Factor IX peptide formula disclosed above, a, b, c, and d are 1; e, f, g and h are members independently selected from the integers from 1 to 4; aa, bb, cc, dd, ee, ff, j, k, l, m, i, n, o, p, q, r, s, t and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and v, w, x, y, z and gg are 0. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, n, q are independently selected from 0 and 1; aa, e, f, g and h are members independently selected from the integers from 1 to 4; bb, cc, dd, ee, ff, j, k, l, m, i, o, p, r, s, t and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and v, w, x, y, z and gg are 0. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, n, bb, cc, dd and ff are 1; e, f, g, h and aa are members independently selected from the integers from 1 to 4; q, ee, i, j, k, l, m, o, p, r, s, t and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and v, w, x, y, z and gg are 0. Alternatively, a, b, c, d and q are 1; e, f, g and h are members independently selected from the integers from 1 to 4; aa, bb, cc, dd, ee, ff, j, k, l, m, i, n, o, p, r, s, t and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and v, w, x, y, z and gg are 0. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, q, bb, cc, dd and ff are 1; aa, e, f, g and h are members independently selected from the integers from 1 to 4; ee, i, j, k, l, m, o, p, r, s, t and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and v, w, x, y, z and gg are 0.

[0273] Also included is a Factor IX peptide conjugate formed by the above disclosed method.

[0274] The invention also provides a method of forming a conjugate between a follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) peptide and a modifying group, wherein the modifying group is covalently attached to the FSH peptide through an intact glycosyl linking group, the FSH peptide comprising a glycosyl residue having the formula:

[0275]
wherein

• • [0276] a, b, c, d, i, q, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1;
  • [0277] e, f, g, and h are members independently selected from the integers between 0 and 6;
  • [0278] j, k, l, and m are members independently selected from the integers between 0 and 100;
  • [0279] v, w, x, and y are 0; and
  • [0280] R is a modifying group, a mannose or an oligomannose. The method comprises:
  • [0281] (a) contacting the FSH peptide with a glycosyltransferase and a modified glycosyl donor, comprising a glycosyl moiety which is a substrate for the glycosyltransferase covalently bound to the modifying group, under conditions appropriate for the formation of the intact glycosyl linking group.

[0282] In one embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0283] (b) prior to step (a), contacting the FSH peptide with a sialidase under conditions appropriate to remove sialic acid from the FSH peptide.

[0284] In another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0285] (c) contacting the product of step (a) with a sialyltransferase and a sialic acid donor under conditions appropriate to transfer sialic acid to the product.

[0286] In yet another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0287] (d) prior to step (a), contacting the FSH peptide with a galactosidase under conditions appropriate to remove galactose from the FSH peptide.

[0288] In an additional embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0289] (e) prior to step (a) contacting the FSH peptide with a combination of a glycosidase and a sialidase.

[0290] In yet a further embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0291] (f) prior to step (a), contacting the FSH peptide with a galactosyl transferase and a galactose donor under conditions appropriate to transfer the galactose to the FSH peptide.

[0292] In another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0293] (d) contacting the product from step (a) with a moiety that reacts with the modifying group, thereby forming a conjugate between the intact glycosyl linking group and the moiety.

[0294] In a further embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0295] (e) prior to step (b), contacting the FSH peptide with an endoglycanase under conditions appropriate to cleave a glycosyl moiety from the FSH peptide.

[0296] In another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0297] (f) prior to step (a), contacting the FSH peptide with N-acetylglucosamine transferase and a GlcNAc donor under conditions appropriate to transfer GlcNAc to the FSH peptide.

[0298] In yet another embodiment, the modifying group is a member selected from a polymer, a toxin, a radioisotope, a therapeutic moiety and a glycoconjugate.

[0299] In additional preferred embodiments and referring to the FSH peptide formula described above, a, b, c, d, i, j, k, l, m, q, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; e, f, g, and h are 1; and v, w, x, and y are 0. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, , g, h, i, j, k, l, m, q, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; v, w, x, and y are 0. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, t, h, j, k, l, m, s, u, v, w, x, and y are 0; and e, g, i, q, r, and t are members independently selected from 0 and 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, t, g, h, j, k, l, and m are 0; i, q, r, s, t, u, v, w, x, and y are independently selected from 0 and 1; p is 1; R (branched or linear) is a member selected from mannose and oligomannose. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, j, k, l, m, r, s, t, u, v, w, and y are 0; i is 0 or 1; and q is 1.

[0300] Also included is a FSH peptide conjugate formed by the above-described method.

[0301] The invention further provides a method of forming a conjugate between an erythropoietin (EPO) peptide and a modifying group, wherein the modifying group is covalently attached to the EPO peptide through an intact glycosyl linking group, the EPO peptide comprising a glycosyl residue having a formula which is a member selected from:

[0302]
wherein

• • [0303] a, b, c, d, i, n, o, p, q, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1;
  • [0304] e, f, g, and h are members independently selected from the integers between 0 and 4;
  • [0305] j, k, l, and m are members independently selected from the integers between 0 and 20;
  • [0306] v, w, x, y, and z are 0; and
  • [0307] R is a modifying group, a mannose or an oligomannose. The method comprises:
  • [0308] (a) contacting the EPO peptide with a glycosyltransferase and a modified glycosyl donor, comprising a glycosyl moiety which is a substrate for the glycosyltransferase covalently bound to the modifying group, under conditions appropriate for the formation of the intact glycosyl lining group.

[0309] In one embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0310] (b) prior to step (a), contacting the EPO peptide with a sialidase under conditions appropriate to remove sialic acid from the EPO peptide.

[0311] In another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0312] (c) contacting the product of step (a) with a sialyltransferase and a sialic acid donor under conditions appropriate to transfer sialic acid to the product.

[0313] In yet another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0314] (d) prior to step (a), contacting the EPO peptide with a galactosidase operating synthetically under conditions appropriate to add a galactose to the EPO peptide.

[0315] In an additional embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0316] (e) prior to step (a), contacting the EPO peptide with a galactosyl transferase and a galactose donor under conditions appropriate to transfer the galactose to the EPO peptide.

[0317] In a further embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0318] (f) contacting the product from step (e) with ST3Gal3 and a sialic acid donor under conditions appropriate to transfer sialic acid to the product.

[0319] Additionally, the method comprises:

• • [0320] (g) contacting the product from step (a) with a moiety that reacts with the modifying group, thereby forming a conjugate between the intact glycosyl linking group and the moiety.

[0321] Also, the method comprises:

• • [0322] (h) prior to step (a), contacting the EPO peptide with N-acetylglucosamine transferase and a GlcNAc donor under conditions appropriate to transfer GlcNAc to the EPO peptide.

[0323] In another aspect, the modifying group is a member selected from a polymer, a toxin, a radioisotope, a therapeutic moiety and a glycoconjugate.

[0324] In preferred embodiment, and referring to the EPO peptide formula above, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, n, and q are 1; h is a member selected from the integers between 1 and 3; i, j, k, l, m, o, p, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and, v, W, x, y and z are 0. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, f, h, j, k, l, m, q, s, u, v, w, x, y, and z are 0; and e, g, i, r, and t are members independently selected from 0 and 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, q, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and v, w, x, y, and z are 0. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, n, and q are 1; h is a member selected from the integers between 1 and 3; i, j, k, l, m, o, p, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and v, w, x, y and z are 0. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, f, h, j, k, l, m, o, p, s, u, v, w, x, y, and z are 0; and e, g, i, n, q, r, and t are independently selected from 0 and 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, f, h, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, s, u, v, w, x, y, and z are 0; and e, g, i, q, r, and t are members independently selected from 0 and 1. Alternatively, q is 1; a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, n, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and j, k, l, m, o, p, V, W, X, y, and z are 0.

[0325] Also included is an EPO peptide conjugate formed by the above-described method.

[0326] The invention further provides a method of forming a conjugate between a granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) peptide and a modifying group, wherein the modifying group is covalently attached to the GM-CSF peptide through an intact glycosyl linking group, the GM-CSF peptide comprising a glycosyl residue having a formula selected from:

[0327]
wherein

• • [0328] a, b, c, d, i, n, o, p, q, r, s, t, u, aa, bb, and cc are members independently selected from 0 and 1;
  • [0329] e, f, g, and h are members independently selected from the integers between 0 and 6;
  • [0330] j, k, l, and m are members independently selected from the integers between 0 and 100;
  • [0331] v, w, x, and y are 0;
  • [0332] R is a modifying group, mannose or oligomannose; and
  • [0333] R′ is H or a glycosyl residue, or a modifying group or a glycoconjugate. The method comprises:
  • [0334] (a) contacting the GM-CSF peptide with a glycosyltransferase and a modified glycosyl donor, comprising a glycosyl moiety which is a substrate for the glycosyltransferase covalently bound to the modifying group, under conditions appropriate for the formation of the intact glycosyl linking group.

[0335] In one embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0336] (b) prior to step (a), contacting the GM-CSF peptide with a sialidase under conditions appropriate to remove sialic acid from the GM-CSF peptide.

[0337] In another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0338] (c) contacting the product from step (a) with a moiety that reacts with the modifying group, thereby forming a conjugate between the intact glycosyl linking group and the moiety.

[0339] In yet another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0340] (d) prior to step (a) contacting the GM-CSF peptide with a combination of a glycosidase and a sialidase.

[0341] In an additional embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0342] (e) prior to step (a), contacting the GM-CSF peptide with an endoglycanase under conditions appropriate to cleave a glycosyl moiety from the GM-CSF peptide.

[0343] Also, the method comprises:

• • [0344] (f) prior to step (a), contacting the GM-CSF peptide with N-acetylglucosamine transferase and a GlcNAc donor under conditions appropriate to transfer GlcNAc to the GM-CSF peptide.

[0345] Additionally, the method comprises:

• • [0346] (g) prior to step (a) contacting the GM-CSF peptide with a mannosidase under conditions appropriate to cleave a mannose residue from the GM-CSF peptide.

[0347] Further, the method comprises:

• • [0348] (h) prior to step (a), contacting the GM-CSF peptide with ST3Gal3 and a sialic acid donor under conditions appropriate to transfer sialic acid to the product.

[0349] In one aspect, the modifying group is a member selected from a polymer, a toxin, a radioisotope, a therapeutic moiety and a glycoconjugate.

[0350] In additional preferred embodiments and referring to the GM-CSF peptide formula described above, a, b, c, d, i, j, k, l, m, o, p, q, r, s, t, u, and aa are members independently selected from 0 and 1; bb, e, f, g, h, and n are 1; and cc, v, w, x, y, and z are 0. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, i, j, k, l, m, o, p, q, r, s, t, u, and aa are members independently selected from 0 and 1; bb, e, f, g, h, and n are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and cc, v, w, x, y, and z are 0. Alternatively, cc, a, b, c, d, f, h, j, k, l, m, o, p, s, u, v, w, x, y, and z are 0; and e, g, i, n, q, r, t, and aa are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and bb is 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, z and cc are 0; q, r, s, t, u, v, w, x, y, and aa are members independently selected from 0 and 1; bb is 1; and R is mannose or oligomannose. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, o, q, r, s, t, u, aa, and bb are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and n, p, v, w, x, y, z, and cc are 0.

[0351] Further included is a GM-CSF peptide conjugate formed by the above-described method.

[0352] The invention also includes a method of forming a conjugate between an interferon gamma peptide and a modifying group, wherein the modifying group is covalently attached to the interferon gamma peptide through an intact glycosyl linking group, the interferon gamma peptide comprising a glycosyl residue having the formula:

[0353]
wherein

• • [0354] a, b, c, d, i, n, p, q, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1;
  • [0355] e, f, g, and h are members independently selected from the integers between 0 and 6;
  • [0356] j, k, l, and m are members independently selected from the integers between 0 and 100;
  • [0357] v, w, x, and y are 0;
  • [0358] R is a modifying group, mannose or oligomannose; and
  • [0359] R′ is H or a glycosyl residue, a glycoconjugate, or a modifying group.

[0360] The method comprises:

• • [0361] (a) contacting the interferon gamma peptide with a member selected from a glycosyltransferase and a galactosidase operating synthetically and a modified glycosyl donor, comprising a glycosyl moiety which is a substrate for the glycosyltransferase covalently bound to the modifying group, under conditions appropriate for the formation of the intact glycosyl linking group.

[0362] In one embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0363] (b) prior to step (a), contacting the interferon gamma peptide with a sialidase under conditions appropriate to remove sialic acid from the interferon gamma peptide.

[0364] In another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0365] (c) contacting the product from step (a) with a moiety that reacts with the modifying group, thereby forming a conjugate between the intact glycosyl linking group and the moiety.

[0366] In an additional embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0367] (d) prior to step (a) contacting the interferon gamma peptide with a combination of a glycosidase and a sialidase.

[0368] The method also comprises:

• • [0369] (e) prior to step (a), contacting the interferon gamma peptide with an endoglycanase under conditions appropriate to cleave a glycosyl moiety from the interferon gamma peptide.

[0370] Additionally, the method comprises:

• • [0371] (f) prior to step (a), contacting the interferon gamma peptide with N-acetylglucosamine transferase and a GlcNAc donor under conditions appropriate to transfer GlcNAc to the interferon gamma peptide.

[0372] Also, the method comprises:

• • [0373] (g) prior to step (a), contacting the interferon gamma peptide with a galactosyl transferase and a galactose donor under conditions appropriate to transfer galactose to the product.

[0374] In a further embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0375] (h) contacting the product of step (a) with a sialyltransferase and a sialic acid donor under conditions appropriate to transfer sialic acid to the product.

[0376] In another aspect, the modifying group is a member selected from a polymer, a toxin, a radioisotope, a therapeutic moiety and a glycoconjugate.

[0377] Additional preferred embodiments include, referring to the interferon gamma interferon peptide formula above, where a, b, c, d, i, j, k, l, m, q, p, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; e, f, g, and h are 1; and n, v, w, x, and y are 0. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, i, j, k, l, m, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; p, q, e, f, g, and h are 1; and n, v, w, x, and y are 0. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, f, h, j, k, l, m, n, s, u, v, w, x, and y are 0; and e, g, i, q, r, and t are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and p is 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, and n are 0; q, r, s, t, u, v, w, x, and y are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and p is 1; and R is mannose or oligomannose. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, i, j, k, l, m, q, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; e, f g, h, and p are 1; and n, v, w, x, and y are 0.

[0378] Further included is an interferon gamma peptide conjugate formed by the above-described method.

[0379] The invention further includes a method of forming a conjugate between an alpha 1 protease inhibitor (A-1-PI) peptide and a modifying group, wherein the modifying group is covalently attached to the A-1-PI peptide through an intact glycosyl linking group, the A-1-PI peptide comprising a glycosyl residue having the formula:

[0380]
wherein

• • [0381] a, b, c, d, i, n, p, q, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1;
  • [0382] e, f, g, and h are members independently selected from the integers between 0 and 6;
  • [0383] j, k, l, and m are members independently selected from the integers between 0 and 100;
  • [0384] v, w, x, and y are 0;
  • [0385] R is a modifying group, mannose and oligomannose; and
  • [0386] R′ is H or a glycosyl residue, a glycoconjugate, or a modifying group.

[0387] The method comprises:

• • [0388] (a) contacting the A-1-PI peptide with a glycosyltransferase and a modified glycosyl donor, comprising a glycosyl moiety which is a substrate for the glycosyltransferase covalently bound to the modifying group, under conditions appropriate for the formation of the intact glycosyl linking group.

[0389] In one embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0390] (b) prior to step (a), contacting the A-1-PI peptide with a sialidase under conditions appropriate to remove sialic acid from the A-1-PI peptide.

[0391] In another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0392] (c) contacting the product from step (a) with a moiety that reacts with the modifying group, thereby forming a conjugate between the intact glycosyl lining group and the moiety.

[0393] The method also comprises:

• • [0394] (d) prior to step (a) contacting the A-1-PI peptide with a combination of a glycosidase and a sialidase.

[0395] In addition, the method comprises:

• • [0396] (e) prior to step (a), contacting the A-1-PI peptide with an endoglycanase under conditions appropriate to cleave a glycosyl moiety from the A-1-PI peptide.

[0397] In yet another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0398] (f) prior to step (a), contacting the A-1-PI peptide with N-acetylglucosamine transferase and a GlcNAc donor under conditions appropriate to transfer GlcNAc to the A-1-PI peptide.

[0399] Additionally, the method comprises:

• • [0400] (g) prior to step (a), contacting the A-1-PI peptide with a mannosidase under conditions appropriate to remove mannose from the A-1-PI peptide.

[0401] Further, the method comprises:

• • [0402] (h) prior to step (a), contacting the A-1-PI peptide with a member selected from a mannosidase, a xylosidase, a hexosaminidase and combinations thereof under conditions appropriate to remove a glycosyl residue from the A-1-PI peptide.

[0403] In one aspect, the modifying group is a member selected from a polymer, a toxin, a radioisotope, a therapeutic moiety and a glycoconjugate.

[0404] In other preferred embodiments and referring to the A-1-PI peptide formula above, a, b, c, d, i, j, k, l, m, q, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and e, f g, and h are 1; and n, v, w, x, and y are 0. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, q, r, s, t and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and n, v, w, x, and y are 0. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, f, h, j, k, l, m, n, s, u, v, w, x, and y are 0; and e, g, i, q, r, and t are members independently selected from 0 and 1. Alternatively, n, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, and m are 0; q, r, s, t, u, v, w, x, and y area members independently selected from 0 and 1; and p is 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, n, p, and q are 0; r, s, t, u, v, w, x, and y are members independently selected from 0 and 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; p, v, w, x, and y are 0; and n and q are 1.

[0405] There is also provided an alpha 1 protease inhibitor peptide conjugate formed by the above-described method.

[0406] Also included in the invention is a method of forming a conjugate between a beta glucosidase peptide and a modifying group, wherein the modifying group is covalently attached to the beta glucosidase peptide through an intact glycosyl linking group, the beta glucosidase peptide comprising a glycosyl residue having the formula:

[0407]
wherein

• • [0408] a, b, c, d, i, n, p, q, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1;
  • [0409] e, f, g, and h are members independently selected from the integers between 0 and 6;
  • [0410] j, k, l, and m are members independently selected from the integers between 0 and 100; and
  • [0411] v, w, x, and y are 0;
  • [0412] R is a modifying group, a mannose or an oligomannose; and
  • [0413] R′ is H or a glycosyl residue, a glycoconjugate, or a modifying group.

[0414] The method comprises:

• • [0415] (a) contacting the beta glucosidase peptide with a glycosyltransferase and a modified glycosyl donor, comprising a glycosyl moiety which is a substrate for the glycosyltransferase covalently bound to the modifying group, under conditions appropriate for the formation of the intact glycosyl linking group.

[0416] In one embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0417] (b) prior to step (a), contacting the beta glucosidase peptide with a sialidase under conditions appropriate to remove sialic acid from the beta glucosidase peptide.

[0418] In another embodiment, the method further comprises:

• • [0419] (c) contacting the product from step (a) with a moiety that reacts with the modifying group, thereby forming a conjugate between the intact glycosyl linking group and the moiety.

[0420] In yet another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0421] (d) prior to step (a) contacting the beta glucosidase peptide with a combination of a glycosidase and a sialidase.

[0422] In an additional embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0423] (e) prior to step (a), contacting the beta glucosidase peptide with an endoglycanase under conditions appropriate to cleave a glycosyl moiety from the beta glucosidase peptide.

[0424] Additionally, the method comprises:

• • [0425] (f) prior to step (a), contacting the beta glucosidase peptide with N-acetylglucosamine transferase and a GlcNAc donor under conditions appropriate to transfer GlcNAc to the beta glucosidase peptide.

[0426] Further, the method comprises:

• • [0427] (g) prior to step (a), contacting the beta glucosidase peptide with a galactosyl transferase and a galactose donor under conditions appropriate to transfer galactose to the product.

[0428] In another aspect, the modifying group is a member selected from a polymer, a toxin, a radioisotope, a therapeutic moiety and a glycoconjugate.

[0429] In preferred embodiments and referring to the beta glucosidase peptide formula described above, a, b, c, d, i, j, k, l, m, q, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; p, e, f, g, and h are 1; and n, v, w, x, and y are 0. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, q, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and n, v, w, x, and y are 0. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, f, h, j, k, l, m, n, s, u, v, w, x, and y are 0; e, g, i, q, r, and t are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and p is 1. or, n, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, and m are 0; q, r, s, t, u, v, w, x, and y are members independently selected from 0 and 1; p is 1; and R is mannose or oligomannose.

[0430] The invention also includes a beta glucosidase peptide conjugate formed by the above described method.

[0431] The invention further provides a method of forming a conjugate between a tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) peptide and a modifying group, wherein the modifying group is covalently attached to the TPA peptide through an intact glycosyl linking group, the TPA peptide having a glycosyl subunit comprising the formula:

[0432]
wherein

• • [0433] a, b, c, d, i, n, o, p, q, r, s, t, u, v, w, x and y are members independently selected from 0 and 1;
  • [0434] e, f, g, and h are members independently selected from the integers from 0 and 6;
  • [0435] j, k, l, and m are members independently selected from the integers from 0 and 100;
  • [0436] R is a modifying group, mannose or oligomannose;
  • [0437] R′ is H or a glycosyl residue, a glycoconjugate, or a modifying group; and
  • [0438] R″ is a glycosyl group, a glycoconjugate or a modifying group. The method comprises:
  • [0439] (a) contacting the TPA peptide with a member selected from a glycosyltransferase and a glycosidase operating synthetically and a modified glycosyl donor, comprising a glycosyl moiety which is a substrate for the glycosyltransferase covalently bound to the modifying group, under conditions appropriate for the formation of the intact glycosyl linking group.

[0440] In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

• • [0441] (b) prior to step (a), contacting the TPA peptide with a sialidase under conditions appropriate to remove sialic acid from the TPA peptide.

[0442] In another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0443] (c) contacting the product of step (a) with a sialyltransferase and a sialic acid donor under conditions appropriate to transfer sialic acid to the product.

[0444] In yet another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0445] (d) prior to step (a), contacting the TPA peptide with a galactosyl transferase and a galactose donor under conditions appropriate to transfer the galactose to the TPA peptide.

[0446] In an additional embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0447] (e) prior to step (a) contacting the TPA peptide with a combination of a glycosidase and a sialidase.

[0448] In yet another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0449] (f) contacting the product from step (a) with a moiety that reacts with the modifying group, thereby forming a conjugate between the intact glycosyl linking group and the moiety.

[0450] In another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0451] (g) prior to step (a), contacting the TPA peptide with N-acetylglucosamine transferase and a GlcNAc donor under conditions appropriate to transfer GlcNAc to the TPA peptide.

[0452] In addition, the method comprises:

• • [0453] (h) prior to step (a), contacting the TPA peptide with an endoglycanase under conditions appropriate to cleave a glycosyl moiety from the TPA peptide.

[0454] In yet another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0455] (i) prior to step (a), contacting the TPA peptide with a member selected from a mannosidase, a xylosidase, a hexosaminidase and combinations thereof under conditions appropriate to remove a glycosyl residue from the TPA peptide.

[0456] In one aspect, the modifying group is a member selected from a polymer, a toxin, a radioisotope, a therapeutic moiety and a glycoconjugate.

[0457] In preferred embodiments and referring to the TPA peptide formula described above, a, b, c, d are 1; e, f, g and h are members selected from the integers between 1 and 3; i, j, k, l, m, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and n, o, v, w, x, and y are 0. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, f, h, j, k, l, m, n, o, s, u, v, w, x, and y are 0; e, g, i, r, and t are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and q and p are 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, p, q, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and n, o, v, w, x, and y are 0. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, and p are 1; h is a member selected from the integers between 1 and 3; j, k, l, m, i, q, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and n, o, v, w, x, and y are 0. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, f, h, j, k, l, m, n, s, u, v, w, x, and y are 0; e, g, i, q, r, and t are members independently selected from 0 and 1; o is 1; and R″ is xylose. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, i, j, k, l, m, q, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; e, f, g, and h are 1; and n, o, v, w, x, and y are 0. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, j, k, l, m, n, r, s, t, u, v, w, x, and y are 0; i and q are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and p is 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, j, k, l, m, o, r, s, t, u, v, w, x, and y are 0; i and q are members independently selected from 0 and 1; p is 0; and n is 1.

[0458] Also included is a TPA peptide conjugate formed by the above described method.

[0459] The invention also provides a method of forming a conjugate between an interleukin 2 (IL-2) peptide and a modifying group, wherein the modifying group is covalently attached to the IL-2 peptide through an intact glycosyl linking group, the IL-2 peptide comprising a glycosyl residue having the formula:

[0460]
wherein

• • [0461] a, b, c, and e are members independently selected from 0 and 1;
  • [0462] d is 0; and
  • [0463] R is a modifying group. The method comprises:
  • [0464] (a) contacting the IL-2 peptide with a glycosyltransferase and a modified glycosyl donor, comprising a glycosyl moiety which is a substrate for the glycosyltransferase covalently bound to the modifying group, under conditions appropriate for the formation of the intact glycosyl linking group.

[0465] In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

• • [0466] (b) prior to step (a), contacting the IL-2 peptide with a sialidase under conditions appropriate to remove sialic acid from the IL-2 peptide.

[0467] In another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0468] (c) prior to step (a), contacting the IL-2 peptide with an endo-N-acetylgalactosaminidase operating synthetically under conditions appropriate to add a GalNAc to the IL-2 peptide.

[0469] In yet an additional embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0470] (d) contacting the product from step (a) with a moiety that reacts with the modifying group, thereby forming a conjugate between the intact glycosyl linking group and the moiety.

[0471] Further, the method comprises:

• • [0472] (e) prior to step (a), contacting the IL-2 peptide with N-acetylgalactosamine transferase and a GalNAc donor under conditions appropriate to transfer GalNAc to the IL-2 peptide.

[0473] In addition, the method comprises:

• • [0474] (f) prior to step (a) contacting the IL-2 peptide with galactosyltransferase and a galactose donor under conditions appropriate to transfer galactose to the IL-2 peptide.

[0475] In one aspect, the modifying group is a member selected from a polymer, a toxin, a radioisotope, a therapeutic moiety and a glycoconjugate.

[0476] In preferred embodiments and referring to the IL-2 peptide formula described above, a and e are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and b, c, and d are 0. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, and e are 0.

[0477] The invention additionally includes an IL-2 peptide conjugate formed by the above described method.

[0478] Also included in the invention is a method of forming a conjugate between a Factor VIII peptide and a modifying group, wherein the modifying group is covalently attached to the glycopeptide through an intact glycosyl linking group, the glycopeptide comprising a glycosyl residue having a formula which is a member selected from:

[0479]
wherein

• • [0480] a, b, c, d, i, n, o, p, q, r, s, t, u, aa, cc, and dd are members independently selected from 0 and 1;
  • [0481] e, f, g, and h are members independently selected from the integers between 0 and 6;
  • [0482] j, k, l, and m are members independently selected from the integers between 0 and 20;
  • [0483] v, w, x, y and z are 0; and
  • [0484] R is a modifying group, a mannose or an oligomannose;
  • [0485] R′ is a member selected from H, a glycosyl residue, a modifying group and a glycoconjugate. The method comprises:
  • [0486] (a) contacting the glycopeptide with a glycosyltransferase and a modified glycosyl donor, comprising a glycosyl moiety which is a substrate for the glycosyltransferase covalently bound to the modifying group, under conditions appropriate for the formation of the intact glycosyl linking group.

[0487] In one embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0488] (b) prior to step (a), contacting the glycopeptide with a sialidase under conditions appropriate to remove sialic acid from the glycopeptide.

[0489] In another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0490] (c) contacting the product of step (a) with a sialyltransferase and a sialic acid donor under conditions appropriate to transfer sialic acid to the product.

[0491] In an additional embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0492] (d) prior to step (a), contacting the glycopeptide with a galactosyl transferase and a galactose donor under conditions appropriate to transfer the galactose to the glycopeptide.

[0493] Also, the method comprises:

• • [0494] (e) contacting the product from step (a) with a moiety that reacts with the modifying group, thereby forming a conjugate between the intact glycosyl linking group and the moiety.

[0495] Further, the method comprises:

• • [0496] (f) prior to step (a), contacting the glycopeptide with N-acetylglucosamine transferase and a GlcNAc donor under conditions appropriate to transfer GlcNAc to the glycopeptide.

[0497] In addition, the method comprises:

• • [0498] (g) prior to step (a), contacting the glycopeptide with endoglycanase under conditions appropriate to cleave a glycosyl moiety from the glycopeptide.

[0499] The method also comprises:

• • [0500] (h) prior to step (a), contacting the glycopeptide with ST3Gal3 and a sialic acid donor under conditions appropriate to transfer sialic acid to the product.

[0501] Moreover, the method comprises:

• • [0502] (i) prior to step (a), contacting the glycopeptide with a mannosidase under conditions appropriate to remove mannose from the glycopeptide.

[0503] In one aspect, the modifying group is a member selected from a polymer, a toxin, a radioisotope, a therapeutic moiety and a glycoconjugate.

[0504] In preferred embodiments and referring to the Factor VIII peptide formula described above, e, f, g, and h are members independently selected from the integers between 1 and 4; a, b, c, d, i, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, q, r, s, t, u, aa, and cc are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and v, w, x, y, z, and dd are 0.

[0505] There is also provided a Factor VIII peptide conjugate formed by the above described method.

[0506] Further provided in the invention is a method of forming a conjugate between a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha receptor/IgG fusion peptide and a modifying group, wherein the modifying group is covalently attached to the glycopeptide through an intact glycosyl linking group, the glycopeptide comprising a glycosyl residue having the formula:

[0507]
wherein

• • [0508] a, b, c, d, i, j, k, l, m, q, r, s, t, u, w, ww, and z are members independently selected from 0 and 1;
  • [0509] e, f, g, and h are members independently selected from the integers between 0 and 4;
  • [0510] n, v, x, and y are 0;
  • [0511] R is a modifying group, a mannose or an oligomannose; and
  • [0512] R′ is a member selected from H, a glycosyl residue, a modifying group and a glycoconjugate. The method comprises:
  • [0513] (a) contacting the glycopeptide with a glycosyltransferase and a modified glycosyl donor, comprising a glycosyl moiety which is a substrate for the glycosyltransferase covalently bound to the modifying group, under conditions appropriate for the formation of the intact glycosyl linking group.

[0514] In one embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0515] (b) prior to step (a), contacting the glycopeptide with a galactosyl transferase and a galactose donor under conditions appropriate to transfer the galactose to the glycopeptide.

[0516] In another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0517] (c) prior to step (a), contacting the glycopeptide with endoglycanase under conditions appropriate to cleave a glycosyl moiety from the glycopeptide.

[0518] In one aspect, the modifying group is a member selected from a polymer, a toxin, a radioisotope, a therapeutic moiety and a glycoconjugate.

[0519] In preferred embodiments and referring to the TNF alpha receptor/IgG fusion peptide formula presented above, a, c, i, j, and 1 are members independently selected from 0 and 1; e, g, q, r, t, and z are 1; and b, d, f, h, j, k, l, m, n, s, u, v, w, x, and y are 0. Alternatively, e, g, i, r, and t are members independently selected from 0 and 1; a, b, c, d, f, h, j, k, l, m, n, s, u, v, w, x, and y are 0; and q and z are 1.

[0520] There is also provided a TNF alpha receptor/IgG fusion peptide conjugate formed by the above described method.

[0521] The invention also includes a method of forming a conjugate between a urokinase peptide and a modifying group, wherein the modifying group is covalently attached to the urolinase peptide through an intact glycosyl linking group, the urokinase peptide comprising a glycosyl residue having the formula:

[0522]
wherein

• • [0523] a, b, c, d, i, n, p, q, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1;
  • [0524] e, f, g, and h are members independently selected from the integers between 0 and 6;
  • [0525] j, k, l, and m are members independently selected from the integers between 0 and 100;
  • [0526] v, w, x, and y are 0;
  • [0527] R is a modifying group, a mannose or an oligomannose; and
  • [0528] R′ is H or a glycosyl residue, a glycoconjugate, or a modifying group.

[0529] The method comprises:

• • [0530] (a) contacting the urokinase peptide with a glycosyltransferase and a modified glycosyl donor, comprising a glycosyl moiety which is a substrate for the glycosyltransferase covalently bound to the modifying group, under conditions appropriate for the formation of the intact glycosyl linking group.

[0531] In one embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0532] (b) prior to step (a), contacting the urolinase peptide with a sialidase under conditions appropriate to remove sialic acid from the uroidnase peptide.

[0533] In another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0534] (c) contacting the product of step (a) with a sialyltransferase and a sialic acid donor under conditions appropriate to transfer sialic acid to the product.

[0535] In yet another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0536] (d) prior to step (a), contacting the urokinase peptide with a galactosyl transferase and a galactose donor under conditions appropriate to transfer the galactose to the urokinase peptide.

[0537] In a further embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0538] (e) prior to step (a) contacting the urokinase peptide with a combination of a glycosidase and a sialidase.

[0539] In yet another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0540] (f) contacting the product from step (a) with a moiety that reacts with the modifying group, thereby forming a conjugate between the intact glycosyl linking group and the moiety.

[0541] Additionally, the method comprises:

• • [0542] (g) prior to step (a), contacting the urokinase peptide with N-acetylglucosamine transferase and a GlcNAc donor under conditions appropriate to transfer GlcNAc to the urokinase peptide.

[0543] Further, the method comprises:

• • [0544] (h) prior to step (a), contacting the urokinase peptide with an endoglycanase under conditions appropriate to cleave a glycosyl moiety from the urokinase peptide.

[0545] In one aspect, the modifying group is a member selected from a polymer, a toxin, a radioisotope, a therapeutic moiety and a glycoconjugate.

[0546] In preferred embodiments and referring to the urokinase peptide formula described above, a, b, c, d, i, j, k, l, m, q, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; e, f, g, and h are 1; v, w, x, and y are 0; and p is 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, q, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; n, v, w, x, and y are 0; and p is 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, f, h, j, k, l, m, n, s, u, v, w, x, and y are 0; and e, g, i, q, r, and t are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and p is 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, t, g, h, j, k, l, m, n, r, s, t, u, v, w, x and y are 0; i is 0 or 1; and q and p are 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, i, j, k, l, m, q, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; e, f, g, and h are independently selected from 0, 1 ,2, 3 and 4; and n, v, w, x, and y are 0. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, o, r, s, t, u, v, w, x and y are 0; q is 1; and n is 0 or 1.

[0547] Also provided is a urokinase peptide conjugate formed by the above described method.

[0548] The invention also includes a method of forming a conjugate between an anti-glycoprotein IIb/IIIa monoclonal antibody peptide and a modifying group, wherein the modifying group is covalently attached to the glycopeptide through an intact glycosyl linking group, the glycopeptide comprising a glycosyl residue having a formula which is a member selected from:

[0549]
wherein

• • [0550] a, b, c, d, i, j, k, l, m, r, s, t, u, z, aa, bb, cc, and ee are members independently selected from 0 and 1;
  • [0551] e, f, g, and h are members independently selected from the integers from 0 and 4;
  • [0552] n, v, w, x, y, and dd are 0;
  • [0553] R is a modifying group a mannose or an oligomannose; and
  • [0554] R′ is a member selected from H, a glycosyl residue, a modifying group and a glycoconjugate. The method comprises:
  • [0555] (a) contacting the glycopeptide with a glycosyltransferase and a modified glycosyl donor, comprising a glycosyl moiety which is a substrate for the glycosyltransferase covalently bound to the modifying group, under conditions appropriate for the formation of the intact glycosyl linking group.

[0556] In one embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0557] (b) prior to step (a), contacting the glycopeptide with a sialidase under conditions appropriate to remove sialic acid from the glycopeptide.

[0558] In another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0559] (c) contacting the product of step (a) with a sialyltransferase and a sialic acid donor under conditions appropriate to transfer sialic acid to the product.

[0560] In yet another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0561] (d) prior to step (a), contacting the glycopeptide with a galactosidase operating synthetically under conditions appropriate to add a galactose to the glycopeptide.

[0562] In a further embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0563] (e) prior to step (a), contacting the glycopeptide with a galactosyl transferase and a galactose donor under conditions appropriate to transfer the galactose to the glycopeptide.

[0564] In addition, the method comprises:

• • [0565] (f) contacting the product from step (e) with ST3Gal3 and a sialic acid donor under conditions appropriate to transfer sialic acid to the product.

[0566] Further, the method comprises:

• • [0567] (g) contacting the product from step (a) with a moiety that reacts with the modifying group, thereby forming a conjugate between the intact glycosyl linking group and the moiety.

[0568] Also, the method comprises:

• • [0569] (h) prior to step (a), contacting the glycopeptide with N-acetylglucosamine transferase and a GlcNAc donor under conditions appropriate to transfer GlcNAc to the glycopeptide.

[0570] Moreover, the method comprises:

• • [0571] (i) prior to step (a), contacting the glycopeptide with endoglycanase under conditions appropriate to cleave a glycosyl moiety from the glycopeptide.

[0572] In one aspect, the modifying group is a member selected from a polymer, a toxin, a radioisotope, a therapeutic moiety and a glycoconjugate.

[0573] In preferred embodiments and referring to the anti-glycoprotein IIb/IIIa monoclonal antibody peptide formula described above, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; n, v, w, x, and y are 0; and z is 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, j, k, l, m, n, s, t, u, v, w, x, and y are 0; i and r are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and z is 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, and n are 0; r, s, t, u, v, w, x, and y are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and z is 1. Alternatively, aa, bb, cc, and ee are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and dd is 0. Alternatively, aa and ee are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and bb, cc, and dd are 0. Alternatively, aa, bb, cc, dd, and ee are 0.

[0574] Also provided is an anti-glycoprotein IIb/IIIa monoclonal antibody peptide conjugate formed by the above described method.

[0575] There is further provided in the invention a method of forming a conjugate between a chimeric anti-HER2 antibody peptide and a modifying group, wherein the modifying group is covalently attached to the chimeric anti-HER2 antibody peptide through an intact glycosyl linking group, the chimeric anti-HER2 antibody peptide comprising a glycosyl residue having the formula:

[0576]
wherein

• • [0577] a, b, c, d, i, j, k, l, q, r, s, t, u, and z are members independently selected from 0 and 1;
  • [0578] e, f, g, and h are members independently selected from the integers between 0 and 4;
  • [0579] n, v, w, x, and y are 0;
  • [0580] m is 0-20;
  • [0581] R is a modifying group, a mannose or an oligomannose; and
  • [0582] R′ is a member selected from hydrogen and a glycosyl residue, and a modifying group the method comprises:
  • [0583] (a) contacting the chimeric anti-HER2 antibody peptide with a glycosyltransferase and a modified glycosyl donor, comprising a glycosyl moiety which is a substrate for the glycosyltransferase covalently bound to the modifying group, under conditions appropriate for the formation of the intact glycosyl linking group.

[0584] In one embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0585] (b) prior to step (a), contacting the chimeric anti-HER2 antibody peptide with a galactosyl transferase and a galactose donor under conditions appropriate to transfer the galactose to the chimeric anti-HER2 antibody peptide.

[0586] In another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0587] (c) prior to step (a), contacting the chimeric anti-HER2 antibody peptide with endoglycanase under conditions appropriate to cleave a glycosyl moiety from the chimeric anti-HER2 antibody peptide.

[0588] In one aspect, the modifying group is a member selected from a polymer, a toxin, a radioisotope, a therapeutic moiety and a glycoconjugate.

[0589] In preferred embodiments and referring to the anti-HER2 antibody peptide formula described above, a, c, and i are members independently selected from 0 and 1; e, g, r, and t are 1; b, d, f, h, j, k, l, m, n, s, u, v, w, x, and y are 0; and q and z are 1. Alternatively, i is 0 or 1; q and z are 1; and a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, j, k, l, m, n, r, s, t, u, v, w, x, and y are 0. Alternatively, e, g, i, r, and t are members independently selected from 0 and 1; a, b, c, d, f, h, j, k, l, m, n, s, u, v, w, x, and y are 0; and q and z are 1.

[0590] Also provided is an anti-HER2 antibody peptide conjugate formed by the above described method.

[0591] The invention further provides method of forming a conjugate between an anti-RSV F peptide and a modifying group, wherein the modifying group is covalently attached to the anti-RSV F peptide through an intact glycosyl linking group, the anti-RSV F peptide comprising a glycosyl residue having the formula:

[0592]
wherein

• • [0593] a, b, c, d, i, j, k, l, m, p, q, r, s, t, u, and z are members independently selected from 0 and 1;
  • [0594] e, f, g and h are members independently selected from the integers from 0 to 4;
  • [0595] n, v, w, x and y are 0;
  • [0596] R is a modifying group, a mannose or an oligomannose; and
  • [0597] R′ is a member selected from H and a glycosyl residue, a glycoconjugate, and a modifying group. The method comprises:
  • [0598] (a) contacting the anti-RSV F peptide with a glycosyltransferase and a modified glycosyl donor, comprising a glycosyl moiety which is a substrate for the glycosyltransferase covalently bound to the modifying group, under conditions appropriate for the formation of the intact glycosyl linking group.

[0599] In one embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0600] (b) prior to step (a), contacting the anti-RSV F peptide with a galactosyl transferase and a galactose donor under conditions appropriate to transfer the galactose to the anti-RSV F peptide.

[0601] In another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0602] (c) prior to step (b), contacting the anti-RSV F peptide with endoglycanase under conditions appropriate to cleave a glycosyl moiety from the anti-RSV F peptide.

[0603] In preferred embodiments and referring to the anti-RSV F peptide formula presented above, a, c, e, g and i are members independently selected from 0 and 1; r and t are 1; b, d, f, h, j, k, l, m, n, s, u, v, w, x and y are 0; and z is 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, j, k, l, m, r, s, t, u, v, w, x, y are 0; i and p are independently selected from 0 or 1; q and z are 1; and n is 0. Alternatively, e, g, i, r and t are members independently selected from 0 and 1; a, b, c, d, f, h, j, k, l, m, n, s, u, v, w, x and y are 0; and q and z are 1.

[0604] In one aspect, the modifying group is a member selected from a polymer, a toxin, a radioisotope, a therapeutic moiety and a glycoconjugate.

[0605] Also provided is an anti RSV F peptide conjugate formed by the above described method.

[0606] Also included in the invention is a method of forming a conjugate between an anti-CD20 antibody peptide and a modifying group, wherein the modifying group is covalently attached to the anti-CD20 antibody peptide through an intact glycosyl linking group, the anti-CD20 antibody peptide having a glycosyl subunit comprising the formula:

[0607]
wherein

• • [0608] a, b, c, d, i, j, k, l, m, q, r, s, t, u and z are integers independently selected from 0 and 1;
  • [0609] e, f, g, and h are independently selected-from the integers from 0 to 4;
  • [0610] n, v, w, x, and y are 0;
  • [0611] R is a modifying group, a mannose or an oligomannose; and
  • [0612] R′ is a member selected from H, a glycosyl residue, a glycoconjugate or a modifying group. The method comprises:
  • [0613] (a) contacting the anti-CD20 antibody peptide with a glycosyltransferase and a modified glycosyl donor, comprising a glycosyl moiety which is a substrate for the glycosyltransferase covalently bound to the modifying group, under conditions appropriate for the formation of the intact glycosyl linking group.

[0614] In one embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0615] (b) prior to step (a), contacting the anti-CD20 antibody peptide with a galactosyltrrnsferase and a galactosyl donor under conditions appropriate for the transfer of the galactosyl donor to the anti-CD20 antibody peptide.

[0616] In another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0617] (c) prior to step (b), contacting the anti-CD20 antibody peptide with endoglycanase under conditions appropriate to cleave a glycosyl moiety from the anti-CD20 antibody peptide.

[0618] In yet another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0619] (d) prior to step (a), contacting the anti-CD20 antibody peptide with a mannosidase under conditions appropriate to remove mannose from the anti-CD20 antibody peptide.

[0620] In one aspect, the modifying group is a member selected from a polymer, a toxin, a radioisotope, a therapeutic moiety and a glycoconjugate.

[0621] In another aspect, the glycosyltransferase is galactosyltransferase and the modified glycosyl donor is a modified galactosyl donor.

[0622] In preferred embodiments and referring to the anti-CD20 peptide formula presented above, a, c, e, g and i are members independently selected from 0 and 1; r, t, q and z are 1; and b, d, f, h, j, k, l, m, n, s, u, v, w, x and y are 0. Alternatively, a, c, e, g, i, q, r, and t are members independently selected from 0 and 1; b, d, f, h, j, k, l, m, s, u, v, w, x, y are 0; and z is 1. Alternatively, e, g, i, q, r, and t are members independently selected from 0 and 1; a, b, c, d, f, h, j, k, l, m, n, s, u, v, w, x, and y are 0; and z is 1. Alternatively, i is 0 or 1; q and z are 1; and a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, j, k, l, m, n, r, s, t, u, v, w, x and y are 0. Alternatively, e, g, i, r, t, v, x and z are members independently selected from 0 and 1; a, b, c, d, f, h, j, k, l, m, n, s, u, w and y are 0; and z is 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, f g, h, j, k, l, m, r, s, t, u, v, w, x and y are 0; n and q are 1; and i is 0 or 1.

[0623] Also included is an anti-CD20 antibody peptide conjugate formed by the above-described method.

[0624] The invention additionally provides a method of forming a conjugate between a recombinant DNase peptide and a modifying group, wherein the modifying group is covalently attached to the recombinant DNase peptide through an intact glycosyl linking group, the recombinant DNase peptide comprising a glycosyl residue having the formula:

[0625]
wherein

• • [0626] a, b, c, d, i, n, p q, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1;
  • [0627] e, f, g, and h are members independently selected from the integers between 0 and 6;
  • [0628] j, k, l, and m are members independently selected from the integers between 0 and 100;
  • [0629] v, w, x, and y are 0; and
  • [0630] R is a member selected from polymer, a glycoconjugate, a mannose, an oligomannose and a modifying group. The method comprises:
  • [0631] (a) contacting the recombinant DNase peptide with a glycosyltransferase and a modified glycosyl donor, comprising a glycosyl moiety which is a substrate for the glycosyltransferase covalently bound to the modifying group, under conditions appropriate for the formation of the intact glycosyl linking group.

[0632] In one embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0633] (b) prior to step (a), contacting the recombinant DNase peptide with a sialidase under conditions appropriate to remove sialic acid from the recombinant DNase peptide.

[0634] In another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0635] (c) contacting the product of step (a) with a sialyltransferase and a sialic acid donor under conditions appropriate to transfer sialic acid to the product.

[0636] In an additional embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0637] (d) prior to step (a), contacting the recombinant DNase peptide with a galactosyl transferase and a galactose donor under conditions appropriate to transfer the galactose to the recombinant DNase peptide.

[0638] In yet a further embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0639] (e) prior to step (a) contacting the recombinant DNase peptide with a combination of a glycosidase and a sialidase.

[0640] In another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0641] (f) contacting the product from step (a) with a moiety that reacts with the modifying group, thereby forming a conjugate between the intact glycosyl linking group and the moiety.

[0642] The method also comprises:

• • [0643] (g) prior to step (a), contacting the recombinant DNase peptide with N-acetylglucosamine transferase and a GlcNAc donor under conditions appropriate to transfer GlcNAc to the recombinant DNase peptide.

[0644] In addition, the method comprises:

• • [0645] (h) prior to step (a), contacting the recombinant DNase peptide with an endoglycanase under conditions appropriate to cleave a glycosyl moiety from the recombinant DNase peptide.

[0646] In preferred embodiments and referring to the DNase peptide formula presented above, a, b, c, d, i, j, k, l, m, q, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; e, f, g, h and p are 1; and n, v, w, x, and y are 0. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, q, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; p is 1; and n, v, w, x, and y are 0. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, f, h, j, k, l, m, s, u, v, w, x, and y are 0; and e, g, i, q, r, and t are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and p is 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, j, k, l, m, n, r, s, t, u, v, w, x, and y are 0; i is 0 or 1; and p is 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, j, k, l and m are 0; i, q, r, s, t, u, v, x and y are independently selected from 0 or 1; p is 1; and R is mannose or oligomannose.

[0647] Also provided is a recombinant DNase peptide conjugate formed by the above described method.

[0648] The invention additionally includes a method of forming a conjugate between an anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha peptide and a modifying group, wherein the modifying group is covalently attached to the anti-TNF alpha peptide through an intact glycosyl linking group, the anti-TNF alpha peptide comprising a glycosyl residue having the formula:

[0649]
wherein

• • [0650] a, b, c, d, i, n, o, p, q, r, s, t, u and z are members independently selected from 0 and 1;
  • [0651] e, f, g, and h are members independently selected from the integers between 0 and 6;
  • [0652] j, k, l, and m are members independently selected from the integers between 0 and 20;
  • [0653] n, v, w, x and y are 0; and
  • [0654] R is a modifying group, a mannose or an oligomannose;
  • [0655] R′ is a glycoconjugate or a modifying group. The method comprises:
  • [0656] (a) contacting the anti-TNF alpha peptide with a glycosyltransferase and a modified glycosyl donor, comprising a glycosyl moiety which is a substrate for the glycosyltransferase covalently bound to the modifying group, under conditions appropriate for the formation of the intact glycosyl linking group.

[0657] In one embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0658] (b) prior to step (a), contacting the anti-TNF alpha peptide with a galactosyl transferase and a galactose donor under conditions appropriate to transfer the galactose to the anti-TNF alpha peptide.

[0659] In another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0660] (c) prior to step (a), contacting the anti-TNF alpha peptide with endoglycanase under conditions appropriate to cleave a glycosyl moiety from the anti-TNF alpha peptide.

[0661] In one aspect, the modifying group is a member selected from a polymer, a toxin, a radioisotope, a therapeutic moiety and a glycoconjugate.

[0662] In preferred embodiments and referring to the anti-TNF alpha peptide formula presented above, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, o, p, q, r, s, t and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; n is 1; and v, w, x, y, and z are 0. Alternatively, a, c, e, g and i are members independently selected from 0 and 1; r and t are 1; b, d, f, h, j, k, l, m, n, s, u, v, w, x and y; and q and z are 1.

[0663] Also included is an anti-TNF alpha peptide conjugate formed by the above described method.

[0664] The invention also provides a method of forming a conjugate between an insulin peptide and a modifying group, wherein the modifying group is covalently attached to the glycopeptide through an intact glycosyl linking group, the glycopeptide comprising a glycosyl residue having a formula which is a member selected from:

[0665]
wherein

• • [0666] a, b, c, d, i, j, k, l, m, r, s, t, u, z, aa, bb, cc, and ee are members independently selected from 0 and 1;
  • [0667] e, f, g, and h are members independently selected from the integer between 0 and 4;
  • [0668] dd, n, v, w, x and y are 0;
  • [0669] R is a modifying group, a mannose or an oligomannose; and
  • [0670] R′ is a member selected from H, a glycosyl residue, a modifying group and a glycoconjugate. The method comprises:
  • [0671] (a) contacting the glycopeptide with a glycosyltransferase and a modified glycosyl donor, comprising a glycosyl moiety which is a substrate for the glycosyltransferase covalently bound to the modifying group, under conditions appropriate for the formation of the intact glycosyl linking group.

[0672] In one embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0673] (b) prior to step (a), contacting the glycopeptide with a sialidase under conditions appropriate to remove sialic acid from the glycopeptide.

[0674] In another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0675] (c) contacting the product of step (a) with a sialyltransferase and a sialic acid donor under conditions appropriate to transfer sialic acid to the product.

[0676] In yet another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0677] (d) prior to step (a), contacting the glycopeptide with N-acetylglucosamine transferase and a GlcNAc donor under conditions appropriate to transfer GlcNAc to the glycopeptide.

[0678] In a further embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0679] (e) prior to step (a), contacting the glycopeptide with endoglycanase under conditions appropriate to cleave a glycosyl moiety from the glycopeptide.

[0680] In one aspect, the modifying group is a member selected from a polymer, a toxin, a radioisotope, a therapeutic moiety and a glycoconjugate.

[0681] In preferred embodiments and referring to the insulin peptide formula presented above, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; n, v, w, x, and y are 0; and z is 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, j, k, l, m, n, s, t, u, v, w, x, and y are 0; i and r are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and z is 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, and n are 0; r, s, t, u, v, w, x, and y are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and z is 1. Alternatively, aa, bb, cc, and ee are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and dd is 0. Alternatively, aa and ee are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and bb, cc, and dd are 0. Alternatively, aa, bb, cc, dd, and ee are 0.

[0682] The invention further includes an insulin peptide conjugate formed by the above described method.

[0683] In addition, there is provided in the invention a method of forming a conjugate between a hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) peptide and a modifying group, wherein the modifying group is covalently attached to the HBsAg peptide through an intact glycosyl linking group, the HBsAg peptide comprising a glycosyl residue having a formula which is a member selected from:

[0684]
wherein

• • [0685] aa, bb, a, b, c, d, i, n, q, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1;
  • [0686] e, f, g, and h are members independently selected from the integers between 0 and 6;
  • [0687] o, p, j, k, l, and m are members independently selected from the integers between 0 and 100;
  • [0688] cc, v, w, x, and y are 0;
  • [0689] R is a modifying group, a mannose or an oligomannose; and
  • [0690] R′ is H or a glycosyl residue, a glycoconjugate, or a modifying group.

[0691] The method comprises:

• • [0692] (a) contacting the HBsAg peptide with a glycosyltransferase and a modified glycosyl donor, comprising a glycosyl moiety which is a substrate for the glycosyltransferase covalently bound to the modifying group, under conditions appropriate for the formation of the intact glycosyl linking group.

[0693] In one embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0694] (b) prior to step (a), contacting the HBsAg peptide with a sialidase under conditions appropriate to remove sialic acid from the HBsAg peptide.

[0695] In another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0696] (c) contacting the product of step (a) with a sialyltransferase and a sialic acid donor under conditions appropriate to transfer sialic acid to the product.

[0697] In yet another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0698] (d) prior to step (a), contacting the HBsAg peptide with a galactosidase under conditions appropriate to cleave a glycosyl residue from the HBsAg peptide.

[0699] The method also comprises:

• • [0700] (e) prior to step (a), contacting the HBsAg peptide with a galactosyl transferase and a galactose donor under conditions appropriate to transfer the galactose to the HBsAg peptide.

[0701] In addition, the method comprises:

• • [0702] (f) contacting the product of step (d) with ST3Gal3 and a sialic acid donor under conditions appropriate to transfer sialic acid to the product.

[0703] Also, the method comprises:

• • [0704] (g) contacting the product from step (a) with a moiety that reacts with the modifying group, thereby forming a conjugate between the intact glycosyl linking group and the moiety.

[0705] Also, the method comprises:

• • [0706] (h) prior to step (a), contacting the HBsAg peptide with N-acetylglucosamine transferase and a GlcNAc donor under conditions appropriate to transfer GlcNAc to the HBsAg peptide.

[0707] In addition, the method comprises:

• • [0708] (i) prior to step (a), contacting the HBsAg peptide with a mannosidase under conditions appropriate to cleave mannose from the HBsAg peptide.

[0709] Also, the method comprises:

• • [0710] (j) prior to step (a), contacting the HBsAg peptide with endoglycanase under conditions sufficient to cleave a glycosyl group from the HBsAg peptide.

[0711] In one aspect, the modifying group is a member selected from a polymer, a toxin, a radioisotope, a therapeutic moiety, an adjuvant and a glycoconjugate.

[0712] In preferred embodiments and referring to the HBsAg peptide formula presented above, a, b, c, d, i, j, k, l, m, o, p, q, r, s, t, u, and aa are members independently selected from 0 and 1; bb, e, f, g, h, and n are 1; and cc, v, w, x, y, and z are 0. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, i, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, q, r, s, t, u, and aa are members independently selected from 0 and 1; e, f, g, and h are independently selected from 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4; cc, v, w, x, y, and z are 0; and bb is 1. Alternatively, cc, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, v, w, x, y and z are 0; and q, r, s, t, u, v, w, x, y, and aa are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and bb is 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, i, j, k, l, m, o, q, r, s, t, u, and aa are members independently selected from 0 and 1; bb, e, f, g, h, and n are 1; and n, p cc, v, w, x, y, and z are 0. Alternatively, bb, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, o, p, q, r, s, t, u, v, w, x, y, and z are members independently selected from 0 and 1; cc is 1; and n is 0 or 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, f, h, j, k, l, m, o, p, s, u, v, w, x, y, z, and cc are 0; bb is 1; e, g, i, n, q, r, t, and aa are members independently selected from 0 and 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, z, and cc are 0; q, r, s, t, u, v, w, x, y, and aa are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and bb is 1.

[0713] Also included is a HBsAg peptide conjugate formed by the above described method.

[0714] The invention further provides a method of forming a conjugate between a human growth hormone (HGH) peptide and a modifying group, wherein the modifying group is covalently attached to the glycopeptide through an intact glycosyl linking group, the glycopeptide comprising a glycosyl residue having a formula which is a member selected from:

[0715]
wherein

• • [0716] a, b, c, d, i, j, k, l, m, r, s, t, u, z, aa, bb, cc, and ee are members independently selected from 0 and 1;
  • [0717] e, f, g, and h are members independently selected from the integers between 0 and 4;
  • [0718] n, v, w, x, y, and dd are 0;
  • [0719] R is a modifying group, a mannose or an oligomannose; and
  • [0720] R′ is a member selected from H, a glycosyl residue, a modifying group and a glycoconjugate. The method comprises:
  • [0721] (a) contacting the glycopeptide with a glycosyltransferase and a modified glycosyl donor, comprising a glycosyl moiety which is a substrate for the glycosyltransferase covalently bound to the modifying group, under conditions appropriate for the formation of the intact glycosyl linking group.

[0722] In another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0723] (b) prior to step (a), contacting the glycopeptide with a sialidase under conditions appropriate to remove sialic acid from the glycopeptide.

[0724] In one embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0725] (c) prior to step (a), contacting the glycopeptide with endoglycanase under conditions appropriate to cleave a glycosyl moiety from the glycopeptide.

[0726] In another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0727] (c) prior to step (a), contacting the glycopeptide with a galactosyl transferase and a galactose donor under conditions appropriate to transfer the galactose to the glycopeptide.

[0728] In yet another embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0729] (d) contacting the product of step (a) with a sialyltransferase and a sialic acid donor under conditions appropriate to transfer sialic acid to the product.

[0730] In a further embodiment, the method comprises:

• • [0731] (d) prior to step (a), contacting the glycopeptide with a galactosidase under conditions appropriate to cleave a glycosyl residue from the glycopeptide.

[0732] In preferred embodiments and referring to the HGH peptide formula presented above, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, r, s, t, and u are members independently selected from 0 and 1; n, v, w, x, and y are 0; and z is 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, j, k, l, m, n, s, t, u, v, w, x, and y are 0; i and r are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and z is 1. Alternatively, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, and n are 0; r, s, t, u, v, w, x and y are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and z is 1. Alternatively, aa and ee are members independently selected from 0 and 1; and bb, cc, and dd are 0. Alternatively, aa, bb, cc, dd, and ee are 0. Alternatively, aa, bb, cc, dd, ee, and n are 0.

[0733] Also included is a HGH peptide conjugate formed by the above described method.

[0861] The present invention includes methods and compositions for the cell free in vitro addition and/or deletion of sugars to or from a peptide molecule in such a manner as to provide a glycopeptide molecule having a specific customized or desired glycosylation pattern, wherein the glycopeptide is produced at an industrial scale. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the glycopeptide so produced has attached thereto a modified sugar that has been added to the peptide via an enzymatic reaction. A key feature of the invention is to take a peptide produced by any cell type and generate a core glycan structure on the peptide, following which the glycan structure is then remodeled in vitro to generate a glycopeptide having a glycosylation pattern suitable for therapeutic use in a mammal. More specifically, it is possible according to the present invention, to prepare a glycopeptide molecule having a modified sugar molecule or other compound conjugated thereto, such that the conjugated molecule confers a beneficial property on the peptide. According to the present invention, the conjugate molecule is added to the peptide enzymatically because enzyme-based addition of conjugate molecules to peptides has the advantage of regioselectivity and stereoselectivity. It is therefore possible, using the methods and compositions provided herein, to remodel a peptide to confer upon the peptide a desired glycan structure preferably having a modified sugar attached thereto. It is also possible, using the methods and compositions of the invention to generate peptide molecules having desired and or modified glycan structures at an industrial scale, thereby, for the first time, providing the art with a practical solution for the efficient production of improved therapeutic peptides.

Definitions

[0862] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein generally have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Generally, the nomenclature used herein and the laboratory procedures in cell culture, molecular genetics, organic chemistry, and nucleic acid chemistry and hybridization are those well known and commonly employed in the art. Standard techniques are used for nucleic acid and peptide synthesis. The techniques and procedures are generally performed according to conventional methods in the art and various general references (e.g., Sambrook et al., 1989, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2d ed. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.), which are provided throughout this document. The nomenclature used herein and the laboratory procedures used in analytical chemistry and organic syntheses described below are those well known and commonly employed in the art. Standard techniques or modifications thereof, are used for chemical syntheses and chemical analyses.

[0863] The articles “a” and “an” are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e. to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, “an element” means one element or more than one element.

[0864] The term “antibody,” as used herein, refers to an immunoglobulin molecule which is able to specifically bind to a specific-epitope on an antigen. Antibodies can be intact immunoglobulins derived from natural sources or from recombinant sources and can be immunoreactive portions of intact immunoglobulins. Antibodies are typically tetrameters of immunoglobulin molecules. The antibodies in the present invention may exist in a variety of forms including, for example, polyclonal antibodies, monoclonal antibodies, Fv, Fab and F(ab)₂, as well as single chain antibodies and humanized antibodies (Harlow et al., 1999, Using Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, NY; Harlow et al., 1989, Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.; Houston et al., 1988, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85:5879-5883; Bird et al., 1988, Science 242:423-426).

[0865] By the term “synthetic antibody” as used herein, is meant an antibody which is generated using recombinant DNA technology, such as, for example, an antibody expressed by a bacteriophage as described herein. The term should also be construed to mean an antibody which has been generated by the synthesis of a DNA molecule encoding the antibody and which DNA molecule expresses an antibody protein, or an amino acid sequence specifying the antibody, wherein the DNA or amino acid sequence has been obtained using synthetic DNA or amino acid sequence technology which is available and well known in the art.

[0866] As used herein, a “functional” biological molecule is a biological molecule in a form in which it exhibits a property by which it is characterized. A functional enzyme, for example, is one which exhibits the characteristic catalytic activity by which the enzyme is characterized.

[0867] As used herein, the structure

[0868]
is the point of connection between an amino acid in the peptide chain and the glycan structure.

[0869] “N-linked” oligosaccharides are those oligosaccharides that are linked to a peptide backbone through asparagine, byway of an asparagine-N-acetylglucosamine linkage. N-linked oligosaccharides are also called “N-glycans.” All N-linked oligosaccharides have a common pentasaccharide core of Man₃GlcNAc₂. They differ in the presence of, and in the number of branches (also called antennae) of peripheral sugars such as N-acetylglucosamine, galactose, N-acetylgalactosamine, fucose and sialic acid. Optionally, this structure may also contain a core facose molecule and/or a xylose molecule.

[0870] An “elemental trimannosyl core structure” refers to a glycan moiety comprising solely a trimannosyl core structure, with no additional sugars attached thereto. When the term “elemental” is not included in the description of the “trimannosyl core structure,” then the glycan comprises the trimannosyl core structure with additional sugars attached thereto. Optionally, this structure may also contain a core fucose molecule and/or a xylose molecule.

[0871] The term “elemental trimannosyl core glycopeptide” is used herein to refer to a glycopeptide having glycan structures comprised primarily of an elemental trimannosyl core structure. Optionally, this structure may also contain a core fucose molecule and/or a xylose molecule.

[0872] “O-linked” oligosaccharides are those oligosaccharides that are linked to a peptide backbone through threonine or serine.

[0873] All oligosaccharides described herein are described with the name or abbreviation for the non-reducing saccharide (i.e., Gal), followed by the configuration of the glycosidic bond (α or β), the ring bond (1 or 2), the ring position of the reducing saccharide involved in the bond (2, 3, 4, 6 or 8), and then the name or abbreviation of the reducing saccharide (i.e., GlcNAc). Each saccharide is preferably a pyranose. For a review of standard glycobiology nomenclature see, Essentials of Glycobiology Varki et al. eds., 1999, CSHL Press.

[0874] The term “sialic acid” refers to any member of a family of nine-carbon carboxylated sugars. The most common member of the sialic acid family is N-acetyl-neuraminic acid (2-keto-5-acetamido-3,5-dideoxy-D-glycero-D-galactononulopyranos-1-onic acid (often abbreviated as Neu5Ac, NeuAc, or NANA). A second member of the family is N-glycolyl-neuraminic acid (Neu5Gc or NeuGc), in which the N-acetyl group of NeuAc is hydroxylated. A third sialic acid family member is 2-keto-3-deoxy-nonulosonic acid (KDN) (Nadano et al. (1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261: 11550-11557; Kanamori et al., J. Biol. Chem. 265: 21811-21819 (1990)). Also included are 9-substituted sialic acids such as a 9-O—C₁-C₆ acyl-Neu5Ac like 9-O-lactyl-Neu5Ac or 9-O-acetyl-Neu5Ac, 9-deoxy-9-fluoro-Neu5Ac and 9-azido-9-deoxy-Neu5Ac. For review of the sialic acid family, see, e.g., Varki, Glycobiology 2: 25-40 (1992); Sialic Acids: Chemistry, Metabolism and Function, R. Schauer, Ed. (Springer-Verlag, New York (1992)). The synthesis and use of sialic acid compounds in a sialylation procedure is disclosed in international application WO 92/16640, published Oct. 1, 1992.

[0875] A peptide having “desired glycosylation”, as used herein, is a peptide that comprises one or more oligosaccharide molecules which are required for efficient biological activity of the peptide.

[0876] A “disease” is a state of health of an animal wherein the animal cannot maintain homeostasis, and wherein if the disease is not ameliorated then the animal's health continues to deteriorate.

[0877] The “area under the curve” or “AUC”, as used herein in the context of administering a peptide drug to a patient, is defined as total area under the curve that describes the concentration of drug in systemic circulation in the patient as a function of time from zero to infinity.

[0878] The term “half-life” or “t½”, as used herein in the context of administering a peptide drug to a patient, is defined as the time required for plasma concentration of a drug in a patient to be reduced by one half. There may be more than one half-life associated with the peptide drug depending on multiple clearance mechanisms, redistribution, and other mechanisms well known in the art. Usually, alpha and beta half-lives are defined such that the alpha phase is associated with redistribution, and the beta phase is associated with clearance. However, with protein drugs that are, for the most part, confined to the bloodstream, there can be at least two clearance half-lives. For some glycosylated peptides, rapid beta phase clearance may be mediated via receptors on macrophages, or endothelial cells that recognize terminal galactose, N-acetylgalactosamine, N-acetylglucosamine, mannose, or fucose. Slower beta phase clearance may occur via renal glomerular filtration for molecules with an effective radius <2 nm (approximately 68 d)) and/or specific or non-specific uptake and metabolism in tissues. GlycoPEGylation may cap terminal sugars (e.g. galactose or N-acetylgalactosamine) and thereby block rapid alpha phase clearance via receptors that recognize these sugars. It may also confer a larger effective radius and thereby decrease the volume of distribution and tissue uptake, thereby prolonging the late beta phase. Thus, the precise impact of glycoPEGylation on alpha phase and beta phase half-lives will vary depending upon the size, state of glycosylation, and other parameters, as is well known in the art. Further explanation of “half-life” is found in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (1997, D F A Crommelin and R D Sindelar, eds., Harwood Publishers, Amsterdam, pp 101-120).

[0879] The term “residence time”, as used herein in the context of administering a peptide drug to a patient, is defined as the average time that drug stays in the body of the patient after dosing.

[0880] An “isolated nucleic acid” refers to a nucleic acid segment or fragment which has been separated from sequences which flank it in a naturally occurring state, e.g., a DNA fragment which has been removed from the sequences which are normally adjacent to the fragment, e.g., the sequences adjacent to the fragment in a genome in which it naturally occurs. The term also applies to nucleic acids which have been substantially purified from other components which naturally accompany the nucleic acid, e.g., RNA or DNA or proteins, which naturally accompany it in the cell. The term therefore includes, for example, a recombinant DNA which is incorporated into a vector, into an autonomously replicating plasmid or virus, or into the genomic DNA of a prokaryote or eukaryote, or which exists as a separate molecule (e.g., as a cDNA or a genomic or cDNA fragment produced by PCR or restriction enzyme digestion) independent of other sequences. It also includes a recombinant DNA which is part of a hybrid nucleic acid encoding additional peptide sequence.

[0881] A “polynucleotide” means a single strand or parallel and anti-parallel strands of a nucleic acid. Thus, a polynucleotide may be either a single-stranded or a double-stranded nucleic acid.

[0882] The term “nucleic acid” typically refers to large polynucleotides. The term “oligonucleotide” typically refers to short polynucleotides, generally no greater than about 50 nucleotides.

[0883] Conventional notation is used herein to describe polynucleotide sequences: the left-hand end of a single-stranded polynucleotide sequence is the 5′-end; the left-hand direction of a double-stranded polynucleotide sequence is referred to as the 5′-direction. The direction of 5′ to 3′ addition of nucleotides to nascent RNA transcripts is referred to as the transcription direction. The DNA strand having the same sequence as an mRNA is referred to as the “coding strand”; sequences on the DNA strand which are located 5′ to a reference point on the DNA are referred to as “upstream sequences”; sequences on the DNA strand which are 3′ to a reference point on the DNA are referred to as “downstream sequences.”

[0884] “Encoding” refers to the inherent property of specific sequences of nucleotides in a polynucleotide, such as a gene, a cDNA, or an mRNA, to serve as templates for synthesis of other polymers and macromolecules in biological processes having either a defined sequence of nucleotides (i.e., rRNA, tRNA and mRNA) or a defined sequence of amino acids and the biological properties resulting therefrom. Thus, a nucleic acid sequence encodes a protein if transcription and translation of mRNA corresponding to that nucleic acid produces the protein in a cell or other biological system. Both the coding strand, the nucleotide sequence of which is identical to the mRNA sequence and is usually provided in sequence listings, and the non-coding strand, used as the template for transcription of a gene or cDNA, can be referred to as encoding the protein or other product of that nucleic acid or cDNA.

[0885] Unless otherwise specified, a “nucleotide sequence encoding an amino acid sequence” includes all nucleotide sequences that are degenerate versions of each other and that encode the same amino acid sequence. Nucleotide sequences that encode proteins and RNA may include introns.

[0886] “Homologous” as used herein, refers to the subunit sequence similarity between two polymeric molecules, e.g., between two nucleic acid molecules, e.g., two DNA molecules or two RNA molecules, or between two peptide molecules. When a subunit position in both of the two molecules is occupied by the same monomeric subunit, e.g., if a position in each of two DNA molecules is occupied by adenine, then they are homologous at that position. The homology between two sequences is a direct function of the number of matching or homologous positions, e.g., if half (e.g., five positions in a polymer ten subunits in length) of the positions in two compound sequences are homologous then the two sequences are 50% homologous, if 90% of the positions, e.g., 9 of 10, are matched or homologous, the two sequences share 90% homology. By way of example, the DNA sequences 3′ ATTGCC5′ and 3′ TATGGC share 50% homology.

[0887] As used herein, “homology” is used synonymously with “identity.”

[0888] The determination of percent identity between two nucleotide or amino acid sequences can be accomplished using a mathematical algorithm. For example, a mathematical algorithm useful for comparing two sequences is the algorithm of Karlin and Altschul (1990, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 87:2264-2268), modified as in Karlin and Altschul (1993, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90:5873-5877). This algorithm is incorporated into the NBLAST and XBLAST programs of Altschul, et al. (1990, J. Mol. Biol. 215:403-410), and can be accessed, for example at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCB) world wide web site having the universal resource locator “http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/BLAST/”. BLAST nucleotide searches can be performed with the NBLAST program (designated “blastn” at the NCBI web site), using the following parameters: gap penalty=5; gap extension penalty=2; mismatch penalty=3; match reward=1; expectation value 10.0; and word size=11 to obtain nucleotide sequences homologous to a nucleic acid described herein. BLAST protein searches can be performed with the XBLAST program (designated “blastn” at the NCBI web site) or the NCBI “blastp” program, using the following parameters: expectation value 10.0, BLOSUM62 scoring matrix to obtain amino acid sequences homologous to a protein molecule described herein. To obtain gapped alignments for comparison purposes, Gapped BLAST can be utilized as described in Altschul et al. (1997, Nucleic Acids Res. 25:3389-3402). Alternatively, PSI-Blast or PHI-Blast can be used to perform an iterated search which detects distant relationships between molecules (Id.) and relationships between molecules which share a common pattern. When utilizing BLAST, Gapped BLAST, PSI-Blast, and PHI-Blast programs, the default parameters of the respective programs (e.g., XBLAST and NBLAST) can be used. See http://www.nobi.nhn.nih.gov.

[0889] The percent identity between two sequences can be determined using techniques similar to those described above, with or without allowing gaps. In calculating percent identity, typically exact matches are counted.

[0890] A “heterologous nucleic acid expression unit” encoding a peptide is defined as a nucleic acid having a coding sequence for a peptide of interest operably linked to one or more expression control sequences such as promoters and/or repressor sequences wherein at least one of the sequences is heterologous, i.e., not normally found in the host cell.

[0891] By describing two polynucleotides as “operably linked” is meant that a single-stranded or double-stranded nucleic acid moiety comprises the two polynucleotides arranged within the nucleic acid moiety in such a manner that at least one of the two polynucleotides is able to exert a physiological effect by which it is characterized upon the other. By way of example, a promoter operably linked to the coding region of a nucleic acid is able to promote transcription of the coding region.

[0892] As used herein, the term “promoter/regulatory sequence” means a nucleic acid sequence which is required for expression of a gene product operably linked to the promoter/regulator sequence. In some instances, this sequence may be the core promoter sequence and in other instances, this sequence may also include an enhancer sequence and other regulatory elements which are required for expression of the gene product. The promoter/regulatory sequence may, for example, be one which expresses the gene product in a tissue specific manner.

[0893] A “constitutive promoter is a promoter which drives expression of a gene to which it is operably linked, in a constant manner in a cell. By way of example, promoters which drive expression of cellular housekeeping genes are considered to be constitutive promoters.

[0894] An “inducible” promoter is a nucleotide sequence which, when operably linked with a polynucleotide which encodes or specifies a gene product, causes the gene product to be produced in a living cell substantially only when an inducer which corresponds to the promoter is present in the cell.

[0895] A “tissue-specific” promoter is a nucleotide sequence which, when operably linked with a polynucleotide which encodes or specifies a gene product, causes the gene product to be produced in a living cell substantially only if the cell is a cell of the tissue type corresponding to the promoter.

[0896] A “vector” is a composition of matter which comprises an isolated nucleic acid and which can be used to deliver the isolated nucleic acid to the interior of a cell. Numerous vectors are known in the art including, but not limited to, linear polynucleotides, polynucleotides associated with ionic or amphiphilic compounds, plasmids, and viruses. Thus, the term “vector” includes an autonomously replicating plasmid or a virus. The term should also be construed to include non-plasmid and non-viral compounds which facilitate transfer of nucleic acid into cells, such as, for example, polylysine compounds, liposomes, and the like. Examples of viral vectors include, but are not limited to, adenoviral vectors, adeno-associated virus vectors, retroviral vectors, and the like.

[0897] “Expression vector” refers to a vector comprising a recombinant polynucleotide comprising expression control sequences operatively linked to a nucleotide sequence to be expressed. An expression vector comprises sufficient cis-acting elements for expression; other elements for expression can be supplied by the host cell or in an in vitro expression system. Expression vectors include all those known in the art, such as cosmids, plasmids (e.g., naked or contained in liposomes) and viruses that incorporate the recombinant polynucleotide.

[0898] A “genetically engineered” or “recombinant” cell is a cell having one or more modifications to the genetic material of the cell. Such modifications are seen to include, but are not limited to, insertions of genetic material, deletions of genetic material and insertion of genetic material that is extrachromasomal whether such material is stably maintained or not.

[0899] A “peptide” is an oligopeptide, polypeptide, peptide, protein or glycoprotein. The use of the term “peptide” herein includes a peptide having a sugar molecule attached thereto when a sugar molecule is attached thereto.

[0900] As used herein, “native form” means the form of the peptide when produced by the cells and/or organisms in which it is found in nature. When the peptide is produced by a plurality of cells and/or organisms, the peptide may have a variety of native forms.

[0901] “Peptide” refers to a polymer in which the monomers are amino acids and are joined together through amide bonds, alternatively referred to as a peptide. Additionally, unnatural amino acids, for example, β-alanine, phenylglycine and homoarginine are also included. Amino acids that are not nucleic acid-encoded may also be used in the present invention. Furthermore, amino acids that have been modified to include reactive groups, glycosylation sites, polymers, therapeutic moieties, biomolecules and the like may also be used in the invention. All of the amino acids used in the present invention may be either the D- or L-isomer thereof. The L-isomer is generally preferred. In addition, other peptidomimetics are also useful in the present invention. As used herein, “peptide” refers to both glycosylated and unglycosylated peptides. Also included are peptides that are incompletely glycosylated by a system that expresses the peptide. For a general review, see, Spatola, A. F., in CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY OF AMINO ACIDS, PEPITDES AND PROTEINS, B. Weinstein, eds., Marcel Dekker, New York, p. 267 (1983).

[0902] The term “peptide conjugate,” refers to species of the invention in which a peptide is conjugated with a modified sugar as set forth herein.

[0903] The term “amino acid” refers to naturally occurring and synthetic amino acids, as well as amino acid analogs and amino acid mimetics that function in a manner similar to the naturally occurring amino acids. Naturally occurring amino acids are those encoded by the genetic code, as well as those amino acids that are later modified, e.g., hydroxyproline, γ-carboxyglutamate, and O-phosphoserine. Amino acid analogs refers to compounds that have the same basic chemical structure as a naturally occurring amino acid, i.e., an a carbon that is bound to a hydrogen, a carboxyl group, an amino group, and an R group, e.g., homoserine, norleucine, methionine sulfoxide, methionine methyl sulfonium. Such analogs have modified R groups (e.g., norleucine) or modified peptide backbones, but retain the same basic chemical structure as a naturally occurring amino acid. Amino acid mimetics refers to chemical compounds that have a structure that is different from the general chemical structure of an amino acid, but that function in a manner similar to a naturally occurring amino acid.

[0904] As used herein, amino acids are represented by the fill name thereof, by the three letter code corresponding thereto, or by the one-letter code corresponding thereto, as indicated in the following Table 1:

[0905]

TABLE 1
Amino acids, and the three letter and one letter codes.
	Full Name	Three-Letter Code	One-Letter Code
	Aspartic Acid	Asp	D
	Glutamic Acid	Glu	E
	Lysine	Lys	K
	Arginine	Arg	R
	Histidine	His	H
	Tyrosine	Tyr	Y
	Cysteine	Cys	C
	Asparagine	Asn	N
	Glutamine	Gln	Q
	Serine	Ser	S
	Threonine	Thr	T
	Glycine	Gly	G
	Alanine	Ala	A
	Valine	Val	V
	Leucine	Leu	L
	Isoleucine	Ile	I
	Methionine	Met	M
	Proline	Pro	P
	Phenylalanine	Phe	F
	Tryptophan	Trp	W

[0906] The present invention also provides for analogs of proteins or peptides which comprise a protein as identified above. Analogs may differ from naturally occurring proteins or peptides by conservative amino acid sequence differences or by modifications which do not affect sequence, or by both. For example, conservative amino acid changes may be made, which although they alter the primary sequence of the protein or peptide, do not normally alter its function. Conservative amino acid substitutions typically include substitutions within the following groups:

• • [0907] glycine, alanine;
  • [0908] valine, isoleucine, leucine;
  • [0909] aspartic acid, glutamic acid;
  • [0910] asparagine, glutamine;
  • [0911] serine, threonine;
  • [0912] lysine, arginine;
  • [0913] phenylalanine, tyrosine.

[0914] Modifications (which do not normally alter primary sequence) include in vivo, or in vitro, chemical derivatization of peptides, e.g., acetylation, or carboxylation. Also included are modifications of glycosylation, e.g., those made by modifying the glycosylation patterns of a peptide during its synthesis and processing or in further processing steps; e.g., by exposing the peptide to enzymes which affect glycosylation, e.g., mammalian glycosylating or deglycosylating enzymes. Also embraced are sequences which have phosphorylated amino acid residues, e.g., phosphotyrosine, phosphoserine, or phosphothreonine.

[0915] It will be appreciated, of course, that the peptides may incorporate amino acid residues which are modified without affecting activity. For example, the termini may be derivatized to include blocking groups, i.e. chemical substituents suitable to protect and/or stabilize the N- and C-termini from “undesirable degradation”, a term meant to encompass any type of enzymatic, chemical or biochemical breakdown of the compound at its termini which is likely to affect the function of the compound, i.e. sequential degradation of the compound at a terminal end thereof.

[0916] Blocking groups include protecting groups conventionally used in the art of peptide chemistry which will not adversely affect the in vivo activities of the peptide. For example, suitable N-terminal blocking groups can be introduced by alkylation or acylation of the N-terminus. Examples of suitable N-terminal blocking groups include C₁-C₅ branched or unbranched alkyl groups, acyl groups such as formyl and acetyl groups, as well as substituted forms thereof, such as the acetamidomethyl (Acm), Fmoc or Boc groups. Desamino analogs of amino acids are also useful N-terminal blocking groups, and can either be coupled to the N-terminus of the peptide or used in place of the N-terminal reside. Suitable C-terminal blocking groups, in which the carboxyl group of the C-terminus is either incorporated or not, include esters, ketones or amides. Ester or ketone-forming alkyl groups, particularly lower alkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl and propyl, and amide-forming amino groups such as primary amines (—NH₂), and mono- and di-alkylamino groups such as methylamino, ethylamino, dimethylamino, diethylamino, methylethylamino and the like are examples of C-terminal blocking groups. Descarboxylated amino acid analogues such as agmatine are also useful C-terminal blocking groups and can be either coupled to the peptide's C-terminal residue or used in place of it. Further, it will be appreciated that the free amino and carboxyl groups at the termini can be removed altogether from the peptide to yield desamino and descarboxylated forms thereof without affect on peptide activity.

[0917] Other modifications can also be incorporated without adversely affecting the activity and these include, but are not limited to, substitution of one or more of the amino acids in the natural L-isomeric form with amino acids in the D-isomeric form. Thus, the peptide may include one or more D-amino acid resides, or may comprise amino acids which are all in the D-form. Retro-inverso forms of peptides in accordance with the present invention are also contemplated, for example, inverted peptides in which all amino acids are substituted with D-amino acid forms.

[0918] Acid addition salts of the present invention are also contemplated as functional equivalents. Thus, a peptide in accordance with the present invention treated with an inorganic acid such as hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulfuric, nitric, phosphoric, and the like, or an organic acid such as an acetic, propionic, glycolic, pyruvic, oxalic, malic, malonic, succinic, maleic, fumaric, tataric, citric, benzoic, cinnamic, mandelic, methanesulfonic, ethanesulfonic, p-toluenesulfonic, salicyclic and the like, to provide a water soluble salt of the peptide is suitable for use in the invention.

[0919] Also included are peptides which have been modified using ordinary molecular biological techniques so as to improve their resistance to proteolytic degradation or to optimize solubility properties or to render them more suitable as a therapeutic agent. Analogs of such peptides include those containing residues other than naturally occurring L-amino acids, e.g., D-amino acids or non-naturally occurring synthetic amino acids. The peptides of the invention are not limited to products of any of the specific exemplary processes listed herein.

[0920] As used herein, the term “MALDI” is an abbreviation for Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization. During ionization, SA-PEG (sialic acid-poly(ethylene glycol)) can be partially eliminated from the N-glycan structure of the glycoprotein.

[0921] As used herein, the term “glycosyltransferase,” refers to any enzyme/protein that has the ability to transfer a donor sugar to an acceptor moiety.

[0922] As used herein, the term “modified sugar,” refers to a naturally- or non-naturally-occurring carbohydrate that is enzymatically added onto an amino acid or a glycosyl residue of a peptide in a process of the invention. The modified sugar is selected from a number of enzyme substrates including, but not limited to sugar nucleotides (mono-, di-, and tri-phosphates), activated sugars (e.g., glycosyl halides, glycosyl mesylates) and sugars that are neither activated nor nucleotides.

[0923] The “modified sugar” is covalently functionalized with a “modifying group.” Useful modifying groups include, but are not limited to, water-soluble polymers, therapeutic moieties, diagnostic moieties, biomolecules and the like. The locus of functionalization with the modifying group is selected such that it does not prevent the “modified sugar” from being added enzymatically to a peptide.

[0924] The term “water-soluble” refers to moieties that have some detectable degree of solubility in water. Methods to detect and/or quantify water solubility are well known in the art. Exemplary water-soluble polymers include peptides, saccharides, poly(ethers), poly(amines), poly(carboxylic acids) and the like. Peptides can have mixed sequences or be composed of a single amino acid, e.g. poly(lysine). Similarly, saccharides can be of mixed sequence or composed of a single saccharide subunit, e.g., dextran, amylose, chitosan, and poly(sialic acid). An exemplary poly(ether) is poly(ethylene glycol). Poly(ethylene imine) is an exemplary polyamine, and poly(aspartic) acid is a representative poly(carboxylic acid)

[0925] The term, “glycosyl linking group,” as used herein refers to a glycosyl residue to which an agent (e.g., water-soluble polymer, therapeutic moiety, biomolecule) is covalently attached. In the methods of the invention, the “glycosyl linking group” becomes covalently attached to a glycosylated or unglycosylated peptide, thereby linking the agent to an amino acid and/or glycosyl residue on the peptide. A “glycosyl linking group” is generally derived from a “modified sugar” by the enzymatic attachment of the “modified sugar” to an amino acid and/or glycosyl residue of the peptide. An “intact glycosyl linking group” refers to a linking group that is derived from a glycosyl moiety in which the individual saccharide monomer that links the conjugate is not degraded, e.g., oxidized, e.g., by sodium metaperiodate. “Intact glycosyl linking groups” of the invention may be derived from a naturally occurring oligosaccharide by addition of glycosyl unit(s) or removal of one or more glycosyl unit from a parent saccharide structure.

[0926] The terms “targeting moiety” and “targeting agent”, as used herein, refer to species that will selectively localize in a particular tissue or region of the body. The localization is mediated by specific recognition of molecular determinants, molecular size of the targeting agent or conjugate, ionic interactions, hydrophobic interactions and the like. Other mechanisms of targeting an agent to a particular tissue or region are known to those of still in the art.

[0927] As used herein, “therapeutic moiety” means any agent useful for therapy including, but not limited to, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-tumor drugs, cytotoxins, and radioactive agents. “Therapeutic moiety” includes prodrugs of bioactive agents, constructs in which more than one therapeutic moiety is bound to a carrier, e.g., multivalent agents. Therapeutic moiety also includes peptides, and constructs that include peptides. Exemplary peptides include those disclosed in FIG. 1 and Tables 5 and 6, herein.

[0928] As used herein, “anti-tumor drug” means any agent useful to combat cancer including, but not limited to, cytotoxins and agents such as antimetabolites, alkylating agents, anthracyclines, antibiotics, antimitotic agents, procarbazine, hydroxyurea, asparaginase, corticosteroids, interferons and radioactive agents. Also encompassed within the scope of the term “anti-tumor drug,” are conjugates of peptides with anti-tumor activity, e.g. TNF-α. Conjugates include, but are not limited to those formed between a therapeutic protein and a glycoprotein of the invention. A representative conjugate is that formed between PSGL-1 and TNF-α.

[0929] As used herein, “a cytotoxin or cytotoxic agent” means any agent that is detrimental to cells. Examples include taxol, cytochalasin B, gramicidin D, ethidium bromide, emetine, mitomycin, etoposide, tenoposide, vincristine, vinblastine, colchicin, doxorubicin, daunombicin, dihydroxy anthracinedione, mitoxantrone, mithramycin, actinomycin D, 1-dehydrotestosterone, glucocorticoids, procaine, tetracaine, lidocaine, propranolol, and puromycin and analogs or homologs thereof. Other toxins include, for example, ricin, CC-1065 and analogues, the duocarmycins. Still other toxins include diphtheria toxin, and snake venom (e.g., cobra venom).

[0930] As used herein, “a radioactive agent” includes any radioisotope that is effective in diagnosing or destroying a tumor. Examples include, but are not limited to, indium-111, cobalt-60 and technetium. Additionally, naturally occurring radioactive elements such as uranium, radium, and thorium, which typically represent mixtures of radioisotopes, are suitable examples of a radioactive agent. The metal ions are typically chelated with an organic chelating moiety.

[0931] Many useful chelating groups, crown ethers, cryptands and the like are known in the art and can be incorporated into the compounds of the invention (e.g. EDTA, DTPA, DOTA, NTA, HDTA, etc. and their phosphonate analogs such as DTPP, EDTP, HDTP, NTP, etc). See, for example, Pitt et al., “The Design of Chelating Agents for the Treatment of Iron Overload,” In, INORGANIC CHEMISTRY IN BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE; Martell, Ed.; American Chemical Society, Washington, D.C., 1980, pp. 279-312; Lindoy, THE CHEMISTRY OF MACROCYCLIC LIGAND COMPLEXES; Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1989; Dugas, BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY; Springer-Verlag, New York, 1989, and references contained therein.

[0932] Additionally, a manifold of routes allowing the attachment of chelating agents, crown ethers and cyclodextrins to other molecules is available to those of skill in the art. See, for example, Meares et al., “Properties of In Vivo Chelate-Tagged Proteins and Polypeptides.” In, MODIFICATION OF PROTEINS: FOOD, NUTRITIONAL, AND PHARMACOLOGICAL ASPECTS;” Feeney, et al., Eds., American Chemical Society, Washington, D.C., 1982, pp. 370-387; Kasina et al, Bioconjugate Chem., 9: 108-117 (1998); Song et al., Bioconjugate Chem., 8: 249-255 (1997).

[0933] As used herein, “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” includes any material, which when combined with the conjugate retains the activity of the conjugate activity and is non-reactive with the subject's immune system. Examples include, but are not limited to, any of the standard pharmaceutical carriers such as a phosphate buffered saline solution, water, emulsions such as oil/water emulsion, and various types of wetting agents. Other carriers may also include sterile solutions, tablets including coated tablets and capsules. Typically such carriers contain excipients such as starch, milk, sugar, certain types of clay, gelatin, stearic acid or salts thereof, magnesium or calcium stearate, talc, vegetable fats or oils, gums, glycols, or other known excipients. Such carriers may also include flavor and color additives or other ingredients. Compositions comprising such carriers are formulated by well known conventional methods.

[0934] As used herein, “administering” means oral administration, administration as a suppository, topical contact, intravenous, intraperitoneal, intramuscular, intralesional, intranasal or subcutaneous administration, intrathecal administration, or the implantation of a slow-release device e.g., a mini-osmotic pump, to the subject.

[0935] The term “isolated” refers to a material that is substantially or essentially free from components, which are used to produce the material. For peptide conjugates of the invention, the term “isolated” refers to material that is substantially or essentially free from components, which normally accompany the material in the mixture used to prepare the peptide conjugate. “Isolated” and “pure” are used interchangeably. Typically, isolated peptide conjugates of the invention have a level of purity preferably expressed as a range. The lower end of the range of purity for the peptide conjugates is about 60%, about 70% or about 80% and the upper end of the range of purity is about 70%, about 80%, about 90% or more than about 90%.

[0936] When the peptide conjugates are more than about 90% pure, their purities are also preferably expressed as a range. The lower end of the range of purity is about 90%, about 92%, about 94%, about 96% or about 98%. The upper end of the range of purity is about 92%, about 94%, about 96%, about 98% or about 100% purity.

[0937] Purity is determined by any art-recognized method of analysis (e.g., band intensity on a silver stained gel, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, HPLC, or a similar means).

[0938] “Essentially each member of the population,” as used herein, describes a characteristic of a population of peptide conjugates of the invention in which a selected percentage of the modified sugars added to a peptide are added to multiple, identical acceptor sites on the peptide. “Essentially each member of the population” speaks to the “homogeneity” of the sites on the peptide conjugated to a modified sugar and refers to conjugates of the invention, which are at least about 80%, preferably at least about 90% and more preferably at least about 95% homogenous.

[0939] “Homogeneity,” refers to the structural consistency across a population of acceptor moieties to which the modified sugars are conjugated. Thus, in a peptide conjugate of the invention in which each modified sugar moiety is conjugated to an acceptor site having the same structure as the acceptor site to which every other modified sugar is conjugated, the peptide conjugate is said to be about 100% homogeneous. Homogeneity is typically expressed as a range. The lower end of the range of homogeneity for the peptide conjugates is about 60%, about 70% or about 80% and the upper end of the range of purity is about 70%, about 80%, about 90% or more than about 90%.

[0940] When the peptide conjugates are more than or equal to about 90% homogeneous, their homogeneity is also preferably expressed as a range. The lower end of the range of homogeneity is about 90%, about 92%, about 94%, about 96% or about 98%. The upper end of the range of purity is about 92%, about 94%, about 96%, about 98% or about 100% homogeneity. The purity of the peptide conjugates is typically determined by one or more methods known to those of skill in the art, e.g., liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), matrix assisted laser desorption mass time of flight spectrometry MALDI-TOF), capillary electrophoresis, and the like.

[0941] “Substantially uniform glycoform” or a “substantially uniform glycosylation pattern,” when referring to a glycopeptide species, refers to the percentage of acceptor moieties that are glycosylated by the glycosyltransferase of interest (e.g., fucosyltransferase). For example, in the case of a (α1,2 fucosyltransferase, a substantially uniform fucosylation pattern exists if substantially all (as defined below) of the Galβ1,4-GlcNAc-R and sialylated analogues thereof are fucosylated in a peptide conjugate of the invention. It will be understood by one of skill in the art, that the starting material may contain glycosylated acceptor moieties (e.g., fucosylated Galβ1,4-GlcNAc-R moieties). Thus, the calculated percent glycosylation will include acceptor moieties that are glycosylated by the methods of the invention, as well as those acceptor moieties already glycosylated in the starting material.

[0942] The term “substantially” in the above definitions of “substantially uniform” generally means at least about 40%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, or more preferably at least about 90%, and still more preferably at least about 95% of the acceptor moieties for a particular glycosyltransferase are glycosylated.

[0943] I. Method to Remodel Glycan Chains

[0944] The present invention includes methods and compositions for the in vitro addition and/or deletion of sugars to or from a glycopeptide molecule in such a manner as to provide a peptide molecule having a specific customized or desired glycosylation pattern, preferably including the addition of a modified sugar thereto. A key feature of the invention therefore is to take a peptide produced by any cell type and generate a core glycan structure on the peptide, following which the glycan structure is then remodeled in vitro to generate a peptide having a glycosylation pattern suitable for therapeutic use in a mammal.

[0945] The importance of the glycosylation pattern of a peptide is well known in the art as are the limitations of present in vivo methods for the production of properly glycosylated peptides, particularly when these peptides are produced using recombinant DNA methodology. Moreover, until the present invention, it has not been possible to generate glycopeptides having a desired glycan structure thereon, wherein the peptide can be produced at industrial scale.

[0946] In the present invention, a peptide produced by a cell is enzymatically treated in vitro by the systematic addition of the appropriate enzymes and substrates therefor, such that sugar moieties that should not be present on the peptide are removed, and sugar moieties, optionally including modified sugars, that should be added to the peptide are added in a manner to provide a glycopeptide having “desired glycosylation”, as defined elsewhere herein.

[0947] A. Method to Remodel N-linked Glycans

[0948] In one aspect, the present invention takes advantage of the fact that most peptides of commercial or pharmaceutical interest comprise a common five sugar structure referred to herein as the trimannosyl core, which is N-linked to asparagine at the sequence Asn-X-Ser/Thr on a peptide chain. The elemental trimannosyl core consists essentially of two N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) residues and three mannose (Man) residues attached to a peptide, i.e., it comprises these five sugar residues and no additional sugars, except that it may optionally include a fucose residue. The first GlcNAc is attached to the amide group of the asparagine and the second GlcNAc is attached to the first via a β1,4 linkage. A mannose residue is attached to the second GlcNAc via a β1,4 linkage and two mannose residues are attached to this mannose via an α1,3 and an α1,6 linkage respectively. A schematic depiction of a trimannosyl core structure is shown in FIG. 2, left side. While it is the case that glycan structures on most peptides comprise other sugars in addition to the trimannosyl core, the trimannosyl core structure represents an essential feature of N-linked glycans on mammalian peptides.

[0949] The present invention includes the generation of a peptide having a trimannosyl core structure as a fundamental element of the structure of the glycan molecules contained thereon. Given the variety of cellular systems used to produce peptides, whether the systems are themselves naturally occurring or whether they involve recombinant DNA methodology, the present invention provides methods whereby a glycan molecule on a peptide produced in any cell type can be reduced to an elemental trimannosyl core structure. Once the elemental trimannosyl core structure has been generated then it is possible using the methods described herein, to generate in vitro, a desired glycan structure on the peptide which confers on the peptide one or more properties that enhances the therapeutic effectiveness of the peptide.

[0950] It should be clear from the discussion herein that the term “trimannosyl core” is used to describe the glycan structure shown in FIG. 2, left side. Glycopeptides having a trimannosyl core structure may also have additional sugars added thereto, and for the most part, do have additional structures added thereto irrespective of whether the sugars give rise to a peptide having a desired glycan structure. The term “elemental trimannosyl core structure” is defined elsewhere herein. When the term “elemental” is not included in the description of the “trimannosyl core structure,” then the glycan comprises the trimannosyl core structure with additional sugars attached thereto.

[0951] The term “elemental trimannosyl core glycopeptide” is used herein to refer to a glycopeptide having glycan structures comprised primarily of an elemental trimannosyl core structure. However, it may also optionally contain a fucose residue attached thereto. As discussed herein, elemental trimannosyl core glycopeptides are one optimal, and therefore preferred, starting material for the glycan remodeling processes of the invention.

[0952] Another optimal starting material for the glycan remodeling process of the invention is a glycan structure having a trimannosyl core wherein one or two additional GlcNAc residues are added to each of the α1,3 and the α1,6 mannose residues (see for example, the structure on the second line of FIG. 3, second structure in from the left of the figure). This structure is referred to herein as “Man3GlcNAc4.” Optionally, this structure may also contain a core fucose molecule. Once the Man3GlcNAc4 structure has been generated then it is possible using the methods described herein, to generate in vitro, a desired glycan structure on the glycopeptide which confers on the glycopeptide one or more properties that enhances the therapeutic effectiveness of the peptide.

[0953] In their native form, the N-linked glycopeptides of the invention, and particularly the mammalian and human glycopeptides useful in the present invention, are N-linked glycosylated with a trimannosyl core structure and one or more sugars attached thereto.

[0954] The terms “glycopeptide” and “glycopolypeptide” are used synonymously herein to refer to peptide chains having sugar moieties attached thereto. No distinction is made herein to differentiate small glycopolypeptides or glycopeptides from large glycopolypeptides or glycopeptides. Thus, hormone molecules having very few amino acids in their peptide chain (e.g., often as few as three amino acids) and other much larger peptides are included in the general terms “glycopolypeptide” and “glycopeptide,” provided they have sugar moieties attached thereto. However, the use of the term “peptide” does not preclude that peptide from being a glycopeptide.

[0955] An example of an N-linked glycopeptide having desired glycosylation is a peptide having an N-linked glycan having a trimannosyl core with at least one GlcNAc residue attached thereto. This residue is added to the trimannosyl core using N-acetyl glucosaminyltransferase I (GnT-I). If a second GlcNAc residue is added, N-acetyl glucosaminyltransferase II (GnT-II) is used. Optionally, additional GlcNAc residues may be added with GnT-IV and/or GnT-V, and a third bisecting GlcNAc residue may be attached to the β1,4 mannose of the trimannosyl core using N-acetyl glucosaminyltransferase III (GnT-III). Optionally, this structure may be extended by treatment with β1,4 galactosyltransferase to add a galactose residue to each non-bisecting GlcNAc, and even further optionally, using α2,3 or α2,6-sialyltransferase enzymes, sialic acid residues may be added to each galactose residue. The addition of a bisecting GlcNAc to the glycan is not required for the subsequent addition of galactose and sialic acid residues; however, with respect to the substrate affinity of the rat and human GnT-III enzymes, the presence of one or more of the galactose residues on the glycan precludes the addition of the bisecting GlcNAc in that the galactose-containing glycan is not a substrate for these forms of GNT-III. Thus, in instances where the presence of the bisecting GlcNAc is desired and these forms of GnT-III are used, it is important should the glycan contain added galactose and/or sialic residues, that they are removed prior to the addition of the bisecting GlcNAc. Other forms of GnT-III may not require this specific order of substrates for their activity.

[0956] Examples of glycan structures which represent the various aspects of peptides having “desired glycosylation” are shown in the drawings provided herein. The precise procedures for the in vitro generation of a peptide having “desired glycosylation” are described elsewhere herein. However, the invention should in no way be construed to be limited solely to any one glycan structure disclosed herein. Rather, the invention should be construed to include any and all glycan structures which can be made using the methodology provided herein.

[0957] In some cases, an elemental trimannosyl core alone may constitute the desired glycosylation of a peptide. For example, a peptide having only a trimannosyl core has been shown to be involved in Gaucher's disease (Mistry et al., 1966, Lancet 348: 1555-1559; Bijsterbosch et al., 1996, Eur. J. Biochem. 237:344-349).

[0958] According to the present invention, the following procedures for the generation of peptides having desired glycosylation become apparent.

[0959] a) Beginning with a glycopeptide having one or more glycan molecules which have as a common feature a trimannosyl core structure and at least one or more of a heterogeneous or homogeneous mixture of one or more sugars added thereto, it is possible to increase the proportion of glycopeptides having an elemental trimannosyl core structure as the sole glycan structure or which have Man3GlcNAc4 as the sole glycan structure. This is accomplished in vitro by the systematic addition to the glycopeptide of an appropriate number of enzymes in an appropriate sequence which cleave the heterogeneous or homogeneous mixture of sugars on the glycan structure until it is reduced to an elemental trimannosyl core or Man3GlcNAc4 structure. Specific examples of how this is accomplished will depend on a variety of factors including in large part the type of cell in which the peptide is produced and therefore the degree of complexity of the glycan structure(s) present on the peptide initially produced by the cell. Examples of how a complex glycan structure can be reduced to an elemental trimannosyl core or a Man3GlcNAc4 structure are presented in FIG. 3, described in detail elsewhere herein.

[0960] b) It is possible to generate a peptide having an elemental trimannosyl core structure as the sole glycan structure on the peptide by isolating a naturally occurring cell whose glycosylation machinery produces such a peptide. DNA encoding a peptide of choice is then transfected into the cell wherein the DNA is transcribed, translated and glycosylated such that the peptide of choice has an elemental trimannosyl core structure as the sole glycan structure thereon. For example, a cell lacking a functional GnT-I enzyme will produce several types of glycopeptides. In some instances, these will be glycopeptides having no additional sugars attached to the trimannosyl core. However, in other instances, the peptides produced may have two additional mannose residues attached to the trimannosyl core, resulting in a Man5 glycan. This is also a desired starting material for the remodeling process of the present invention. Specific examples of the generation of such glycan structures are described herein.

[0961] c) Alternatively, it is possible to genetically engineer a cell to confer upon it a specific glycosylation machinery such that a peptide having an elemental trimannosyl core or Man3GlcNAc4 structure as the sole glycan structure on the peptide is produced. DNA encoding a peptide of choice is then transfected into the cell wherein the DNA is transcribed, translated and glycosylated such that the peptide of choice has an increased number of glycans comprising solely an elemental trimannosyl core structure. For example, certain types of cells that are genetically engineered to lack GnT-I, may produce a glycan having an elemental trimannosyl core structure, or, depending on the cell, may produce a glycan having a trimannosyl core plus two additional mannose residues attached thereto (Man5). When the cell produces a Man5 glycan structure, the cell may be further genetically engineered to express mannosidase 3 which cleaves off the two additional mannose residues to generate the trimannosyl core. Alternatively, the Man5 glycan may be incubated in vitro with mannosidase 3 to have the same effect.

[0962] d) It is readily apparent from the discussion in b) and c) that it is not necessary that the cells produce only peptides having elemental trimannosyl core or Man3GlcNAc4 structures attached thereto. Rather, unless the cells described in b) and c) produce peptides having 100% elemental trimannosyl core structures (i.e., having no additional sugars attached thereto) or 100% of Man3GlcNAc4 structures, the cells in fact produce a heterogeneous mixture of peptides having, in combination, elemental trimannosyl core structures, or Man3GlcNAc4 structures, as the sole glycan structure in addition to these structures having additional sugars attached thereto. The proportion of peptides having a trimannosyl core or Man3GlcNAc4 structure having additional sugars attached thereto, as opposed to those having one structure, will vary depending on the cell which produces them. The complexity of the glycans (i.e. which and how many sugars are attached to the trimannosyl core) will also vary depending on the cell which produces them.

[0963] e) Once a glycopeptide having an elemental trimannosyl core or a trimannosyl core with one or two GlcNAc residues attached thereto is produced by following a), b) or c) above, according to the present invention, additional sugar molecules are added in vitro to the trimannosyl core structure to generate a peptide having desired glycosylation (i.e., a peptide having an in vitro customized glycan structure).

[0964] f) However, when it is the case that a peptide having an elemental trimannosyl core or Man3GlcNAc4 structure with some but not all of the desired sugars attached thereto is produced, then it is only necessary to add any remaining desired sugars without reducing the glycan structure to the elemental trimannosyl core or Man3GlcNAc4 structure. Therefore, in some cases, a peptide having a glycan structure having a trimannosyl core structure with additional sugars attached thereto, will be a suitable substrate for remodeling.

[0965] The elemental trimannosyl core or Man3GlcNAc4 glycopeptides of the invention may be isolated and purified, if necessary, using techniques well known in the art of peptide purification. Suitable techniques include chromatographic techniques, isoelectric focusing techniques, ultrafiltration techniques and the like. Using any such techniques, a composition of the invention can be prepared in which the glycopeptides of the invention are isolated from other peptides and from other components normally found within cell culture media The degree of purification can be, for example, 90% with respect to other peptides or 95%, or even higher, e.g., 98%. See, e.g., Deutscher et al. (ed., 1990, Guide to Peptide Purification, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, San Diego).

[0966] The heterogeneity of N-linked glycans present in the glycopeptides produced by the prior art methodology generally only permits the isolation of a small portion of the target glycopeptides which can be modified to produce desired glycopeptides. In the present methods, large quantities of elemental trimannosyl core glycopeptides and other desired glycopeptides, including Man3GlcNAc4 glycans, can be produced which can then be further modified to generate large quantities of peptides having desired glycosylation.

[0967] Specific enrichment of any particular type of glycan bound to a peptide may be accomplished using lectins which have an affinity for the desired glycan. Such techniques are well known in the art of glycobiology.

[0968] A key feature of the invention which is described in more detail below, is that once a core glycan structure is generated on any peptide, the glycan structure is then remodeled in vitro to generate a peptide having desired glycosylation that has improved therapeutic use in a mammal. The mammal may be any type of suitable mammal, and is preferably a human.

[0969] The various scenarios and the precise methods and compositions for generating peptides with desired glycosylation will become evident from the disclosure which follows.

[0970] The ultimate objective of the production of peptides for therapeutic use in mammals is that the peptides should comprise glycan structures that facilitate rather than negate the therapeutic benefit of the peptide. As disclosed throughout the present specification, peptides produced in cells may be treated in vitro with a variety of enzymes which catalyze the cleavage of sugars that should not be present on the glycan and the addition of sugars which should be present on the glycan such that a peptide having desired glycosylation and thus suitable for therapeutic use in mammals is generated. The generation of different glycoforms of peptides in cells is described above. A variety of mechanisms for the generation of peptides having desired glycosylation is now described, where the starting material i.e., the peptide produced by a cell may differ from one cell type to another. As will become apparent from the present disclosure, it is not necessary that the starting material be uniform with respect to its glycan composition. However, it is preferable that the starting material be enriched for certain glycoforms in order that large quantities of end product, i.e., correctly glycosylated peptides are produced.

[0971] In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the degradation and synthesis events that result in a peptide having desired glycosylation involve at some point, the generation of an elemental trimannosyl core structure or a Man3GlcNAc4 structure on the peptide.

[0972] The present invention also provides means of adding one or more selected glycosyl residues to a peptide, after which a modified sugar is conjugated to at least one of the selected glycosyl residues of the peptide. The present embodiment is useful, for example, when it is desired to conjugate the modified sugar to a selected glycosyl residue that is either not present on a peptide or is not present in a desired amount. Thus, prior to coupling a modified sugar to a peptide, the selected glycosyl residue is conjugated to the peptide by enzymatic or chemical coupling. In another embodiment, the glycosylation pattern of a peptide is altered prior to the conjugation of the modified sugar by the removal of a carbohydrate residue from the peptide. See for example WO 98/31826.

[0973] Addition or removal of any carbohydrate moieties present on the peptide is accomplished either chemically or enzymatically. Chemical deglycosylation is preferably brought about by exposure of the peptide variant to the compound trifuoromethanesulfonic acid, or an equivalent compound. This treatment results in the cleavage of most or all sugars except the linking sugar (N-acetylglucosamine or N-acetylgalactosamine), while leaving the peptide intact Chemical deglycosylation is described by Haldmuddin et al., 1987, Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 259: 52 and by Edge et al., 1981, Anal. Biochem. 118: 131. Enzymatic cleavage of carbohydrate moieties on peptide variants can be achieved by the use of a variety of endo- and exo-glycosidases as described by Thotakura et al., 1987, Meth. Enzymol. 138: 350.

[0974] Chemical addition of glycosyl moieties is carried out by any art-recognized method. Enzymatic addition of sugar moieties is preferably achieved using a modification of the methods set forth herein, substituting native glycosyl units for the modified sugars used in the invention. Other methods of adding sugar moieties are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,876,980, 6,030,815, 5,728,554, and 5,922,577.

[0975] Exemplary attachment points for selected glycosyl residue include, but are not limited to: (a) sites for N- and O-glycosylation; (b) terminal glycosyl moieties that are acceptors for a glycosyltransferase; (c) arginine, asparagine and histidine; (d) free carboxyl groups; (e) free sulfhydryl groups such as those of cysteine; (f) free hydroxyl groups such as those of serine, threonine, or hydroxyproline; (g) aromatic residues such as those of phenylalanine, tyrosine, or tryptophan; or (h) the amide group of glutamine. Exemplary methods of use in the present invention are described in WO 87/05330 published Sep. 11, 1987, and in Aplin and Wriston, CRC Crit. Rev. Biochem., pp. 259-306 (1981).

[0976] Dealing specifically with the examples shown in several of the figures provided herein, a description of the sequence of in vitro enzymatic reactions for the production of desired glycan structures on peptides is now presented. The precise reaction conditions for each of the enzymatic conversions disclosed below are well known to those skilled in the art of glycobiology and are therefore not repeated here. For a review of the reaction conditions for these types of reactions, see Sadler et al., 1982, Methods in Enzymology 83:458-514 and references cited therein.

[0977] In FIG. 2 there is shown the structure of an elemental trimannosyl core glycan on the left side. It is possible to convert this structure to a complete glycan structure having a bisecting GlcNAc by incubating the elemental trimannosyl core structure in the presence of GnT-I, followed by GnT-II, and further followed by GnT-II, and a sugar donor comprising UDP-GlcNAc, wherein GlcNAc is sequentially added to the elemental trimannosyl core structure to generate a trimannosyl core having a bisecting GlcNAc.

[0978] In FIG. 4 there is shown the conversion of a bisecting GlcNAc containing trimannosyl core glycan to a complex glycan structure comprising galactose and N-acetyl neuraminic acid. The bisecting GlcNAc containing trimannosyl core glycan is first incubated with galactosyltransferase and UDP-Gal as a donor molecule, wherein two galactose residues are added to the peripheral GlcNAc residues on the molecule. The enzyme NeuAc-transferase is then used to add two NeuAc residues one to each of the galactose residues.

[0979] In FIG. 5 there is shown the conversion of a high mannose glycan structure to an elemental trimannosyl core glycan. The high mannose glycan (Man9) is incubated sequentially in the presence of the mannosidase I to generate a ManS structure and then in the presence of mannosidase 3, wherein all but three mannose residues are removed from the glycan. Alternatively, incubation of the Man9 structure may be trimmed back to the trimannosyl core structure solely by incubation in the presence of mannosidase 3. According to the schemes presented in FIGS. 2 and 4 above, conversion of this elemental trimannosyl core glycan to a complex glycan molecule is then possible.

[0980] In FIG. 6 there is shown a typical complex N-linked glycan structure produced in plant cells. It is important to note that when plant cells are deficient in GNT-I enzymatic activity, xylose and facose cannot be added to the glycan. Thus, the use of GnT-I knock-out cells provides a particular advantage in the present invention in that these cells produce peptides having an elemental trimannosyl core onto which additional sugars can be added without performing any “trimming back” reactions. Similarly, in instances where the structure produced in a plant cell may be of the ManS variety of glycan, if GnT-I is absent in these cells, xylose and facose cannot be added to the structure. In this case, the ManS structure may be trimmed back to an elemental trimannosyl core (Man3) using mannosidase 3. According to the methods provided herein, it is now possible to add desired sugar moieties to the trimannosyl core to generate a desired glycan structure.

[0981] In FIG. 7 there is shown a typical complex N-linked glycan structure produced in insect cells. As is evident, additional sugars, such as, for example, fucose may also be present. Further although not shown here, insect cells may produce high mannose glycans having as many as nine mannose residues and may have additional sugars attached thereto. It is also the case in insect cells that GnT-I knock out cells prevent the addition of fucose residues to the glycan. Thus, production of a peptide in insect cells is preferably accomplished in a GnT-I knock out cell. The glycan thus produced may then be trimmed back in vitro if necessary using any of the methods and schemes described herein, and additional sugars may be added in vitro thereto also using the methods and schemes provided herein.

[0982] In FIG. 3 there is shown glycan structures in various stages of completion. Specifically, the in vitro enzymatic generation of an elemental trimannosyl core structure from a complex carbohydrate glycan structure which does not contain a bisecting GlcNAc residue is shown. Also shown is the generation of a glycan structure therefrom which contains a bisecting GlcNAc. Several intermediate glycan structures which can be produced are shown. These structures can be produced by cells, or can be produced in the in vitro trimming back reactions described herein. Sugar moieties may be added in vitro to the elemental trimannosyl core structure, or to any suitable intermediate structure in order that a desired glycan is produced.

[0983] In FIG. 8 there is shown a series of possible in vitro reactions which can be performed to trim back and add onto glycans beginning with a high mannose structure. For example, a Man9 glycan may be trimmed using mannosidase 1 to generate a Man5 glycan, or it may be trimmed to a trimannosyl core using mannosidase 3 or one or more microbial mannosidases. GnT-I and or GnT-II may then be used to transfer additional GlcNAc residues onto the glycan. Further, there is shown the situation which would-not occur when the glycan molecule is produced in a cell that does not have GNT-I (see shaded box). For example, fucose and xylose may be added to a glycan only when GnT-I is active and facilitates the transfer of a GlcNAc to the molecule.

[0984] FIG. 9 depicts well know strategies for the synthesis of biantennary, triantennary and even tetraantennary glycan structures beginning with the trimannosyl core structure. According to the methods of the invention, it is possible to synthesize each of these structures in vitro using the appropriate enzymes and reaction conditions well known in the art of glycobiology.

[0985] In FIG. 10 there is shown a scheme for the synthesis of yet more complex carbohydrate structures beginning with a trimannosyl core structure. For example, a scheme for the in vitro production of Lewis x and Lewis a antigen structures, which may or may not be sialylated is shown. Such structures when present on a peptide may confer on the peptide immunological advantages for upregulating or downregulating the immune response. In addition, such structures are useful for targeting the peptide to specific cells, in that these types of structures are involved in binding to cell adhesion peptides and the like.

[0986] FIG. 11 is an exemplary scheme for preparing an array of O-linked peptides originating with serine or threonine.

[0987] FIG. 12 is a series of diagrams depicting the four types of O-linked glycan structure termed cores 1 through 4. The core structure is outlined in dotted lines. Sugars which may also be included in this structure include sialic acid residues added to the galactose residues, and fucose residues added to the GlcNAc residues.

[0988] Thus, in preferred embodiments, the present invention provides a method of making an N-linked glycosylated glycopeptide by providing an isolated and purified glycopeptide to which is attached an elemental trimannosyl core or a Man3GlcNAc4 structure, contacting the glycopeptide with a glycosyltransferase enzyme and a donor molecule having a glycosyl moiety under conditions suitable to transfer the glycosyl moiety to the glycopeptide. Customization of a trimannosyl core glycopeptide or Man3GlcNAc4 glycopeptide to produce a peptide having a desired glycosylation pattern is then accomplished by the sequential addition of the desired sugar moieties, using techniques well known in the art.

[0989] When an N-linked glycopeptide is produced by a cell, as noted elsewhere herein, it may comprise a heterogeneous mixture of glycan structures which must be reduced to a common, generally elemental trimannosyl core or Man3GlcNAc4 structure, prior to adding other sugar moieties thereto. In order to determine exactly which sugars should be removed from any particular glycan structure, it is sometimes necessary that the primary glycan structure be identified. Techniques for the determination of glycan primary structure are well know in the art and are described in detail, for example, in Montreuil, “Structure and Biosynthesis of Glycopeptides” In Polysaccharides in Medicinal Applications, pp. 273-327, 1996, Eds. Severian Damitriu, Marcel Dekker, NY. It is therefore a simple matter for one skilled in the art of glycobiology to isolate a population of peptides produced by a cell and determine the structure(s) of the glycans attached thereto. For example, efficient methods are available for (i) the splitting of glycosidic bonds either by chemical cleavage such as hydrolysis, acetolysis, hydrazinolysis, or by nitrous deamination; (ii) complete methylation followed by hydrolysis or methanolysis and by gas-liquid chromatography and mass spectroscopy of the partially methylated monosaccharides; and (iii) the definition of anomeric linkages between monosaccharides using exoglycosidases, which also provide insight into the primary glycan structure by sequential degradation. In particular, the techniques of mass spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry, especially high field NMR have been successfully used to determine glycan primary structure.

[0990] Kits and equipment for carbohydrate analysis are also commercially available. Fluorophore Assisted Carbohydrate Electrophoresis (FACE®) is available from Glyko, Inc. (Novato, Calif.). In FACE analysis, glycoconjugates are released from the peptide with either Endo H or N-glycanase (PNGase F) for N-linked glycans, or hydrazine for Ser/Thr linked glycans. The glycan is then labeled at the reducing end with a fluorophore in a non-structure discriminating manner. The fluorophore labeled glycans are then separated in polyacrylamide gels based on the charge/mass ratio of the saccharide as well as the hydrodynamic volume. Images are taken of the gel under UV light and the composition of the glycans are determined by the migration distance as compared with the standards. Oligosaccharides can be sequenced in this manner by analyzing migration shifts due to the sequential removal of saccharides by exoglycosidase digestion.

[0991] The remodeling of N-linked glycosylation is best illustrated with reference to Formula 1:

[0992]

[0993] where X³, X⁴, X⁵, X⁶, X⁷ and X¹⁷ are (independently selected) monosaccharide or oligosaccharide residues; and

[0994] a, b, c, d, e and x are (independently selected) 0, 1 or 2, with the proviso that at least one member selected from a, b, c, d, e and x are 1 or 2.

[0995] Formula 1 describes glycan structure comprising the tri-mannosyl core, which is preferably covalently linked to an asparagine residue on a peptide backbone. Preferred expression systems will express and secrete exogenous peptides with N-linked glycans comprising the tri-mannosyl core. Using the remodeling method of the invention, the glycan structures on these peptides can be conveniently remodeled to any glycan structure desired. Exemplary reaction conditions are found throughout the examples and in the literature.

[0996] In preferred embodiments, the glycan structures are remodeled so that the structure described in Formula 1 has specific determinates. The structure of the glycan can be chosen to enhance the biological activity of the peptide, give the peptide a new biological activity, remove the biological activity of peptide, or better approximate the glycosylation pattern of the native peptide, among others.

[0997] In the first preferred embodiment, the peptide N-linked glycans are remodeled to better approximate the glycosylation pattern of native human proteins in this embodiment, the glycan structure described in Formula 1 is remodeled to have the following moieties:

[0998] X³ and X⁵=|-GlcNAc-Gal-SA;

[0999] a and c=1;

[1000] d=0 or 1;

[1001] b, e and x=0.

[1002] This embodiment is particularly advantageous for human peptides expressed in heterologous cellular expression systems. By remodeling the N-linked glycan structures to this configuration, the peptide can be made less immunogenic in a human patient, and/or more stable, among others.

[1003] In the second preferred embodiment, the peptide N-linked glycans are remodeled to have a bisecting GlcNAc residue on the tri-mannosyl core. In this embodiment, the glycan structure described in Formula 1 is remodeled to have the following moieties:

[1004] X³ and X⁵ are |-GlcNAc-Gal-SA;

[1005] a and c=1;

[1006] X⁴ is GlcNAc;

[1007] b=1;

[1008] d=0 or 1;

[1009] e and x=0.

[1010] This embodiment is particularly advantageous for recombinant antibody molecules expressed in heterologous cellular systems. When the antibody molecule includes a Fc-mediated cellular cytotoxicity, it is known that the presence of bisected oligosaccharides linked the Fc domain dramatically increased antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity.

[1011] In a third preferred embodiment, the peptide N-linked glycans are remodeled to have a sialylated Lewis X moiety. In this embodiment, the glycan structure described in Formula 1 is remodeled to have the following moieties:

[1012] X³and X⁵ are

[1013]

[1014] a, c, d=1;

[1015] b, e and x=0;

[1016] X⁶=fucose.

This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the peptide which is being remodeling is intended to be targeted to selectin molecules and cells exhibiting the same.

[1017] In a fourth preferred embodiment, the peptide N-linked glycans are remodeled to have a conjugated moiety. The conjugated moiety may be a PEG molecule, another peptide, a small molecule such as a drug, among others. In this embodiment, the glycan structure described in Formula 1 is remodeled to have the following moieties:

[1018] X³ and X⁵ are |-GlcNAc-Gal-SA-R;

[1019] a and c=1 or 2;

[1020] d=0 or 1;

[1021] b, d, e and x=0;

[1022] where R=conjugate group.

[1023] The conjugated moiety may be a PEG molecule, another peptide, a small molecule such as a drug, among others. This embodiment therefore is useful for conjugating the peptide to PEG molecules that will slow the clearance of the peptide from the patient's bloodstream, to peptides that will target both peptides to a specific tissue or cell, or to another peptide of complementary therapeutic use.

[1024] It will be clear to one of skill in the art that the invention is not limited to the preferred glycan molecules described above. The preferred embodiments are only a few of the many useful glycan molecules that can be made by the remodeling method of the invention. Those skilled in the art will know how to design other useful glycans.

[1025] In the first exemplary embodiments, the peptide is expressed in a CHO (Chinese hamster ovarian cell line) according to methods well known in the art. When a peptide with N-linked glycan consensus sites is expressed and secreted from CHO cells, the N-linked glycans will have the structures depicted in top row of FIG. 3. While all of these structures may be present, by far the most common structures are the two at the right side. In the terms of Formula 1,

[1026] X³ and X⁵ are |-GlcNAc-Gal-(SA);

[1027] a and c=1;

[1028] b, d, e and x=0.

[1029] Therefore, in one exemplary embodiment, the N-linked glycans of peptides expressed in CHO cells are remodeled to the preferred humanized glycan by contacting the peptides with a glycosyltransferase that is specific for a galactose acceptor molecule and a sialic acid donor molecule. This process is illustrated in FIG. 3 and Example 2. In another exemplary embodiment, the N-linked glycans of a peptide expressed and secreted from CHO cells are remodeled to be the preferred PEGylated structures. The peptide is first contacted with a glycosidase specific for sialic acid to remove the terminal SA moiety, and then contacted with a glycosyltransferase specific for a galactose acceptor moiety and an sialic acid acceptor moiety, in the presence of PEG-sialic acid-nucleotide donor molecules. Optionally, the peptide may then be contacted with a glycosyltransferase specific for a galactose acceptor moiety and an sialic acid acceptor moiety, in the presence of sialic acid-nucleotide donor molecules to ensure complete the SA capping of all of the glycan molecules.

[1030] In other exemplary embodiments, the peptide is expressed in insect cells, such the SF-9 cell line, according to methods well known in the art. When a peptide with N-linked glycan consensus sites is expressed and secreted from SF-9 cells, the N-linked glycans will often have the structures depicted in top row of FIG. 7. In the terms of Formula 1:

[1031] X³ and X⁵ are |-GlcNAc;

[1032] a and c=0 or 1;

[1033] b=0;

[1034] X⁶ is fucose,

[1035] d=0, 1 or 2; and

[1036] e and x=0.

[1037] The trimannose core is present in the vast majority of the N-linked glycans made by insect cells, and sometimes an antennary GlcNAc and/or fucose residue(s) are also present. In one exemplary embodiment, the N-linked glycans of a peptide expressed and secreted from insect cells is remodeled to the preferred humanized glycan by first contacting the glycans with a glycosidase specific to fucose molecules, then contacting the glycans with a glycosyltransferases specific to the mannose acceptor molecule on each antennary of the trimannose core, a GlcNAc donor molecule in the presence of nucleotide-GlcNAc molecules; then contacting the glycans with a glycosyltransferase specific to a GlcNAc acceptor molecule, a Gal donor molecule in the presence of nucleotide-Gal molecules; and then contacting the glycans with a glycosyltransferase specific to a galactose acceptor molecule, a sialic acid donor molecule in the presence of nucleotide-SA molecules. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the fucose molecules, if any, can be removed at any time during the procedure. In another exemplary embodiment, the humanized glycan of the previous example is remodeled further to the sialylated Lewis X glycan by contacting the glycan further with a glycosyltransferase specific to a GlcNAc acceptor molecule, a fucose donor molecule in the presence of nucleotide-fucose molecules. This process is illustrated in FIG. 10 and Example 3.

[1038] In yet other exemplary embodiments, the peptide is expressed in yeast, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, according to methods well known in the art. When a peptide with N-linked glycan consensus sites is expressed and secreted from S. cerevisiae cells, the N-linked glycans will have the structures depicted at the left in FIG. 5. The N-linked glycans will always have the trimannosyl core, which will often be elaborated with mannose or related polysaccharides of up to 1000 residues. In the terms of Formula 1:

[1039] X³ and X⁵=|-Man-Man-(Man)_0-1000;

[1040] a and c=1 or 2;

[1041] b, d, e and x=0.

[1042] In one exemplary embodiment, the N-linked glycans of a peptide expressed and secreted from yeast cells are remodeled to the elemental trimannose core by first contacting the glycans with a glycosidase specific to α2 mannose molecules, then contacting the glycans with a glycosidase specific to α6 mannose molecules. This process is illustrated in FIG. 5 and Example 6. In another exemplary embodiment, the N-linked glycans are further remodeled to make a glycan suitable for an recombinant antibody with Fc-mediated cellular toxicity function by contacting the elemental trimannose core glycans with a glycosyltransferase specific to the mannose acceptor molecule on each antennary of the trimannose core, a GlcNAc donor molecule in the presence of nucleotide-GlcNAc molecules; then contacting the glycans with a glycosyltransferase specific to the mannose acceptor molecule in the middle of the trimannose core, a GlcNAc donor molecule in the presence of nucleotide-GlcNAc molecules; then contacting the glycans with a glycosyltransferase specific to a GlcNAc acceptor molecule, a Gal donor molecule in the presence of nucleotide-Gal molecules; and then contacting the glycans with a glycosyltransferase specific to a galactose acceptor molecule, a sialic acid donor molecule in the presence of nucleotide-SA molecules. This process is illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4.

[1043] In another exemplary embodiment, the peptide is expressed in bacterial cells, in particular E. coli cells, according to methods well known in the art. When a peptide with N-linked glycans consensus sites is expressed in E. coli cells, the N-linked consensus sites will not be glycosylated. In an exemplary embodiment, a humanized glycan molecule is built out from the peptide backbone by contacting the peptides with a glycosyltransferase specific for a N-linked consensus site and a GlcNAc donor molecule in the presence of nucleotide-GlcNAc; and further sequentially contacting the growing glycans with glycosyltransferases specific for the acceptor and donor moieties in the present of the required donor moiety until the desired glycan structure is completed. When a peptide with N-linked glycans is expressed in a eukaryotic cells but without the proper leader sequences that direct the nascent peptide to the golgi apparatus, the mature peptide is likely not to be glycosylated. In this case as well the peptide may be given N-linked glycosylation by building out from the peptide N-linked consensus site as aforementioned. When a protein is chemically modified with a sugar moiety, it can be built out as aforementioned.

[1044] These examples are meant to illustrate the invention, and not to limit it. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the steps taken in each example may in some circumstances be able to be performed in a different order to get the same result. One of skill in the art will also understand that a different set of steps may also produce the same resulting glycan. The preferred remodeled glycan is by no means specific to the expression system that the peptide is expressed in. The remodeled glycans are only illustrative and one of skill in the art will know how to take the principles from these examples and apply them to peptides produced in different expression systems to make glycans not specifically described herein.

[1045] B. Method to Remodel O-linked Glycans

[1046] O-glycosylation is characterized by the attachment of a variety of monosaccharides in an O-glycosidic linkage to hydroxy amino acids. O-glycosylation is a widespread post-translational modification in the animal and plant kingdoms. The structural complexity of glycans O-linked to proteins vastly exceeds that of N-linked glycans. Serine or threonine residues of a newly translated peptide become modified by virtue of a peptidyl GalNAc transferase in the cis to trans compartments of the Golgi. The site of O-glycosylation is determined not only by the sequence specificity of the glycosyltransferase, but also epigenetic regulation mediated by competition between different substrate sites and competition with other glycosyltransferases responsible for forming the glycan.

[1047] The O-linked glycan has been arbitrarily defined as having three regions: the core, the backbone region and the peripheral region. The “core” region of an O-linked glycan is the inner most two or three sugars of the glycan chain proximal to the peptide. The backbone region mainly contributes to the length of the glycan chain formed by uniform elongation The peripheral region exhibits a high degree of structural complexity. The structural complexity of the O-linked glycans begins with the core structure. In most cases, the first sugar residue added at the O-linked glycan consensus site is GalNAc; however the sugar may also be GlcNAc, glucose, mannose, galactose or facose, among others. FIG. 11 is a diagram of some of the known O-linked glycan core structures and the enzymes responsible for their in vivo synthesis.

[1048] In mammalian cells, at least eight different O-linked core structures are found, all based on a core-a-GalNAc residue. The four core structures depicted in FIG. 12 are the most common. Core 1 and core 2 are the most abundant structures in mammalian cells, and core 3 and core 4 are found in more restricted, organ-characteristic expression systems. O-linked glycans are reviewed in Montreuil, Structure and Synthesis of Glycopeptides, In Polysaccharides in Medicinal Applications, pp. 273-327, 1996, Eds. Severian Damitriu, Marcel Dekker, NY, and in Schachter and Brockhausen, The Biosynthesis of Branched O-Linked Glycans, 1989, Society for Experimental Biology, pp. 1-26 (Great Britain).

[1049] It will be apparent from the present disclosure that the glycan structure of O-glycosylated peptides can be remodeled using similar techniques to those described for N-linked glycans. O-glycans differ from N-glycans in that they are linked to a serine or threonine residue rather than an asparagine residue. As described herein with respect to N-glycan remodeling, hydrolytic enzymes can be used to cleave unwanted sugar moieties in an O-linked glycan and additional desired sugars can then be added thereto, to build a customized O-glycan structure on the peptide (See FIGS. 11 and 12).

[1050] The initial step in O-glycosylation in mammalian cells is the attachment of N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) using any of a family of at least eleven known α-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferases, each of which has a restricted acceptor peptide specificity. Generally, the acceptor peptide recognized by each enzyme constitutes a sequence of at least ten amino acids. Peptides that contain the amino acid sequence recognized by one particular GalNAc-transferase become O-glycosylated at the acceptor site if they are expressed in a cell expressing the enzyme and if they are appropriately localized to the Golgi apparatus where UDP-GalNAc is also present.

[1051] However, in the case of recombinant proteins, the initial attachment of the GalNAc may not take place. The α-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase enzyme native to the expressing cell may have a consensus sequence specificity which differs from that of the recombinant peptide being expressed.

[1052] The desired recombinant peptide may be expressed in a bacterial cell, such as E. coli, that does not synthesize glycan chains. In these cases, it is advantageous to add the initial GalNAc moiety in vitro. The GalNAc moiety can be introduced in vitro onto the peptide once the recombinant peptide has been recovered in a soluble form, by contacting the peptide with the appropriate GalNAc transferase in the presence of UDP-GalNAc.

[1053] In one embodiment, an additional sequence of amino acids that constitute an effective acceptor for transfer of an O-linked sugar may be present. Such an amino acid sequence is encoded by a DNA sequence fused in frame to the coding sequence of the peptide, or alternatively, may be introduced by chemical means. The peptide may be otherwise lacking glycan chains. Alternately, the peptide may have N- and/or O-linked glycan chains but require an additional glycosylation site, for example, when an additional glycan substituent is desired.

[1054] In an exemplary embodiment, the amino acid sequence PTTTK-COOH, which is the natural GalNAc acceptor sequence in the human mucin MUC-1, is added as a fusion tag. The fusion protein is then expressed in E. coli and purified. The peptide is then contacted with recombinant human GalNAc-transferases T3 or T6 in the presence of UDP-GalNAc to transfer a GalNAc residue onto the peptide in vitro.

[1055] This glycan chain on the peptide may then be further elongated using the methods described in reference to the N-linked or O-linked glycans herein. Alternatively, the GalNAc transferase reaction can be carried out in the presence of UDP-GalNAc to which PEG is covalently substituted in the 0-3, 4, or 6 positions or the N-2 position. Glycoconjugation is described in detail elsewhere herein. Any antigenicity introduced into the peptide by the new peptide sequence can be conveniently masked by PEGylation of the associated glycan. The acceptor site fusion technique can be used to introduce not only a PEG moiety, but to introduce other glycan and non-glycan moieties, including, but not limited to, toxins, anti-infectives, cytotoxic agents, chelators for radionucleotides, and glycans with other functionalities, such as tissue targeting.

[1056] The remodeling of O-linked glycosylation is best illustrated with reference to Formula 2:

[1057]
Formula 2 describes a glycan structure comprising a GalNAc which is covalently linked preferably to a serine or threonine residue on a peptide backbone. While this structure is used to illustrate the most common forms of O-linked glycans, it should not be construed to limit the invention solely to these O-linked glycans. Other forms of O-linked glycans are illustrated in FIG. 11. Preferred expression systems useful in the present invention express and secrete exogenous peptides having O-linked glycans comprising the GalNAc residue. Using the remodeling methods of the invention, the glycan structures on these peptides can be conveniently remodeled to generate any desired glycan structure. One of skill in the art will appreciate that O-linked glycans can be remodeled using the same principles, enzymes and reaction conditions as those available in the art once armed with the present disclosure. Exemplary reaction conditions are found throughout the Examples.

[1058] In preferred embodiments, the glycan structures are remodeled so that the structure described in Formula 2 has specific moieties. The structure of the glycan maybe chosen to enhance the biological activity of the peptide, confer upon the peptide a new biological activity, remove or alter a biological activity of peptide, or better approximate the glycosylation pattern of the native peptide, among others.

[1059] In the first preferred embodiment, the peptide O-linked glycans are remodeled to better approximate the glycosylation pattern of native human proteins. In this embodiment, the glycan structure described in Formula 2 is remodeled to have the following moieties:

[1060] X² is |-SA; or |-SA-SA;

[1061] f and n=0 or 1;

[1062] X¹⁰ is SA;

[1063] m=0.

[1064] This embodiment is particularly advantageous for human peptides expressed in heterologous cellular expression systems. By remodeling the O-linked glycan structures to have this configuration, the peptide can be rendered less immunogenic in a human patient and/or more stable.

[1065] In the another preferred embodiment, the peptide O-linked glycans are remodeled to display a sialylated Lewis X antigen. In this embodiment, the glycan structure described in Formula 2 is remodeled to have the following moieties:

[1066] X² is |-SA;

[1067] X¹⁰ is Fuc or |-GlcNAc(Fuc)-Gal-SA;

[1068] f and n=1;

[1069] m=0.

This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the peptide which is being remodeled is most effective when targeted to a selectin molecule and cells exhibiting the same.

[1070] In a yet another preferred embodiment, the peptide O-linked glycans are remodeled to contain a conjugated moiety. The conjugated moiety may be a PEG molecule, another peptide, a small molecule such as a drug, among others. In this embodiment, the glycan structure described in Formula 2 is remodeled to have the following moieties:

[1071] X² is |-SA-R;

[1072] f=1;

[1073] n and m=0;

[1074] where R is the conjugate group.

[1075] This embodiment is useful for conjugating the peptide to PEG molecules that will slow the clearance of the peptide from the patient's bloodstream, to peptides that will target both peptides to a specific tissue or cell or to another peptide of complementary therapeutic use.

[1076] It will be clear to one of skill in the art that the invention is not limited to the preferred glycan molecules described above. The preferred embodiments are only a few of the many useful glycan molecules that can be made using the remodeling methods of the invention. Those skilled in the art will know how to design other useful glycans once armed with the present invention.

[1077] In the first exemplary embodiment, the peptide is expressed in a CHO (Chinese hamster cell line) according to methods well known in the art. When a peptide with O-linked glycan consensus sites is expressed and secreted from CHO cells, the majority of the O-linked glycans will often have the structure, in the terms of Formula 2,

[1078] X²=|-SA;

[1079] f=1;

[1080] m and n=0.

[1081] Therefore, most of the glycans in CHO cells do not require remodeling in order to be acceptable for use in a human patient. In an exemplary embodiment, the O-linked glycans of a peptide expressed and secreted from a CHO cell are remodeled to contain a sialylated Lewis X structure by contacting the glycans with a glycosyltransferase specific for the GalNAc acceptor moiety and the fucose donor moiety in the presence of nucleotide-fucose. This process is illustrated on N-linked glycans in FIG. 10 and Example 3.

[1082] In other exemplary embodiments, the peptide is expressed in insect cells such as sf9 according to methods well known in the art. When a peptide having O-linked glycan consensus sites is expressed and secreted from most sf9 cells, the majority of the O-linked glycans have the structure, in the terms of Formula 2:

[1083] X²=H;

[1084] f=0 or 1;

[1085] n and m=0.

[1086] See, for example, Marchal et al., (2001, Biol. Chem. 382:151-159). In one exemplary embodiment, the O-linked glycan on a peptide expressed in an insect cell is remodeled to a humanized glycan by contacting the glycans with a glycosyltransferase specific for a GalNAc acceptor molecule and a galactose donor molecule in the presence of nucleotide-Gal; and then contacting the glycans with a glycosyltransferase specific for a Gal acceptor molecule and a SA donor molecule in the presence of nucleotide-SA. In another exemplary embodiment, the O-linked glycans are remodeled further from the humanized form to the sialylated Lewis X form by further contacting the glycans with a glycosyltransferase specific for a GalNAc acceptor molecule and a fucose donor molecule in the presence of nucleotide-fucose.

[1087] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the peptide is expressed in fungal cells, in particular S. cerevisiae cells, according to methods well known in the art. When a peptide with O-linked glycans consensus sites is expressed and secreted from S. cerevisiae cells, the majority of the O-linked glycans have the structure:

[1088] |-AA-Man-Man_1-2.

See Gemmill and Trimble (1999, Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1426:227-237). In order to remodel these O-linked glycans for use in human, it is preferable that the glycan be cleaved at the amino acid level and rebuilt from there.

[1089] In an exemplary embodiment, the glycan is the O-linked glycan on a peptide expressed in a fungal cell and is remodeled to a humanized glycan by contacting the glycan with an endoglycosylase specific for an amino acid—GalNAc bond; and then contacting the glycan with a glycosyltransferase specific for a O-linked consensus site and a GalNAc donor molecule in the presence of nucleotide-GalNAc; contacting the glycan with a glycosyltransferase specific for a GalNAc acceptor molecule and a galactose donor molecule in the presence of nucleotide-Gal; and then contacting the glycans with a glycosyltransferase specific for a Gal acceptor molecule and a SA donor molecule in the presence of nucleotide-SA.

[1090] Alternately, in another exemplary embodiment, the glycan is the O-linked glycan on a peptide expressed in a fungal cell and is remodeled to a humanized glycan by contacting the glycan with an protein O-mannose β-1,2-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (POMGnTI) in the presence of GlcNAc-nucleotide; then contacting the glycan with an galactosyltransferase in the presence of nucleotide-Gal; and then contracting the glycan with an sialyltransferase in the presence of nucleotide-SA.

[1091] In another exemplary embodiment, the peptide is expressed in bacterial cells, in particular E. coli cells, according to methods well known in the art. When a peptide with an O-linked glycan consensus site is expressed in E. coli cells, the O-linked consensus site will not be glycosylated. In this case, the desired glycan molecule must be built out from the peptide backbone in a manner similar to that describe for S. cerevisiae expression above. Further, when a peptide having an O-linked glycan is expressed in a eukaryotic cell without the proper leader sequences to direct the nascent peptide to the golgi apparatus, the mature peptide is likely not to be glycosylated. In this case as well, an O-linked glycosyl structure may be added to the peptide by building out the glycan directly from the peptide O-linked consensus site. Further, when a protein is chemically modified with a sugar moiety, it can also be remodeled as described herein.

[1092] These examples are meant to illustrate the invention, and not to limit it in any way. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the steps taken in each example may in some circumstances be performed in a different order to achieve the same result. One of skill in the art will also understand that a different set of steps may also produce the same resulting glycan. Further, the preferred remodeled glycan is by no means specific to the expression system that the peptide is expressed in. The remodeled glycans are only illustrative and one of skill in the art will know how to take the principles from these examples and apply them to peptides produced in different expression systems to generate glycans not specifically described herein.

[1093] C. Glycoconjugation, in General

[1094] The invention provides methods of preparing a conjugate of a glycosylated or an unglycosylated peptide. The conjugates of the invention are formed between peptides and diverse species such as water-soluble polymers, therapeutic moieties, diagnostic moieties, targeting moieties and the like. Also provided are conjugates that include two or more peptides linked together through a linker arm, i.e., multifunctional conjugates. The multi-functional conjugates of the invention can include two or more copies of the same peptide or a collection of diverse peptides with different structures, and/or properties.

[1095] The conjugates of the invention are formed by the enzymatic attachment of a modified sugar to the glycosylated or unglycosylated peptide. The modified sugar, when interposed between the peptide and the modifying group on the sugar becomes what is referred to herein as “an intact glycosyl linking group.” Using the exquisite selectivity of enzymes, such as glycosyltransferases, the present method provides peptides that bear a desired group at one or more specific locations. Thus, according to the present invention, a modified sugar is attached directly to a selected locus on the peptide chain or, alternatively, the modified sugar is appended onto a carbohydrate moiety of a peptide. Peptides in which modified sugars are bound to both a peptide carbohydrate and directly to an amino acid residue of the peptide backbone are also within the scope of the present invention.

[1096] In contrast to known chemical and enzymatic peptide elaboration strategies, the methods of the invention make it possible to assemble peptides and glycopeptides that have a substantially homogeneous derivatization pattern; the enzymes used in the invention are generally selective for a particular amino acid residue or combination of amino acid residues of the peptide. The methods are also practical for large-scale production of modified peptides and glycopeptides. Thus, the methods of the invention provide a practical means for large-scale preparation of peptides having preselected substantially uniform derivatization patterns. The methods are particularly well suited for modification of therapeutic peptides, including but not limited to, peptides that are incompletely glycosylated during production in cell culture cells (e.g., mammalian cells, insect cells, plant cells, fungal cells, yeast cells, or prokaryotic cells) or transgenic plants or animals.

[1097] The methods of the invention also provide conjugates of glycosylated and unglycosylated peptides with increased therapeutic half-life due to, for example, reduced clearance rate, or reduced rate of uptake by the immune or reticuloendothelial system (RES). Moreover, the methods of the invention provide a means for masking antigenic determinants on peptides, thus reducing or eliminating a host immune response against the peptide. Selective attachment of targeting agents can also be used to target a peptide to a particular tissue or cell surface receptor that is specific for the particular targeting agent. Moreover, there is provided a class of peptides that are specifically modified with a therapeutic moiety.

[1098] 1. The Conjugates

[1099] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a conjugate between a peptide and a selected moiety. The link between the peptide and the selected moiety includes an intact glycosyl linking group interposed between the peptide and the selected moiety. As discussed herein, the selected moiety is essentially any species that can be attached to a saccharide unit, resulting in a “modified sugar” that is recognized by an appropriate transferase enzyme, which appends the modified sugar onto the peptide. The saccharide component of the modified sugar, when interposed between the peptide and a selected moiety, becomes an “intact glycosyl linking group.” The glycosyl linking group is formed from any mono- or oligo-saccharide that, after modification with a selected moiety, is a substrate for an appropriate transferase.

[1100] The conjugates of the invention will typically correspond to the general structure:

[1101]

[1102] in which the symbols a, b, c, d and s represent a positive, non-zero integer; and t is either 0 or a positive integer. The “agent” is a therapeutic agent, a bioactive agent, a detectable label, water-soluble moiety or the like. The “agent” can be a peptide, e.g., enzyme, antibody, antigen, etc. The linker can be any of a wide array of linking groups, infra. Alternatively, the linker may be a single bond or a “zero order linker.” The identity of the peptide is without limitation. Exemplary peptides are provided in FIG. 1.

[1103] In an exemplary embodiment, the selected moiety is a water-soluble polymer. The water-soluble polymer is covalently attached to the peptide via an intact glycosyl linking group. The glycosyl linking group is covalently attached to either an amino acid residue or a glycosyl residue of the peptide. Alternatively, the glycosyl linking group is attached to one or more glycosyl units of a glycopeptide. The invention also provides conjugates in which the glycosyl linking group is attached to both an amino acid residue and a glycosyl residue.

[1104] In addition to providing conjugates that are formed through an enzymatically added intact glycosyl linking group, the present invention provides conjugates that are highly homogenous in their substitution patterns. Using the methods of the invention, it is possible to form peptide conjugates in which essentially all of the modified sugar moieties across a population of conjugates of the invention are attached to multiple copies of a structurally identical amino acid or glycosyl residue. Thus, in a second aspect, the invention provides a peptide conjugate having a population of water-soluble polymer moieties, which are covalently bound to the peptide through an intact glycosyl linking group. In a preferred conjugate of the invention, essentially each member of the population is bound via the glycosyl linking group to a glycosyl residue of the peptide, and each glycosyl residue of the peptide to which the glycosyl linking group is attached has the same structure.

[1105] Also provided is a peptide conjugate having a population of water-soluble polymer moieties covalently bound thereto through an intact glycosyl linking group. In a preferred embodiment, essentially every member of the population of water soluble polymer moieties is bound to an amino acid residue of the peptide via an intact glycosyl linking group, and each amino acid residue having an intact glycosyl linking group attached thereto has the same structure.

[1106] The present invention also provides conjugates analogous to those described above in which the peptide is conjugated to a therapeutic moiety, diagnostic moiety, targeting moiety, toxin moiety or the like via an intact glycosyl linking group. Each of the above-recited moieties can be a small molecule, natural polymer (e.g., peptide) or synthetic polymer.

[1107] In an exemplary embodiment, interleulin-2 (IL-2) is conjugated to transferrin via a bifunctional linker that includes an intact glycosyl lining group at each terminus of the PEG moiety (Scheme 1). For example, one terminus of the PEG linker is functionalized with an intact sialic acid linker that is attached to transferrin and the other is functionalized with an intact GalNAc linker that is attached to IL-2.

[1108] In another exemplary embodiment, EPO is conjugated to transferrin. In another exemplary embodiment, EPO is conjugated to glial derived neurotropic growth factor (GDNF). In these embodiments, each conjugation is accomplished via a bifunctional linker that includes an intact glycosyl linking group at each terminus of the PEG moiety, as aforementioned. Transferrin transfers the protein across the blood brain barrier.

[1109] As set forth in the Figures appended hereto, the conjugates of the invention can include intact glycosyl linking groups that are mono- or multi-valent (e.g., antennary structures), see, FIGS. 13-21. The conjugates of the invention also include glycosyl linking groups that are O-linked glycans originating from serine or threonine (FIG. 10). Thus, conjugates of the invention include both species in which a selected moiety is attached to a peptide via a monovalent glycosyl linking group. Also included within the invention are conjugates in which more than one selected moiety is attached to a peptide via a multivalent linking group. One or more proteins can be conjugated together to take advantage of their biophysical and biological properties.

[1110] In a still further embodiment, the invention provides conjugates that localize selectively in a particular tissue due to the presence of a targeting agent as a component of the conjugate. In an exemplary embodiment, the targeting agent is a protein. Exemplary proteins include transferrin (brain, blood pool), human serum (HS)-glycoprotein (bone, brain, blood pool), antibodies (brain, tissue with antibody-specific antigen, blood pool), coagulation Factors V-XII (damaged tissue, clots, cancer, blood pool), serum proteins, e.g., α-acid glycoprotein, fetuin, α-fetal protein (brain, blood pool), β2-glycoprotein (liver, atherosclerosis plaques, brain, blood pool), G-CSF, GM-CSF, M-CSF, and EPO (immune stimulation, cancers, blood pool, red blood cell overproduction, neuroprotection), and albumin (increase in half-life).

[1111] In addition to the conjugates discussed above, the present invention provides methods for preparing these and other conjugates. Thus, in a further aspect, the invention provides a method of forming a covalent conjugate between a selected moiety and a peptide. Additionally, the invention provides methods for targeting conjugates of the invention to a particular tissue or region of the body.

[1112] In exemplary embodiments, the conjugate is formed between a water-soluble polymer, a therapeutic moiety, targeting moiety or a biomolecule, and a glycosylated or non-glycosylated peptide. The polymer, therapeutic moiety or biomolecule is conjugated to the peptide via an intact glycosyl linking group, which is interposed between, and covalently linked to both the peptide and the modifying group (e.g., water-soluble polymer). The method includes contacting the peptide with a mixture containing a modified sugar and a glycosyltransferase for which the modified sugar is a substrate. The reaction is conducted under conditions sufficient to form a covalent bond between the modified sugar and the peptide. The sugar moiety of the modified sugar is preferably selected from nucleotide sugars, activated sugars and sugars, which are neither nucleotides nor activated.

[1113] In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for lining two or more peptides through a linking group. The linking group is of any useful structure and may be selected from straight-chain and branched chain structures. Preferably, each terminus of the linker, which is attached to a peptide, includes a modified sugar (i.e., a nascent intact glycosyl linking group).

[1114] In an exemplary method of the invention, two peptides are linked together via a linker moiety that includes a PEG linker. The construct conforms to the general structure set forth in the cartoon above. As described herein, the construct of the invention includes two intact glycosyl linking groups (i.e., s+t=1). The focus on a PEG linker that includes two glycosyl groups is for purposes of clarity and should not be interpreted as limiting the identity of linker arms of use in this embodiment of the invention.

[1115] Thus, a PEG moiety is functionalized at a first terminus with a first glycosyl unit and at a second terminus with a second glycosyl unit. The first and second glycosyl units are preferably substrates for different transferases, allowing orthogonal attachment of the first and second peptides to the first and second glycosyl units, respectively. In practice, the (glycosyl)¹-PEG-(glycosyl)² linker is contacted with the first peptide and a first transferase for which the first glycosyl unit is a substrate, thereby forming (peptide)¹-(glycosyl)¹-PEG-(glycosyl)². The first transferase and/or unreacted peptide is then optionally removed from the reaction mixture. The second peptide and a second transferase for which the second glycosyl unit is a substrate are added to the (peptide)¹-(glycosyl)¹-PEG-(glycosyl)² conjugate, forming (peptide)¹-(glycosyl)¹-PEG-(glycosyl)²-(peptide)². Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the method outlined above is also applicable to forming conjugates between more than two peptides by, for example, the use of a branched PEG, dendrimer, poly(amino acid), polysaccharide or the like.

[1116] As noted previously, in an exemplary embodiment, interleukin-2 (IL-2) is conjugated to transferrin via a bifunctional linker that includes an intact glycosyl linking group at each terminus of the PEG moiety (Scheme 1). The IL-2 conjugate has an in vivo half-life that is increased over that of IL-2 alone by virtue of the greater molecular size of the conjugate. Moreover, the conjugation of IL-2 to transferrin serves to selectively target the conjugate to the brain. For example, one terminus of the PEG linker is functionalized with a CMP-sialic acid and the other is functionalized with an UDP-GalNAc. The linker is combined with IL-2 in the presence of a GalNAc transferase, resulting in the attachment of the GalNAc of the linker arm to a serine and/or threonine residue on the IL-2.

[1117] In another exemplary embodiment, transferrin is conjugated to a nucleic acid for use in gene therapy.

[1118]

[1119] The processes described above can be carried through as many cycles as desired, and is not limited to forming a conjugate between two peptides with a single linker. Moreover, those of skill in the art will appreciate that the reactions functionalizing the intact glycosyl linking groups at the termini of the PEG (or other) linker with the peptide can occur simultaneously in the same reaction vessel, or they can be carried out in a step-wise fashion. When the reactions are carried out in a step-wise manner, the conjugate produced at each step is optionally purified from one or more reaction components (e.g., enzymes, peptides).

[1120] A still further exemplary embodiment is set forth in Scheme 2. Scheme 2 shows a method of preparing a conjugate that targets a selected protein, e.g., EPO, to bone and increases the circulatory half-life of the selected protein.

[1121]

[1122] The use of reactive derivatives of PEG (or other linkers) to attach one or more peptide moieties to the linker is within the scope of the present invention. The invention is not limited by the identity of the reactive PEG analogue. Many activated derivatives of poly(ethylene glycol) are available commercially and in the literature. It is well within the abilities of one of skill to choose, and synthesize if necessary, an appropriate activated PEG derivative with which to prepare a substrate useful in the present invention. See, Abuchowski et al. Cancer Biochem. Biophys., 7: 175-186 (1984); Abuchowski et al., J. Biol. Chem., 252: 3582-3586 (1977); Jackson et al., Anal. Biochem., 165: 114-127 (1987); Koide et al., Biochem Biophys. Res. Commun., 111: 659-667 (1983)), tresylate (Nilsson et al., Methods Enzymol., 104: 56-69 (1984); Delgado et al., Biotechnol. Appl. Biochem., 12: 119-128 (1990)); N-hydroxysuccinimide derived active esters (Buckmann et al., Makromol. Chem., 182: 1379-1384 (1981); Joppich et al., Makcromol. Chem., 180: 1381-1384 (1979); Abuchowski et al., Cancer Biochem. Biophys., 7: 175-186 (1984); Katreet al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 84: 1487-1491 (1987); Kitamura et al., Cancer Res., 51: 4310-4315 (1991); Boccu et al., Z. Naturforsch., 38C: 94-99 (1983), carbonates (Zalipsky et al., POLY(ETHENE GLYCOL) CHEMISTRY: BIOTECINCAL AND BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS, Harris, Ed., Plenum Press, New York, 1992, pp. 347-370; Zalipsky et al., Biotechnol. Appl. Biochem., 15: 100-114 (1992); Veronese et al., Appl. Biochem. Biotech., 11: 141-152 (1985)), imidazolyl formates (Beauchamp et al., Anal. Biochem., 131: 25-33 (1983); Berger et al., Blood, 71: 1641-1647 (1988)), 4-dithiopyridines (Woghiren et al., Bioconjugate Chem., 4: 314-318 (1993)), isocyanates (Byun et al., ASAIO Journal, M649-M-653 (1992)) and epoxides (U.S. Pat. No. 4,806,595, issued to Noishiki et al., (1989). Other liking groups include the urethane linkage between amino groups and activated PEG. See, Veronese, et al., Appl. Biochem. Biotechnol., 11: 141-152 (1985).

[1123] In another exemplary embodiment in which a reactive PEG derivative is utilized, the invention provides a method for extending the blood-circulation half-life of a selected peptide, in essence targeting the peptide to the blood pool, by conjugating the peptide to a synthetic or natural polymer of a size sufficient to retard the filtration of the protein by the glomerulus (e.g., albumin). This embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Scheme 3 in which erytliropoietin (EPO) is conjugated to albumin via a PEG linker using a combination of chemical and enzymatic modification.

[1124]

[1125] Thus, as shown in Scheme 3, an amino acid residue of albumin is modified with a reactive PEG derivative, such as X-PEG-(CMP-sialic acid), in which X is an activating group (e.g., active ester, isothiocyanate, etc). The PEG derivative and EPO are combined and contacted with a transferase for which CMP-sialic acid is a substrate. In a further illustrative embodiment, an F-amine of lysine is reacted with the N-hydroxysuccinimide ester of the PEG-linker to form the albumin conjugate. The CMP-sialic acid of the linker is enzymatically conjugated to an appropriate residue on EPO, e.g., Gal, thereby forming the conjugate. Those of skill will appreciate that the above-described method is not limited to the reaction partners set forth. Moreover, the method can be practiced to form conjugates that include more than two protein moieties by, for example, utilizing a branched linker having more than two termini.

[1126] 2. Modified Sugars

[1127] Modified glycosyl donor species (“modified sugars”) are preferably selected from modified sugar nucleotides, activated modified sugars and modified sugars that are simple saccharides that are neither nucleotides nor activated. Any desired carbohydrate structure can be added to a peptide using the methods of the invention. Typically, the structure will be a monosaccharide, but the present invention is not limited to the use of modified monosaccharide sugars; oligosaccharides and polysaccharides are useful as well.

[1128] The modifying group is attached to a sugar moiety by enzymatic means, chemical means or a combination thereof, thereby producing a modified sugar. The sugars are substituted at any position that allows for the attachment of the modifying moiety, yet which still allows the sugar to function as a substrate for the enzyme used to ligate the modified sugar to the peptide. In a preferred embodiment, when sialic acid is the sugar, the sialic acid is substituted with the modifying group at either the 9-position on the pyruvyl side chain or at the 5-position on the amine moiety that is normally acetylated in sialic acid.

[1129] In certain embodiments of the present invention, a modified sugar nucleotide is utilized to add the modified sugar to the peptide. Exemplary sugar nucleotides that are used in the present invention in their modified form include nucleotide mono-, di- or triphosphates or analogs thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the modified sugar nucleotide is selected from a UDP-glycoside, CMP-glycoside, or a GDP-glycoside. Even more preferably, the modified sugar nucleotide is selected from an UDP-galactose, UDP-galactosamine, UDP-glucose, UDP-glucosamine, GDP-mannose, GDP-fucose, CMP-sialic acid, or CMP-NeuAc. N-acetylamine derivatives of the sugar nucleotides are also of use in the method of the invention.

[1130] The invention also provides methods for synthesizing a modified peptide using a modified sugar, e.g., modified-galactose, -fucose, and -sialic acid. When a modified sialic acid is used, either a sialyltransferase or a trans-sialidase (for α2,3-linked sialic acid only) can be used in these methods.

[1131] In other embodiments, the modified sugar is an activated sugar. Activated modified sugars, which are useful in the present invention are typically glycosides which have been synthetically altered to include an activated leaving group. As used herein, the term “activated leaving group” refers to those moieties, which are easily displaced in enzyme-regulated nucleophilic substitution reactions. Many activated sugars are known in the art. See, for example, Vocadlo et al., In CARBOHYDRATE CHEMISTRY AND BIOLOGY, Vol. 2, Ernst et al. Ed., Wiley-VCH Verlag: Weinheim, Germany, 2000; Kodama et al., Tetrahedron Lett. 34: 6419 (1993); Lougheed, et al., J. Biol. Chem. 274: 37717 (1999)).

[1132] Examples of activating groups (leaving groups) include fluoro, chloro, bromo, tosylate ester, mesylate ester, triflate ester and the like. Preferred activated leaving groups, for use in the present invention, are those that do not significantly sterically encumber the enzymatic transfer of the glycoside to the acceptor. Accordingly, preferred embodiments of activated glycoside derivatives include glycosyl fluorides and glycosyl mesylates, with glycosyl fluorides being particularly preferred. Among the glycosyl fluorides, α-galactosyl fluoride, α-mannosyl fluoride, α-glucosyl fluoride, α-facosyl fluoride, α-xylosyl fluoride, α-sialyl fluoride, α-N-acetylglucosaminyl fluoride, α-N-acetylgalactosaminyl fluoride, β-galactosyl fluoride, β-mannosyl fluoride, β-glucosyl fluoride, β-fucosyl fluoride, β-xylosyl fluoride, β-sialyl fluoride, β-N-acetylglucosaminyl fluoride and β-N-acetylgalactosaminyl fluoride are most preferred.

[1133] By way of illustration, glycosyl fluorides can be prepared from the free sugar by first acetylating the sugar and then treating it with HF/pyridine. This generates the thermodynamically most stable anomer of the protected (acetylated) glycosyl fluoride (i.e., the α-glycosyl fluoride). If the less stable anomer (i.e., the β-glycosyl fluoride) is desired, it can be prepared by converting the peracetylated sugar with HBr/HOAc or with HCl to generate the anomeric bromide or chloride. This intermediate is reacted with a fluoride salt such as silver fluoride to generate the glycosyl fluoride. Acetylated glycosyl fluorides may be deprotected by reaction with mild (catalytic) base in methanol (e.g. NaOMe/MeOH). In addition, many glycosyl fluorides are commercially available.

[1134] Other activated glycosyl derivatives can be prepared using conventional methods known to those of skill in the art. For example, glycosyl mesylates can be prepared by treatment of the fully benzylated hemiacetal form of the sugar with mesyl chloride, followed by catalytic hydrogenation to remove the benzyl groups.

[1135] In a further exemplary embodiment, the modified sugar is an oligosaccharide having an antennary structure. In a preferred embodiment, one or more of the termini of the antennae bear the modifying moiety. When more than one modifying moiety is attached to an oligosaccharide having an antennary structure, the oligosaccharide is useful to “amplify” the modifying moiety; each oligosaccharide unit conjugated to the peptide attaches multiple copies of the modifying group to the peptide. The general structure of a typical chelate of the invention as set forth in the drawing above, encompasses multivalent species resulting from preparing a conjugate of the invention utilizing an antennary structure. Many antennary saccharide structures are known in the art, and the present method can be practiced with them without limitation.

[1136] Exemplary modifying groups are discussed below. The modifying groups can be selected for one or more desirable property. Exemplary properties include, but are not limited to, enhanced pharmacokinetics, enhanced pharmacodynamics, improved biodistribution, providing a polyvalent species, improved water solubility, enhanced or diminished lipophilicity, and tissue targeting.

[1137] D. Peptide Conjugates

[1138] a) Water-Soluble Polymers

[1139] The hydrophilicity of a selected peptide is enhanced by conjugation with polar molecules such as amine-, ester-, hydroxyl- and polyhydroxyl-containing molecules. Representative examples include, but are not limited to, polylysine, polyethyleneimine, poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(propyleneglycol). Preferred water-soluble polymers are essentially non-fluorescent, or emit such a minimal amount of fluorescence that they are inappropriate for use as a fluorescent marker in an assay. Polymers that are not naturally occurring sugars may be used. In addition, the use of an otherwise naturally occurring sugar that is modified by covalent attachment of another entity (e.g., poly(ethylene glycol), poly(propylene glycol), poly(aspartate), biomolecule, therapeutic moiety, diagnostic moiety, etc.) is also contemplated. In another exemplary embodiment, a therapeutic sugar moiety is conjugated to a linker arm and the sugar-linker arm is subsequently conjugated to a peptide via a method of the invention.

[1140] Methods and chemistry for activation of water-soluble polymers and saccharides as well as methods for conjugating saccharides and polymers to various species are described in the literature. Commonly used methods for activation of polymers include activation of functional groups with cyanogen bromide, periodate, glutaraldehyde, biepoxides, epichlorohydrin, divinylsulfone, carbodiimide, sulfonyl halides, trichlorotriazine, etc. (see, R. F. Taylor, (1991), PROTEIN IMMOBILISATION, FUNDAMENTALS AND APPLICATIONS, Marcel Dekker, N.Y.; S. S. Wong, (1992), CHEMISTRY OF PROTEIN CONJUGATION AND CROSSLINKING, CRC Press, Boca Raton; G. T. Hermanson et al., (1993), IMMOBILIZED AFFINITY LIGAND TECHNIQUES, Academic Press, N.Y.; Dunn, R. L., et al., Eds. POLYMERIC DRUGS AND DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS, ACS Symposium Series Vol. 469, American Chemical Society, Washington, D.C. 1991).

[1141] Routes for preparing reactive PEG molecules and forming conjugates using the reactive molecules are known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,672,662 discloses a water soluble and isolatable conjugate of an active ester of a polymer acid selected from linear or branched poly(alkylene oxides), poly(oxyethylated polyols), poly(olefinic alcohols), and poly(acrylomorpholine), wherein the polymer has about 44 or more recurring units.

[1142] U.S. Pat. No. 6,376,604 sets forth a method for preparing a water-soluble 1-benzotriazolylcarbonate ester of a water-soluble and non-peptidic polymer by reacting a terminal hydroxyl of the polymer with di(1-benzotriazoyl)carbonate in an organic solvent. The active ester is used to form conjugates with a biologically active agent such as a protein or peptide.

[1143] WO 99/45964 describes a conjugate comprising a biologically active agent and an activated water soluble polymer comprising a polymer backbone having at least one terminus linked to the polymer backbone through a stable linkage, wherein at least one terminus comprises a branching moiety having proximal reactive groups linked to the branching moiety, in which the biologically active agent is linked to at least one of the proximal reactive groups. Other branched poly(ethylene glycols) are described in WO 96/21469, U.S. Pat. No. 5,932,462 describes a conjugate formed with a branched PEG molecule that includes a branched terminus that includes reactive functional groups. The free reactive groups are available to react with a biologically active species, such as a protein or peptide, forming conjugates between the poly(ethylene glycol) and the biologically active species. U.S. Pat. No. 5,446,090 describes a bifunctional PEG linker and its use in forming conjugates having a peptide at each of the PEG linker termini.

[1144] Conjugates that include degradable PEG linkages are described in WO 99/34833; and WO 99/14259, as well as in U.S. Pat. No. 6,348,558. Such degradable linkages are applicable in the present invention.

[1145] Although both reactive PEG derivatives and conjugates formed using the derivatives are known in the art, until the present invention, it was not recognized that a conjugate could be formed between PEG (or other polymer) and another species, such as a peptide or glycopeptide, through an intact glycosyl linking group.

[1146] Many water-soluble polymers are known to those of skill in the art and are useful in practicing the present invention. The term water-soluble polymer encompasses species such as saccharides (e.g., dextran, amylose, hyalouronic acid, poly(sialic acid), heparans, heparins, etc.); poly (amino acids); nucleic acids; synthetic polymers (e.g., poly(acrylic acid), poly(ethers), e.g., poly(ethylene glycol); peptides, proteins, and the like. The present invention may be practiced with any water-soluble polymer with the sole limitation that the polymer must include a point at which the remainder of the conjugate can be attached.

[1147] Methods for activation of polymers can also be found in WO 94/17039, U.S. Pat. No. 5,324,844, WO 94/18247, WO 94/04193, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,219,564, 5,122,614, WO 90/13540, U.S. Pat. No. 5,281,698, and more WO 93/15189, and for conjugation between activated polymers and peptides, e.g. Coagulation Factor VIII (WO 94/15625), hemoglobin (WO 94/09027), oxygen carrying molecule (U.S. Pat. No. 4,412,989), ribonuclease and superoxide dismutase (Veronese at al., App. Biochem. Biotech. 11: 141-45 (1985)).

[1148] Preferred water-soluble polymers are those in which a substantial proportion of the polymer molecules in a sample of the polymer are of approximately the same molecular weight; such polymers are “homodisperse.”

[1149] The present invention is further illustrated by reference to a poly(ethylene glycol) conjugate. Several reviews and monographs on the functionalization and conjugation of PEG are available. See, for example, Harris, Macronol. Chem. Phys. C25: 325-373 (1985); Scouten, Methods in Enzymology 135: 30-65 (1987); Wong et al., Enzyme Microb. Technol. 14: 866-874 (1992); Delgado et al., Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems 9: 249-304 (1992); Zalipsky, Bioconjugate Chem. 6: 150-165 (1995); and Bhadra, et al., Pharmazie, 57:5-29 (2002).

[1150] Poly(ethylene glycol) molecules suitable for use in the invention include, but are not limited to, those described by the following Formula 3:

[1151]

• [1152] R=H, alkyl, benzyl, aryl, acetal, OHC—, H₂N—CH₂CH₂—, HS—CH₂CH₂—,

[1153]
-sugar-nucleotide, protein, methyl, ethyl;

• [1154] X, Y, W, U (independently selected)=O, S, NH, N—R′;
• [1155] R′, R′″ (independently selected)=alkyl, benzyl, aryl, alkyl aryl, pyridyl, substituted aryl, arylalkyl, acylaryl;
• [1156] n=1 to 2000;
• [1157] m, q, p (independently selected)=0 to 20
• [1158] o=0 to 20;
• [1159] Z=HO, NH₂, halogen, S—R′″, activated esters,

[1160]

[1161] -sugar-nucleotide, protein, imidazole, HOBT, tetrazole, halide; and

• [1162] V=HO, NH₂, halogen, S—R′″, activated esters, activated amides, -sugar-nucleotide, protein.

[1163] In preferred embodiments, the poly(ethylene glycol) molecule is selected from the following:

[1164]
The poly(ethylene glycol) useful in forming the conjugate of the invention is either linear or branched. Branched poly(ethylene glycol) molecules suitable for use in the invention include, but are not limited to, those described by the following Formula:

[1165]

• [1166] R′, R″, R′″ (independently selected)=H, alkyl, benzyl, aryl, acetal, OHC—, H₂N—CH₂CH₂—, HS—CH²CH₂—, —(CH₂)_qCY-Z, -sugar-nucleotide, protein, methyl, ethyl, heteroaryl, acylalkyl, acylaryl, acylalkylaryl;
• [1167] X,Y, W, A, B (independently selected)=O, S, NH, N—R′, (CH₂)₁;
• [1168] n, p (independently selected)=1 to 2000;
• [1169] m, q, o (independently selected)=0 to 20;
• [1170] Z=HO, NH₂, halogen, S—R′″, activated esters,

[1171]

[1172] -sugar-nucleotide, protein;

• [1173] V=HO, NH₂, halogen, S—R′″, activated esters, activated amides,

[1174] -sugar-nucleotide, protein.

[1175] The in vivo half-life, area under the curve, and/or residence time of therapeutic peptides can also be enhanced with water-soluble polymers such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polypropylene glycol (PPG). For example, chemical modification of proteins with PEG (PEGylation) increases their molecular size and decreases their surface- and functional group-accessibility, each of which are dependent on the size of the PEG attached to the protein. This results in an improvement of plasma half-lives and in proteolytic-stability, and a decrease in immunogenicity and hepatic uptake (Chaffee et al. J. Clin. Invest. 89: 1643-1651 (1992); Pyatak et al. Res. Commun. Chent. Pathol Pharmacol. 29: 113-127 (1980)). PEGylation of interleukin-2 has been reported to increase its antitumor potency in vivo (Katre et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 84: 1487-1491 (1987)) and PEGylation of a F(ab′)2 derived from the monoclonal antibody A7 has improved its tumor localization (Kitamura et al. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 28:1387-1394 (1990)).

[1176] In one preferred embodiment, the in vivo half-life of a peptide derivatized with a water-soluble polymer by a method of the invention is increased relevant to the in vivo half-life of the non-derivatized peptide. In another preferred embodiment, the area under the curve of a peptide derivatized with a water-soluble polymer using a method of the invention is increased relevant to the area under the curve of the non-derivatized peptide. In another preferred embodiment, the residence time of a peptide derivatized with a water-soluble polymer using a method of the invention is increased relevant to the residence time of the non-derivatized peptide. Techniques to determine the in vivo half-life, the area under the curve and the residence time are well known in the art. Descriptions of such techniques can be found in J. G. Wagner, 1993, Pharmacokinetics for the Pharmaceutical Scientist, Technomic Publishing Company, Inc. Lancaster Pa.

[1177] The increase in peptide in vivo half-life is best expressed as a range of percent increase in this quantity. The lower end of the range of percent increase is about 40%, about 60%, about 80%, about 100%, about 150% or about 200%. The upper end of the range is about 60%, about 80%, about 100%, about 150%, or more than about 250%.

[1178] In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a PEGylated follicle stimulating hormone (Examples 9 and 10). In a further exemplary embodiment, the invention provides a PEGylated transferrin (Example 13).

[1179] Other exemplary water-soluble polymers of use in the invention include, but are not limited to linear or branched poly(alkylene oxides), poly(oxyethylated polyols), poly(olefinic alcohols), and poly(acrylomorpholine), dextran, starch, poly(amino acids), etc.

[1180] b) Water-insoluble Polymers

[1181] The conjugates of the invention may also include one or more water-insoluble polymers. This embodiment of the invention is illustrated by the use of the conjugate as a vehicle with which to deliver a therapeutic peptide in a controlled manner. Polymeric drug delivery systems are known in the art. See, for example, Dunn et al., Eds. POLYMERIC DRUGS AND DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS, ACS Symposium Series Vol. 469, American Chemical Society, Washington, D.C. 1991. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that substantially any known drug delivery system is applicable to the conjugates of the present invention.

[1182] Representative water-insoluble polymers include, but are not limited to, polyphosphazines, poly(vinyl alcohols), polyamides, polycarbonates, polyalkylenes, polyacrylamides, polyalkylene glycols, polyalkylene oxides, polyalkylene terephthalates, polyvinyl ethers, polyvinyl esters, polyvinyl halides, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyglycolides, polysiloxanes, polyurethanes, poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(ethyl methacrylate), poly(butyl methacrylate), poly(isobutyl methacrylate), poly(hexyl methacrylate), poly(isodecyl methacrylate), poly(lauryl methacrylate), poly(phenyl methacrylate), poly(methyl acrylate), poly(isopropyl acrylate), poly(isobutyl acrylate), poly(octadecyl acrylate) polyethylene, polypropylene, poly(ethylene glycol), poly(ethylene oxide), poly (ethylene terephthalate), poly(vinyl acetate), polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, pluronics and polyvinylphenol and copolymers thereof.

[1183] Synthetically modified natural polymers of use in conjugates of the invention include, but are not limited to, alkyl celluloses, hydroxyalkyl celluloses, cellulose ethers, cellulose esters, and nitrocelluloses. Particularly preferred members of the broad classes of synthetically modified natural polymers include, but are not limited to, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, hydroxybutyl methyl cellulose, cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate, cellulose acetate butyrate, cellulose acetate phthalate, carboxymethyl cellulose, cellulose triacetate, cellulose sulfate sodium salt, and polymers of acrylic and methacrylic esters and alginic acid.

[1184] These and the other polymers discussed herein can be readily obtained from commercial sources such as Sigma Chemical Co. (St. Louis, Mo.), Polysciences (Warrenton, Pa.), Aldrich (Milwaukee, Wis.), Fluka (Ronkonkoma, N.Y.), and BioRad (Richmond, Calif.), or else synthesized from monomers obtained from these suppliers using standard techniques. Representative biodegradable polymers of use in the conjugates of the invention include, but are not limited to, polylactides, polyglycolides and copolymers thereof poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(butyric acid), poly(valeric acid), poly(lactide-co-caprolactone), poly(lactide-co-glycolide), polyanhydrides, polyorthoesters, blends and copolymers thereof. Of particular use are compositions that form gels, such as those including collagen, pluronics and the like.

[1185] The polymers of use in the invention include “hybrid” polymers that include water-insoluble materials having within at least a portion of their structure, a bioresorbable molecule. An example of such a polymer is one that includes a water-insoluble copolymer, which has a bioresorbable region, a hydrophilic region and a plurality of crosslinkable functional groups per polymer chain.

[1186] For purposes of the present invention, “water-insoluble materials” includes materials that are substantially insoluble in water or water-containing environments. Thus, although certain regions or segments of the copolymer may be hydrophilic or even water-soluble, the polymer molecule, as a whole, does not to any substantial measure dissolve in water. For purposes of the present invention, the term “bioresorbable molecule” includes a region that is capable of being metabolized or broken down and resorbed and/or eliminated through normal excretory routes by the body. Such metabolites or break down products are preferably substantially non-toxic to the body.

[1187] The bioresorbable region may be either hydrophobic or hydrophilic, so long as the copolymer composition as a whole is not rendered water-soluble. Thus, the bioresorbable region is selected based on the preference that the polymer, as a whole, remains water-insoluble. Accordingly, the relative properties, i.e., the kinds of functional groups contained by, and the relative proportions of the bioresorbable region, and the hydrophilic region are selected to ensure that useful bioresorbable compositions remain water-insoluble.

[1188] Exemplary resorbable polymers include, for example, synthetically produced resorbable block copolymers of poly(α-hydroxy-carboxylic acid)/poly(oxyalkylene, (see, Cohn et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,826,945). These copolymers are not crosslinked and are water-soluble so that the body can excrete the degraded block copolymer compositions. See, Younes et al., J Biomed. Mater. Res. 21: 1301-1316 (1987); and Cohn et al., J Biomed. Mater. Res. 22: 993-1009 (1988).

[1189] Presently preferred bioresorbable polymers include one or more components selected from poly(esters), poly(hydroxy acids), poly(lactones), poly(amides), poly(ester-amides), poly (amino acids), poly(anhydrides), poly(orthoesters), poly(carbonates), poly(phosphazines), poly(phosphoesters), poly(thioesters), polysaccharides and mixtures thereof. More preferably still, the biosresorbable polymer includes a poly(hydroxy) acid component. Of the poly(hydroxy) acids, polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, polycaproic acid, polybutyric acid, polyvaleric acid and copolymers and mixtures thereof are preferred.

[1190] In addition to forming fragments that are absorbed in vivo (“bioresorbed”), preferred polymeric coatings for use in the methods of the invention can also form an excretable and/or metabolizable fragment.

[1191] Higher order copolymers can also be used in the present invention. For example, Casey et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,438,253, which issued on Mar. 20, 1984, discloses tri-block copolymers produced from the transesterification of poly(glycolic acid) and an hydroxyl-ended poly(alkylene glycol). Such compositions are disclosed for use as resorbable monofilament sutures. The flexibility of such compositions is controlled by the incorporation of an aromatic orthocarbonate, such as tetra-p-tolyl orthocarbonate into the copolymer structure.

[1192] Other coatings based on lactic and/or glycolic acids can also be utilized. For example, Spinu, U.S. Pat. No. 5,202,413, which issued on Apr. 13, 1993, discloses biodegradable multi-block copolymers having sequentially ordered blocks of polylactide and/or polyglycolide produced by ring-opening polymerization of lactide and/or glycolide onto either an oligomeric diol or a diamine residue followed by chain extension with a di-functional compound, such as, a diisocyanate, diacylchloride or dichlorosilane.

[1193] Bioresorbable regions of coatings useful in the present invention can be designed to be hydrolytically and/or enzymatically cleavable. For purposes of the present invention, “hydrolytically cleavable” refers to the susceptibility of the copolymer, especially the bioresorbable region, to hydrolysis in water or a water-containing environment. Similarly, “enzymatically cleavable” as used herein refers to the susceptibility of the copolymer, especially the bioresorbable region, to cleavage by endogenous or exogenous enzymes.

[1194] When placed within the body, the hydrophilic region can be processed into excretable and/or metabolizable fragments. Thus, the hydrophilic region can include, for example, polyethers, polyalkylene oxides, polyols, poly(vinyl pyrrolidine), poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(alkyl oxazolines), polysaccharides, carbohydrates, peptides, proteins and copolymers and mixtures thereof. Furthermore, the hydrophilic region can also be, for example, a poly(alkylene) oxide. Such poly(alkylene) oxides can include, for example, poly(ethylene) oxide, poly(propylene) oxide and mixtures and copolymers thereof.

[1195] Polymers that are components of hydrogels are also useful in the present invention. Hydrogels are polymeric materials that are capable of absorbing relatively large quantities of water. Examples of hydrogel forming compounds include, but are not limited to, polyacrylic acids, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidine, gelatin, carrageenan and other polysaccharides, hydroxyethylenemethacrylic acid (HEMA), as well as derivatives thereof, and the like. Hydrogels can be produced that are stable, biodegradable and bioresorbable. Moreover, hydrogel compositions can include subunits that exhibit one or more of these properties.

[1196] Bio-compatible hydrogel compositions whose integrity can be controlled through crosslinking are known and are presently preferred for use in the methods of the invention. For example, Hubbell et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,410,016, which issued on Apr. 25, 1995 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,529,914, which issued on Jun. 25, 1996, disclose water-soluble systems, which are crosslinked block copolymers having a water-soluble central block segment sandwiched between two hydrolytically labile extensions. Such copolymers are further end-capped with photopolymerizable acrylate functionalities. When crosslinked, these systems become hydrogels. The water soluble central block of such copolymers can include poly(ethylene glycol); whereas, the hydrolytically labile extensions can be a poly(α-hydroxy acid), such as polyglycolic acid or polylactic acid. See, Sawhney et al., Macromolecules 26: 581-587 (1993).

[1197] In another preferred embodiment, the gel is a thermoreversible gel. Thermoreversible gels including components, such as pluronics, collagen, gelatin, hyalouronic acid, polysaccharides, polyurethane hydrogel, polyurethane-urea hydrogel and combinations thereof are presently preferred.

[1198] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the conjugate of the invention includes a component of a liposome. Liposomes can be prepared according to methods known to those skilled in the art, for example, as described in Eppstein et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,522,811, which issued on Jun. 11, 1985. For example, liposome formulations may be prepared by dissolving appropriate lipid(s) (such as stearoyl phosphatidyl ethanolamine, stearoyl phosphatidyl choline, arachadoyl phosphatidyl choline, and cholesterol) in an inorganic solvent that is then evaporated, leaving behind a thin film of dried lipid on the surface of the container. An aqueous solution of the active compound or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt is then introduced into the container. The container is then swirled by hand to free lipid material from the sides of the container and to disperse lipid aggregates, thereby forming the liposomal suspension.

[1199] The above-recited microparticles and methods of preparing the microparticles are offered by way of example and they are not intended to define the scope of microparticles of use in the present invention. It will be apparent to those of skill in the art that an array of microparticles, fabricated by different methods, are of use in the present invention.

[1200] c) Biomolecules

[1201] In another preferred embodiment, the modified sugar bears a biomolecule. In still further preferred embodiments, the biomolecule is a functional protein, enzyme, antigen, antibody, peptide, nucleic acid (e.g., single nucleotides or nucleosides, oligonucleotides, polynucleotides and single- and higher-stranded nucleic acids), lectin, receptor or a combination thereof.

[1202] Some preferred biomolecules are essentially non-fluorescent, or emit such a minimal amount of fluorescence that they are inappropriate for use as a fluorescent marker in an assay. Other biomolecules may be fluorescent. The use of an otherwise naturally occurring sugar that is modified by covalent attachment of another entity (e.g., PEG, biomolecule, therapeutic moiety, diagnostic moiety, etc.) is appropriate. In an exemplary embodiment, a sugar moiety, which is a biomolecule, is conjugated to a linker arm and the sugar-linker arm cassette is subsequently conjugated to a peptide via a method of the invention.

[1203] Biomolecules useful in practicing the present invention can be derived from any source. The biomolecules can be isolated from natural sources or they can be produced by synthetic methods. Peptides can be natural peptides or mutated peptides. Mutations can be effected by chemical mutagenesis, site-directed mutagenesis or other means of inducing mutations known to those of skill in the art. Peptides useful in practicing the instant invention include, for example, enzymes, antigens, antibodies and receptors. Antibodies can be either polyclonal or monoclonal; either intact or fragments. The peptides are optionally the products of a program of directed evolution.

[1204] Both naturally derived and synthetic peptides and nucleic acids are of use in conjunction with the present invention; these molecules can be attached to a sugar residue component or a crosslinking agent by any available reactive group. For example, peptides can be attached through a reactive amine, carboxyl, sulfhydryl, or hydroxyl group. The reactive group can reside at a peptide terminus or at a site internal to the peptide chain. Nucleic acids can be attached through a reactive group on a base (e.g. exocyclic amine) or an available hydroxyl group on a sugar moiety (e.g., 3′- or 5′-hydroxyl). The peptide and nucleic acid chains can be further derivatized at one or more sites to allow for the attachment of appropriate reactive groups onto the chain. See, Chrisey et al. Nucleic Acids Res. 24: 3031-3039 (1996).

[1205] In a further preferred embodiment, the biomolecule is selected to direct the peptide modified by the methods of the invention to a specific tissue, thereby enhancing the delivery of the peptide to that tissue relative to the amount of underivatized peptide that is delivered to the tissue. In a still further preferred embodiment, the amount of derivatized peptide delivered to a specific tissue within a selected time period is enhanced by derivatization by at least about 20%, more preferably, at least about 40%, and more preferably still, at least about 100%. Presently, preferred biomolecules for targeting applications include antibodies, hormones and ligands for cell-surface receptors.

[1206] In a presently preferred embodiment, the modifying group is a protein. In an exemplary embodiment, the protein is an interferon. The interferons are antiviral glycoproteins that, in humans, are secreted by human primary fibroblasts after induction with virus or double-stranded RNA. Interferons are of interest as therapeutics, e.g., antivirals and treatment of multiple sclerosis. For references discussing interferon-β, see, e.g., Yu, et al., J. Neuroimmunol., 64(1):91-100 (1996); Schmidt, J., J. Neurosci. Res., 65(1):59-67 (2001); Wender, et al., Folia Neuropathol., 39(2):91-93 (2001); Martin, et al., Springer Semin. Immunopathol., 18(1):1-24 (1996); Takane, et al., J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 294(2):746-752 (2000); Sburlati, et al., Biotechnol. Prog., 14:189-192 (1998); Dodd, et al., Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, 787:183-187 (1984); Edelbaum, et al., J. Interferon Res., 12:449-453 (1992); Conradt, et al., J. Biol. Chem., 262(30):14600-14605 (1987); Civas, et al., Eur. J. Biochem., 173:311-316 (1988); Demolder, et al., J. Biotechnol., 32:179-189 (1994); Sedmak, et al., J. Interferon Res., 9(Suppl 1):S61-S65 (1989); Kagawa, et al., J. Biol. Chem., 263(33):17508-17515 (1988); Hershenson, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,894,330; Jayaram, et al., J. Interferon Res., 3(2):177-180 (1983); Menge, et al., Develop. Biol. Standard., 66:391-401 (1987); Vonk, et al., J. Interferon Res., 3(2):169-175 (1983); and Adolf, et al., J. Interferon Res., 10:255-267 (1990). For references relevant to interferon-α, see, Asano, et al., Eur. J. Cancer, 27(Suppl 4):S21-S25 (1991); Nagy, et al., Anticancer Research, 8(3):467-470 (1988); Dron, et al., J. Biol. Regul. Homeost. Agents, 3(1):13-19 (1989); Habib, et al., Am. Surg., 67(3):257-260 (March 2001); and Sugyiama, et al., Eur. J. Biochem., 217:921-927 (1993).

[1207] In an exemplary interferon conjugate, interferon P is conjugated to a second peptide via a linker arm. The linker arm includes an intact glycosyl linking group through which it is attached to the second peptide via a method of the invention. The linker arm also optionally includes a second intact glycosyl linking group, through which it is attached to the interferon.

[1208] In another exemplary embodiment, the invention provides a conjugate of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH is a glycoprotein hormone. See, for example, Saneyoshi, et al., Biol. Reprod., 65:1686-1690 (2001); Hakola, et al., J. Endocrinol., 158:441-448 (1998); Stanton, et al., Mol. Cell. Endocrinol., 125:133-141 (1996); Walton, et al., J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., 86(8):3675-3685 (August 2001); Ulloa-Aguirre, et al., Endocrine, 11(3):205-215 (December 1999); Castro-Fernández, et al., J. Clin. Endocrinol. Matab., 85(12):4603-4610 (2000); Prevost, Rebecca R., Pharmacotherapy, 18(5):1001-1010 (1998); Linskens, et al., The FASEB Journal, 13:639-645 (Apr. 1999); Butnev, et al., Biol. Reprod., 58:458-469 (1998); Muyan, et al., Mol. Endo., 12(5):766-772 (1998); Mi, et al., Endo. J., 43(5):585-593 (1996); Boime, et al., Recent Progress in Hormone Research, 34:271-289 (1999); and Rafferty, et al., J. Endo., 145:527-533 (1995). The FSH conjugate can be formed in a manner similar to that described for interferon.

[1209] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the conjugate includes erythropoietin (EPO). EPO is known to mediate response to hypoxia and to stimulate the production of red blood cells. For pertinent references, see, Cerami, et al., Seminars in Oncology, 28(2)(Suppl 8):66-70 (04/2001). An exemplary EPO conjugate is formed analogously to the conjugate of interferon.

[1210] In a further exemplary embodiment, the invention provides a conjugate of human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF). G-CSF is a glycoprotein that stimulates proliferation, differentiation and activation of neutropoietic progenitor cells into functionally mature neutrophils. Injected G-CSF is known to be rapidly cleared from the body. See, for example, Nohynek, et al., Cancer Chemother. Pharmacol., 39:259-266 (1997); Lord, et al., Clinical Cancer Research, 7(7):2085-2090 (07/2001); Rotondaro, et al., Molecular Biotechnology, 11(2):117-128 (1999); and Bbnig, et al., Bone Marrow Transplantation, 28:259-264 (2001). An exemplary conjugate of G-CSF is prepared as discussed above for the conjugate of the interferons. One of skill in the art will appreciate that many other proteins may be conjugated to interferon using the methods and compositions of the invention, including but not limited to, the peptides listed in Table 6 (presented elsewhere herein) and FIG. 1, and in FIGS. 27-51, where individual modification schemes are presented.

[1211] In still a further exemplary embodiment, there is provided a conjugate with biotin. Thus, for example, a selectively biotinylated peptide is elaborated by the attachment of an avidin or streptavidin moiety bearing one or more modifying groups.

[1212] In a further preferred embodiment, the biomolecule is selected to direct the peptide modified by the methods of the invention to a specific intracellular compartment, thereby enhancing the delivery of the peptide to that intracellular compartment relative to the amount of underivatized peptide that is delivered to the tissue. In a still fuither preferred embodiment, the amount of derivatized peptide delivered to a specific intracellular compartment within a selected time period is enhanced by derivatization by at least about 20%, more preferably, at least about 40%, and more preferably still, at least about 100%. In another particularly preferred embodiment, the biomolecule is linked to the peptide by a cleavable linker that can hydrolyze once internalized. Presently, preferred biomolecules for intracellular targeting applications include transferrin, lactotransferrin (lactoferrin), melanotransferrin (p97), ceniloplasmin, and divalent cation transporter. Contemplated linkages include, but are not limited to, protein-sugar-linker-sugar-protein, protein-sugar-linker-protein and multivalent forms thereof, and protein-sugar-linker-drug where the drug includes small molecules, peptides, lipids, among others.

[1213] Site-specific and target-oriented delivery of therapeutic agents is desirable for the purpose of treating a wide variety of human diseases, such as different types of malignancies and certain neurological disorders. Such procedures are accompanied by fewer side effects and a higher efficiacy of drug. Various principles have been relied on in designing these delivery systems. For a review, see Garnett, Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews 53:171-216 (2001).

[1214] One important consideration in designing a drug delivery system to target tissues specifically. The discovery of tumor surface antigens has made it possible to develop therapeutic approaches where tumor cells displaying definable surface antigens are specifically targeted and killed. There are three main classes of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies CMAb) that have demonstrated effectiveness in human clinical trials in treating malignancies: (1) unconjugated MAb, which either directly induces growth inhibition and/or apoptosis, or indirectly activates host defense mechanisms to mediate antitumor cytotoxicity; (2) drug-conjugated MAb, which preferentially delivers a potent cytotoxic toxin to the tumor cells and therefore minimizes the systemic cytotoxicity commonly associated with conventional chemotherapy; and (3) radioisotope-conjugated MAb, which delivers a sterilizing dose of radiation to the tumor. See review by Reffet al., Cancer Control 9:152-166 (2002).

[1215] In order to arm MAbs with the power to kill malignant cells, the MAbs can be connected to a toxin, which may be obtained from a plant, bacterial, or fungal source, to form chimeric proteins called immunotoxins. Frequently used plant toxins are divided into two classes: (1) holotoxins (or class II ribosome inactivating proteins), such as ricin, abrin, mistletoe lectin, and modeccin, and (2) hemitoxins (class I ribosome inactivating proteins), such as pokeweed antiviral protein (PAP), saporin, Bryodin 1, bouganin, and gelonin. Commonly used bacterial toxins include diphtheria toxin (DT) and Pseudomonas exotoxin (PE). Kreitman, Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology 2:313-325 (2001). Conventional immunotoxins contain an MAb chemically conjugated to a toxin that is mutated or chemically modified to minimized binding to normal cells. Examples include anti-B4-blocked ricin, targeting CD5; and RFB4-deglycosylated ricin A chain, targeting CD22. Recombinant immunotoxins developed more recently are chimeric proteins consisting of the variable region of an antibody directed against a tumor antigen fused to, a protein toxin using recombinant DNA technology. The toxin is also frequently genetically modified to remove normal tissue binding sites but retain its cytotoxicity. A large number of differentiation antigens, overexpressed receptors, or cancer-specific antigens have been identified as targets for immunotoxins, e.g., CD19, CD22, CD20, IL-2 receptor (CD25), CD33, IL-4 receptor, EGF receptor and its mutants, ErB2, Lewis carbohydrate, mesothelin, transferrin receptor, GM-CSF receptor, Ras, Bcr-Abl, and c-Kit, for the treatment of a variety of malignancies including hematopoietic cancers, glioma, and breast, colon, ovarian, bladder, and gastrointestinal cancers. See e.g., Brinkmann et al., Expert Opin. Biol. Ther. 1:693-702 (2001); Perentesis and Sievers, Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America 15:677-701 (2001).

[1216] MAbs conjugated with radioisotope are used as another means of treating human malignancies, particularly hematopoietic malignancies, with a high level of specificity and effectiveness. The most commonly used isotopes for therapy are the high-energy -emitters, such as ¹³¹I and ⁹⁰Y. Recently, ²¹³Bi-labeled anti-CD33 humanized MAb has also been tested in phase I human clinical trials. Reff et al., supra.

[1217] A number of MAbs have been used for therapeutic purposes. For example, the use of rituximab (Rituxan™), a recombinant chimeric anti-CD20 MAb, for treating certain hematopoietic malignancies was approved by the FDA in 1997. Other MAbs that have since been approved for therapeutic uses in treating human cancers include: alemtuzumab (Campath-1H™), a humanized rat antibody against CD52; and gemtuzumab ozogamicin (Mylotarg™), a calicheamicin-conjugated humanized mouse antCD33 MAb. The FDA is also currently examining the safety and efficacy of several other MAbs for the purpose of site-specific delivery of cytotoxic agents or radiation, e.g., radiolabeled Zevalin™ and Bexxar™. Reffet al., supra.

[1218] A second important consideration in designing a drug delivery system is the accessibility of a target tissue to a therapeutic agent. This is an issue of particular concern in the case of treating a disease of the central nervous system (CNS), where the blood-brain barrier prevents the diffusion of macromolecules. Several approaches have been developed to bypass the blood-brain barrier for effective delivery of therapeutic agents to the CNS.

[1219] The understanding of iron transport mechanism from plasma to brain provides a useful tool in bypassing the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Iron, transported in plasma by transferrin, is an essential component of virtually all types of cells. The brain needs iron for metabolic processes and receives iron through transferrin receptors located on brain capillary endothelial cells via receptor-mediated transcytosis and endocytosis. Moos and Morgan, Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology 20:77-95 (2000). Delivery systems based on transferrin-transferrin receptor interaction have been established for the efficient delivery of peptides, proteins, and liposomes into the brain. For example, peptides can be coupled with a Mab directed against the transferrin receptor to achieve greater uptake by the brain, Moos and Morgan, Supra. Similarly, when coupled with an MAb directed against the transferrin receptor, the transportation of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) across the blood-brain barrier is enhanced. Song et al., The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics 301:605-610 (2002); Wu et al., Journal of Drug Targeting 10:239-245 (2002). In addition, a liposomal delivery system for effective transport of the chemotherapy drug, doxorubicin, into C6 glioma has been reported, where transferrin was attached to the distal ends of liposomal PEG chains. Eavarone et al., J. Biomed. Mater. Res. 51:10-14 (2000). A number of U.S. patents also relate to delivery methods bypassing the blood-brain barrier based on transferrin-transferrin receptor interaction. See e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,154,924; 5,182,107; 5,527,527; 5,833,988; 6,015,555.

[1220] There are other suitable conjugation partners for a pharmaceutical agent to bypass the blood-brain barrier. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,672,683, 5,977,307 and WO 95/02421 relate to a method of delivering a neuropharmaceutical agent across the blood-brain barrier, where the agent is administered in the form of a fusion protein with a ligand that is reactive with a brain capillary endothelial cell receptor; WO 99/00150 describes a drug delivery system in which the transportation of a drug across the blood-brain barrier is facilitated by conjugation with an MAb directed against human insulin receptor, WO 89/10134 describes a chimeric peptide, which includes a peptide capable of crossing the blood brain barrier at a relatively high rate and a hydrophilic neuropeptide incapable of transcytosis, as a means of introducing hydrophilic neuropeptides into the brain; WO 01/60411 A1 provides a pharmaceutical composition that can easily transport a pharmaceutically active ingredient into the brain. The active ingredient is bound to a hibemation-specific protein that is used as a conjugate, and administered with a thyroid hormone or a substance promoting thyroid hormone production. In addition, an alternative route of drug delivery for bypassing the blood-brain barrier has been explored. For instance, intranasal delivery of therapeutic agents without the need for conjugation has been shown to be a promising alternative delivery method (Frey, 2002, Drug Delivery Technology, 2(5):4649).

[1221] In addition to facilitating the transportation of drugs across the blood-brain barrier, transferrin-transferrin receptor interaction is also useful for specific targeting of certain tumor cells, as many tumor cells overexpress transferrin receptor on their surface. This strategy has been used for delivering bioactive macromolecules into K562 cells via a transferrin conjugate (Wellhoner et al., The Journal of Biological Chemistry 266:4309-4314 (1991)), and for delivering insulin into enterocyte-like Caco-2 cells via a transferrin conjugate (Shah and Shen, Journal of Phamaceutical Sciences 85:1306-1311 (1996)).

[1222] Furthermore, as more becomes known about the functions of various iron transport proteins, such as lactotransferrin receptor, melanotransferrin, ceruloplasmin, and Divalent Cation Transporter and their expression pattern, some of the proteins involved in iron transport mechanism (e.g., melanotransferrin), or their fragments, have been found to be similarly effective in assisting therapeutic agents transport across the blood-brain barrier or targeting specific tissues (WO 02/13843 A2, WO 02/13873 A2). For a review on the use of transferrin and related proteins involved in iron uptake as conjugates in drug delivery, see Li and Qian, Medical Research Reviews 22:225-250 (2002).

[1223] The concept of tissue-specific delivery of therapeutic agents goes beyond the interaction between transferrin and transferrin receptor or their related proteins. For example, a bone-specific delivery system has been described in which proteins are conjugated with a bone-seeking aminobisphosphate for improved delivery of proteins to mineralized tissue. Uludag and Yang, Biotechnol. Prog. 18:604-611 (2002). For a review on this topic, see Vyas et al., Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier System 18:1-76 (2001).

[1224] A variety of linkers may be used in the process of generating bioconjugates for the purpose of specific delivery of therapeutic agents,. Suitable linkers include homo- and heterobifunctional cross-linking reagents, which may be cleavable by, e.g. acid-catalyzed dissociation, or non-cleavable (see, e.g., Srinivasachar and Neville, Biochemistry 28:2501-2509 (1989); Welihoner et al., The Journal of Biological Chemistry 266:4309-4314 (1991)). Interaction between many known binding partners, such as biotin and avidin/streptavidin, can also be used as a means to join a therapeutic agent and a conjugate partner that ensures the specific and effective delivery of the therapeutic agent. Using the methods of the invention, proteins may be used to deliver molecules to intracellular compartments as conjugates. Proteins, peptides, hormones, cytokines, small molecules or the like that bind to specific cell surface receptors that are internalized after ligand binding may be used for intracellular targeting of conjugated therapeutic compounds. Typically, the receptor-ligand complex is internalized into intracellular vesicles that are delivered to specific cell compartments, including, but not limited to, the nucleus, mitochondria, golgi, ER, lysosome, and endosome, depending on the intracellular location targeted by the receptor. By conjugating the receptor ligand with the desired molecule, the drug will be carried with the receptor-ligand complex and be delivered to the intracellular compartments normally targeted by the receptor. The drug can therefore be delivered to a specific intracellular location in the cell where it is needed to treat a disease.

[1225] Many proteins may be used to target therapeutic agents to specific tissues and organs. Targeting proteins include, but are not limited to, growth factors (EPO, HGH, EGF, nerve growth factor, FGF, among others), cytokines (GM-CSF, G-CSF, the interferon family, interleukins, among others), hormones (FSH, LH, the steroid families, estrogen, corticosteroids, insulin, among others), serum proteins (albumin, lipoproteins, fetoprotein, human serum proteins, antibodies and fragments of antibodies, among others), and vitamins (folate, vitamin C, vitamin A, among others). Targeting agents are available that are specific for receptors on most cells types.

[1226] Contemplated linkage configurations include, but are not limited to, protein-sugar-linker-sugar-protein and multivalent forms thereof, protein-sugar-linker-protein and multivalent forms thereof, protein-sugar-linker-therapeutic agent, where the therapeutic agent includes, but are not limited to, small molecules, peptides and lipids. In some embodiments, a hydrolysable linker is used that can be hydrolyzed once internalized. An acid labile linker can be used to advantage where the protein conjugate is internalized into the endosomes or lysosomes which have an acidic pH. Once internalized into the endosome or lysosome, the linker is hydrolyzed and the therapeutic agent is released from the targeting agent.

[1227] In an exemplary embodiment, transferrin is conjugated via a linker to an enzyme desired to be targeted to a cell that presents transferrin receptors in a patient. The patient could, for example, require enzyme replacement therapy for that particular enzyme. In particularly preferred embodiments, the enzyme is one that is lacking in a patient with a lysosomal storage disease (see Table 4). Once in circulation, the transferrin-enzyme conjugate binds to transferrin receptors and is internalized in early endosomes (Xing et al., 1998, Biochem. J. 336:667; Li et al., 2002, Trends in Pharmcol. Sci. 23:206; Suhaila et al., 1998, J. Biol. Chem. 273:14355). Other contemplated targeting agents that are related to transferrin include, but are not limited to, lactotransferrin (lactoferrin), melanotransferrin (p97), ceruloplasmin, and divalent cation transporter.

[1228] In another exemplary embodiment, tranferrin-dystrophin conjugates would enter endosomes by the transferrin pathway. Once there, the dystrophin is released due to a hydrolysable linker which can then be taken to the intracellular compartment where it is required. This embodiment may be used to treat a patient with muscular dystrophy by supplementing a genetically defective dystrophin gene and/or protein with the functional dystrophin peptide connected to the transferrin.

[1229] E. Therapeutic Moieties

[1230] In another preferred embodiment, the modified sugar includes a therapeutic moiety. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that there is overlap between the category of therapeutic moieties and biomolecules; many biomolecules have therapeutic properties or potential.

[1231] The therapeutic moieties can be agents already accepted for clinical use or they can be drugs whose use is experimental, or whose activity or mechanism of action is under investigation. The therapeutic moieties can have a proven action in a given disease state or can be only hypothesized to show desirable action in a given disease state. In a preferred embodiment, the therapeutic moieties are compounds, which are being screened for their ability to interact with a tissue of choice. Therapeutic moieties, which are useful in practicing the instant invention include drugs from a broad range of drug classes having a variety of pharmacological activities. In some embodiments, it is preferred to use therapeutic moieties that are not sugars. An exception to this preference is the use of a sugar that is modified by covalent attachment of another entity, such as a PEG, biomolecule, therapeutic moiety, diagnostic moiety and the like. In another exemplary embodiment, a therapeutic sugar moiety is conjugated to a linker arm and the sugar-linker arm cassette is subsequently conjugated to a peptide via a method of the invention.

[1232] Methods of conjugating therapeutic and diagnostic agents to various other species are well known to those of skill in the art. See, for example Hermanson, BIOCONJUGATE TECHNIQUES, Academic Press, San Diego, 1996; and Dunn et al., Eds. POLYMERIC DRUGS AND DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS, ACS Symposium Series Vol. 469, American Chemical Society, Washington, D.C. 1991.

[1233] In an exemplary embodiment, the therapeutic moiety is attached to the modified sugar via a linkage that is cleaved under selected conditions. Exemplary conditions include, but are not limited to, a selected pH (e.g., stomach, intestine, endocytotic vacuole), the presence of an active enzyme (e.g., esterase, protease, reductase, oxidase), light, heat and the like. Many cleavable groups are known in the art. See, for example, Jung et al., Biochem. Biophys. Acta, 761: 152-162 (1983); Joshi et al., J. Biol. Chem., 265: 14518-14525 (1990); Zarling et al., J. Immunol., 124: 913-920 (1980); Bouizar et al., Eur. J. Biochem., 155: 141-147 (1986); Park et al., J. Biol. Chem., 261: 205-210 (1986); Browning et al., J. Immunol., 143: 1859-1867 (1989).

[1234] Classes of useful therapeutic moieties include, for example, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). The NSAIDS can, for example, be selected from the following categories: (e.g., propionic acid derivatives, acetic acid derivatives, fenamic acid derivatives, biphenylcarboxylic acid derivatives and oxicams); steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including hydrocortisone and the like; adjuvants; antihistaminic drugs (e.g., chlorpheniramine, triprolidine); antitussive drugs (e.g., dextromethorphan, codeine, caramiphen and carbetapentane); antipruritic drugs (e.g. methdilazine and trimeprazine); anticholinergic drugs (e.g., scopolantine, atropine, homatropine, levodopa); anti-emetic and antinauseant drugs (e.g., cyclizine, meclizine, chlorpromazine, buclizine); anorexic drugs (e.g., benzphetamine, phentermine, chlorphentermine, fenfluramine); central stimulant drugs (e.g., amphetamine, methamphetamine, dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate); antiarrhythmic drugs (e.g., propanolol, procainamide, disopyramide, quinidine, encainide); β-adrenergic blocker drugs (e.g., metoprolol, acebutolol, betaxolol, labetalol and timolol); cardiotonic drugs (e.g., milrinone, amrinone and dobutamine); antihypertensive drugs (e.g., enalapril, clonidine, hydralazine, minoxidil, guanadrel, guanethidine); diuretic drugs (e.g., amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide); vasodilator drugs (e.g., diltiazem, amiodarone, isoxsuprine, nylidrin, tolazoline and verapamil); vasoconstrictor drugs (e.g., dihydroergotamine, ergotamine and methylsergide); antiulcer drugs (e.g., ranitidine and cimetidine); anesthetic drugs (e.g., lidocaine, bupivacaine, chloroprocaine, dibucaine); antidepressant drugs (e.g., imipramine, desipramine, amitryptiline, nortryptiline); tranquilizer and sedative drugs (e.g., chlordiazepoxide, benacytyzine, benzquinamide, flurazepam, hydroxyzne, loxapine and promazine); antipsychotic drugs (e.g., chlorprothixene, fluphenazine, haloperidol, molindone, thioridazine and trifluoperazine); antimicrobial drugs (antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal and antiviral drugs).

[1235] Classes of useful therapeutic moieties include adjuvants. The adjuvants can, for example, be selected from keyhole lymphet hemocyanin conjugates, monophosphoryl lipid A, mycoplasma-derived lipopeptide MALP-2, cholera toxin B subunit, Escherichia coli heat-labile toxin, universal T helper epitope from tetanus toxoid, interleukin-12, CpG oligodeoxynucleotides, dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide, cyclodextrin, squalene, aluminum salts, meningococcal outer membrane vesicle (OMV), montamide ISA, TiterMax™ (available from Sigma, St. Louis Mo.), nitrocellulose absorption, immune-stimulating complexes such as Quil A, Gerbu™ adjuvant (Gerbu Biotechnik, Kirchwald, Germany), threonyl muramyl dipeptide, thymosin alpha, bupivacaine, GM-CSF, Incomplete Freund's Adjuvant, MIP-PE/MF59 (Ciba/Geigy, Basel, Switzerland), polyphosphazene, saponin derived from the soapbark tree Quillaja saponaria, and Syntex adjuvant formulation (Biocine, Emeryville, Calif.), among others well known to those in the art.

[1236] Antimicrobial drugs which are preferred for incorporation into the present composition include, for example, pharmaceutically acceptable salts of β-lactam drugs, quinolone drugs, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, tetracycline, erythromycin, amikacin, triclosan, doxycycline, capreomycin, chlorhexidine, chlortetracycline, oxytetracycline, clindamycin, ethambutol, hexamidine isothionate, metronidazole, pentamidine, gentamycin, kanamycin, lineomycin, methacycline, methenamine, minocycline, neomycin, netilnycin, paromomycin, streptomycin, tobramycin, miconazole and amantadine.

[1237] Other drug moieties of use in practicing the present invention include antineoplastic drugs (e.g., antiandrogens (e.g., leuprolide or flutamide), cytocidal agents (e.g. adriamycin, doxorubicin, taxol, cyclophosphamide, busulfan, cisplatin, β-2-interferon) anti-estrogens (e.g., tamoxifen), antimetabolites (e.g., fluorouracil, methotrexate, mercaptopurine, thioguanine). Also included within this class are radioisotope-based agents for both diagnosis and therapy, and conjugated toxins, such as ricin, geldanamycin, mytansin, CC-1065, C-1027, the duocarmycins, calicheamycin and related structures and analogues thereof.

[1238] The therapeutic moiety can also be a hormone (e.g., medroxyprogesterone, estradiol, leuprolide, megestrol, octreotide or somatostatin); muscle relaxant drugs (e.g. cinnamedrine, cyclobenzaprine, flavoxate, orphenadrine, papaverine, mebeverine, idaverine, ritodrine, diphenoxylate, dantrolene and azumolen); antispasmodic drugs; bone-active drugs (e.g., diphosphonate and phosphonoalkylphosphinate drug compounds); endocrine modulating drugs (e.g., contraceptives (e.g., ethinodiol, ethinyl estradiol, norethindrone, mestranol, desogestrel, medroxyprogesterone), modulators of diabetes (e.g. glyburide or chlorpropamide), anabolics, such as testolactone or stanozolol, androgens (e.g., methyltestosterone, testosterone or fluoxymesterone), antidiuretics (e.g., desmopressin) and calcitonins).

[1239] Also of use in the present invention are estrogens (e.g., diethylstilbesterol), glucocorticoids (e.g., triamcinolone, betamethasone, etc.) and progesterones, such as norethindrone, ethynodiol, norethindrone, levonorgestrel; thyroid agents (e.g., liothyronine or levothyroxine) or anti-thyroid agents (e.g., methimazole); antihyperprolactinemic drugs (e.g., cabergoline); hormone suppressors (e.g., danazol or goserelin), oxytocics (e.g., methylergonovine or oxytocin) and prostaglandins, such as mioprostol, alprostadil or dinoprostone, can also be employed.

[1240] Other useful modifying groups include immunomodulating drugs (e.g., antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, such as lodoxamide and/or cromolyn, steroids (e.g., triamcinolone, beclomethazone, cortisone, dexamethasone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, beclomethasone, or clobetasol), histamine H₂ antagonists (e.g., famotidine, cimetidine, ranitidine), immunosuppressants (e.g., azathioprine, cyclosporin), etc. Groups with anti-inflammatory activity, such as sulindac, etodolac, ketoprofen and ketorolac, are also of use. Other drugs of use in conjunction with the present invention will be apparent to those of skill in the art.

[1241] F. Preparation of Modified Sugars

[1242] Modified sugars useful in forming the conjugates of the invention are discussed herein. The discussion focuses on preparing a sugar modified with a water-soluble polymer for clarity of illustration. In particular, the discussion focuses on the preparation of modified sugars that include a poly(ethylene glycol) moiety. Those of skill will appreciate that the methods set forth herein are broadly applicable to the preparation of modified sugars, therefore, the discussion should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention.

[1243] In general, the sugar moiety and the modifying group are linked together through the use of reactive groups, which are typically transformed by the linking process into a new organic functional group or unreactive species. The sugar reactive functional group(s), is located at any position on the sugar moiety. Reactive groups and classes of reactions useful in practicing the present invention are generally those that are well known in the art of bioconjugate chemistry. Currently favored classes of reactions available with reactive sugar moieties are those, which proceed under relatively mild conditions. These include, but are not limited to nucleophilic substitutions (e.g., reactions of amines and alcohols with acyl halides, active esters), electrophilic substitutions (e.g., enamine reactions) and additions to carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom multiple bonds (e.g., Michael reaction, Diels-Alder addition). These and other useful reactions are discussed in, for example, Smith and March, ADVANCED ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, 5th Ed., John Wiley & Sons, New York, 2001; Hermanson, BIOCONJUGATE TECHNIQUES, Academic Press, San Diego, 1996; and Feeney et al., MODIFICATION OF PROTEINS; Advances in Chemistry Series, Vol. 198, American Chemical Society, Washington, D.C., 1982.

[1244] Useful reactive functional groups pendent from a sugar nucleus or modifying group include, but are not limited to:

[1245] (a) carboxyl groups and various derivatives thereof including, but not limited to, N-hydroxysuccinimide esters, N-hydroxybenzotriazole esters, acid halides, acyl imidazoles, thioesters, p-nitrophenyl esters, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and aromatic esters;

[1246] (b) hydroxyl groups, which can be converted to, e.g., esters, ethers, aldehydes, etc.

[1247] (c) haloalkyl groups, wherein the halide can be later displaced with a nucleophilic group such as, for example, an amine, a carboxylate anion, thiol anion, carbanion, or an alkoxide ion, thereby resulting in the covalent attachment of a new group at the functional group of the halogen atom;

[1248] (d) dienophile groups, which are capable of participating in Diels-Alder reactions such as, for example, maleimido groups;

[1249] (e) aldehyde or ketone groups, such that subsequent derivatization is possible via formation of carbonyl derivatives such as, for example, imines, hydrazones, semicarbazones or oximes, or via such mechanisms as Grignard addition or alkyllithium addition;

[1250] (f) sulfonyl halide groups for subsequent reaction with amines, for example, to form sulfonamides;

[1251] (g) thiol groups, which can be, for example, converted to disulfides or reacted with alkyl and acyl halides;

[1252] (h) amine or sulfhydryl groups, which can be, for example, acylated, alkylated or oxidized;

[1253] (i) alkenes, which can undergo, for example, cycloadditions, acylation, Michael addition, etc; and

[1254] (j) epoxides, which can react with, for example, amines and hydroxyl compounds.

[1255] The reactive functional groups can be chosen such that they do not participate in, or interfere with, the reactions necessary to assemble the reactive sugar nucleus or modifying group. Alternatively, a reactive functional group can be protected from participating in the reaction by the presence of a protecting group. Those of skill in the art understand how to protect a particular functional group such that it does not interfere with a chosen set of reaction conditions. For examples of useful protecting groups, see, for example, Greene et al., PROTECTIVE GROUPS IN ORGANIC SYNTHESIS, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1991.

[1256] In the discussion that follows, a number of specific examples of modified sugars that are useful in practicing the present invention are set forth. In the exemplary embodiments, a sialic acid derivative is utilized as the sugar nucleus to which the modifying group is attached. The focus of the discussion on sialic acid derivatives is for clarity of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that a variety of other sugar moieties can be activated and derivatized in a manner analogous to that set forth using sialic acid as an example. For example, numerous methods are available for modifying galactose, glucose, N-acetylgalactosamine and fucose to name a few sugar substrates, which are readily modified by art recognized methods. See, for example, Ellalabi et al., Curr. Med. Chem. 6: 93 (1999); and Schafer et al., J. Org. Chem. 65:24 (2000).

[1257] In an exemplary embodiment, the peptide that is modified by a method of the invention is a peptide that is produced in mammalian cells (e.g., CHO cells) or in a transgenic animal and thus, contains N- and/or O-linked oligosaccharide chains, which are incompletely sialylated. The oligosaccharide chains of the glycopeptide lacking a sialic acid and containing a terminal galactose residue can be PEGylated, PPGylated or otherwise modified with a modified sialic acid.

[1258] In Scheme 4, the mannosamine glycoside 1, is treated with the active ester of a protected amino acid (e.g., glycine) derivative, converting the sugar amine residue into the corresponding protected amino acid amide adduct. The adduct is treated with an aldolase to form the sialic acid 2. Compound 2 is converted to the corresponding CMP derivative by the action of CMP-SA synthetase, followed by catalytic hydrogenation of the CMP derivative to produce compound 3. The amine introduced via formation of the glycine adduct is utilized as a locus of PEG or PPG attachment by reacting compound 3 with an activated PEG or PPG derivative (e.g., PEG-C(O)NHS, PPG-C(O)NHS), producing 4 or 5, respectively.

[1259]

[1260] Table 2 sets forth representative examples of sugar monophosphates that are derivatized with a PEG or PPG moiety. Certain of the compounds of Table 2 are prepared by the method of Scheme 1. Other derivatives are prepared by art-recognized methods. See, for example, Keppler et al., Glycobiology 11: 11R (2001); and Charter et al., Glycobiology 10: 1049 (2000)). Other amine reactive PEG and PPG analogues are commercially available, or they can be prepared by methods readily accessible to those of skill in the art.

[1261]

TABLE 2
Examples of sugar monophosphates that are derivatized
with a PEG or PPG moiety
CMP-KDN-5-O-R
CMP-NeuAc-9-NH-R
CMP-NeuAc-8-O-R
CMP-NeuAc-8-NH-R
CMP-NeuAc-7-O-R
CMP-NeuAc-7-NH-R
CMP-NeuAc-4-O-R
CMP-NeuAc-4-NH-R
CMP-SA-5-NH-R
CMP-NeuAc-9-O-R

[1262] The modified sugar phosphates of use in practicing the present invention can be substituted in other positions as well as those set forth above. Presently preferred substitutions of sialic acid are set forth in Formula 5.

[1263]

[1264] in which X is a linking group, which is preferably selected from —O—, —N(H)—, —S, CH₂—, and N(R)₂, in which each R is a member independently selected from R¹-R⁵. The symbols Y, Z, A and B each represent a group that is selected from the group set forth above for the identity of X. X, Y, Z, A and B are each independently selected and, therefore, they can be the same or different. The symbols R¹, R², R³, R⁴ and R⁵ represent H, polymers, a water-soluble polymer, therapeutic moiety, biomolecule or other moiety. The symbol R6 represents H, OH, or a polymer. Alternatively, these symbols represent a linker that is bound to a polymer, water-soluble polymer, therapeutic moiety, biomolecule or other moiety.

[1265] In another exemplary embodiment, a mannosamine is simultaneously acylated and activated for a nucleophilic substitution by the use of chloroacetic anhydride as set forth in Scheme 5.

[1266]
The resulting chloro-derivatized glycan is contacted with pynivate in the presence of an aldolase, forming a chloro-derivatized sialic acid. The corresponding nucleotide sugar is prepared by contacted the sialic acid derivative with an appropriate nucleotide triphosphates and a synthetase. The chloro group on the sialic acid moiety is then displaced with a nucleophilic PEG derivative, such as thio-PEG.

[1267] In a further exemplary embodiment, as shown is Scheme 6, a mannosamine is acylated with a bis-HOPT dicarboxylate, producing the corresponding amido-alkyl-carboxylic acid, which is subsequently converted to a sialic acid derivative. The sialic acid derivative is converted to a nucleotide sugar, and the carboxylic acid is activated and reacted with a nucleophilic PEG derivative, such as amino-PEG.

[1268]

[1269] In another exemplary embodiment, set forth in Scheme 7, amine- and carboxyl-protected neuraminic acid is activated by converting the primary hydroxyl group to the corresponding p-toluenesulfonate ester, and the methyl ester is cleaved. The activated neuraminic acid is converted to the corresponding nucleotide sugar, and the activating group is displaced by a nucleophilic PEG species, such as thio-PEG.

[1270]

[1271] In yet a further exemplary embodiment, as set forth in Scheme 8, the primary hydroxyl moiety of an amine- and carboxyl-protected neuraminic acid derivative is alkylated using an electrophilic PEG, such as chloro-PEG. The methyl ester is subsequently cleaved and the PEG-sugar is converted to a nucleotide sugar.

[1272]

[1273] Glycans other than sialic acid can be derivatized with PEG using the methods set forth herein. The derivatized glycans, themselves, are also within the scope of the invention. Thus, Scheme 9 provides an exemplary synthetic route to a PEGylated galactose nucleotide sugar. The primary hydroxyl group of galactose is activated as the corresponding toluenesulfonate ester, which is subsequently converted to a nucleotide sugar.

[1274]

[1275] Scheme 10 sets forth an exemplary route for preparing a galactose-PEG derivative that is based upon a galactose-6-amine moiety. Thus, galactosamine is converted to a nucleotide sugar, and the amine moiety of galactosamine is functionalized with an active PEG derivative.

[1276]

[1277] Scheme 11 provides another exemplary route to galactose derivatives. The starting point for Scheme 11 is galactose-2-amine, which is converted to a nucleotide sugar. The amine moiety of the nucleotide sugar is the locus for attaching a PEG derivative, such as Methoxy-PEG (mPEG) carboxylic acid.

[1278]

[1279] Exemplary moieties attached to the conjugates disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, PEG derivatives (e.g., acyl-PEG, acyl-alkyl-PEG, alkyl-acyl-PEG carbamoyl-PEG, aryl-PEG, alkyl-PEG), PPG derivatives (e.g., acyl-PPG, acyl-alkyl-PPG, alkyl-acyl-PPG carbamoyl-PPG, aryl-PPG), polyapartic acid, polyglutamate, polylysine, therapeutic moieties, diagnostic moieties, mannose-6-phosphate, heparin, heparan, SLe^x, mannose, mannose-6-phosphate, Sialyl Lewis X, FGF, VFGF, proteins (e.g., transferrin), chondroitin, keratan, dermatan, dextran, modified dextran, amylose, bisphosphate, poly-SA, hyaluronic acid, keritan, albumin, integrins, antennary oligosaccharides, peptides and the like. Methods of conjugating the various modifying groups to a saccharide moiety are readily accessible to those of skill in the art (POLY(ETHYLENE GLYCOL CHEMISTRY: BIOTECHNICAL AND BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS, J. Milton Harris, Ed., Plenum Pub. Corp., 1992; POLY(ETHYLE GLYCOL) CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS, J. Milton Harris, Ed., ACS Symposium Series No. 680, American Chemical Society, 1997; Hermanson, BIOCONJUGATE TECHNIQUES, Academic Press, San Diego, 1996; and Dunn et al., Eds. POLYMERIC DRUGS AND DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS, ACS Symposium Series Vol. 469, American Chemical Society, Washington, D.C. 1991).

Purification of Sugars, Nucleotide Sugars and Derivatives

[1280] The nucleotide sugars and derivatives produced by the above processes can be used without purification. However, it is usually preferred to recover the product. Standard, well-known techniques for recovery of glycosylated saccharides such as thin or thick layer chromatography, column chromatography, ion exchange chromatography, or membrane filtration can be used. It is preferred to use membrane filtration, more preferably utilizing a reverse osmotic membrane, or one or more column chromatographic techniques for the recovery as is discussed hereinafter and in the literature cited herein. For instance, membrane filtration wherein the membranes have molecular weight cutoff of about 3000 to about 10,000 can be used to remove proteins for reagents having a molecular weight of less than 10,000 Da. Membrane filtration or reverse osmosis can then be used to remove salts and/or purify the product saccharides (see, e.g., WO 98/15581). Nanofilter membranes are a class of reverse osmosis membranes that pass monovalent salts but retain polyvalent salts and uncharged solutes larger than about 100 to about 2,000 Daltons, depending upon the membrane used. Thus, in a typical application, saccharides prepared by the methods of the present invention will be retained in the membrane and contaminating salts will pass through.

[1281] G. Cross-linking Groups

[1282] Preparation of the modified sugar for use in the methods of the present invention includes attachment of a modifying group to a sugar residue and forming a stable adduct, which is a substrate for a glycosyltransferase. Thus, it is often preferred to use a cross-linking agent to conjugate the modifying group and the sugar. Exemplary bifunctional compounds which can be used for attaching modifying groups to carbohydrate moieties include, but are not limited to, bifunctional poly(ethylene glycols), polyamides, polyethers, polyesters and the like. General approaches for linking carbohydrates to other molecules are known in the literature. See, for example, Lee et al., Biochemistry 28: 1856 (1989); Bhatia et al., Anal. Biochem. 178: 408 (1989); Janda et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 112: 8886 (1990) and Bednarski et al., WO 92/18135. In the discussion that follows, the reactive groups are treated as benign on the sugar moiety of the nascent modified sugar. The focus of the discussion is for clarity of illustration. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the discussion is relevant to reactive groups on the modifying group as well.

[1283] An exemplary strategy involves incorporation of a protected sulfhydryl onto the sugar using the heterobifunctional crosslinker SPDP (n-succinimidyl-3-2-pyridyldithio)propionate and then deprotecting the sulfhydryl for formation of a disulfide bond with another sulfhydryl on the modifying group.

[1284] If SPDP detrimentally affects the ability of the modified sugar to act as a glycosyltransferase substrate, one of an array of other crosslinkers such as 2-iminothiolane or N-succinimidyl S-acetylthioacetate (SATA) is used to form a disulfide bond. 2-iminothiolane reacts with primary amines, instantly incorporating an unprotected sulfhydryl onto the amine-containing molecule. SATA also reacts with primary amines, but incorporates a protected sulfhydryl, which is later deacetylated using hydroxylamine to produce a free sulfhydryl. In each case, the incorporated sulfhydryl is free to react with other sulfhydryls or protected sulfhydryl, like SPDP, forming the required disulfide bond.

[1285] The above-described strategy is exemplary, and not limiting, of linkers of use in the invention. Other crosslinkers are available that can be used in different strategies for crosslinking the modifying group to the peptide. For example, TPCH(S-(2-thiopyridyl)-L-cysteine hydrazide and TPMPH ((S-(2-thiopyridyl)mercapto-propionohydrazide) react with carbohydrate moieties that have been previously oxidized by mild periodate treatment, thus forming a hydrazone bond between the hydrazide portion of the crosslinker and the periodate generated aldehydes. TPCH and TPMPH introduce a 2-pyridylthione protected sulfhydryl group onto the sugar, which can be deprotected with DTT and then subsequently used for conjugation, such as forming disulfide bonds between components.

[1286] If disulfide bonding is found unsuitable for producing stable modified sugars, other crosslinkers may be used that incorporate more stable bonds between components. The heterobifunctional crosslinkers GMBS (N-gamma-malimidobutyryloxy)succinimide) and SMCC (succinmidyl 4-(N-maleimido-methyl)cyclohexane) react with primary amines, thus introducing a maleimide group onto the component. The maleimide group can subsequently react with sulfhydryls on the other component, which can be introduced by previously mentioned crosslinkers, thus forming a stable thioether bond between the components. If steric hindrance between components interferes with either component's activity or the ability of the modified sugar to act as a glycosyltransferase substrate, crosslinkers can be used which introduce long spacer arms between components and include derivatives of some of the previously mentioned crosslinkers (i.e., SPDP). Thus, there is an abundance of suitable crosslinkers, which are useful; each of which is selected depending on the effects it has on optimal peptide conjugate and modified sugar production.

[1287] A variety of reagents are used to modify the components of the modified sugar with intramolecular chemical crosslinks (for reviews of crosslinking reagents and crosslinking procedures see: Wold, F., Meth. Enzymol. 25: 623-651, 1972; Weetall, H. H., and Cooney, D. A., In: ENZYMES AS DRUGS. (Holcenberg, and Roberts, eds.) pp. 395-442, Wiley, New York, 1981; Ji, T. H., Meth. Enzymol. 91: 580-609, 1983; Mattson et al., Mol. Biol. Rep. 17: 167-183, 1993, all of which are incorporated herein by reference). Preferred crosslinking reagents are derived from various zero-length, homo-bifunctional, and hetero-bifunctional crosslinking reagents. Zero-length crosslinking reagents include direct conjugation of two intrinsic chemical groups with no introduction of extrinsic material. Agents that catalyze formation of a disulfide bond belong to this category. Another example is reagents that induce condensation of a carboxyl and a primary amino group to form an amide bond such as carbodiimides, ethylchloroformate, Woodward's reagent K (2-ethyl-5-phenylisoxazolium-3′-sulfonate), and carbonyldiimidazole. In addition to these chemical reagents, the enzyme transglutaminase (glutamyl-peptide γ-glutamyltransferase; EC 2.3.2.13) may be used as zero-length crosslinking reagent. This enzyme catalyzes acyl transfer reactions at carboxamide groups of protein-bound glutaminyl residues, usually with a primary amino group as substrate. Preferred homo- and hetero-bifunctional reagents contain two identical or two dissimilar sites, respectively, which may be reactive for amino, sulfhydryl, guanidino, indole, or nonspecific groups.

[1288] 2. Preferred Specific Sites in Crosslinking Reagents

[1289] a. Amino-Reactive Groups

[1290] In one preferred embodiment, the sites on the cross-linker are amino-reactive groups. Useful non-limiting examples of amino-reactive groups include N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) esters, imidoesters, isocyanates, acylhalides, arylazides, p-nitrophenyl esters, aldehydes, and sulfonyl chlorides.

[1291] NHS esters react preferentially with the primary (including aromatic) amino groups of a modified sugar component. The imidazole groups of histidines are known to compete with primary amines for reaction, but the reaction products are unstable and readily hydrolyzed. The reaction involves the nucleophilic attack of an amine on the acid carboxyl of an NHS ester to form an amide, releasing the N-hydroxysuccinimide. Thus, the positive charge of the original amino group is lost.

[1292] Imidoesters are the most specific acylating reagents for reaction with the amine groups of the modified sugar components. At a pH between 7 and 10, imidoesters react only with primary amines. Primary amines attack imidates nucleophilically to produce an intermediate that breaks down to amidine at high pH or to a new imidate at low pH. The new imidate can react with another primary amine, thus crosslinking two amino groups, a case of a putatively monofunctional imidate reacting bifunctionally. The principal product of reaction with primary amines is an amidine that is a stronger base than the original amine. The positive charge of the original amino group is therefore retained.

[1293] Isocyanates (and isothiocyanates) react with the primary amines of the modified sugar components to form stable bonds. Their reactions with sulfhydryl, imidazole, and tyrosyl groups give relatively unstable products.

[1294] Acylazides are also used as amino-specific reagents in which nucleophilic amines of the affinity component attack acidic carboxyl groups under slightly alkaline conditions, e.g. pH 8.5.

[1295] Arylhalides such as 1,5-difluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene react preferentially with the amino groups and tyrosine phenolic groups of modified sugar components, but also with sulfhydryl and imidazole groups.

[1296] p-Nitrophenyl esters of mono- and dicarboxylic acids are also useful amino-reactive groups. Although the reagent specificity is not very high, α- and ε-amino groups appear to react most rapidly.

[1297] Aldehydes such as glutaraldehyde react with primary amines of modified sugar. Although unstable Schiff bases are formed upon reaction of the amino groups with the aldehydes of the aldehydes, glutaraldehyde is capable of modifying the modified sugar with stable crosslinks. At pH 6-8, the pH of typical crosslinking conditions, the cyclic polymers undergo a dehydration to form α-β unsaturated aldehyde polymers. Schiff bases, however, are stable, when conjugated to another double bond. The resonant interaction of both double bonds prevents hydrolysis of the Schiff linkage. Furthermore, amines at high local concentrations can attack the ethylenic double bond to form a stable Michael addition product.

[1298] Aromatic sulfonyl chlorides react with a variety of sites of the modified sugar components, but reaction with the amino groups is the most important, resulting in a stable sulfonamide linkage.

[1299] b. Sulfhydryl-Reactive Groups

[1300] In another preferred embodiment, the sites are sulfhydryl-reactive groups. Useful, non-limiting examples of sulfhydryl-reactive groups include maleimides, alkyl halides, pyridyl disulfides, and thiophthalimides.

[1301] Maleimides react preferentially with the sulfhydryl group of the modified sugar components to form stable thioether bonds. They also react at a much slower rate with primary amino groups and the imidazole groups of histidines. However, at pH 7 the maleimide group can be considered a sulfhydryl-specific group, since at this pH the reaction rate of simple thiols is 1000-fold greater than that of the corresponding amine.

[1302] Alkyl halides react with sulfhydryl groups, sulfides, imidazoles, and amino groups. At neutral to slightly alkaline pH, however, alkyl halides react primarily with sulfhydryl groups to form stable thioether bonds. At higher pH, reaction with amino groups is favored.

[1303] Pyridyl disulfides react with free sulfhydryls via disulfide exchange to give mixed disulfides. As a result, pyridyl disulfides are the most specific sulfhydryl-reactive groups.

[1304] Thiophthalimides react with free sulfhydryl groups to form disulfides.

[1305] c. Carboxyl-Reactive Residue

[1306] In another embodiment, carbodiimides soluble in both water and organic solvent, are used as carboxyl-reactive reagents. These compounds react with free carboxyl groups forming a pseudourea that can then coupled to available amines yielding an amide linkage. Procedures to modify a carboxyl group with carbodimide is well know in the art (see, Yamada et al., Biochemistry 20: 4836-4842, 1981).

[1307] 3. Preferred Nonspecific Sites in Crosslinking Reagents

[1308] In addition to the use of site-specific reactive moieties, the present invention contemplates the use of non-specific reactive groups to link the sugar to the modifying group.

[1309] Exemplary non-specific cross-linkers include photoactivatable groups, completely inert in the dark, which are converted to reactive species upon absorption of a photon of appropriate energy. In one preferred embodiment, photoactivatable groups are selected from precursors of nitrenes generated upon heating or photolysis of azides. Electron-deficient nitrenes are extremely reactive and can react with a variety of chemical bonds including N—H, O—H, C—H, and C═C. Although three types of azides (aryl, alkyl, and acyl derivatives) may be employed, arylazides are presently preferred. The reactivity of arylazides upon photolysis is better with N—H and O—H than C—H bonds. Electron-deficient arylnitrenes rapidly ring-expand to form dehydroazepines, which tend to react with nucleophiles, rather than form C—H insertion products. The reactivity of arylazides can be increased by the presence of electron-withdrawing substituents such as nitro or hydroxyl groups in the ring. Such substituents push the absorption maximum of arylazides to longer wavelength. Unsubstituted arylazides have an absorption maximum in the range of 260-280 nm, while hydroxy and nitroarylazides absorb significant light beyond 305 nm. Therefore, hydroxy and nitroarylazides are most preferable since they allow to employ less harmful photolysis conditions for the affinity component than unsubstituted arylazides.

[1310] In another preferred embodiment, photoactivatable groups are selected from fluorinated arylazides. The photolysis products of fluorinated arylazides are arylnitrenes, all of which undergo the characteristic reactions of this group, including C—H bond insertion, with high efficiency (Keana et al., J. Org. Chem. 55: 3640-3647, 1990).

[1311] In another embodiment, photoactivatable groups are selected from benzophenone residues. Benzophenone reagents generally give higher crosslinking yields than arylazide reagents.

[1312] In another embodiment, photoactivatable groups are selected from diazo compounds, which form an electron-deficient carbene upon photolysis. These carbenes undergo a variety of reactions including insertion into C—H bonds, addition to double bonds (including aromatic systems), hydrogen attraction and coordination to nucleophilic centers to give carbon ions.

[1313] In still another embodiment, photoactivatable groups are selected from diazopyruvates. For example, the p-nitrophenyl ester of p-nitrophenyl diazopyruvate reacts with aliphatic amines to give diazopyruvic acid amides that undergo ultraviolet photolysis to form aldehydes. The photolyzed diazopyruvate-modified affinity component will react like formaldehyde or glutaraldehyde forming crosslinks.

[1314] 4. Homobifunctional Reagents

[1315] a. Homobifunctional Crosslinkers Reactive with Primary Amines

[1316] Synthesis, properties, and applications of amine-reactive cross-linkers are commercially described in the literature (for reviews of crosslinking procedures and reagents, see above). Many reagents are available (e.g., Pierce Chemical Company, Rockford, Ill.; Sigma Chemical Company, St. Louis, Mo.; Molecular Probes, Inc., Eugene, Oreg.).

[1317] Preferred, non-limiting examples of homobifunctional NHS esters include disuccinimidyl glutarate (DSG), disuccinimidyl suberate (DSS), bis(sulfosuccinimidyl)suberate (BS), disuccinimidyl tartarate (DST), disulfosuccinimidyl tartarate (sulfo-DST), bis-2-(succinimidooxycarbonyloxy)ethylsulfone (BSOCOES), bis-2-(sulfosuccinimidooxycarbonyloxy)ethylsulfone (sulfo-BSOCOES), ethylene glycolbis(succinimidylsuccinate) (EGS), ethylene glycolbis(sulfosuccinimidylsuccinate) (sulfo-EGS), dithiobis(succinimidylpropionate (DSP), and dithiobis(sulfosuccinimidylpropionate (sulfo-DSP). Preferred, non-limiting examples of homobifunctional imidoesters include dimethyl malonimidate (DMM), dimethyl succinimidate (DMSC), dimethyl adipimidate (DMA), dimethyl pimelimidate (DMP), dimethyl suberimidate (DMS), dimethyl-3,3′-oxydipropionimidate (DODP), dimethyl-3,3′-(methylenedioxy)dipropionimidate (DMDP), dimethyl-,3′-(dimethylenedioxy)dipropionimidate (DDDP), dimethyl-3,3′-(tetramethylenedioxy)dipropionimidate (DTDP), and dimethyl-3,3′-dithiobispropionimidate (DTBP).

[1318] Preferred, non-limiting examples of homobifunctional isothiocyanates include: p-phenylenediisothiocyanate (DITC), and 4,4′-diisothiocyano-2,2′-disulfonic acid stilbene (DIDS).

[1319] Preferred, non-limiting examples of homobifunctional isocyanates include xylene-diisocyanate, toluene-2,4diisocyanate, toluene-2-isocyanate-4isothiocyanate, 3-methoxydiphenylmethane-4,4′-diisocyanate, 2,2′-dicarboxy-4,4′-azophenyldiisocyanate, and hexamethylenediisocyanate.

[1320] Preferred, non-limiting examples of homobifunctional arylhalides include 1,5-difluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DFDNB), and 4,4′-difluoro-3,3′-dinitrophenyl-sulfone.

[1321] Preferred, non-limiting examples of homobifunctional aliphatic aldehyde reagents include glyoxal, malondialdehyde, and glutaraldehyde.

[1322] Preferred, non-limiting examples of homobifunctional acylating reagents include nitrophenyl esters of dicarboxylic acids.

[1323] Preferred, non-limiting examples of homobifunctional aromatic sulfonyl chlorides include phenol-2,4-disulfonyl chloride, and α-naphthol-2,4-disulfonyl chloride.

[1324] Preferred, non-limiting examples of additional amino-reactive homobifunctional reagents include erythritolbiscarbonate which reacts with amines to give biscarbamates.

[1325] b. Homobifunctional Crosslinkers Reactive with Free Sulfhydryl Groups

[1326] Synthesis, properties, and applications of such reagents are described in the literature (for reviews of crosslinking procedures and reagents, see above). Many of the reagents are commercially available (e.g., Pierce Chemical Company, Rockford, Ill.; Sigma Chemical Company, St. Louis, Mo.; Molecular Probes, Inc., Eugene, Oreg.).

[1327] Preferred, non-limiting examples of homobifunctional maleimides include bismaleimidohexane (BMH), N,N′-(1,3-phenylene)bismaleimide, N,N-1,2-phenylene)bismaleimide, azophenyldimaleimide, and bis(N-maleimidomethyl)ether.

[1328] Preferred, non-limiting examples of homobifunctional pyridyl disulfides include 1,4-di-3′-(2′-pyridyldithio)propionamidobutane (DPDPB).

[1329] Preferred, non-limiting examples of homobifunctional alkyl halides include 2,2′-dicarboxy-4,4′-diiodoacetamidoazobenzene, α,α′-diiodo-p-xylenesulfonic acid, α,α′-dibromo-p-xylenesulfonic acid, N,N′-bis(b-bromoethyl)benzylamine, N,N′-di(bromoacetyl)phenylthydrazine, and 1,2-di(bromoacetyl)amino-3-phenylpropane.

c. Homobifunctional Photoactivatable Crosslinkers

[1330] Synthesis, properties, and applications of such reagents are described in the literature (for reviews of crosslinking procedures and reagents, see above). Some of the reagents are commercially available (e.g., Pierce Chemical Company, Rockford, Ill.; Sigma Chemical Company, St. Louis, Mo.; Molecular Probes, Inc., Eugene, Oreg.).

[1331] Preferred, non-limiting examples of homobifunctional photoactivatable crosslinker include bis-β-(4-azidosalicylamido)ethyldisulfide (BASED), di-N-(2-nitro-4-azidophenyl)cystamine-S,S-dioxide (DNCO), and 4,4′-dithiobisphenylazide.

[1332] 5. HeteroBifunctional Reagents

[1333] a. Amino-Reactive HeteroBifunctional Reagents with a Pyrdyl Disulfide Moiety

[1334] Synthesis, properties, and applications of such reagents are described in the literature (for reviews of crosslinking procedures and reagents, see above). Many of the reagents are commercially available (e.g., Pierce Chemical Company, Rockford, Ill.; Sigma Chemical Company, St. Louis, Mo.; Molecular Probes, Inc., Eugene, Oreg.).

[1335] Preferred, non-limiting examples of hetero-bifunctional reagents with a pyridyl disulfide moiety and an amino-reactive NHS ester include N-succinimidyl-3-(2-pyridyldithio)propionate (SPDP), succinimidyl 6-3-(2-pyridyldithio)propionamidohexanoate (LC-SPDP), sulfosuccinimidyl 6-3-(2-pyridyldithio)propionamidohexanoate (sulfo-LCSPDP), 4-succinimidyloxycarbonyl-α-methyl-α-(2-pyridyldithio)toluene (SMPT), and sulfosuccinimidyl 6-α-methyl-α-(2-pyridyldithio)toluamidohexanoate (sulfo-LC-SMPT).

[1336] b. Amino-Reactive HeteroBifunctional Reagents with a Maleimide Moiety

[1337] Synthesis, properties, and applications of such reagents are described in the literature. Preferred, non-limiting examples of hetero-bifunctional reagents with a maleimide moiety and an amino-reactive NHS ester include succinimidyl maleimidylacetate (AMAS), succinimidyl 3-maleimidylpropionate (BMPS), N-γ-maleimidobutyryloxysuccinimide ester (GMBS) N-γ-maleimidobutyryloxysulfo succinimide ester (sulfo-GMBS) succinimidyl 6-maleimidylhexanoate (EMCS), succinimidyl 3-maleimidylbenzoate (SMB), m-maleimidobenzoyl-N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (MBS), m-maleimidobenzoyl-N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide ester (sulfo-MBS), succinimidyl 4-(N-maleimidomethyl)cyclohexane-1-carboxylate (SMCC), sulfosuccinimidyl 4-(N-maleimidomethyl)cyclohexane-1-carboxylate (sulfo-SMCC), succinimidyl 4-(p-maleimidophenyl)butyrate (SMPB), and sulfosuccinimidyl 4-(p-maleimidophenyl)butyrate (sulfo-SMPB).

[1338] c. Amino-Reactive HeteroBifunctional Reagents with an Alkyl Halide Moiety

[1339] Synthesis, properties, and applications of such reagents are described in the literature. Preferred, non-limiting examples of hetero-bifunctional reagents with an alkyl halide moiety and an amino-reactive NHS ester include N-succinimidyl-(4-iodoacetyl)aminobenzoate (SIAB), sulfosuccinimidyl-(4-iodoacetyl)aminobenzoate (sulfo-SIAB), succinimidyl-6-(iodoacetyl)-aminohexanoate (SIAX), succinimidyl-6-(6-((iodoacetyl)-amino)hexanoylamino)hexanoate (SIAXX), succinimidyl-6-(((4-(iodoacetyl)-amino)-methyl)-cyclohexane-1-carbonyl)aminohexanoate (SIACX), and succinimidyl-4((iodoacetyl)-amino)methylcyclohexane-1-carboxylate (SIAC).

[1340] A preferred example of a hetero-bifunctional reagent with an amino-reactive NHS ester and an alkyl dihalide moiety is N-hydroxysuccinimidyl 2,3-dibromopropionate (SDBP). SDBP introduces intramolecular crosslinks to the affinity component by conjugating its amino groups. The reactivity of the dibromopropionyl moiety towards primary amine groups is controlled by the reaction temperature (McKenzie et al., Protein Chem. 7: 581-592 (1988)).

[1341] Preferred, non-limiting examples of hetero-bifunctional reagents with an alkyl halide moiety and an amino-reactive p-nitrophenyl ester moiety include p-nitrophenyl iodoacetate (NPIA).

[1342] Other cross-linking agents are known to those of skill in the art. See, for example, Pomato et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,965,106. It is within the abilities of one of skill in the art to choose an appropriate cross-linking agent for a particular application.

[1343] d. Cleavable Linker Groups

[1344] In yet a further embodiment, the linker group is provided with a group that can be cleaved to release the modifying group from the sugar residue. Many cleavable groups are known in the art. See, for example, Jung et al., Biochem. Biophys. Acta 761: 152-162 (1983); Joshi et al., J. Biol. Chem. 265: 14518-14525 (1990); Zarling et al., J. Immunol. 124: 913-920 (1980); Bouizar et al., Eur. J. Biochem. 155: 141-147 (1986); Park et al., J. Biol. Chem. 261: 205-210 (1986); Browning et al., J. Immunol. 143: 1859-1867 (1989). Moreover a broad range of cleavable, bifunctional (both homo- and hetero-bifunctional) linker groups is commercially available from suppliers such as Pierce.

[1345] Exemplary cleavable moieties can be cleaved using light, heat or reagents such as thiols, hydroxylamine, bases, periodate and the like. Moreover, certain preferred groups are cleaved in vivo in response to being endocytosed (e.g., cis-aconityl; see, Shen et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 102: 1048 (1991)). Preferred cleavable groups comprise a cleavable moiety which is a member selected from the group consisting of disulfide, ester, imide, carbonate, nitrobenzyl, phenacyl and benzoin groups.

[1346] e. Conjugation of Modified Sugars to Peptides

[1347] The modified sugars are conjugated to a glycosylated or non-glycosylated peptide using an appropriate enzyme to mediate the conjugation. Preferably, the concentrations of the modified donor sugar(s), enzyme(s) and acceptor peptide(s) are selected such that glycosylation proceeds until the acceptor is consumed. The considerations discussed below, while set forth in the context of a sialyltransferase, are generally applicable to other glycosyltransferase reactions.

[1348] A number of methods of using glycosyltransferases to synthesize desired oligosaccharide structures are known and are generally applicable to the instant invention. Exemplary methods are described, for instance, WO 96/32491, Ito et al., Pure Appl. Chem. 65: 753 (1993), and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,352,670, 5,374,541, and 5,545,553.

[1349] The present invention is practiced using a single glycosyltransferase or a combination of glycosyltransferases. For example, one can use a combination of a sialyltransferase and a galactosyltransferase. In those embodiments using more than one enzyme, the enzymes and substrates are preferably combined in an initial reaction mixture, or the enzymes and reagents for a second enzymatic reaction are added to the reaction medium once the first enzymatic reaction is complete or nearly complete. By conducting two enzymatic reactions in sequence in a single vessel, overall yields are improved over procedures in which an intermediate species is isolated. Moreover, cleanup and disposal of extra solvents and by-products is reduced.

[1350] In a preferred embodiment, each of the first and second enzyme is a glycosyltransferase. In another preferred embodiment, one enzyme is an endoglycosidase. In another preferred embodiment, one enzyme is an exoglycosidase. In an additional preferred embodiment, more than two enzymes are used to assemble the modified glycoprotein of the invention. The enzymes are used to alter a saccharide structure on the peptide at any point either before or after the addition of the modified sugar to the peptide.

[1351] In another embodiment, at least two of the enzymes are glycosyltransferases and the last sugar added to the saccharide structure of the peptide is a non-modified sugar. Instead, the modified sugar is internal to the glycan structure and therefore need not be the ultimate sugar on the glycan. In an exemplary embodiment, galactosyltransferase may catalyze the transfer of Gal-PEG from UDP-Gal-PEG onto the glycan, followed by incubation in the presence of ST3Gal3 and CMP-SA, which serves to add a “capping” unmodified sialic acid onto the glycan (FIG. 22A).

[1352] In another embodiment, at least two of the enzymes used are glycosyltransferases, and at least two modified sugars are added to the glycan structures on the peptide. In this manner, two or more different glycoconjugates may be added to one or more glycans on a peptide. This process generates glycan structures having two or more functionally different modified sugars. In an exemplary embodiment, incubation of the peptide with GnT-I,II and UDP-GlcNAc-PEG serves to add a GlcNAc-PEG molecule to the glycan; incubation with galactosyltransferase and UDP-Gal then serves to add a Gal residue thereto; and, incubation with ST3Gal3 and CMP-SA-Man-6-Phosphate serves to add a SA-mannose-6-phosphate molecule to the glycan. This series of reactions results in a glycan chain having the functional characteristics of a PEGylated glycan as well as mannose-6-phosphate targeting activity (FIG. 22B).

[1353] In another embodiment, at least two of the enzymes used in the reaction are glycosyltransferases, and again, different modified sugars are added to N-linked and O-linked glycans on the peptide. This embodiment is useful when two different modified sugars are to be added to the glycans of a peptide, but when it is important to spatially separate the modified sugars on the peptide from each other. For example, if the modified sugars comprise bulky molecules, including but not limited to, PEG and other molecules such as a linker molecule, this method may be preferable. The modified sugars may be added simultaneously to the glycan structures on a peptide, or they may be added sequentially. In an exemplary embodiment, incubation with ST3Gal3 and CMP-SA-PEG serves to add sialic acid-PEG to the N-linked glycans, while incubation with ST3Gal1 and CMP-SA-bisPhosphonate serves to add sialylic acid-BisPhosphonate to the O-linked glycans (FIG. 22C).

[1354] In another embodiment, the method makes use of one or more exo- or endoglycosidase. The glycosidase is typically a mutant, which is engineered to form glycosyl bonds rather than rupture them. The mutant glycanase, sometimes called a glycosynthase, typically includes a substitution of an amino acid residue for an active site acidic amino acid residue. For example, when the endoglycanase is endo-H, the substituted active site residues will typically be Asp at position 130, Glu at position 132 or a combination thereof. The amino acids are generally replaced with serine, alanine, asparagine, or glutamine. Exoglycosidases such as transialylidase are also useful.

[1355] The mutant enzyme catalyzes the reaction, usually by a synthesis step that is analogous to the reverse reaction of the endoglycanase hydrolysis step. In these embodiments, the glycosyl donor molecule (e.g., a desired oligo- or mono-saccharide structure) contains a leaving group and the reaction proceeds with the addition of the donor molecule to a GlcNAc residue on the protein. For example, the leaving group can be a halogen, such as fluoride. In other embodiments, the leaving group is a Asn, or a Asn-peptide moiety. In yet further embodiments, the GlcNAc residue on the glycosyl donor molecule is modified. For example, the GlcNAc residue may comprise a 1,2 oxazoline moiety.

[1356] In a preferred embodiment, each of the enzymes utilized to produce a conjugate of the invention are present in a catalytic amount. The catalytic amount of a particular enzyme varies according to the concentration of that enzyme's substrate as well as to reaction conditions such as temperature, time and pH value. Means for determining the catalytic amount for a given enzyme under preselected substrate concentrations and reaction conditions are well known to those of skill in the art.

[1357] The temperature at which an above-described-process is carried out can range from just above freezing to the temperature at which the most sensitive enzyme denatures. Preferred temperature ranges are about 0° C. to about 55° C., and more preferably about 30° C. to about 37° C. In another exemplary embodiment, one or more components of the present method are conducted at an elevated temperature using a thermophilic enzyme.

[1358] The reaction mixture is maintained for a period of time sufficient for the acceptor to be glycosylated, thereby forming the desired conjugate. Some of the conjugate can often be detected after a few hours, with recoverable amounts usually being obtained within 24 hours or less. Those of skill in the art understand that the rate of reaction is dependent on a number of variable factors (e.g., enzyme concentration, donor concentration, acceptor concentration, temperature, solvent volume), which are optimized for a selected system.

[1359] The present invention also provides for the industrial-scale production of modified peptides. As used herein, an industrial scale generally produces at least one gram of finished, purified conjugate.

[1360] In the discussion that follows, the invention is exemplified by the conjugation of modified sialic acid moieties to a glycosylated peptide. The exemplary modified sialic acid is labeled with PEG. The focus of the following discussion on the use of PEG-modified sialic acid and glycosylated peptides is for clarity of illustration and is not intended to imply that the invention is limited to the conjugation of these two partners. One of skill understands that the discussion is generally applicable to the additions of modified glycosyl moieties other than sialic acid. Moreover, the discussion is equally applicable to the modification of a glycosyl unit with agents other than PEG including other water-soluble polymers, therapeutic moieties, and biomolecules.

[1361] An enzymatic approach can be used for the selective introduction of PEGylated or PPGylated carbohydrates onto a peptide or glycopeptide. The method utilizes modified sugars containing PEG, PPG, or a masked reactive functional group, and is combined with the appropriate glycosyltransferase or glycosynthase. By selecting the glycosyltransferase that will make the desired carbohydrate linkage and utilizing the modified sugar as the donor substrate, the PEG or PPG can be introduced directly onto the peptide backbone, onto existing sugar residues of a glycopeptide or onto sugar residues that have been added to a peptide.

[1362] An acceptor for the sialyltransferase is present on the peptide to be modified by the methods of the present invention either as a naturally occurring structure or one placed there recombinantly, enzymatically or chemically. Suitable acceptors, include, for example, galactosyl acceptors such as Galβ1,4GlcNAc, Galβ1,4GalNAc, Galβ1,3GalNAc, lacto-N-tetraose, Galβ1,3GlcNAc, Galβ1,3Ara, Galβ1,6GlcNAc, Galβ1,4Glc (lactose), and other acceptors known to those of skill in the art (see, e.g., Paulson et al., J. Biol. Chem. 253: 5617-5624 (1978)).

[1363] In one embodiment, an acceptor for the sialyltransferase is present on the peptide to be modified upon in vivo synthesis of the peptide. Such peptides can be sialylated using the claimed methods without prior modification of the glycosylation pattern of the peptide. Alternatively, the methods of the invention can be used to sialylate a peptide that does not include a suitable acceptor; one first modifies the peptide to include an acceptor by methods known to those of skill in the art. In an exemplary embodiment, a GalNAc residue is added by the action of a GalNAc transferase.

[1364] In an exemplary embodiment, the galactosyl acceptor is assembled by attaching a galactose residue to an appropriate acceptor linked to the peptide, e.g., a GlcNAc. The method includes incubating the peptide to be modified with a reaction mixture that contains a suitable amount of a galactosyltransferase (e.g., galβ1,3 or galβ1,4), and a suitable galactosyl donor (e.g., UDP-galactose). The reaction is allowed to proceed substantially to completion or, alternatively, the reaction is terminated when a preselected amount of the galactose residue is added. Other methods of assembling a selected saccharide acceptor will be apparent to those of skill in the art.

[1365] In yet another embodiment, peptide-linked oligosaccharides are first “trimmed,” either in whole or in part, to expose either an acceptor for the sialyltransferase or a moiety to which one or more appropriate residues can be added to obtain a suitable acceptor. Enzymes such as glycosyltransferases and endoglycosidases (see, for example U.S. Pat. No. 5,716,812) are useful for the attaching and trimming reactions. A detailed discussion of “trimming” and remodeling N-linked and O-linked glycans is provided elsewhere herein.

[1366] In the discussion that follows, the method of the invention is exemplified by the use of modified sugars having a water-soluble polymer attached thereto. The focus of the discussion is for clarity of illustration. Those of skill will appreciate that the discussion is equally relevant to those embodiments in which the modified sugar bears a therapeutic moiety, biomolecule or the like.

[1367] An exemplary embodiment of the invention in which a carbohydrate residue is “trimmed” prior to the addition of the modified sugar is set forth in FIG. 13, which sets forth a scheme in which high mannose is trimmed back to the first generation biantennary structure. A modified sugar bearing a water-soluble polymer is conjugated to one or more of the sugar residues exposed by the “trimming back.” In one example, a water-soluble polymer is added via a GlcNAc moiety conjugated to the water-soluble polymer. The modified GlcNAc is attached to one or both of the terminal mannose residues of the biantennary structure. Alternatively, an unmodified GlcNAc can be added to one or both of the termini of the branched species.

[1368] In another exemplary embodiment, a water-soluble polymer is added to one or both of the terminal mannose residues of the biantennary structure via a modified sugar having a galactose residue, which is conjugated to a GlcNAc residue added onto the terminal mannose residues. Alternatively, an unmodified Gal can be added to one or both terminal GlcNAc residues.

[1369] In yet a further example, a water-soluble polymer is added onto a Gal residue using a modified sialic acid.

[1370] Another exemplary embodiment is set forth in FIG. 14, which displays a scheme similar to that shown in FIG. 13, in which the high mannose structure is “trimmed back” to the mannose from which the biantennary structure branches. In one example, a water-soluble polymer is added via a GlcNAc modified with the polymer. Alternatively, an unmodified GlcNAc is added to the mannose, followed by a Gal with an attached water-soluble polymer. In yet another embodiment, unmodified GlcNAc and Gal residues are sequentially added to the mannose, followed by a sialic acid moiety modified with a water-soluble polymer.

[1371] FIG. 15 sets forth a further exemplary embodiment using a scheme similar to that shown in FIG. 13, in which high mannose is “trimmed back” to the GlcNAc to which the first mannose is attached. The GlcNAc is conjugated to a Gal residue bearing a water-soluble polymer. Alternatively, an unmodified Gal is added to the GlcNAc, followed by the addition of a sialic acid modified with a water-soluble sugar. In yet a further example, the terminal GlcNAc is conjugated with Gal and the GlcNAc is subsequently fucosylated with a modified fucose bearing a water-soluble polymer.

[1372] FIG. 16 is a scheme similar to that shown in FIG. 13, in which high mannose is trimmed back to the first GlcNAc attached to the Asn of the peptide. In one example, the GlcNAc of the GlcNAc-(Fuc)_a residue is conjugated with a GlcNAc bearing a water soluble polymer. In another example, the GlcNAc of the GlcNAc-(Fuc)_a residue is modified with Gal, which bears a water soluble polymer. In a still further embodiment, the GlcNAc is modified with Gal, followed by conjugation to the Gal of a sialic acid modified with a water-soluble polymer.

[1373] Other exemplary embodiments are set forth in FIGS. 17-21. An illustration of the array of reaction types with which the present invention may be practiced is provided in each of the aforementioned figures.

[1374] The Examples set forth above provide an illustration of the power of the methods set forth herein. Using the methods of the invention, it is possible to “trim back” and build up a carbohydrate residue of substantially any desired structure. The modified sugar can be added to the termini of the carbohydrate moiety as set forth above, or it can be intermediate between the peptide core and the terminus of the carbohydrate.

[1375] In an exemplary embodiment, an existing sialic acid is removed from a glycopeptide using a sialidase, thereby unmasking all or most of the underlying galactosyl residues. Alternatively, a peptide or glycopeptide is labeled with galactose residues, or an oligosaccharide residue that terminates in a galactose unit. Following the exposure of or addition of the galactose residues, an appropriate sialyltransferase is used to add a modified sialic acid. The approach is summarized in Scheme 12.

[1376]

[1377] In yet a further approach, summarized in Scheme 13, a masked reactive functionality is present on the sialic acid. The masked reactive group is preferably unaffected by the conditions used to attach the modified sialic acid to the peptide. After the covalent attachment of the modified sialic acid to the peptide, the mask is removed and the peptide is conjugated with an agent such as PEG, PPG, a therapeutic moiety, biomolecule or other agent. The agent is conjugated to the peptide in a specific manner by its reaction with the unmasked reactive group on the modified sugar residue.

[1378]

[1379] Any modified sugar can be used with its appropriate glycosyltransferase, depending on the terminal sugars of the oligosaccharide side chains of the glycopeptide (Table 3). As discussed above, the terminal sugar of the glycopeptide required for introduction of the PEGylated or PPGylated structure can be introduced naturally during expression or it can be produced post expression using the appropriate glycosidase(s), glycosyltransferase(s) or mix of glycosidase(s) and glycosyltransferase(s).

[1380]

TABLE 3
UDP-galactose-derivatives	UDP-galactosamine-derivatives
	(when A = NH, R4 may be acetyl)
UDP-Glucose-derivatives	UDP-Glucosamine-derivatives
	(when A = NH, R4 may be acetyl)
GDP-Mannose-derivatives
GDP-fucose-derivatives
X = O, NH, S, CH2, N—(R1-5)2.
Y = X; Z = X; A = X; B = X.
Q = H2, O, S, NH, N—R.
R, R1-4 = H, Linker-M, M.
M = Ligand of interest
Ligand of interest = acyl-PEG, acyl-PPG, alkyl-PEG, acyl-alkyl-PEG, acyl-alkyl-PEG, carbamoyl-PEG, carbamoyl-PPG, PEG, PPG, acyl-aryl-PEG, acyl-aryl-PPG, aryl-PEG, aryl-PPG, Mannose-6-phosphate, heparin, heparan, SLex, Mannose, FGF, VFGF, protein, chondroitin, keratan, dermatan, albumin, integrins, peptides, etc.

[1381] In a further exemplary embodiment, UDP-galactose-PEG is reacted with bovine milk β1,4-galactosyltransferase, thereby transferring the modified galactose to the appropriate terminal N-acetylglucosamine structure. The terminal GlcNAc residues on the glycopeptide may be produced during expression, as may occur in such expression systems as mammalian, insect, plant or fungus, but also can be produced by treating the glycopeptide with a sialidase and/or glycosidase and/or glycosyltransferase, as required.

[1382] In another exemplary embodiment, a GlcNAc transferase, such as GnTI-V, is utilized to transfer PEGylated-GlcNc to a mannose residue on a glycopeptide. In a still further exemplary embodiment, the N- and/or O-linked glycan structures are enzymatically removed from a glycopeptide to expose an amino acid or a terminal glycosyl residue that is subsequently conjugated with the modified sugar. For example, an endoglycanase is used to remove the N-linked structures of a glycopeptide to expose a terminal GlcNAc as a GlcNAc-linked-Asn on the glycopeptide. UDP-Gal-PEG and the appropriate galactosyltransferase is used to introduce the PEG- or PPG-galactose functionality onto the exposed GlcNAc.

[1383] In an alternative embodiment, the modified sugar is added directly to the peptide backbone using a glycosyltransferase known to transfer sugar residues to the peptide backbone. This exemplary embodiment is set forth in Scheme 14. Exemplary glycosyltransferases useful in practicing the present invention include, but are not limited to, GalNAc transferases (GalNAc T1-14), GlcNAc transferases, fucosyltransferases, glucosyltransferases, xylosyltransferases, mannosyltransferases and the like. Use of this approach allows the direct addition of modified sugars onto peptides that lack any carbohydrates or, alternatively, onto existing glycopeptides. In both cases, the addition of the modified sugar occurs at specific positions on the peptide backbone as defined by the substrate specificity of the glycosyltransferase and not in a random manner as occurs during modification of a protein's peptide backbone using chemical methods. An array of agents can be introduced into proteins or glycopeptides that lack the glycosyltransferase substrate peptide sequence by engineering the appropriate amino acid sequence into the peptide chain.

[1384]

[1385] In each of the exemplary embodiments set forth above, one or more additional chemical or enzymatic modification steps can be utilized following the conjugation of the modified sugar to the peptide. In an exemplary embodiment, an enzyme (e.g., fucosyltransferase) is used to append a glycosyl unit (e.g., fucose) onto the terminal modified sugar attached to the peptide. In another example, an enzymatic reaction is utilized to “cap” sites to which the modified sugar failed to conjugate. Alternatively, a chemical reaction is utilized to alter the structure of the conjugated modified sugar. For example, the conjugated modified sugar is reacted with agents that stabilize or destabilize its linkage with the peptide component to which the modified sugar is attached. In another example, a component of the modified sugar is deprotected following its conjugation to the peptide. One of skill will appreciate that there is an array of enzymatic and chemical procedures that are useful in the methods of the invention at a stage after the modified sugar is conjugated to the peptide. Further elaboration of the modified sugar-peptide conjugate is within the scope of the invention.

[1386] Peptide Targeting with Mannose-6-Phosphate

[1387] In an exemplary embodiment the peptide is derivatized with at least one mannose-6-phosphate moiety. The mannose-6-phosphate moiety targets the peptide to a lysosome of a cell, and is useful, for example, to target therapeutic proteins to lysosomes for therapy of lysosomal storage diseases.

[1388] Lysosomal storage diseases are a group of over 40 disorders which are the result of defects in genes encoding enzymes that break down glycolipid or polysaccharide waste products within the lysosomes of cells. The enzymatic products, e.g., sugars and lipids, are then recycled into new products. Each of these disorders results from an inherited autosomal or X-linked recessive trait which affects the levels of enzymes in the lysosome. Generally, there is no biological or functional activity of the affected enzymes in the cells and tissues of affected individuals. Table 4 provides a list of representative storage diseases and the enzymatic defect associated with the diseases. In such diseases the deficiency in enzyme function creates a progressive systemic deposition of lipid or carbohydrate substrate in lysosomes in cells in the body, eventually causing loss of organ function and death. The genetic etiology, clinical manifestations, molecular biology and possibility of the lysosomal storage diseases are detailed in Scriver et al., eds., THE METABOLIC AND MOLECULAR BASIS OF INHERITED DISEASE, 7.sup.th Ed., Vol. II, McGraw Hill, (1995).

[1389]

TABLE 4
Lysosomal storage diseases and associated enzymatic defects
Disease	Enzymatic Defect
Pompe disease	acid α-glucosidase (acid maltase)
MPSI* (Hurler disease)	α-L-iduronidase
MPSII (Hunter disease)	iduronate sulfatase
MPSIII (Sanfilippo)	heparan N-sulfatase
MPS IV (Morquio A)	galactose-6-sulfatase
MPS IV (Morquio B)	acid β-galactosidase
MPS VII (Sly disease)	β-glucoronidase
I-cell disease	N-acetylglucosamine-1-
	phosphotransferase
Schindler disease	α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase
	(α-galactosidase B)
Wolman disease	acid lipase
Cholesterol ester storage disease	acid lipase
Farber disease	lysosomal acid ceramidase
Niemann-Pick disease	acid sphingomyelinase
Gaucher disease	glucocerebrosidase
Krabbe disease	galactosylceramidase
Fabry disease	α-galactosidase A
GM1 gangliosidosis	acid β-galactosidase
Galactosialidosis	β-galactosidase and neuraminidase
Tay-Sach's disease	hexosaminidase A
Sandhoff disease	hexosaminidase A and B
*MPS = mucopolysaccaridosis

[1390] De Duve first suggested that replacement of the missing lysosomal enzyme with exogenous biologically active enzyme might be a viable approach to treatment of lysosomal storage diseases (De Duve, Fed. Proc. 23: 1045 (1964). Since that time, various studies have suggested that enzyme replacement therapy may be beneficial for treating various lysosomal storage diseases. The best success has been shown with individuals with type I Gaucher disease, who have been treated with exogenous enzyme (β-glucocerebrosidase), prepared from placenta (Ceredase™) or, more recently, recombinantly (Cerezyme™). It has been suggested that enzyme replacement may also be beneficial for treating Fabry's disease, as well as other lysosomal storage diseases. See, for example, Dawson et al., Ped. Res. 7(8): 684-690 (1973) (in vitro) and Mapes et al., Science 169: 987 (1970) (in vivo). Clinical trials of enzyme replacement therapy have been reported for Fabry patients using infusions of normal plasma (Mapes et al., Science 169: 987-989 (1970)), α-galactosidase A purified from placenta (brady et al., N. Eng. J. Med. 279: 1163 (1973)); or α-galactosidase A purified from spleen or plasma (Desnick et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., USA 76: 5326-5330 (1979)) and have demonstrated the biochemical effectiveness of direct enzyme replacement for Fabry disease. These studies indicate the potential for eliminating, or significantly reducing, the pathological glycolipid storage by repeated enzyme replacement. For example, in one study (Desnick et al., supra), intravenous injection of purified enzyme resulted in a transient reduction in the plasma levels of the stored lipid substrate, globotriasylceramide.

[1391] Accordingly, there exists a need in the art for methods for providing sufficient quantities of biologically active lysosomal enzymes, such as human α-galactosidase A, to deficient cells. Recently, recombinant approaches have attempted to address these needs, see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,658,567; 5,580,757; Bishop et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., USA. 83: 4859-4863 (1986); Medin et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., USA. 93: 7917-7922 (1996); Novo, F. J., Gene Therapy. 4: 488-492 (1997); Ohshima et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., USA. 94: 2540-2544 (1997); and Sugimoto et al., Human Gene Therapy 6: 905-915, (1995). Through the mannose-6-phosphate mediated targeting of therapeutic peptides to lysosomes, the present invention provides compositions and methods for delivering sufficient quantities of biologically active lysosomal peptides to deficient cells.

[1392] Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a peptide according to Table 6 that is derivatized with mannose-6-phosphate (FIG. 23 and FIG. 24). The peptide may be recombinantly or chemically prepared. Moreover, the peptide can be the fall, natural sequence, or it may be modified by, for example, truncation, extension, or it may include substitutions or deletions. Exemplary proteins that are remodeled using a method of the present invention include glucocerebrosidase, β-glucosidase, α-galactosidase A, acid-α-glucosidase (acid maltase). Representative modified peptides that are in clinical use include, but are not limited to, Ceredase™, Cerezyme™, and Fabryzyme™. A glycosyl group on modified and clinically relevant peptides may also be altered utilizing a method of the invention. The mannose-6-phosphate is attached to the peptide via a glycosyl linking group. In an exemplary embodiment, the glycosyl linking group is derived from sialic acid. Exemplary sialic acid-derived glycosyl linking groups are set forth in Table 2, in which one or more of the “R” moieties is mannose-6-phosphate or a spacer group having one or more mannose-6-phosphate moieties attached thereto. The modified sialic acid moiety is preferably the terminal residue of an oligosaccharide bound to the surface of the peptide (FIG. 25)

[1393] In addition to the mannose-6-phosphate, the peptides of the invention may be further derivatized with a moiety such as a water-soluble polymer, a therapeutic moiety, or an additional targeting moiety. Methods for attaching these and other groups are set forth herein. In an exemplary embodiment, the group other than mannose-6-phosphate is attached to the peptide via a derivatized sialic acid derivative according to Table 2, in which one or more of the “R” moieties is a group other than mannose-6-phosphate.

[1394] In an exemplary embodiment, a sialic acid moiety modified with a Cbz-protected glycine-based linker arm is prepared. The corresponding nucleotide sugar is prepared and the Cbz group is removed by catalytic hydrogenation. The resulting nucleotide sugar has an available, reactive amine that is contacted with an activated mannose-6-phosphate derivative, providing a mannose-6-phosphate derivatized nucleotide sugar that is useful in practicing the methods of the invention.

[1395] As shown in the scheme below (scheme 15), an exemplary activated mannose-6-phosphate derivative is formed by converting a 2-bromo-benzyl-protected phosphotriester into the corresponding triflate, in situ, and reacting the triflate with a linker having a reactive oxygen-containing moiety, forming an ether linkage between the sugar and the linker. The benzyl protecting groups are removed by catalytic hydrogenation, and the methyl ester of the linker is hydrolyzed, providing the corresponding carboxylic acid. The carboxylic acid is activated by any method known in the art. An exemplary activation procedure relies upon the conversion of the carboxylic acid to the N-hydroxysuccinimide ester.

[1396]

[1397] In another exemplary embodiment, as shown in the scheme below (scheme 16), a N-acetylated sialic acid is converted to an amine by manipulation of the pyruvyl moiety. Thus, the primary hydroxyl is converted to a sulfonate ester and reacted with sodium azide. The azide is catalytically reduced to the corresponding amine. The sugar is subsequently converted to its nucleotide analogue and coupled, through the amine group, to the linker arm-derivatized mannose-6-phosphate prepared as discussed above.

[1398]

[1399] Peptides useful to treat lysosomal storage disease can be derivatized with other targeting moieties including, but not limited to, transferrin (to deliver the peptide across the blood-brain barrier, and to endosomes), carnitine (to deliver the peptide to muscle cells), and phosphonates, e.g, bisphosphonate (to target the peptide to bone and other calciferous tissues). The targeting moiety and therapeutic peptide are conjugated by any method discussed herein or otherwise known in the art.

[1400] In an exemplary embodiment, the targeting agent and the therapeutic peptide are coupled via a linker moiety. In this embodiment, at least one of the therapeutic peptide or the targeting agent is coupled to the linker moiety via an intact glycosyl linking group according to a method of the invention. In an exemplary embodiment, the linker moiety includes a poly(ether) such as poly(ethylene glycol). In another exemplary embodiment, the linker moiety includes at least one bond that is degraded in vivo, releasing the therapeutic peptide from the targeting agent, following delivery of the conjugate to the targeted tissue or region of the body.

[1401] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the in vivo distribution of the therapeutic moiety is altered via altering a glycoform on the therapeutic moiety without conjugating the therapeutic peptide to a targeting moiety. For example, the therapeutic peptide can be shunted away from uptake by the reticuloendothelial system by capping a terminal galactose moiety of a glycosyl group with sialic acid (or a derivative thereof) (FIGS. 23 and 26). Sialylation to cover terminal Gal avoids uptake of the peptide by hepatic asialoglycoprotein (ASGP) receptors, and may extend the half life of the peptide as compared with peptides having only complex glycan chains, in the absence of sialylation.

[1402] II. Peptide/Glycopeptides of the Invention

[1403] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a composition comprising multiple copies of a single peptide having an elemental trimannosyl core as the primary glycan structure attached thereto. In preferred embodiments, the peptide may be a therapeutic molecule. The natural form of the peptide may comprise complex N-linked glycans or may be a high mannose glycan. The peptide may be a mammalian peptide, and is preferably a human peptide. In some embodiments the peptide is selected from the group consisting of an immunoglobulin, erythropoietin, tissue-type activator peptide, and others (See FIG. 1).

[1404] Exemplary peptides whose glycans can be remodeled using the methods of the invention are set forth in FIG. 1.

[1405]

TABLE 6
Most preferred peptides for glycan remodeling
Granulocyte colony	Interleukin-2 (IL-2)
stimulating factor (G-CSF)	Factor VIII
Interferon α	hrDNase
Interferon β	Insulin
Factor VII clotting factor	Hepatitis B surface protein (HbsAg)
Factor IX clotting factor	Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
Follicle Stimulating Hormone	Urokinase
(FSH)
Erythropoietin (EPO)	TNF receptor-IgG Fc fusion
Granulocyte-macrophage colony	(Enbrel ™)
stimulating factor (GM-CSF)	MAb-Her-2 (Herceptin ™)
Interferon γ	MAb-F protein of Respiratory
α1 protease inhibitor	Syncytial Virus (Synagis ™)
(α1 antitrypsin)	MAb-CD20 (Rituxan ™)
Tissue-type plasminogen activator
(TPA)	MAb-TNFα (Remicade ™)
Glucocerebrosidase (Cerezyme ™)
	MAb-Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa
	(Reopro ™)

[1406]

TABLE 5
Preferred peptides for glycan remodeling
	Hormones and Growth Factors
	G-CSF
	GM-CSF
	TPO
	EPO
	EPO variants
	FSH
	HGH
	insulin
	alpha-TNF
	Leptin
	Enzymes and Inhibitors
	TPA
	TPA variants
	Urokinase
	Factors VII, VIII, IX, X
	DNase
	Glucocerebrosidase
	Hirudin
	α1 antitrypsin (α1 protease
	inhibitor)
	Antithrombin III
	Acid α-glucosidase (acid maltase)
	α galactosidase A
	α-L-iduronidase
	Urokinase
	Cytokines and Chimeric Cytokines
	Interleukin-1 (IL-1), 1B, 2, 3, 4
	Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha)
	IFN-alpha-2b
	IFN-beta
	IFN-gamma
	Chimeric diphtheria toxin-IL-2
	Receptors and Chimeric Receptors
	CD4
	Tumor Necrosis Factor receptor (TNF-R)
	TNF-R:IgG Fc fusion
	Alpha-CD20
	PSGL-1
	Complement
	GlyCAM or its chimera
	N-CAM or its chimera
	Monoclonal Antibodies (Immunoglobulins)
	MAb-anti-RSV
	MAb-anti-IL-2 receptor
	MAb-anti-CEA
	MAb-anti-glycoprotein IIb/IIIa
	MAb-anti-EGF
	MAb-anti-Her2
	MAb-CD20
	MAb-alpha-CD3
	MAb-TNFα
	MAb-CD4
	MAb-PSGL-1
	Mab-anti F protein of Respiratory
	Syncytial Virus
	Cells
	Red blood cells
	White blood cells (e.g., T cells, B cells,
	dendritic cells, macrophages, NK cells,
	neutrophils, monocytes and the like)
	Stem cells
	Others
	Hepatits B surface antigen (HbsAg)

[1407] A more detailed list of peptides useful in the invention and their source is provided in FIG. 1.

[1408] Other exemplary peptides that are modified by the methods of the invention include members of the immunoglobulin family (e.g., antibodies, MHC molecules, T cell receptors, and the like), intercellular receptors (e.g., integrins, receptors for hormones or growth factors and the like) lectins, and cytokines (e.g., interleukins). Additional examples include tissue-type plasminogen activator (TPA), renin, clotting factors such as Factor VIII and Factor IX, bombesin, thrombin, hematopoietic growth factor, colony stimulating factors, viral antigens, complement peptides, α1-antitrypsin, erythropoietin, P-selectin glycopeptide ligand-1 (PSGL-1), granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor, anti-thrombin III, interleukins, interferons, peptides A and C, fibrinogen, herceptin™, leptin, glycosidases, among many others. This list of peptides is exemplary and should not be considered to be exclusive. Rather, as is apparent from the disclosure provided herein, the methods of the invention are applicable to any peptide in which a desired glycan structure can be fashioned.

[1409] The methods of the invention are also useful for modifying chimeric peptides, including, but not limited to, chimeric peptides that include a moiety derived from an immunoglobulin, such as IgG.

[1410] Peptides modified by the methods of the invention can be synthetic or wild-type peptides or they can be mutated peptides, produced by methods known in the art, such as site-directed mutagenesis. Glycosylation of peptides is typically either N-linked or O-linked. An exemplary N-linkage is the attachment of the modified sugar to the side chain of an asparagine residue. The tripeptide sequences asparagine-X-serine and asparagine-X-threonine, where X is any amino acid except proline, are the recognition sequences for enzymatic attachment of a carbohydrate moiety to the asparagine side chain. Thus, the presence of either of these tripeptide sequences in a peptide creates a potential glycosylation site. As described elsewhere herein, O-linked glycosylation refers to the attachment of one sugar (e.g., N-acetylgalactosamine, galactose, mannose, GlcNAc, glucose, facose or xylose) to a hydroxy side chain of a hydroxyamino acid, preferably serine or threonine, although 5-hydroxyproline or 5-hydroxylysine may also be used.

[1411] Several exemplary embodiments of the invention are discussed below. While several of these embodiments use peptides having names carried by trademarks, and other specific peptides as the exemplary peptide, these examples are not confined to any specific peptide. The following exemplary embodiments are contemplated to include all peptide equivalents and variants of any peptide. Such variants include, but are not limited to, adding and deleting N-linked and O-linked glycosylation sites, and fusion proteins with added glycosylation sites. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the following embodiments and the basic methods disclosed therein can be applied to many peptides with equal success.

[1412] In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides methods for modifying Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF). FIGS. 27A to 27G set forth some examples of how this is accomplished using the methodology disclosed herein. In FIG. 27B, a G-CSF peptide that is expressed in a mammalian cell system is trimmed back using a sialidase. The residues thus exposed are modified by the addition of a sialic acid-poly(ethylene glycol) moiety (PEG moiety), using an appropriate donor therefor and ST3Gal1. FIG. 27C sets forth an exemplary scheme for modifying a G-CSF peptide that is expressed in an insect cell. The peptide is modified by adding a galactose moiety using an appropriate donor thereof and a galactosyltransferase. The galactose residues are functionalized with PEG via a sialic acid-PEG derivative, through the action of ST3Gal1. In FIG. 27D, bacterially expressed G-CSF is contacted with an N-acetylgalactosamine donor and N-acetylgalactosamine transferase. The peptide is functionalized with PEG, using a PEGylated sialic acid donor and a sialyltransferase. In FIG. 27E, mammalian cell expressed G-CSF is contacted with a sialic acid donor that is modified with levulinic acid, adding a reactive ketone to the sialic acid donor. After addition to a glycosyl residue on the glycan on the peptide, the ketone is derivatized with a moiety such as a hydrazine- or amine-PEG. In FIG. 27F, bacterially expressed G-CSF is remodeled by contacting the peptide with an endo-GalNAc enzyme under conditions where it functions in a synthetic, rather than a hydrolytic manner, thereby adding a PEG-Gal-GalNAc molecule from an activated derivative thereof. FIG. 27G provides another route for remodeling bacterially expressed G-CSF. The polypeptide is derivatized with a PEGylated N-acetylgalactosamine residue by contacting the polypeptide with an N-acetylgalactosamine transferase and an appropriate donor of PEGylated N-acetylgalactosamine.

[1413] In another exemplary embodiment, the invention provides methods for modifying Interferon α-14C (IFNα14C), as shown in FIGS. 28A to 28N. The various forms of IFNα are disclosed elsewhere herein. In FIG. 28B, IFNα14C expressed in mammalian cells is first treated with sialidase to trim back the sialic acid units thereon, and then the molecule is PEGylated using ST3Gal3 and a PEGylated sialic acid donor. In FIG. 28C, N-acetylglucosamine is first added to IFNα14C which has been expressed in insect or fungal cells, where the reaction is conducted via the action of GnT-I and/or II using an N-acetylglucosamine donor. The polypeptide is then PEGylated using a galactosyltransferase and a donor of PEG-galactose. In FIG. 28D, IFNα14C expressed in yeast is first treated with Endo-H to trim back the glycosyl units thereon. The molecules is galactosylated using a galactosyltransferase and a galactose donor, and it is then PEGylated using ST3Gal3 and a donor of PEG-sialic acid. In FIG. 28F, IFNα14C produced by mammalian cells is modified to inched a PEG moiety using ST3Gal3 and a donor of PEG-sialic acid. In FIG. 28G, IFNα14C expressed in insect of fungal cells first has N-acetylglucosamine added using one or more of GnT I, II, IV, and V, and an N-acetylglucosamine donor. The protein is subsequently galactosylated using an appropriate donor and a galactosyltransferase. Then, IFNα14C is PEGylated using ST3Gal3 and a donor of PEG-sialic acid. In FIG. 28H, yeast produced IFNα14C is first treated with mannosidases to trim back the mannosyl groups. N-acetylglucosamine is then added using a donor of N-acetylglucosamine and one or more of GnT I, I, IV, and V. IFNα14C is further galactosylated using an appropriate donor and a galactosyltransferase. Then, the polypeptide is PEGylated using ST3Gal3 and a donor of PEG-sialic acid. In FIG. 28I, NSO cell expressed IFNα14C is modified by capping appropriate terminal residues with a sialic acid donor that is modified with levulinic acid, thereby adding a reactive ketone to the sialic acid donor. After addition to a glycosyl residue of the peptide, the ketone is derivatized with a moiety such as a hydrazine- or amine-PEG. In FIG. 28J, IFNα14C expressed by mammalian cells is PEGylated using a donor of PEG-sialic acid and α2,8-sialyltransferase. In FIG. 28K, IFNα14C produced by mammalian cells is first treated with sialidase to trim back the terminal sialic acid residues, and then the molecule is PEGylated using trans-sialidase and PEGylated sialic acid-lactose complex. In FIG. 28L, IFNα14C expressed in a mammalian system is sialylated using a donor of sialic acid and α2,8-sialyltransferase. In FIG. 28M, IFNα14C expressed in insect or fungal cells first has N-acetylglucosamine added using an appropriate donor and GnT I and/or II. The molecule is then contacted with a galactosyltransferase and a galactose donor that is derivatized with a reactive sialic acid via a linker, so that the polypeptide is attached to the reactive sialic acid via the linker and the galactose residue. The polypeptide is then contacted with ST3Gal3 and transferrin, and thus becomes connected with transferrin via the sialic acid residue. In FIG. 28N, IFNα14C expressed in either insect or fungal cells is first treated with endoglycanase to trim back the glycosyl groups, and is then contacted with a galactosyltransferase and a galactose donor that is derivatized with a reactive sialic acid via a linker, so that the polypeptide is attached to the reactive sialic acid via the linker and the galactose residue. The molecule is then contacted with ST3Gal3 and transferrin, and thus becomes connected with transferrin via the sialic acid residue.

[1414] In another exemplary embodiment, the invention provides methods for modifying Interferon α-2a or 2b (IFNα), as shown in FIGS. 28O to 28EE. In FIG. 28P, IFNα produced in mammalian cells is first treated with sialidase to trim back the glycosyl units, and is then PEGylated using ST3Gal3 and a PEGylated sialic acid donor. In FIG. 28Q, IFNα expressed in insect cells is first galactosylated using an appropriate donor and a galactosyltransferase, and is then PEGylated using ST3Gal1 and a PEGylated sialic acid donor. FIG. 28R offers another method for remodeling IFNα expressed in bacteria: PEGylated N-acetylgalactosamine is added to the protein using an appropriate donor and N-acetylgalactosamine transferase. In FIG. 28S, IFNα expressed in mammalian cells is modified by capping appropriate terminal residues with a sialic acid donor that is modified with levulinic acid, adding a reactive ketone to the sialic acid donor. After addition to a glycosyl residue of the peptide, the ketone is derivatized with a moiety such as a hydrazine- or amine-PEG. In FIG. 28T, IFNα expressed in bacteria is PEGylated using a modified enzyme Endo-N-acetylgalactosamidase, which functions in a synthetic instead of a hydrolytic manner, and using a N-acetylgalactosamine donor derivatized with a PEG moiety. In FIG. 28U, N-acetylgalactosamine is first added IFNα using an appropriate donor and N-acetylgalactosamine transferase, and then is PEGylated using a sialyltransferase and a PEGylated sialic acid donor. In FIG. 28V, IFNα expressed in a mammalian system is first treated with sialidase to trim back the sialic acid residues, and is then PEGylated using a suitable donor and ST3Gal1 and/or ST3Gal3. In FIG. 28W, IFNα expressed in mammalian cells is first treated with sialidase to trim back the sialic acid residues. The polypeptide is then contacted with ST3Gal1 and two reactive sialic acid residues that are connect via a linker, so that the polypeptide is attached to one reactive sialic acid via the linker and the second sialic acid residue. The polypeptide is subsequently contacted with ST3Gal3 and transferrin, and thus becomes connected with transferrin via the sialic acid residue. In FIG. 28Y, IFNα expressed in mammalian cells is first treated with sialidase to trim back the sialic acid residues, and is then PEGylated using ST3Gal1 and a donor of PEG-sialic acid. In FIG. 28Z, IFNα produced by insect cells is PEGylated using a galactosyltransferase and a donor of PEGylated galactose. In FIG. 28AA, bacterially expressed IFNα first has N-acetylgalactosamine added using a suitable donor and N-acetylgalactosamine transferase. The protein is then PEGylated using a sialyltransferase and a donor of PEG-sialic acid. In FIG. 28CC, IFNα expressed in bacteria is modified in another procedure: PEGylated N-acetylgalactosamine is added to the protein by N-acetylgalactosamine transferase using a donor of PEGylated N-acetylgalactosamine. In FIG. 28DD, IFNα expressed in bacteria is remodeled in yet another scheme. The polypeptide is first contacted with N-acetylgalactosamine transferase and a donor of N-acetylgalactosamine that is derivatized with a reactive sialic acid via a linker, so that IFNα is attached to the reactive sialic acid via the linker and the N-acetylgalactosamine. IFNα is then contacted with ST3Gal3 and asialo-transferrin so that it becomes connected with transferrin via the sialic acid residue. Then, IFNα is capped with sialic acid residues using ST3Gal3 and a sialic acid donor. An additional method for modifying bacterially expressed IFNα is disclosed in FIG. 28EE, where IFNα is first exposed to NHS—CO-linker-SA-CMP and is then connected to a reactive sialic acid via the linker. It is subsequently conjugated with transferrin using ST3Gal3 and transferrin.