MacroGenics, Inc.
Optimized gp41-Binding Molecules and Uses Thereof

Abstract:

The present invention is directed to optimized HIV-1 gp41-Binding Molecules having reduced immunogenicity. More specifically, the invention relates to optimized gp41-Binding Molecules that comprise a gp41-binding Variable Light Chain (VL) Domain and/or a gp41-binding Variable Heavy Chain (VH) Domain that has/have been optimized to reduce the immunogenicity of such Domain(s) upon administration to a recipient subject. The invention particularly pertains to gp41-Binding Molecules that are multispecific gp41-Binding Molecules (including bispecific diabodies (including DART.RTM. diabodies), BiTE.RTM.s, bispecific antibodies, trivalent binding molecules (including TRIDENT.TM. molecules), etc.) that comprise: (i) such optimized gp41-binding Variable Domain(s) and (ii) a domain capable of binding to an epitope of a molecule present on the surface of an effector cell. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions that comprise any of such gp41-Binding Molecules, and to methods involving the use of any of such gp41-Binding Molecules in the treatment of HIV-1 infection.