HK40016068A

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Publication number: HK40016068A
Application number: HK62020006175.7A
Authority: HK
Inventors: Andrew J. Murphy; Lynn Macdonald; Chunguang GUO; John Mcwhirter; Vera VORONINA
Original assignee: 瑞泽恩制药公司
Priority date: 2018-06-14
Filing date: 2019-06-14
Publication date: 2020-09-04

Description

[Deleted]

SEQUENCE LISTING

The specification encompasses the sequence listing submitted electronically via EFS-Web as an ASCII formatted sequence listing with a file named "10347_ST25.txt", which file was created on June 13, 2019, has a size of about 50 kilobytes, and was filed concurrently with the specification.

BACKGROUND

Monoclonal antibody products have revolutionized the biopharmaceutical industry and achieved significant advances in the treatment of several diseases. Many of these monoclonal antibody products have leveraged the natural features of antibody molecules (i.e., traditional immunoglobulin gene segments) and, in some instances, incorporated other features such as labeling (e.g., pegylated, radiolabeled) or conjugation with other drugs. At the current rate of approval, approximately 70 monoclonal antibody products are expected to be on the market by 2020. Despite these advances and the knowledge gained by the use of monoclonal antibodies for therapeutic use, diseases linked to targets that are difficult for monoclonal antibodies to bind and/or access persist, which highlights the need for different approaches for developing effective treatments.

The following documents are referred to:

Jung et al (2006) Annual Review Immunology, 24: 541-570 which is concerned with mechanism and control of V(D)J recombination at the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus;
Kokubu et al (1988) The EMBO Journal, 7(11): 3413-3422 which is concerned with diverse organization of immunoglobulin VH gene loci in a primitive vertebrate;
Tuaillon et al (2000) European Journal of Immunology, 30: 2998-3005 which is concerned with rearrangements in human immunoglobulin heavy chain mini locus transgenic mice;
Meek et al (1989) Journal of Experimental Medicine, 170: 39-57 which is concerned with novel rearrangements at the immunoglobulin D locus; and
Taylor et al (1992) Nucleic Acids Research, 20(23): 6287-6295 which is concerned with a transgenic mouse that expresses a diversity of human sequence heavy and light chain immunoglobulins.

SUMMARY

The present invention stems from the recognition that it is desirable to engineer rodents (e.g., a rat, e.g., a mouse) to establish additionalin vivo systems for identifying and developing new antibody-based therapeutics and, in some embodiments, antibody agents (e.g., monoclonal antibodies and/or fragments thereof), which can be used for the treatment of a variety of diseases. Specifically, the present invention focusses on rodents having an engineered heavy chain diversity (D_H) region within an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (e.g., a heterologous immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region, e.g., a human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region) comprising one or more D_H segments engineered to be operably linked to a recombination signal sequence that permits D_H-to-D_H rearrangement, which may lead to the increased expression of antibodies containingcomplementarydeterminingregion three (CDR3s) that are characterized by a longer amino acid length as compared to wild-type (or reference) CDR3s and by diversity that, in some embodiments, directs binding to particular antigens. Rodents described herein providein vivo systems for development of antibodies and/or antibody-based therapeutics for administration to humans.

The invention

Accordingly, the present invention provides a nucleotide molecule comprising an engineered immunoglobulin heavy chain diversity (D_H) region ("engineered D_H region") comprising:

(i) an engineered D_H gene segment comprising a D_H gene segment immediately adjacent to a 23-mer RSS ("engineered D_H gene segment") and
(ii) an unrearranged D_H gene segment flanked on its 5' side by a first 12-mer RSS and on its 3' side by a second 12-mer RSS ("unrearranged D_H gene segment"),

wherein (i) the engineered DH gene segment and (ii) the unrearranged DH gene segment are operably linked such that (i) the engineered DH gene segment and (ii) the unrearranged DH gene segment are able to join in a DH-DH recombination event according to the 12/23 rule,
wherein the nucleotide molecule is suitable for obtaining rodents having the engineered DH region, and
optionally wherein the engineered DH region comprises only human DH gene segments.

The present invention further provides a targeting vector comprising a nucleotide molecule of the present invention, comprising 5'- and 3'- homology arms configured to allow homologous recombination with an immunoglobulin heavy chain sequence at an endogenous rodent immunoglobulin heavy chain locus, optionally wherein the immunoglobulin heavy chain sequence comprises a human or humanized immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region, or a combination thereof.

The present invention also provides a method of modifying an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region to engineer D_H-D_H recombination, the method comprising:

(a) obtaining an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable chain sequence comprising a D_H region comprising one or more unrearranged D_H gene segments, each of which unrearranged D_H gene segment is flanked on its 5' side by a first 12-mer RSS and on its 3' side by a second 12-mer RSS,optionally wherein the one or more unrearranged D_H gene segments comprises at least one unrearranged human D_H gene segment, further optionally wherein the at least one unrearranged human D_H gene segment comprises all the functional human D_H gene segments spanning between and including an unrearranged human D_H1-1 gene segment and an unrearranged human D_H7-27 gene segment, optionally wherein all the functional human D_H gene segments are in germline configuration, and
(b) engineering the D_H region to further comprise at least one engineered D_H gene segment, wherein the engineered D_H gene segment comprises a D_H gene segment immediately adjacent to a 23-mer RSS,

wherein, in the resulting engineered DH region, the engineered DH gene segment and at least one of the one or more unrearranged DH gene segments are operably linked and able to join in a DH-DH recombination event according to the 12/23 rule,
optionally wherein the resulting engineered DH region comprises only human DH gene segments.

The present invention also provides an immunoglobulin heavy chain locus comprising the nucleotide molecule, the targeting vector, or the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region modified of the present invention.

The present invention further provides a rodent genome comprising the nucleotide molecule of the present invention, the targeting vector of the present invention, the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region modified according to the method of the present invention, or the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus of the present invention, wherein the rodent genome is optionally a rodent germline genome.

Also provided by the present invention is a rodent cell comprising the rodent germline genome of the present invention, optionally wherein the rodent cell is a rat, a mouse, a rat cell, or a mouse cell. In one embodiment, the rodent cell is an embryonic stem cell. The present invention further provides a rodent or rodent embryo generated from such a rodent embryonic stem cell of the present invention.

The present invention also provides a method of making a rodent whose genome comprises an engineered D_H region, the method comprising:

(A) generating a rodent from an embryonic stem cell of the present invention; or
(B)
1. (a) modifying the genome of a rodent embryonic stem cell to comprise a DNA fragment comprising one or more engineered D_H gene segments each comprising a D_H gene segment immediately adjacent to a 23-mer RSS, optionally wherein the DNA fragment comprises the nucleotide molecule of the present invention, the targeting vector of the present invention, the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region modified according to the present invention, or the immunoglobulin heavy chain of the present invention, and
2. (b) generating a rodent using the modified rodent embryonic stem cell of (a).

The present invention further provides a method of producing an antibody or obtaining a nucleic acid encoding same, the method comprising

immunizing a rodent with an antigen, which rodent comprises a germline genome comprising an engineered DH region that comprises one or more DH segments that are each immediately adjacent to a 23-mer RSS, optionally wherein the rodent is the rodent of the present invention or made according to a method of the present invention, and
allowing the rodent to produce an immune response to the antigen including an antibody, or nucleic acid encoding same, that binds the antigen.
preferably wherein:(a) the method is one further comprising recovering the antibody, or nucleic acid encoding same, from the rodent or a rodent cell or wherein the rodent cell is a B cell or a hybridoma;(b) one or more DH segments that are each immediately adjacent to a 23-mer RSS comprises a DH gene segment operably linked to a 5' 23-mer RSS;(c) one or more DH segments that are each immediately adjacent to a 23-mer RSS comprises a DH gene segment operably linked to a 3' 23-mer RSS; and/or(d) the rodent is a rat or a mouse.

Also provided are targeting vectors, rodents (e.g., rats or mice) and rodent cells (e.g., rat cells or mouse cells) comprising a nucleotide molecule described herein, methods of using a nucleotide molecule described herein, etc.

Specific embodiments and technical details

In some embodiments, a D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises a human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment comprises at least 19 nucleotides and/or encodes two cysteines. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment comprises at least 20 nucleotides and/or encodes two cysteines. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment comprises at least 23 nucleotides and/or encodes two cysteines. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment comprises at least 28 nucleotides and/or encodes two cysteines. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment comprises at least 31 nucleotides and/or encodes two cysteines. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment comprises at least 37 nucleotides and/or encodes two cysteines. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises a human D_H2 gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, the D_H2 gene segment comprises at least 30 nucleotides and/or encodes two cysteines. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises a D_H gene segment selected from the group consisting of a human D_H3-3 gene segment, a D_H3-9 gene segment, a D_H3-10 gene segment, a D_H3-16 gene segment, a D_H3-22 gene segment, a human D_H2-2 gene segment, a human D_H2-8 gene segment, or a human D_H2-15 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises a human D_H gene segment selected from the group consisting of a human D_H3-3 gene segment, a human D_H2-2 gene segment, a human D_H2-8 gene segment, and a human D_H2-15 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises a human D_H gene segment selected from the group consisting of a human D_H3-3 gene segment, a human D_H2-2 gene segment, a human D_H2-8 gene segment, and a human D_H2-15 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment comprises a human D_H3-3 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment comprises human D_H2-2 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment comprises a human D_H2-8 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment comprises a human D_H2-15 gene segment.

In some embodiments, a D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises: (a) a human D_H3-3 gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, optionally wherein the 23-mer RSS is contiguous to the 5'-end of the human D_H3-3 gene segment, (b) a human D_H2-2 gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, optionally wherein the 23-mer RSS is contiguous to the 3'-end of the human D_H2-2 gene segment, (c) a human D_H2-8 gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, optionally wherein the 23-mer RSS is contiguous to the 3'-end of the human D_H2-8 gene segment, (d) a human 2-15 gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, optionally wherein the 23-mer RSS is contiguous to the 3'-end of the human D_H2-15 gene segment, or (e) any combination of (a)-(d)

In some embodiments, a nucleotide molecule described herein (e.g., a D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, an engineered D_H region, an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region, etc.) comprises a nucleotide sequence comprising the sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO:52.

In some embodiments, a nucleotide molecule described herein (e.g., a D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, an engineered D_H region, an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region, etc.) comprises a nucleotide sequence comprising the sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO:61.

In some embodiments, a nucleotide molecule described herein (e.g., a D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, an engineered D_H region, an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region, etc.) comprises a nucleotide sequence comprising the sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO:70.

In some embodiments, a nucleotide molecule described herein (e.g., a D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, an engineered D_H region, an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region, etc.) comprises a nucleotide sequence comprising the sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO:71.

In some embodiments, a nucleotide molecule described herein (e.g., a D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, an engineered D_H region, an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region, etc.) comprises a nucleotide sequence comprising the sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO:72.

In some embodiments, a D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises from 5' to 3' the 23-mer RSS and the D_H gene segment, e.g., comprises from 5' to 3' a 23-mer RSS, a (human) D_H gene segment, and a 12-mer RSS, e.g., the 23-mer RSS is contiguous to the 5'-end of the D_H gene segment, e.g., the D_H gene segment is operably linked to a 5'-end 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, the D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises a human D_H3-3 gene segment operably linked to a 5' end 23-mer RSS, e.g., the nucleotide molecule comprises from 5' to 3' a 23-mer RSS, the human D_H3-3 gene segment, and a 12-mer RSS.

Engineered D_H regions comprising at least one D_H gene segment with a 5'-end 23-mer RSS may further comprise an unrearranged D_H gene segment that is flanked on its 5' side by a first 12-mer RSS and on its 3' side by a second 12-mer RSS (e.g., the unrearranged D_H gene segment that is flanked on its 5' side by a 12-mer RSS and on the 3' side by a second 12-mer RSS comprises a germline D_H gene segment, e.g., a D_H gene segment in its germline configuration, etc.) wherein the unrearranged D_H gene segment is upstream of and operably linked to the at least one D_H gene segment operably linked to a 5'-end 23-mer. In some embodiments, the unrearranged D_H gene segment flanked on its 5' side by a first 12-mer RSS and on its 3' side by a second 12-mer RSS comprises an unrearranged human D_H gene segment flanked on its 5'side by a 12-mer RSS and on its 3' side by a second 12-mer RSS.

In some embodiments, a D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises from 5' to 3' the D_H gene segment and the 23-mer RSS, e.g., comprises from 5' to 3' a 12-mer RSS, a (human) D_H gene segment, and a 23-mer RSS, e.g., the 23-mer RSS is contiguous to the 3'-end of the D_H gene segment, e.g., the D_H gene segment is operably linked to a 3'-end 23-mer, etc. In some embodiments, the D_H gene segment operably linked to a 3' end 23-mer RSS comprises a human D_H2 gene segment operably linked to a 3'-end 23-mer RSS, wherein the D_H2 gene segment is selected from the group consisting of a human D_H2-2 gene segment, a human D_H2-8 gene segment, and a human D_H2-15 gene segment. In some embodiments, a D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises from 5' to 3': a human D_H2-2 gene segment operably linked to a 3' end 23-mer RSS, a human D_H2-8 gene segment operably linked to a 3' end 23-mer RSS, and a human D_H2-15 gene segment operably linked to a 3' end 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, a D_H gene segment operably linked to a 3' end 23-mer RSS comprises from 5' to 3': a first contiguous nucleotide sequence comprising a 12-mer RSS, a human D_H2-2 gene segment, and a 23-mer RSS, a second contiguous nucleotide sequence comprising a 12-mer RSS, a human D_H2-8 gene segment, and a 23-mer RSS, and a third contiguous nucleotide sequence comprising a 12-mer RSS, a human D_H2-15 gene segment, and a 23-mer RSS.

Engineered D_H regions comprising at least one D_H gene segment operably linked to a 3'-end 23-mer RSS may further comprise an unrearranged D_H gene segment that is flanked on its 5'side by a first 12-mer RSS and on its 3' other side by a second 12-mer RSS (e.g., the unrearranged D_H gene segment that is flanked on its 5' side by a first 12-mer RSS and on the 3' side by a second 12-mer RSS may comprise a germline D_H gene segment, e.g., a D_H gene segment in its germline configuration, etc.) wherein the unrearranged D_H gene segment flanked on its 5' side by a first 12-mer RSS and on its 3' side by a second 12-mer RSS is downstream of and operably linked to the at least one D_H gene segment operably linked to a 3'-end 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, the unrearranged D_H gene segment flanked on its 5' side by a first 12-mer RSS and on its 3' side by a second 12-mer RSS comprises an unrearranged human D_H gene segment flanked on its 5' side by a first 12-mer RSS and on its 3' side by a second 12-mer RSS.

In some embodiments, an engineered D_H region as described herein comprises (i) one or more unrearranged human D_H gene segments, wherein each of the one or more of human D_H gene segments is flanked on its 5' and 3' ends by a 12-mer RSS, and (ii) at least one D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprising a human D_H gene segment, e.g., a human D_H3-3 gene segment) operably linked at its 5'-end to a 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, an engineered DH region as described herein comprises from 5' to 3'(i) at least one D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, e.g., at least one human D_H2 gene segment operably linked at its 3' end to a 23-mer RSS, optionally wherein the at least one human D_H2 gene segment operably linked at its 3'end to a 23-mer RSS comprises a human D_H2-2 gene segment operably linked at its 3' end to a 23-mer RSS, a human D_H2-8 gene segment operably linked at its 3' end to a 23-mer RSS, a human D_H2-15 gene segment operably linked at its 3' end to a 23-mer RSS, or any combination thereof, and (ii) one or a plurality of human D_H gene segments, wherein each of the one or plurality of human D_H gene segments is flanked on its 5' and 3' ends by a 12-mer RSS.

In some embodiments, an engineered D_H region as described herein comprises only human D_H gene segments.

In some embodiments, a nucleotide molecule described herein (e.g., engineered D_H regions, immunoglobulin heavy chain variable regions, etc.) comprises a D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS and an unrearranged D_H gene segment flanked on its 5 side by a first 12-mer RSS and on its 3' side by a second 12-mer RSS, wherein the D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS and the unrearranged D_H gene segment flanked on its 5' side by a first 12-mer RSS and on its 3' side by a second 12-mer RSS have not undergone recombination with (i) another D_H gene segment, (ii) a V_H gene segment, (iii) a J_H gene segment, or (iv) any combination thereof. In some embodiments, nucleotide molecules described herein include molecules comprising an engineered D_H regions comprising one or more D_H gene segments that have recombined with (i) another D_H gene segment, (ii) a V_H gene segment, (iii) a J_H gene segment, or any combination thereof, e.g., nucleotide molecules comprising a rearranged VDJ or VDDJ encoding sequence that encodes an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, a nucleotide molecule described herein comprising an engineered D_H region as described herein further comprises in operable linkage: (a) at least one unrearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain variable (V_H) gene segment (e.g., an unrearranged human V_H6-1 gene segment) that is upstream of and operably linked to an engineered D_H region, (b) at least one unrearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain joining (J_H) gene segment (e.g., an unrearranged human J_H6) gene segment that is downstream of and operably linked to the engineered D_H region, or a combination of (a) and (b).

In some embodiments, the at least one unrearranged V_H gene segment comprises the full repertoire of functional unrearranged human V_H gene segments spanning between and including the unrearranged human V_H3-74 and unrearranged human V_H1-6 gene segments. In some embodiments, the at least one unrearranged V_H gene segment comprises the full repertoire of functional unrearranged human V_H gene segments spanning between and including the unrearranged human V_H3-74 and unrearranged human V_H1-6 gene segments in germline configuration. In some embodiments, the at least one unrearranged J_H gene segment comprises an unrearranged human J_H4 gene segment, an unrearranged human J_H5 gene segment, and an unrearranged human J_H6 gene segment. In some embodiments, the at least one unrearranged J_H gene segment comprises an unrearranged human J_H1 gene segment, an unrearranged human J_H2 gene segment, an unrearranged human J_H3 gene segment, an unrearranged human J_H4 gene segment, an unrearranged human J_H5 gene segment, and an unrearranged human J_H6 gene segment. In some embodiments, the at least one unrearranged J_H gene segment comprises an unrearranged human J_H1 gene segment, an unrearranged human J_H2 gene segment, an unrearranged human J_H3 gene segment, an unrearranged human J_H4 gene segment, an unrearranged human J_H5 gene segment, and an unrearranged human J_H6 gene segment in germline configuration.

In some embodiments, a nucleotide molecule described herein comprises an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable (V_H) region comprising an engineered D_H region as described herein, e.g., comprises in operable linkage from 5' to 3':

(a) at least one unrearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain variable (V_H) gene segment,
(b) an engineered D_H region comprising at least one D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, and
(c) at least one unrearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain joining (J_H) gene segment.

In some embodiments,

(a) the at least one unrearranged V_H gene segment comprises
1. (i) an unrearranged human V_H6-1 gene segment,
2. (ii) an unrearranged human V_H2-1 gene segment and an unrearranged human V_H6-1 gene segment and/or
3. (iii) all functional unrearranged human V_H gene segments spanning between and including the unrearranged human V_H3-74 to unrearranged human V_H6-1 gene segment, e.g., all functional unrearranged human V_H gene segments in germline configuration, optionally, wherein a rodent Adam6 gene replaces a pseudogene between the unrearranged human V_H2-1 and V_H6-1 gene segments;
(b) the engineered D_H region comprises from 5' to 3':
1. (i) one or more, e.g., a plurality of, unrearranged human D_H gene segments, wherein each of the plurality of unrearranged human D_H gene segments is flanked on its 5' and 3' ends by a 12-mer RSS, and a human D_H gene segment operably linked at its 5'-end to a 23-mer RSS, optionally wherein the plurality of unrearranged human D_H gene segments comprises the unrearranged human D_H gene segments spanning between and including the unrearranged human D_H1-1 gene segment and unrearranged human D_H1-26 gene segment in germline configuration and/or wherein human gene segment operably linked at its 5'-end to a 23-mer RSS is a human D_H3-3 gene segment, e.g., wherein the engineered D_H comprises the full repertoire of unrearranged human D_H gene segments in germline configuration with the exception of the unrearranged human D_H7-27 gene segment, which is replaced with the D_H3-3 gene segment operably linked to a 5'-end 23-mer RSS;
2. (ii) at least one human D_H gene segment operably linked at its 3'-end with a 23-mer RSS, and one or more, e.g., a plurality of, human D_H gene segments, wherein each of the one or plurality of human D_H gene segment(s) is flanked on its 5' and 3' ends by a 12-mer RSS, optionally wherein the at least one human D_H gene segment operably linked at its 3'-end with a 23-mer RSS comprises a D_H2-2 gene segment operably linked at its 3' end to a 23-mer RSS, a human D_H2-8 gene segment operably linked at its 3' end to a 23-mer RSS, a human D_H2-15 gene segment operably linked at its 3' end to a 23-mer RSS and/or wherein the one or plurality of human D_H gene segment(s) comprises the D_H gene segments spanning between and including the unrearranged human D_H1-1 gene segment and the unrearranged human D_H7-27 gene segment, optionally wherein the engineered D_H comprises the full repertoire of unrearranged human D_H gene segments in germline configuration with the exception that the unrearranged human D_H2-2, D_H2-8, and D_H2-15 gene segments are respectively replaced with a D_H2-2 gene segment operably linked at its 3' end to a 23-mer RSS, a human D_H2-8 gene segment operably linked at its 3' end to a 23-mer RSS, and a human D_H2-15 gene segment operably linked at its 3' end to a 23-mer RSS;
3. (iii) or a combination of (b)(i) and (b)(ii);and
(c) the at least one unrearranged J_H gene segment comprises
1. (i) an unrearranged human J_H6 gene segment,
2. (ii) an unrearranged human J_H4 gene segment, an unrearranged human J_H5 gene segment, and an unrearranged human J_H6 gene segment, and/or
3. (iii) the full repertoire of unrearranged human J_H gene segments, e.g., an unrearranged human J_H1 gene segment, an unrearranged human J_H2 gene segment, an unrearranged human J_H3 gene segment, an unrearranged human J_H4 gene segment, an unrearranged human J_H5 gene segment, and an unrearranged human J_H6 gene segment, optionally wherein the unrearranged human J_H1, J_H2, J_H3, J_H4, J_H5, and J_H6 gene segments are in germline configuration. In some embodiments, the immunoglobulin V_H region (comprising at least one functional V_H gene segment, the engineered D_H region, and at least one functional J_H gene segment) is a human immunoglobulin V_H region, e.g., each gene segment (e.g., each V_H, D_H, and J_H gene segment therein), including the D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, is a human (V_H, D_H, or J_H) gene segment.

In some embodiments, a nucleotide molecule comprising an immunoglobulin V_H region as described herein comprises in operable linkage from 5' to 3'

(a) at least an unrearranged human V_H6-1 gene segment, e.g., all or a portion of all the functional unrearranged human V_H gene segments spanning between and including the unrearranged human V_H3-74 to unrearranged human V_H6-1 gene segment, e.g., the full repertoire of functional unrearranged human V_H gene segments, optionally including a rodent Adam6 gene between two unrearranged human V_H gene segments, e.g., (e.g., wherein the rodent Adam6 gene is located between a human V_H1-2 gene segment and a human V_H6-1 gene segment)
(b) a human engineered D_H region comprising from 5' to 3' the unrearranged human D_H gene segments spanning between and including the unrearranged human D_H1-1 gene segment and unrearranged human D_H1-26 gene segment in germline configuration and an unrearranged human D_H3-3 gene segment operably linked to a 5'-end 23-mer RSS, e.g., the full repertoire of unrearranged human D_H gene segments in germline configuration with the exception of the unrearranged human D_H7-27 gene segment, which is replaced with an unrearranged human D_H3-3 gene segment operably linked to a 5'-end 23-mer RSS, and
(c) at least an unrearranged human J_H6 gene segment.

In some embodiments, a nucleotide molecule comprising an immunoglobulin V_H region as described herein comprises in operable linkage from 5' to 3':

(a) at least an unrearranged human V_H6-1 gene segment, e.g., all or a portion of all the functional unrearranged human V_H gene segments spanning between and including the unrearranged human V_H3-74 to unrearranged human V_H6-1 gene segment, e.g., the full repertoire of functional unrearranged human V_H gene segments, optionally including a rodent Adam6 gene between two unrearranged human V_H gene segments, e.g., (e.g., wherein the rodent Adam6 gene is located between a human V_H1-2 gene segment and a human V_H6-1 gene segment)
(b) a human engineered D_H region comprising from 5' to 3' the unrearranged human D_H gene segments spanning between and including the unrearranged human D_H1-1 gene segment and unrearranged human D_H1-26 gene segment in germline configuration, and an unrearranged human D_H3-3 gene segment operably linked to a 5'-end 23-mer RSS, e.g., the full repertoire of unrearranged human D_H gene segments in germline configuration with the exception of the unrearranged human D_H7-27 gene segment, which is replaced with an unrearranged human D_H3-3 gene segment operably linked to a 5'-end 23-mer RSS, and
(c) an unrearranged human J_H4 gene segment, an unrearranged human J_H5 gene segment, and an unrearranged human J_H6 gene segment.

In some embodiments, a nucleotide molecule comprising an immunoglobulin V_H region as described herein comprises in operably linkage from 5' to 3'

(a) at least an unrearranged human V_H6-1 gene segment, e.g., all or a portion of all the functional unrearranged human V_H gene segments spanning between and including the unrearranged human V_H3-74 to unrearranged human V_H6-1 gene segment, e.g., the full repertoire of functional unrearranged human V_H gene segments, optionally including a rodent Adam6 gene between two unrearranged human V_H gene segments, e.g., (e.g., wherein the rodent Adam6 gene is located between a human V_H1-2 gene segment and a human V_H6-1 gene segment)
(b) a human engineered D_H region comprising from 5' to 3' an unrearranged human D_H1-1 gene segment, a D_H2-2 gene segment operably linked at its 3' end to a 23-mer RSS, a human D_H2-8 gene segment operably linked at its 3' end to a 23-mer RSS, a human D_H2-15 gene segment operably linked at its 3' end to a 23-mer RSS, and the unrearranged human D_H gene segments spanning between and including the unrearranged human D_H3-16 gene segment and the unrearranged human D_H7-27 gene segment, optionally wherein the engineered D_H comprises the full repertoire of unrearranged human D_H gene segments in germline configuration with the exception that the unrearranged human D_H2-2, D_H2-8, and D_H2-15 gene segments are respectively replaced with a D_H2-2 gene segment operably linked at its 3' end to a 23-mer RSS, a human D_H2-8gene segment operably linked at its 3' end to a 23-mer RSS, and a human D_H2-15 gene segment operably linked at its 3' end to a 23-mer RSS, and
(c) the full repertoire of unrearranged human J_H gene segments, e.g., an unrearranged human J_H1 gene segment, an unrearranged J_H2 human gene segment, an unrearranged J_H3 human gene segment, an unrearranged J_H4 human gene segment, an unrearranged J_H5 human gene segment, and an unrearranged J_H6 human gene segment, optionally wherein the unrearranged human J_H1, J_H2, J_H3, J_H4, J_H5, and J_H6 gene segments are in germline configuration.

In some embodiments, a nucleotide molecule as described herein comprises from 5' to 3' (a) a (human) immunoglobulin heavy chain variable (V_H) region comprising at least one (human) V_H gene segment, a (human) engineered D_H region as described herein, and at least one (human) J_H gene segment operably linked to (b) a heavy chain immunoglobulin constant region (C_H) or a portion thereof, optionally wherein the C_H is a rodent C_H that comprises a rodent intronic enhancer region, a rodent IgM gene, a rodent IgD gene, a rodent IgG gene, a rodent IgA gene, a rodent IgE gene, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, a nucleotide molecule as described herein comprises from 5' to 3' (a) a human immunoglobulin heavy chain V_H region comprising at least one human V_H gene segment, a human engineered D_H region as described herein, and at least one human J_H gene segment operably linked to (b) a rodent C_H region comprising at least a rodent intronic enhancer region, and optionally a rodent IgM gene. In some embodiments, a nucleotide molecule described herein comprises from 5' to 3' (a) human V_H region comprising at least one human V_H gene segment, a human engineered D_H region as described herein, and at least one human J_H gene segment operably linked to (b) a rodent C_H region comprising at least a rodent intronic enhancer region and a rodent IgM gene. In some embodiments, a nucleotide molecule described herein comprises from 5' to 3' (a) human V_H region comprising at least one human V_H gene segment, a human engineered D_H region as described herein, and at least one human J_H gene segment operably linked to (b) an endogenous rodent C_H region, e.g., at an endogenous rodent immunoglobulin heavy chain locus. In some embodiments, the rodent may be a rat. In some embodiments, the rodent may be a mouse.

In some embodiments, a nucleotide molecule as described herein further comprises a rodent Adam6 gene. In some embodiments, the rodent Adam6 gene is located between human V_H2-1 and V_H6-1 gene segments, e.g., replaces a human Adam6 gene located between a human V_H2-1 and V_H6-1 gene segment in germline configuration. In some embodiments, the rodent may be a rat. In some embodiments, the rodent may be a mouse.

In some embodiments, a nucleotide molecule as described herein comprises one or more drug selection cassettes, e.g., a drug resistance gene flanked by one or more site-specific recombination sites, e.g., a neomycin drug resistance gene flanked by aloxP site-specific recombination recognition site, wherein at least one of the one or more drug resistance cassettes is optionally immediately upstream of the at least one D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments the nucleotide molecule comprises a sequence illustrated inFigure 2.

Also described herein are targeting vectors, e.g., for modifying the genome (e.g., the germline genome) of a rodent, such as a rat or a mouse, to comprise an engineered D_H region as described herein. Generally, a targeting vector as described herein comprises any of the nucleotide molecules described herein, and optionally comprises 5'- and 3'- homology arms for homologous recombination within immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region, optionally wherein the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region is a human or humanized immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region. In some embodiments, a targeting vector as described herein comprises a 5' homology arm comprising an unrearranged human gene segment, e.g., a V_H6-1 gene segment and/or a 3' homology arm comprising a rodent (e.g., mouse) C_H region or portion thereof, e.g., a rodent (mouse) C_H intronic enhancer region and/or rodent (mouse) IgM gene.

In some embodiments, a targeting vector comprises a nucleotide molecule as described herein, and 5'- and 3'- homology arms configured to allow homologous recombination with an immunoglobulin heavy chain sequence, which immunoglobulin heavy chain sequence may optionally be located at an endogenous rodent immunoglobulin heavy chain locus and/or comprise a human or humanized immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region. In some embodiments, a targeting vector as described herein comprising a 5' homology arm that comprises an unrearranged human gene segment (e.g., a V_H6-1 gene segment), a human engineered D_H region, at least one unrearranged human J_H gene segment, and a 3' homology arm comprising a rodent (mouse) C_H intronic enhancer region and/or rodent (mouse) may be useful in engineering a D_H region in a rodent comprising a humanized immunoglobulin heavy chain locus, e.g., a mouse comprising replacement of mouse immunoglobulin variable sequences with human immunoglobulin variable sequences, e.g., VELOCIMMUNE^® mice, which may optionally comprise a functional ADAM6 gene that restores their fertility, a modified endogenous heavy chain constant region gene sequence comprising an intact endogenous IgM gene and another endogenous modified constant region gene (e.g., IgG) for the production of reverse chimeric non-IgM antibodies lacking a functional CH1 domain, a sequence encoding a reverse chimeric humanized common light chain, a sequence encoding a reverse chimeric humanized kappa light chain, a sequence encoding a reverse chimeric humanized lambda light chain, a sequence encoding a hybrid kappa/lambda or kappa/lambda light chain, unrearranged germline human heavy gene segments and/or (un)rearranged germline light chain gene segments modified with a histidine codon for the expression of variable domains that have histidine amino acids and may exhibit pH sensitive antigen binding, and/or terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) for increased antigen receptor diversity.See, e.g.,U.S. Patent Nos. 9,035,128;9,066,502;9,163,092;9,150,662;9,334,333;9,850,462;9,844,212;9,029,628;9,006,511;9,394,373;9,206,261;9,206,262;9,206,263;9,226,484;9,399,683;9,540,452;9,012,717;9,796,788,8,697,940;8,754,287;9,334,334;9,801,362;9,332,742;9,969,814;U.S. Patent Publications 2011/0195454,2012/0021409,2012/0192300,2013/0185821,2013/0302836,2013/0045492, and2018/0125043;PCT Publication Nos. WO2017210586, andWO2019/113065.

As such, described herein are methods of engineering a D_H region for D_H-D_H recombination in a rodent. In some embodiments, the method comprises modifying a D_H region comprising one or a plurality of unrearranged D_H gene segments to comprise at least one D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, a method of modifying an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region to engineer D_H-D_H recombination comprises obtaining an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region comprising a D_H region comprising one or more unrearranged D_H gene segments each of which unrearranged D_H gene segments is flanked on its 5' side by a first 12-mer RSS and on the 3' side by a second 12-mer RSS, and modifying the D_H region to further comprise at least one D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, the D_H region is a human D_H region comprising one or a plurality of unrearranged human D_H gene segments, e.g., wherein the plurality of unrearranged human D_H gene segments optionally comprises all functional unrearranged human D_H gene segments spanning between, and including, the D_H1-1 and the D_H7-27 gene segments, e.g., in germline configuration. In some embodiments, modifying comprises replacing one or more of the one or plurality of unrearranged D_H gene segment flanked on one side by a 12-mer RSS and on the other side by another12-mer RSS, e.g., a functional unrearranged human D_H gene segment, with the at least one D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, the most 3' unrearranged D_H gene segment flanked on one side by a 12-mer RSS and on the other side by another 12-mer RSS of the D_H region is replaced with the D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, wherein the D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises from 5' to 3' the 23-mer RSS, the D_H gene segment, and the 12-mer RSS. In some embodiments, an unrearranged D_H gene segment flanked on its 5' side by a first 12-mer RSS and on the 3' side by a second 12-mer RSS is replaced with a corresponding D_H gene segment engineered to be operably linked to a 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, wherein the D_H region comprises an unrearranged human D_H7-27 gene segment (e.g., a germline D_H7-27 gene segment), the unrearranged human D_H7-27 gene segment is replaced by a human D_H gene segment (e.g., an unrearranged human D_H3-3 gene segment) operably linked to a 5'-end 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, wherein the D_H region comprises an unrearranged D_H2-2 gene segment, an unrearranged D_H2-8 gene segment, and/or an unrearranged D_H2-15 gene segment (e.g., wherein the engineered D_H comprises the full repertoire of unrearranged human D_H gene segments in germline configuration) the unrearranged D_H2-2 gene segment, the unrearranged D_H2-8 gene segment, and/or the unrearranged D_H2-15 gene segment are respectively replaced with a D_H2-2 gene segment operably linked at its 3' end to a 23-mer RSS, a human D_H2-8 gene segment operably linked at its 3' end to a 23-mer RSS, and/or a human D_H2-15 gene segment operably linked at its 3' end to a 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, modifying comprises replacing one of two 12-mer RSS flanking an unrearranged D_H gene segment (e.g., a human germline D_H gene segment) with a 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region to be modified comprises, in addition to a D_H region, a J_H region (optionally comprising a full repertoire of human germline J_H gene segments comprising a human germline J_H1 gene segment, a human germline J_H2 gene segment, a human germline J_H3 gene segment, a human germline J_H4 gene segment, a human germline J_H5 gene segment, and a human germline J_H6 gene segment, optionally wherein the human germline J_H1, J_H2, J_H3, J_H4, J_H5, and J_H6 gene segments are in germline configuration) operably linked to the D_H region, and replacing an unrearranged D_H gene segment flanked on one side by a 12-mer RSS and on the other side by another12-mer RSS comprises deleting at least one unrearranged J_H gene segment comprised in the J_H region, e.g., results in deletion of unrearranged human J_H1, J_H2, J_H3, J_H4, and/or J_H5 gene segments contiguous with the D_H region. In some embodiments, deleting at least one germline J_H gene segment comprised in the J_H region comprises deleting the unrearranged human J_H1, J_H2, and J_H3 gene segments, and optionally further deleting the J_H4 and J_H5 gene segments. In some embodiments, replacing one or more of the all functional D_H gene segments, e.g., replacing a D_H7-27 gene segment with a D_H gene segment operably linked to a 5'-end 23-mer RSS, e.g., a D_H3-3 gene segment operably linked to a 5'-end 23-mer RSS, results in deletion of unrearranged human J_H1, J_H2, and J_H3 gene segments contiguous with the D_H region. In some embodiments, replacing one or more of the all functional D_H gene segments, e.g., replacing a D_H7-27 gene segment with a D_H gene segment operably linked to a 5'-end 23-mer RSS, e.g., a D_H3-3 gene segment operably linked to a 5'-end 23-mer RSS, results in deletion of unrearranged human J_H1, J_H2, J_H3, J_H4, and J_H5 gene segments contiguous with the D_H region. In some embodiments, a D_H region is modified to comprise at least one D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, wherein the at least one D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises (a) a human D_H3-3 gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, optionally wherein the 23-mer RSS is contiguous to the 5'-end of the D_H3-3 gene segment, (b) a human D_H2-2 gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, optionally wherein the 23-mer RSS is contiguous to the 3'-end of the D_H2-2 gene segment, (c) a human D_H2-8 gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, optionally wherein the 23-mer RSS is contiguous to the 3'-end of the D_H2-8 gene segment, (d) a human D_H2-15 gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, optionally wherein the 23-mer RSS is contiguous to the 3'-end of the D_H2-15 gene segment, or (e) any combination of (a)-(d).

Such methods may result in an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region comprising an engineered D_H region, e.g., a nucleotide molecule comprising a (human) immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region as described herein, wherein the (un)rearranged (human) immunoglobulin heavy chain region may be optionally linked to a non-human immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region or portion thereof, e.g., a rodent immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region comprising at least a rodent C_H intronic enhancer region and/or a rodent IgM gene, e.g., optionally at an endogenous non-human immunoglobulin heavy chain locus. In some embodiments, upon recombination, such an immunoglobulin heavy chain locus, e.g., endogenous immunoglobulin heavy chain locus, comprises a rearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region coding sequence encodes an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable domain, e.g., an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable domain having a complementarity determining region 3 (CDR3) amino acid length of more than 20 amino acids, which length may be the result of a V_H(D_HA-D_HB)J_H, a V_HD_HJ_H6, or a V_H(D_HA-D_HB)J_H6 recombination. Accordingly, provided herein are rodents, rodent cells, loci and/or nucleotide molecules comprising a rearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain V_H(D_HA-D_HB)J_H, a V_H(D_H)J_H6, or a V_H(D_HA-D_HB)J_H6 sequence encoding an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable domain comprising a CDR3, wherein the length of the CDR3 is at least 20 amino acids in length.

Also described herein are rodents comprising an engineered D_H region of the invention, e.g., the nucleic acids, targeting vectors and/or immunoglobulin heavy chain loci as described herein, e.g., in its genome, e.g., germline genome. Also described herein are such rodent genomes. In some embodiments, described herein is a rodent whose germline genome comprises, or a rodent germline genome comprising, an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region as described, wherein the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region comprises: (i) at least one unrearranged heavy chain variable (V_H) gene segment, (ii) an engineered heavy chain variable region diversity (D_H) region, wherein the engineered D_H region comprises one or more unrearranged D_H gene segments each flanked on the 5'side by a first 12-mer RSS and on the 3' side by a second 12-mer RSS and one or more D_H gene segments each operably linked to a 23-mer recombination signal sequence (RSS), and (iii) at least one unrearranged heavy chain joining (J_H) gene segment, wherein (i)-(iii) are in operable linkage such that, upon recombination, the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region comprises a rearranged heavy chain variable region sequence encoding an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable domain, optionally wherein the rearranged heavy chain variable region sequence is formed after a V_H(D_H-D_H)J_H recombination event, optionally wherein at least one of the one or more D_H gene segments each operably linked to a 23-mer recombination signal sequence (RSS) joins one of the one or more unrearranged D_H gene segments each flanked on the 5' side by a first 12-mer RSS and on the 3' side by a second 12-mer RSS during the V_H(D_H-D_H) recombination event. In some embodiments, the one or more D_H segments operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises a D_Hgene segment operably linked to a 3' 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, the one or more D_H segments operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises a D_H gene segment operably linked to a 5' 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region is a human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region comprising only human V_H, D_H, and J_H gene segments. In some embodiments, the human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region is operably linked to an immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region. In some embodiments, the immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region is an endogenous immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region of the rodent or rodent genome, e.g., at an endogenous immunoglobulin heavy chain locus. In some embodiments, the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region comprises human V_H gene segments spanning between from V_H3-74 to V_H6-1 in germline configuration. In some embodiments, the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region comprises a human J_H6 gene segment. In some embodiments, the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region comprises one or more nucleotide molecules encoding one or more rodent Adam6 polypeptides (e.g., a rodent Adam6 gene), which may optionally be inserted between two human V_H gene segment (e.g., inserted between a human V_H1-2 gene segment and a human V_H6-1 gene segment) and/or inserted in the place of a human Adam6 pseudogene. In some embodiments, the rodent genome is heterozygous for the engineered D_H region. In some embodiments, the rodent genome is homozygous for the engineered D_H region. In some embodiments, the rodent may be a rat. In some embodiments, the rodent may be a mouse. In some embodiments, the rodent, rodent genome, or rodent cell is a rat, a mouse, a rat genome, a mouse genome, a rat cell, or a mouse cell, e.g., a rodent (rat or mouse) embryonic stem cell.

In some embodiments, a rodent, rodent genome, or rodent cell described herein further comprises rearranged heavy chain VDJ and/or V_H(D_HA-D_HB)J_H coding sequences encoding immunoglobulin heavy chain variable domains. In some embodiments, described herein is a rodent, e.g., a rat or a mouse, that comprises (1) in its germline genome, e.g., in a germ cell, an immunoglobulin heavy chain locus comprising an engineered D_H region comprising a D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, and (2) in its somatic genome, e.g., in a B cell, a rearranged heavy chain variable region V_H(D_HA-D_HB)J_H coding sequence, wherein the first or second D_H gene segment (D_HA or D_HB, respectively) is derived from the D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, or a portion thereof (e.g., comprises a sequence identical to that of at least a portion the D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, a somatically hypermutated variant thereof and/or a degenerate variant thereto). In some embodiments, wherein the B cell is a naive B cell and/or the rearranged heavy chain variable region coding sequence is operably linked to an IgM constant region sequence, at least one of D_HA and D_HB gene segment comprises at least 9 consecutive nucleotides that align with a nucleotide molecule encoded by the D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, and each of the D_HA and D_HB gene segments comprises at least 5 consecutive nucleotides that align with a nucleotide molecule of a germline D_H gene segment. In some embodiments, where the B cell is a plasma or memory B cell and/or the rearranged heavy chain variable region coding sequence is somatically hypermutated and/or operably linked to an non-IgM constant region sequence (e.g., an IgG, IgA, IgE, etc.), each of D_HA and D_HB respectively shows 40% identity to a first and second germline D_H gene segment, with a maximum of 1 nucleotide mutation. In some embodiments, at least 95% of all rearranged heavy chain VDJ and/or V_H(D_HA-D_HB)J_H coding sequences in the rodent have a CDR3 length of at least 10 amino acids, optionally wherein at least 70% of all rearranged heavy chain VDJ and/or V_H(D_HA-D_HB)J_H coding sequences in the rodent have a CDR3 length of at least 11 amino acids, optionally at least 15% of all rearranged heavy chain VDJ and/or V_H(D_HA-D_HB)J_H coding sequences in the rodent have a CDR3 length of at least 14 amino acids. In some embodiments, a population of VDJ and/or V_H(D_HA-D_HB)J_H coding sequences in the rodent have a CDR3 length of at least 15 amino acids, optionally at least 16 amino acids, optionally at least 17 amino acids, and optionally at least 18 amino acids. In some embodiments, described herein is a rodent or a rodent cell that expresses, or a nucleic acid or immunoglobulin locus that comprises, a rearranged heavy chain V_H(D_HA-D_HB)J_H coding sequence, wherein the second germline D_H gene segment is D_H3-3, optionally wherein the rearranged heavy chain V_H(D_HA-D_HB)J_H coding sequence encodes a CDR3 length of over 20 amino acids. In some embodiments, described herein is a rodent or rodent cell that expresses, or a nucleic acid or immunoglobulin locus that comprises, a rearranged heavy chain V_H(D_HA-D_HB)J_H coding sequence, wherein the first germline D_H gene segment is D_H2-2, D_H2-8 or D_H2-15, optionally wherein the rearranged heavy chain V_H(D_HA-D_HB)J_H coding sequence encodes a CDR3 length of over 20 amino acids. In some embodiments, described herein is a rodent or rodent cell that expresses a rearranged heavy chain V_H(D_HA-D_HB)J_H6 coding sequence encoding CDR3 length of over 20 amino acids.

Also disclosed is a rodent genome, nucleic acid or immunoglobulin locus comprising a rearranged human immunoglobulin heavy chain V_H(D_HA-D_HB)J_H coding sequence operably linked to a rodent immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region sequence. In some instance, the D_HB gene segment is derived from a human germline D_H3-3 gene segment. In some instances the D_HA gene segment is derived from a human germline D_H2-2, D_H2-8 or D_H2-15 gene segment. In some instances the rearranged heavy chain is determined to be a V_H(D_HA-D_HB)J_H coding sequence since each of D_HA and D_HB respectively shows 40% identity to a first and second germline D_H gene segment, with a maximum of 1 nucleotide mutation. In some instances, the rearranged heavy chain V_H(D_HA-D_HB)J_H coding sequence encodes a CDR3 length of over 20 amino acids. In some instances, the J_H gene segment is derived from a human germline J_H6 gene segment. In some instances, a rodent or rodent cell comprising a V_H(D_HA-D_HB)J_H coding sequence is provided. In some instances, the rodent is a rat or a mouse or the rodent cell is a rat cell or a mouse cell. In some embodiments, the rodent cell is a rodent B cell. In some instances, a hybridoma comprising a rodent B cell expressing a rearranged heavy chain V_H(D_HA-D_HB)J_H coding sequence fused with a myeloma cell is provided. In some instances, a V_H(D_HA-D_HB)J_H sequence is confirmed to be the result of a D_H-D_H recombination event when the sequences identified as D_HA and D_HB each respectively shows 40% identity to a first and second germline D_H gene segment, with a maximum of 1 nucleotide mutation.

Also disclosed is a rodent or rodent cell, whose genome comprises an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region that includes an engineered D_H region, wherein the engineered D_H region comprises at least one D_H segment that is operably linked to a first and second recombination signal sequences (RSS). In some embodiments, the first RSS is a 23-mer RSS and the second RSS is a 12-mer RSS. In some embodiments, the first RSS is a 12-mer RSS and the second RSS is a 23-mer RSS.

Also disclosed is a rodent, whose genome comprises an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region that includes an engineered D_H region, which engineered D_H region comprises one or more D_H segments that are each operably linked to a 23-mer recombination signal sequence (RSS).

In some embodiments, a rodent cell comprising the rodent germline genome of the present invention is provided, preferably wherein the rodent cell is a rat, a mouse, a rat cell, or a mouse cell. In some embodiments, a cell is from a lymphoid or myeloid lineage. In some embodiments, a cell is a lymphocyte. In some embodiments, a cell is selected from a B cell, dendritic cell, macrophage, monocyte, and a T cell. In some embodiments, a tissue is selected from adipose, bladder, brain, breast, bone marrow, eye, heart, intestine, kidney, liver, lung, lymph node, muscle, pancreas, plasma, serum, skin, spleen, stomach, thymus, testis, ovum, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, an immortalized cell made from a rodent cell as described herein is provided, e.g., a hybridoma cell made from fusing a B cell isolated from a rodent as described herein with a myeloma cell.

In some embodiments, a rodent cell is a rodent embryonic stem (ES) cell. In some embodiments, a rodent embryonic stem cell is a mouse embryonic stem cell and is from a 129 strain, C57BL strain, or a mixture thereof. In some embodiments, a rodent embryonic stem cell is a mouse embryonic stem cell and is a mixture of 129 and C57BL strains.

In some embodiments, use of a rodent stem cell as described herein to make a non-human animal is provided. In some embodiments, a rodent embryonic stem cell is a mouse embryonic stem cell and is used to make a mouse of the present invention. In some embodiments, a rodent embryonic stem cell is a rat embryonic stem cell and is used to make a rat comprising an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region that includes an engineered D_H region as described herein. In some embodiments, a non-limiting exemplary method for making the rat comprising an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region that includes an engineered D_H region can include the methods disclosed inUS20140309487.

In some embodiments, a rodent embryo comprising, made from, obtained from, or generated from a rodent embryonic stem cell as described herein is provided. In some embodiments, a rodent embryo is a mouse embryo; in some embodiments, a rat embryo.

In some embodiments, use of a rodent embryo described herein to make a rodent of the present invention is provided. In some embodiments, a rodent embryo is a mouse embryo and is used to make a mouse of the present invention comprising an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region that includes an engineered D_H region as described herein. In some embodiments, a rodent embryo is a rat embryo and is used to make a rat of the present invention comprising an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region that includes an engineered D_H region as described herein.

Provided herein is a method of making a rodent whose genome comprises an engineered D_H region, the method comprising:

(A) generating a rodent from the embryonic stem cell of the present invention, or
(B)
1. (a) modifying the genome of a rodent embryonic stem cell to comprise a DNA fragment comprising one or more engineered D_H gene segments each comprising a D_H gene segment immediately adjacent and contiguous to a 23-mer RSS, optionally wherein the DNA fragment comprises the nucleotide molecule of the present invention, the targeting vector of the present invention, the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region modified according to the method of the present invention, or the immunoglobulin heavy chain of the present invention, and
2. (b) generating a rodent using the modified rodent embryonic stem cell of (a).

In some embodiments, modifying comprises replacing the one or more unrearranged human D_H gene segments, and optionally replacing or deleting one or more J_H gene segments, with the at least one D_H segments operably linked to a 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region is a human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region, e.g., wherein the human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region comprises an unrearranged human immunoglobulin heavy chain V_H gene cluster comprising at least one V_H gene segment, an unrearranged human immunoglobulin heavy chain D_H region comprising one or more unrearranged human D_H gene segments, and an unrearranged human immunoglobulin heavy chain J_H gene cluster comprising at one unrearranged human J_H gene segment, wherein the unrearranged human immunoglobulin heavy chain D_H region is modified to comprise at least one D_H segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, the modifying step results in the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region comprising (i) the full repertoire of functional human V_H gene segments, e.g., all functional V_H gene segments spanning between and including V_H3-74 to V_H6-1, (ii) the full repertoire of unrearranged human D_H gene segments except for D_H7-27 which is replaced with the at least one D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, and (iii) at least an unrearranged human J_H6 gene segment, and optionally at least an unrearranged J_H4 gene segment, an unrearranged J_H5 gene segment, and an unrearranged J_H6 gene segment. In some embodiments, the at least one D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises a D_H3-3 gene segment operably linked to a 5' - 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, the modifying step results in the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region comprising (i) a full repertoire of functional human V_H gene segments, e.g., all functional V_H gene segments spanning between and including V_H3-74 to V_H6-1, (ii) the full repertoire of unrearranged human D_H gene segments except that the unrearranged human D_H2-2, D_H2-8, and D_H2-15 gene segments are respectively replaced with a D_H2-2 gene segment operably linked at its 3' end to a 23-mer RSS, a human D_H2-8 gene segment operably linked at its 3' end to a 23-mer RSS, and a human D_H2-15 gene segment operably linked at its 3' end to a 23-mer RSS, and (iii) the full repertoire of unrearranged human J_H gene segments, e.g., an unrearranged human J_H1 gene segment, an unrearranged human J_H2 gene segment, an unrearranged human J_H3 gene segment, an unrearranged human J_H4 gene segment, an unrearranged human J_H5 gene segment, and an unrearranged human J_H6 gene segment. In some embodiments, the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (a) further comprises one or more rodent Adam6 genes, optionally wherein the one or more rodent Adam6 genes are located between two unrearranged V_H gene segments, e.g., between an unrearranged human V_H1-2 gene segment and an unrearranged human V_H6-1 gene segment, and/or (b) is operably linked to an immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region, optionally wherein the immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region is an endogenous rodent immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region, e.g., an endogenous rodent immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region at an endogenous immunoglobulin heavy chain locus. In some embodiments, the rodent is a rat or a mouse.

Also disclosed is a kit, comprising a rodent as described herein, a rodent cell or tissue as described herein, an immortalized cell as described herein, a rodent embryonic stem cell as described herein, or a rodent as described herein.

Also disclosed is a kit, for use in the manufacture and/or development of a drug (e.g., an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof) for therapy or diagnosis. In some instances, a kit as described herein is provided, for use in the manufacture and/or development of a drug (e.g., an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof) for the treatment, prevention or amelioration of a disease, disorder or condition.

In some embodiments, a transgene, nucleic acid construct, DNA construct, or targeting vector as described herein is provided that comprises an engineered D_H region as described herein. In some embodiments, a transgene, nucleic acid construct, DNA construct, or targeting vector further comprises one or more selection markers. In some embodiments, a transgene, nucleic acid construct, DNA construct, or targeting vector further comprises one or more site-specific recombination sites (e.g.,loxP, Frt, or combinations thereof). In some embodiments, a transgene, nucleic acid construct, DNA construct, or targeting vector is depicted inFigure 2.

In some embodiments, use of a transgene, nucleic acid construct, DNA construct, or targeting vector as described herein to make a rodent, rodent cell, rodent embryonic stem cell, and/or rodent embryo is provided.

In some embodiments, one or more D_H segments are each operably linked to a 3' 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, one or more D_H segments are each operably linked to a 5' 23-mer RSS.

In some embodiments, an engineered D_H region comprises one D_H segment operably linked to a 5' 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, an engineered D_H region comprises one D_H segment operably linked to a 3' RSS. In some embodiments of one D_H segment operably linked to a 5' 23-mer RSS, the one D_H segment is a synthetic D_H segment; in some embodiments, a synthetic human D_H segment; in some embodiments, a synthetic human D_H segment having a sequence that is identical or substantially identical to a human D_H3-3 segment. In some embodiments of one D_H segment operably linked to a 3' 23-mer RSS, the one D_H segment is a synthetic D_H segment; in some embodiments, a synthetic human D_H segment; in some embodiments, a synthetic human D_H segment having a sequence that is identical or substantially identical to a human D_H3-3 segment.

In some embodiments, an engineered D_H region comprises three D_H segments each operably linked to a 5' 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments of three D_H segments each operably linked to a 5' 23-mer RSS, the three D_H segments are synthetic D_H segments. In some embodiments of three D_H segments each operably linked to a 5' 23-mer RSS, the three D_H segments are human D_H2 family segments. In some embodiments of three D_H segments each operably linked to a 5' 23-mer RSS, the three D_H segments are selected from human D_H2-2, human D_H2-8, human D_H2-15, human D_H2-21 and combinations thereof. In some embodiments of three D_H segments each operably linked to a 5' 23-mer RSS, the three D_H segments are human D_H2-2, human D_H2-8 and human D_H2-15.

In some embodiments, an engineered D_H region comprises three D_H segments each operably linked to a 3' 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments of three D_H segments each operably linked to a 3' 23-mer RSS, the three D_H segments are synthetic D_H segments. In some embodiments of three D_H segments each operably linked to a 3' 23-mer RSS, the three D_H segments are human D_H2 family segments. In some embodiments of three D_H segments each operably linked to a 3' 23-mer RSS, the three D_H segments are selected from human D_H2-2, human D_H2-8, human D_H2-15, human D_H2-21 and combinations thereof. In some embodiments of three D_H segments each operably linked to a 3' 23-mer RSS, the three D_H segments are human D_H2-2, human D_H2-8 and human D_H2-15.

In some embodiments, an engineered D_H region as described herein includes a plurality of human D_H segments, wherein at least one of the plurality of human D_H gene segments is operably linked to a 5' or a 3' RSS; in some embodiments, a 5' 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, an engineered D_H region as described herein includes a plurality of human D_H segment, wherein at least three of the plurality of human D_H gene segments are each operably linked to a 5' or a 3' RSS; in some embodiments, a 3' 23-mer RSS.

In some embodiments, the genome of a provided rodent, rodent cell or rodent tissue lacks one or more wild-type D_H segments. In some embodiments, the genome of a provided rodent, rodent cell or rodent tissue lacks all or substantially all wild-type D_H segments. In some embodiments, the genome of a provided rodent, rodent cell or rodent tissue contains only human D_H segments.

In some embodiments, an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region is a human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region. In some embodiments, a human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region is operably linked to an immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region. In some embodiments, an immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region is an endogenous (e.g., non-human) immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region.

In some embodiments, a human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region includes the human V_H gene segments from V_H3-74 to V_H6-1. In some embodiments, a human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region includes at least human J_H gene segment J_H6. In some embodiments, a human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region includes at least human J_H gene segments J_H4, J_H5 and J_H6. In some embodiments, a human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region includes human J_H gene segments J_H1, J_H2, J_H3, J_H4, J_H5 and J_H6.

In some embodiments of a rodent, rodent cell or rodent tissue, the genome lacks an endogenous Adam6 gene. In some embodiments of a rodent animal, rodent cell or rodent tissue, the genome further comprises insertion of one or more nucleotide sequences encoding one or more rodent Adam6 polypeptides; in some embodiments, the one or more nucleotide sequences are inserted between a first and a second human V_H gene segment; in some embodiments, the one or more nucleotide sequences are inserted in the place of a human Adam6 pseudogene; in some embodiments, the one or more nucleotide sequences are inserted between a human V_H gene segment and a human D_H gene segment. In some embodiments, a first human V_H gene segment is human V_H1-2 and a second human V_H gene segment is human V_H6-1.

In some embodiments, a provided rodent, rodent cell or rodent tissue is homozygous, heterozygous or hemizygous for an engineered D_H region as described herein. In some embodiments, a provided rodent, rodent cell or rodent tissue is transgenic for an engineered D_H region as described herein.

In some embodiments, a method of making a rodent whose genome comprises an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region that includes an engineered D_H region is provided, the method comprising (a) inserting a DNA fragment into a rodent embryonic stem cell, which DNA fragment comprises one or more D_H segments that are each operably linked to a 23-mer RSS; (b) obtaining the rodent embryonic stem cell generated in (a); and (c) creating a rodent using the rodent embryonic stem cell of (b).

In some embodiments, a DNA fragment comprises one or more D_H segments are each operably linked to a 3' 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, a DNA fragment comprises one D_H segment operably linked to a 3' 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, a DNA fragment comprises one synthetic human D_H segment operably linked to a 3' 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, a DNA fragment comprises one synthetic human D_H3-3 segment operably linked to a 3' 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, a DNA fragment comprises three D_H segments each operably linked to a 3' 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, a DNA fragment comprises three human D_H segments each operably linked to a 3' 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, a DNA fragment comprises three human D_H segments each operably linked to a 3' 23-mer RSS, which human D_H segments are human D_H2-2, human D_H2-8 and human D_H2-15.

In some embodiments, a DNA fragment comprises one or more D_H segments, each of which is operably linked to a 5' 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, a DNA fragment comprises one D_H segment operably linked to a 5' 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, a DNA fragment comprises one synthetic human D_H segment operably linked to a 5' 23-mer. In some embodiments, a DNA fragment comprises one synthetic human D_H3-3 segment operably linked to a 5' 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, a DNA fragment comprises one synthetic human D_H3-3 segment operably linked to a 5' 23-mer RSS, which synthetic human D_H3-3 segment is positioned in a human D_H region in the place of a human D_H7-27 segment.

In some embodiments, a DNA fragment comprises one or more selection markers. In some embodiments, a DNA fragment comprises one or more site-specific recombination sites.

Also disclosed is a method of making a rodent whose genome comprises an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region that includes an engineered D_H region, the method comprising a step of modifying the genome of a rodent or rodent cell so that it comprises an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region that includes an engineered D_H region, which engineered D_H region comprises one or more D_H segments that are each operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, thereby making rodent.

In some embodiments of making a rodent, the genome of the rodent or rodent cell is modified to include one or more D_H segments that are each operably linked to a 5' 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments of making a rodent, the genome of the rodent or rodent cell is modified to include one or more D_H segments that are each operably linked to a 3' 23-mer RSS.

In some embodiments, a method of producing an antibody or obtaining a nucleic acid encoding same is provided, the method comprising:

immunizing a rodent with an antigen, which rodent comprises a germline genome comprising an engineered DH region that comprises one or more DH segments that are each immediately adjacent to a 23-mer RSS, optionally wherein the rodent is the rodent of the present invention or made according to the present invention, and
allowing the rodent to produce an immune response to the antigen including an antibody, or nucleic acid encoding same, that binds the antigen.
preferably wherein:(a) the method is one further comprising recovering the antibody, or nucleic acid encoding same, from the rodent or a rodent cell or wherein the rodent cell is a B cell or a hybridoma;(b) one or more DH segments that are each immediately adjacent to a 23-mer RSS comprises a DH gene segment operably linked to a 5' 23-mer RSS;(c) one or more DH segments that are each immediately adjacent to a 23-mer RSS comprises a DH gene segment operably linked to a 3' 23-mer RSS; and/or(d) the rodent is a rat or a mouse.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises recovering the antibody, or nucleic acid encoding same, from the rodent or a rodent cell, e.g., is a B cell or a hybridoma. In some embodiments, the one or more D_H segments are each operably linked to a 5' 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, one or more D_H segments are each operably linked to a 3' 23-mer RSS.

In some embodiments, the method comprising the steps of (a) immunizing a rodent animal with an antigen, which rodent has a genome comprising an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region that includes an engineered D_H region, which engineered D_H region comprises one or more D_H segments that are each operably linked to a 23-mer RSS; (b) maintaining the rodent under conditions sufficient that the rodent produces an immune response to the antigen; and (c) recovering an antibody from the non-human animal, or a non-human animal cell, that binds the antigen. In some embodiments, a rodent cell is a B cell. In some embodiments, a rodent cell is a hybridoma.

Also disclosed is a rodent whose genome comprises a human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region that comprises one or more human V_H gene segments, an engineered D_H region that includes at least one human D_H segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, and at least one human J_H gene segment, wherein the human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region is operably linked to one or more endogenous immunoglobulin constant region genes so that the rodent is characterized in that when it is immunized with an antigen, it generates antibodies comprising human heavy chain variable domains that include CDR3 regions generated by human D_H-D_H recombination and/or enhanced recombination to a J_H6 gene segment, and wherein the antibodies show specific binding to the antigen. In some instances, the at least one human D_H segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS is positioned in the place of a human D_H7-27 segment. In some instances, a human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region comprises less than all six human J_H gene segments. In some instances, a human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region comprises only one of the six human J_H gene segment. In some instances, a human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region comprises the human J_H6 gene segment and lacks a functional J_H1 gene segment, lacks a functional J_H2 gene segment, lacks a functional J_H3 gene segment, lacks a functional J_H4 gene segment, and lacks a functional J_H5 gene segment. In some instances, a human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region comprises only three of the six human J_H gene segments. In some instances, a human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region comprises only human J_H4 gene segment, the human J_H5 gene segment, and the human J_H6 gene segment, and lacks functional J_H1 gene segment, lacks a functional J_H2 gene segment, and lacks a functional J_H3 gene segment. In some instances, wherein a rodent whose genome comprises a human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region comprising less than all six human J_H gene segments, e.g., a human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region that comprises only one of the six human J_H gene segments (e.g., a human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region that comprises the human J_H6 gene segment and lacks a functional J_H1 gene segment, lacks a functional J_H2 gene segment, lacks a functional J_H3 gene segment, lacks a functional J_H4 gene segment, and lacks a functional J_H5 gene segment), exhibits enhanced recombination to a J_H6 gene segment compared to a control rodent whose genome comprises a human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region comprising all six human J_H gene segments, e.g., the rodent comprises a greater percentage of rearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain sequences comprising the J_H6 gene segment sequence or portion thereof and/or encoding a CDR3 length of at least 20 amino acids thereof than the control non-human animal. In some instances, wherein a rodent whose genome comprises a human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region comprising less than all six human J_H gene segments, e.g., a human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region that comprises only three of the six human J_H gene segment (e.g., a human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region that comprises a human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region comprises human J_H4 gene segment, the human J_H5 gene segment, and the human J_H6 gene segment, and lacks functional J_H1 gene segment, lacks a functional J_H2 gene segment, and lacks a functional J_H3 gene segment), exhibits enhanced recombination to a J_H6 gene segment compared to a control rodent whose genome comprises a human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region comprising all six human J_H gene segments, e.g., the rodent comprises a greater percentage of rearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain sequences comprising the J_H6 gene segment sequence or portion thereof and/or encoding a CDR3 length of at least 20 amino acids compared than the control rodent.

Also disclosed is a rodent whose genome comprises a human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region that comprises one or more human V_H gene segments, an engineered D_H region that includes at least one human D_H segment flanked 3' by a 23-mer RSS, and at least two human J_H gene segments, wherein the human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region is operably linked to one or more endogenous immunoglobulin constant region genes so that the rodent is characterized in that when it is immunized with an antigen, it generates antibodies comprising human heavy chain variable domains that include CDR3 regions generated by human D_H-D_H recombination, and wherein the antibodies show specific binding to the antigen. In some instances, an engineered D_H region includes at least three human D_H segments that are each flanked 3' by a 23-mer RSS. In some instances, an engineered D_H region includes three human D_H segments that are each flanked 3' by a 23-mer RSS, which three human D_H segments are human D_H2-2, human D_H2-8 and human D_H2-15. In some instances, a human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region includes the human V_H gene segments from V_H3-74 to V_H6-1.

In some embodiments, the antigen is a pathogen, e.g., a bacterial, fungal, or viral pathogen. In some embodiments, immunization of a rodent herein comprises infecting the rodent with a pathogen, e.g., a bacterial, fungal, or viral pathogen. In some embodiments, immunization of a rodent herein comprises administering to the rodent genomic or proteinaceous material isolated from the pathogen, e.g., bacterial, fungal, or viral pathogen. In some embodiments, the antigen is a receptor (e.g., a complement receptor, a chemokine receptor, etc.), or portion thereof. In some embodiments, the antigen is a nucleic acid encoding the receptor, or portion thereof. In some embodiments, the antigen is a cell expressing the receptor, or portion thereof. In some embodiments, the antigen is an ion channel, or portion thereof. In some embodiments, the antigen is a nucleic acid encoding the ion channel or portion thereof. In some embodiments, the antigen is a cell expressing the ion channel, or portion thereof.

In some embodiments, a provided rodent, rodent cell or rodent tissue has a genome that further comprises an insertion of one or more human V_L gene segments and one or more human J_L gene segments into an endogenous light chain locus. In some embodiments, human V_L and J_L segments are Vκ and Jκ gene segments and are inserted into an endogenous κ light chain locus. In some embodiments, human Vκ and Jκ gene segments are operably linked to a rodent Cκ gene (e.g. a mouse or a rat Cκ gene). In some embodiments, human V_L and J_L segments are Vλ and Jλ gene segments and are inserted into an endogenous λ light chain locus. In some embodiments, human Vλ and Jλ gene segments are operably linked to a rodent Cλ gene (e.g., a mouse or a rat Cλ gene).

Also disclosed is the use of a rodent, rodent cell or rodent tissue as described herein in the manufacture and/or development of a drug or vaccine for use in medicine, such as use as a medicament. In some embodiments, use of a rodent, rodent cell or rodent tissue as described herein in the manufacture and/or development of an antibody for administration to humans is provided. Also disclosed is the use of a rodent, rodent cell or rodent tissue as described herein in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment, prevention or amelioration of a disease, disorder or condition.

Also disclosed is a rodent, rodent cell or rodent tissue as described herein for use in the manufacture and/or development of a drug for therapy or diagnosis. Also disclosed is a rodent animal, rodent cell or rodent tissue as described for use in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment, prevention or amelioration of a disease, disorder or condition.

In some embodiments, a rodent provided is a mouse; in some embodiments, a rat. In many embodiments, a rodent cell is a mouse cell; in some embodiments, a rat cell. In many embodiments, a rodent tissue provided herein is a mouse tissue; in some embodiments, a rat tissue.

In some embodiments, a 23-mer RSS comprises a nucleotide sequence comprising a sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO: 151.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The Drawing included herein, which is composed of the following Figures, is for illustration purposes only and not for limitation.

Figure 1 shows a general illustration, not to scale, of embodiments of the present invention showing ordered assembly of gene segments in a DJ recombination event for immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region gene segments with an unmodified DH region (top panel) and engineered DH region (bottom panel). 12-mer recombination signal sequences (RSS) are depicted as unfilled triangles. 23-mer RSS are depicted as triangles with vertical stripes. Illustrative unmodified VH gene segments (unfilled boxes) and DH gene segments (filled boxes) are respectively depicted as unfilled and filled boxes and are provided generic nomenclature using letters of the alphabet. D gene segments (e.g., DH3-3) operably linked to a 23-mer RSS and unmodified JH gene segments are respectively depicted as boxes filled with horizontal stripes and unfilled boxes and provided their proper nomenclature. Also shown is the µ0 promoter (µ 0 pro). Not depicted is recombination of a VH gene segment to the recombined DJ gene segment.
Figure 2 shows illustrations, not to scale, of exemplary embodiments of targeting vectors made according to Example 1. Hash lines represent DH gene segments that are included in the targeting vector but are not specifically depicted.
Figure 3 shows an illustration, not to scale, of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of inserting the 23:DH3-3:12/JH6 targeting vector into a humanized immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region locus in the genome of mouse ES cells via electroporation (EP). Hash lines represent VH gene segments or DH gene segments that are included in the heavy chain variable region locus but are not specifically depicted.
Figure 4 shows an illustration, not to scale, of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of Cre-mediated deletion of selection cassettes in humanized immunoglobulin heavy chain loci after electroporation and integration of the 23:DH3-3:12/JH6 targeting vector as described in Examples 1 and 2. Hash lines represent VH gene segments or DH gene segments that are included in the heavy chain variable region locus but are not specifically depicted.
Figure 5 shows an illustration, not to scale, of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of inserting the 23:DH3-3:12/JH4-6 targeting vector into a humanized immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region locus in the genome of mouse ES cells via electroporation (EP). Hash lines represent VH gene segments or DH gene segments that are included in the heavy chain variable region locus but are not specifically depicted.
Figure 6 shows an illustration, not to scale, of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of Cre-mediated deletion of selection cassettes in humanized immunoglobulin heavy chain loci after electroporation and integration of the 23:DH3-3:12/JH4-6 targeting vector as described in Examples 1 and 2. Hash lines represent VH gene segments or DH gene segments that are included in the heavy chain variable region locus but are not specifically depicted.
Figure 7 shows an illustration, not to scale, of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of inserting the 12:DH2-2:23|12:DH2-8:23|12:DH2-15:23/JH1-6 targeting vector into a humanized immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region locus in the genome of mouse ES cells via electroporation (EP). Hash lines represent VH gene segments or DH gene segments that are included in the heavy chain variable region locus but are not specifically depicted. Filled triangles represent pseudogenes.
Figure 8 shows an illustration, not to scale, of an exemplary non-limiting embodiment of Cre-mediated deletion of selection cassettes in humanized immunoglobulin heavy chain loci after electroporation and integration of the 12:DH2-2:23|12:DH2-8:23|12:DH2-15:23 targeting vector as described in Examples 1 and 2. Hash lines represent VH gene segments or DH gene segments that are included in the heavy chain variable region locus but are not specifically depicted
Figure 9A shows results in connection with an embodiment of the invention, graphing the percentages (y-axes) of all functional immunoglobulin (Ig) reads resulting from a DH-DH recombination event (bottom panel) that have a CDR3 of a particular amino acid length (x-axes) isolated from animals modified with the 12:DH2-2:23|12:DH2-8:23|12:DH2-15:23 targeting vector. "S1," "S2," and "S3" each represent a different experimental mouse.
Figure 9B shows results in connection with an embodiment of the invention, graphing the percentages (y-axes) of all Ig reads resulting from a DH-DH recombination event (bottom panel) that have a CDR3 of a particular amino acid length (x-axes) isolated from animals modified with the 12:DH2-2:23|12:DH2-8:23|12:DH2-15:23 targeting vector. "S1," "S2," and "S3" each represent a different experimental mouse.
Figure 10A shows results in connection with an embodiment of the invention, graphing the percentages (y-axes) of all functional immunoglobulin (Ig) reads resulting from a DH-DH recombination event that have a CDR3 comprising a certain number of cysteine residues (x-axes) isolated from animals modified with the 12:DH2-2:23|12:DH2-8:23|12:DH2-15:23 targeting vector. "S1," "S2," and "S3" each represent a different experimental mouse.
Figure 10B results in connection with an embodiment of the invention, graphing the percentages (y-axes) of all immunoglobulin (Ig) reads resulting from a DH-DH recombination event that have a CDR3 comprising a certain number of cysteine residues (x-axes) isolated from animals modified with the 12:DH2-2:23|12:DH2-8:23|12:DH2-15:23 targeting vector. "S1," "S2," and "S3" each represent a different experimental mouse.
Figure 11 shows results in connection with an embodiment of the present invention, graphing representative antibody titers (y-axis) in individual mice having humanized immunoglobulin heavy and κ light chain variable region loci (VI; see, e.g., U.S. Patent Nos. 8,697,940 and 8,642,835) and mice modified with the 23:DH3-3:12/JH6 targeting vector as described herein (V(DD)J), both cohorts of which were immunized with a DNA immunogen encoding a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). Antibody titers were determined by MSD cell binding on 293 cells engineered to express the GPCR (GPCR; x-axis) and on cells that do not express GPCR (control; x-axis).
Figure 12A shows results in connection with an embodiment of the present invention, showing the percentage (%; y-axes) of rearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain VHDHJH gene sequences and gene sequences presumed to be the result of VHDHA-DHBJH rearrangement according to the stringent criterion set forth in Table 7 isolated from the bone marrow (BM) or spleen of mice modified with the 23:DH3-3:12/JH6 targeting vector and encoding a heavy chain CDR3 (HCDR3) having an amino acid (AA) length of 5 to 30 amino acids (x-axes). BM and spleen cell numbers are not normalized to each other. n=1.
Figure 12B shows results in connection with an embodiment of the present invention, providing an enlargement of the graph shown in panel Figure 12A. BM and spleen cell numbers are not normalized to each other. n=1.
Figure 12C shows results in connection with an embodiment of the present invention, showing the percentage of reads having a CDR3 greater than 21 amino acids in length in both the bone marrow or spleen of mice modified with the 23:DH3-3:12/JH6 targeting vector. BM and spleen cell numbers are not normalized to each other. n=1.
Figure 13 shows results in connection with an embodiment of the present invention, showing the percentage (%; y-axes) of presumed rearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain VHDHA-DHBJH gene sequences (according to the stringent criterion set forth in Table 7) isolated from the bone marrow (BM) or spleen of mice modified with the 23:DH3-3:12/JH6 targeting vector and encoding a heavy chain CDR3 (HCDR3) having an amino acid (AA) length of, all of which were over 20 amino acids in length (x-axes). BM and spleen cell numbers are not normalized to each other. n=1.

DEFINITIONS

In general, terminology is in accordance with its understood meaning in the art, unless clearly indicated otherwise. Explicit definitions of certain terms are provided herein and below; meanings of these and other terms in particular instances throughout this specification will be clear to those skilled in the art from context. Additional definitions for the following terms and other terms are set forth throughout the specification.

Use of ordinal terms such as "first," "second," "third," etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements.

The articles "a" and "an" in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to include the plural referents. Claims or descriptions that include "or" between one or more members of a group are considered satisfied if one, more than one, or all of the group members are present in, employed in, or otherwise relevant to a given product or process unless indicated to the contrary or otherwise evident from the context. The invention includes embodiments in which exactly one member of the group is present in, employed in, or otherwise relevant to a given product or process. The invention also includes embodiments in which more than one, or the entire group members are present in, employed in, or otherwise relevant to a given product or process. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention encompasses all variations, combinations, and permutations in which one or more limitations, elements, clauses, descriptive terms, etc., from one or more of the listed claims is introduced into another claim dependent on the same base claim (or, as relevant, any other claim) unless otherwise indicated or unless it would be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art that a contradiction or inconsistency would arise. Where elements are presented as lists, (e.g., in Markush group or similar format) it is to be understood that each subgroup of the elements is also disclosed, and any element(s) can be removed from the group. It should be understood that, in general, where the invention, or aspects of the invention, is/are referred to as comprising particular elements, features, etc., embodiments of the invention or aspects of the invention consist, or consist essentially of, such elements, features, etc. For purposes of simplicity those embodiments have not in every case been specifically set forth in so many words herein. It should also be understood that any embodiment or aspect of the invention can be explicitly excluded from the claims, regardless of whether the specific exclusion is recited in the specification.

As used in this application, the terms "about" and "approximately" are used as equivalents. Any numerals used in this application with or without about/approximately are meant to cover any normal fluctuations, e.g., +/- 5%, appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

Administration: refers to the administration of a composition to a subject or system (e.g., to a cell, organ, tissue, organism, or relevant component or set of components thereof). Those of ordinary skill will appreciate that route of administration may vary depending, for example, on the subject or system to which the composition is being administered, the nature of the composition, the purpose of the administration, etc.

For example, in some embodiments, administration to an animal subject (e.g., to a human or a rodent) may be bronchial (including by bronchial instillation), buccal, enteral, intradermal, intra-arterial, intradermal, intragastric, intramedullary, intramuscular, intranasal, intraperitoneal, intrathecal, intravenous, intraventricular, mucosal, nasal, oral, rectal, subcutaneous, sublingual, topical, tracheal (including by intratracheal instillation), transdermal, vaginal and/or vitreal. In some embodiments, administration may involve intermittent dosing. In some embodiments, administration may involve continuous dosing (e.g., perfusion) for at least a selected period of time. In some embodiments, an antibody produced by a rodent disclosed herein can be administered to a subject (e.g., a human subject or rodent). In some embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition includes an antibody produced by a rodent disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition can include a buffer, a diluent, an excipient, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition including an antibody produced by a rodent disclosed herein can be included in a container for storage or administration, for example, a vial, a syringe (e.g., an IV syringe), or a bag (e.g., an IV bag).

Biologically active: refers to a characteristic of any agent that has activity in a biological system,in vitro orin vivo (e.g., in an organism). For instance, an agent that, when present in an organism, has a biological effect within that organism is considered to be biologically active.

In particular embodiments where a protein or polypeptide is biologically active, a portion of that protein or polypeptide that confers at least one biological activity of the protein or polypeptide is typically referred to as a "biologically active" portion.

Comparable: refers to two or more agents, entities, situations, sets of conditions, etc. that may not be identical to one another but that are sufficiently similar to permit comparison there between so that conclusions may reasonably be drawn based on differences or similarities observed. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand, in context, what degree of identity is required in any given circumstance for two or more such agents, entities, situations, sets of conditions, etc. to be considered comparable.

Conservative: refers to a conservative amino acid substitution, i.e., a substitution of an amino acid residue by another amino acid residue having a side chain R group with similar chemical properties (e.g., charge or hydrophobicity). In general, a conservative amino acid substitution will not substantially change the functional properties of interest of a protein, for example, the ability of a receptor to bind to a ligand. Examples of groups of amino acids that have side chains with similar chemical properties include: aliphatic side chains such as glycine, alanine, valine, leucine, and isoleucine; aliphatic-hydroxyl side chains such as serine and threonine; amide-containing side chains such as asparagine and glutamine; aromatic side chains such as phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan; basic side chains such as lysine, arginine, and histidine; acidic side chains such as aspartic acid and glutamic acid; and sulfur-containing side chains such as cysteine and methionine. Conservative amino acids substitution groups include, for example, valine/leucine/isoleucine, phenylalanine/tyrosine, lysine/arginine, alanine/valine, glutamate/aspartate, and asparagine/glutamine.

In some embodiments, a conservative amino acid substitution can be a substitution of any native residue in a protein with alanine, as used in, for example, alanine scanning mutagenesis. In some embodiments, a conservative substitution is made that has a positive value in the PAM250 log-likelihood matrix disclosed inGonnet, G. H. et al., 1992, Science 256:1443-1445. In some embodiments, a substitution is a moderately conservative substitution wherein the substitution has a nonnegative value in the PAM250 log-likelihood matrix.

Control: refers to the art-understood meaning of a "control" being a standard against which results are compared. Typically, controls are used to augment integrity in experiments by isolating variables in order to make a conclusion about such variables. In some embodiments, a control is a reaction or assay that is performed simultaneously with a test reaction or assay to provide a comparator. A "control" may refer to a "control animal." A "control animal" may have a modification as described herein, a modification that is different as described herein, or no modification (i.e., a wild-type animal). In one experiment, a"test" (i.e., a variable being tested) is applied. In a second experiment, the"control," the variable being tested is not applied. A control may be a positive control or a negative control.

In some embodiments, a control is a historical control (i.e., of a test or assay performed previously, or an amount or result that is previously known). In some embodiments, a control is or comprises a printed or otherwise saved record.

Disruption: refers to the result of a homologous recombination event with a DNA molecule (e.g., with an endogenous homologous sequence such as a gene or gene locus).

In some embodiments, a disruption may achieve or represent an insertion, deletion, substitution, replacement, missense mutation, or a frame-shift of a DNA sequence(s), or any combination thereof. Insertions may include the insertion of entire genes, fragments of genes, e.g., exons, which may be of an origin other than the endogenous sequence (e.g., a heterologous sequence), or coding sequences derived or isolated from a particular gene of interest. In some embodiments, a disruption may increase expression and/or activity of a gene or gene product (e.g., of a protein encoded by a gene). In some embodiments, a disruption may decrease expression and/or activity of a gene or gene product. In some embodiments, a disruption may alter the sequence of a gene or an encoded gene product (e.g., an encoded protein). In some embodiments, a disruption may alter sequence of a chromosome or chromosome position in a genome. In some embodiments, a disruption may truncate or fragment a gene or an encoded gene product (e.g., an encoded protein). In some embodiments, a disruption may extend a gene or an encoded gene product. In some such embodiments, a disruption may achieve assembly of a fusion protein. In some embodiments, a disruption may affect level, but not activity, of a gene or gene product. In some embodiments, a disruption may affect activity, but not level, of a gene or gene product. In some embodiments, a disruption may have no significant effect on level of a gene or gene product. In some embodiments, a disruption may have no significant effect on activity of a gene or gene product. In some embodiments, a disruption may have no significant effect on either level or activity of a gene or gene product. In some embodiments, a significant effect can be measured by, e.g., but not limited to, a Student's T-test.

Endogenous locus orendogenous gene: refers to a genetic locus found in a parent or reference organism (or cell) prior to introduction of an alteration, disruption, deletion, insertion, modification, substitution or replacement as described herein.

In some embodiments, an endogenous locus comprises a sequence, in whole or in part, found in nature. In some embodiments, the endogenous locus is a wild-type locus. In some embodiments, a reference organism is a wild-type organism. In some embodiments, a reference organism is an engineered organism. In some embodiments, a reference organism is a laboratory-bred organism (whether wild-type or engineered).

Endogenous promoter: refers to a promoter that is naturally associated, e.g., in a wild-type organism, with an endogenous gene or genetic locus.

Engineered: refers, in general, to the aspect of having been manipulated by the hand of man. As is common practice and is understood by those in the art, progeny of an engineered polynucleotide or cell are typically still referred to as"engineered even though the actual manipulation was performed on a prior entity. Furthermore, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of methodologies are available through which"engineering" as described herein may be achieved.

In some embodiments, a polynucleotide may be considered to be"engineered" when two or more sequences that are not linked together in that order in nature are manipulated by the hand of man to be directly linked to one another in the engineered polynucleotide. In some embodiments, an engineered polynucleotide may comprise a regulatory sequence, which is found in nature in operative linkage with a first coding sequence but not in operative linkage with a second coding sequence, linked by the hand of man so that it is operatively linked with the second coding sequence. In engineered D_H gene segment embodiments herein, a D_H gene segment is manipulated by the hand of man to be immediately adjacent to a 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments a D_H gene segment engineered to be operably linked to a 23-mer RSS is derived from another D_H gene segment, e.g., the D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises a nucleotide sequence identical to that of the other D_H gene segment but for differences due to the degeneracy of the genetic code and/or the replacement of a 12-mer RSS with a 23-mer RSS. Any other D_H gene segment and an engineered D_H gene segment derived therefrom (e.g., a D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS) may be considered corresponding gene segments. For example a human D_H3-3 gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS may be considered to correspond to a D_H3-3 gene segment flanked on one side by a 12-mer RSS and on the other side by another 12-mer RSS, wherein the D_H3-3 gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS and the D_H3-3 gene segment flanked on one side by a 12-mer RSS and on the other side by another 12-mer RSS share an identical nucleotide sequence except for differences due to degeneracy of the genetic code and/or the replacement of one of the two 12-mer RSS with the 23-mer RSS. Alternatively, or additionally, in some embodiments, first and second nucleic acid sequences that each encodes polypeptide elements or domains that in nature are not linked to one another may be linked to one another in a single engineered polynucleotide. Comparably, in some embodiments, a cell or organism may be considered to be"engineeredʺ if it has been manipulated so that its genetic information is altered (e.g., new genetic material not previously present has been introduced, or previously present genetic material has been altered or removed).

In some embodiments,"engineering" may involve selection or design (e.g., of nucleic acid sequences, polypeptide sequences, cells, tissues, and/or organisms) through use of computer systems programmed to perform analysis or comparison, or otherwise to analyze, recommend, and/or select sequences, alterations, etc.). Alternatively, or additionally, in some embodiments,"engineering" may involve use ofin vitro chemical synthesis methodologies and/or recombinant nucleic acid technologies such as, for example, for example, nucleic acid amplification (e.g., via the polymerase chain reaction) hybridization, mutation, transformation, transfection, etc., and/or any of a variety of controlled mating methodologies. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of established such techniques (e.g., for recombinant DNA, oligonucleotide synthesis, and tissue culture and transformation (e.g., electroporation, lipofection, etc.) are well known in the art and described in various general and more specific references that are cited and/or discussed throughout the present specification. See e.g.,Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual (2d ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., 1989).

Gene: refers to a DNA sequence in a chromosome that codes for a product (e.g., an RNA product and/or a polypeptide product). For the purpose of clarity, the term"gene" generally refers to a portion of a nucleic acid that encodes a polypeptide; the term may optionally encompass regulatory sequences, as will be clear from context to those of ordinary skill in the art. This definition is not intended to exclude application of the term"gene" to non-protein-coding expression units but rather to clarify that, in most cases, the term as used in this document refers to a polypeptide-coding nucleic acid.

In some embodiments, a gene includes coding sequence (i.e., sequence that encodes a particular product). In some embodiments, a gene includes non-coding sequence. In some embodiments, a gene may include both coding (e.g., exonic) and non-coding (e.g., intronic) sequence. In some embodiments, a gene may include one or more regulatory sequences (e.g., promoters, enhancers,etc.) and/or intron sequences that, for example, may control or impact one or more aspects of gene expression (e.g., cell-type-specific expression, inducible expression, etc.).

Heterologous: refers to an agent or entity from a different source. For example, when used in reference to a polypeptide, gene, or gene product present in a particular cell or organism, the term clarifies that the relevant polypeptide or fragment thereof, gene or fragment thereof, or gene product or fragment thereof: (1) was engineered by the hand of man; (2) was introduced into the cell or organism (or a precursor thereof) through the hand of man (e.g., via genetic engineering); and/or (3) is not naturally produced by or present in the relevant cell or organism (e.g., the relevant cell type or organism type). Another example includes a polypeptide or fragment thereof, gene or fragment thereof, or gene product or fragment thereof that is normally present in a particular native cell or organism, but has been modified, for example, by mutation or placement under the control of non-naturally associated and, in some embodiments, non-endogenous regulatory elements (e.g., a promoter).

Host cell: refers to a cell into which a heterologous (e.g., exogenous) nucleic acid or protein has been introduced. Persons of skill upon reading this disclosure will understand that such terms refer not only to the particular subject cell, but also is used to refer to the progeny of such a cell. Because certain modifications may occur in succeeding generations due to either mutation or environmental influences, such progeny may not, in fact, be identical to the parent cell, but are still included within the scope of the term"host cell".

In some embodiments, a host cell is or comprises a prokaryotic or eukaryotic cell. In embodiments, a host cell is or comprises a mammalian cell. In general, a host cell is any cell that is suitable for receiving and/or producing a heterologous nucleic acid or protein, regardless of the Kingdom of life to which the cell is designated. Exemplary cells include those of prokaryotes and eukaryotes (single-cell or multiple-cell), bacterial cells (e.g., strains ofEscherichia coli, Bacillus spp.,Streptomyces spp., etc.), mycobacteria cells, fungal cells, yeast cells (e.g.,Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Pichia pastoris, Pichia methanolica, etc.), plant cells, insect cells (e.g., SF-9, SF-21, baculovirus-infected insect cells,Trichoplusia ni, etc.), non-human animal cells, human cells, or cell fusions such as, for example, hybridomas or quadromas.

In some embodiments, the cell is a human, monkey, ape, hamster, rat, or mouse cell. In some embodiments, the cell is eukaryotic and is selected from the following cells: CHO (e.g., CHO K1, DXB-11 CHO, Veggie-CHO), COS (e.g., COS-7), retinal cell, Vero, CV1, kidney (e.g., HEK293, 293 EBNA, MSR 293, MDCK, HaK, BHK), HeLa, HepG2, WI38, MRC 5, Colo205, HB 8065, HL-60, (e.g., BHK21), Jurkat, Daudi, A431 (epidermal), CV-1, U937, 3T3, L cell, C127 cell, SP2/0, NS-0, MMT 060562, Sertoli cell, BRL 3A cell, HT1080 cell, myeloma cell, tumor cell, and a cell line derived from an aforementioned cell. In some embodiments, the cell comprises one or more viral genes, e.g., a retinal cell that expresses a viral gene (e.g., a PER.C6^® cell). In some embodiments, a host cell is or comprises an isolated cell. In some embodiments, a host cell is part of a tissue. In some embodiments, a host cell is part of an organism.

Humanized: refers to a molecule (e.g., a nucleic acid, protein, etc.) that was non-human in origin and for which a portion has been replaced with a corresponding portion of a corresponding human molecule in such a manner that the modified (e.g., humanized) molecule retains its biological function and/or maintains the structure that performs the retained biological function. In contrast "human" and the like encompasses molecules having only a human origin, e.g., human nucleotides or protein comprising only human nucleotide and amino acid sequences respectively. The term "human(ized)" is used to reflect that the human(ized) molecule may be (a) a human molecule or (b) a humanized molecule.

Identity: in connection with a comparison of sequences, refers to identity as determined by a number of different algorithms known in the art that can be used to measure nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence identity.

In some embodiments, identities as described herein are determined using a ClustalW v. 1.83 (slow) alignment employing an open gap penalty of 10.0, an extend gap penalty of 0.1, and using a Gonnet similarity matrix (MACVECTOR^™ 10.0.2, MacVector Inc., 2008).

In vitro: refers to events that occur in an artificial environment, e.g., in a test tube or reaction vessel, in cell culture, etc., rather than within a multi-cellular organism.

In vivo: refers to events that occur within a multi-cellular organism, such as a human and/or a non-human animal. In the context of cell-based systems, the term may be used to refer to events that occur within a living cell (as opposed to, for example,in vitro systems).

Isolated: refers to a substance and/or entity that has been (1) separated from at least some of the components with which it was associated when initially produced (whether in nature and/or in an experimental setting), and/or (2) designed, produced, prepared, and/or manufactured by the hand of man. Isolated substances and/or entities may be separated from about 10 or more of the other components with which they were initially associated. In some embodiments, isolated agents are at least about 80% or more pure. A substance is"pure" if it is substantially free of other components. In some embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, a substance may still be considered"isolated" or even"pure", after having been combined with certain other components such as, for example, one or more carriers or excipients (e.g., buffer, solvent, water, etc.); in such embodiments, percent isolation or purity of the substance is calculated without including such carriers or excipients.

To give but one example, in some embodiments, a biological polymer such as a polypeptide or polynucleotide that occurs in nature is considered to be"isolated" when: (a) by virtue of its origin or source of derivation is not associated with some or all of the components that accompany it in its native state in nature; (b) it is substantially free of other polypeptides or nucleic acids of the same species from the species that produces it in nature; or (c) is expressed by or is otherwise in association with components from a cell or other expression system that is not of the species that produces it in nature. Thus, for instance, in some embodiments, a polypeptide that is chemically synthesized or is synthesized in a cellular system different from that which produces it in nature is considered to be an"isolated" polypeptide. Alternatively, or additionally, in some embodiments, a polypeptide that has been subjected to one or more purification techniques may be considered to be an"isolated" polypeptide to the extent that it has been separated from other components: a) with which it is associated in nature; and/or b) with which it was associated when initially produced.

Non-human animal: refers to any vertebrate organism that is not a human.

A non-human animal may be a cyclostome, a bony fish, a cartilaginous fish (e.g., a shark or a ray), an amphibian, a reptile, a mammal, and a bird. In some embodiments, a non-human mammal is a primate, a goat, a sheep, a pig, a dog, a cow, or a rodent. The non-human animal of the present invention is a rodent. In some embodiments, the rodent is a rat or a mouse.

Nucleic acid: in its broadest sense, refers to any compound and/or substance that is or can be incorporated into an oligonucleotide chain and is generally interchangeable with nucleic acid molecule, nucleic acid sequence, nucleotide molecule, nucleotide molecule, which terms are also interchangeable with each other.

In some embodiments, a"nucleic acidʺ is a compound and/or substance that is or can be incorporated into an oligonucleotide chain via a phosphodiester linkage. As will be clear from context, in some embodiments,"nucleic acidʺ refers to individual nucleic acid residues (e.g., nucleotides and/or nucleosides); in some embodiments,"nucleic acidʺ refers to an oligonucleotide chain comprising individual nucleic acid residues. In some embodiments, a"nucleic acidʺ is or comprises RNA; in some embodiments, a"nucleic acidʺ is or comprises DNA. In some embodiments, a"nucleic acidʺ is, comprises, or consists of one or more natural nucleic acid residues. In some embodiments, a"nucleic acidʺ is, comprises, or consists of one or more nucleic acid analogs. In some embodiments, a nucleic acid analog differs from a"nucleic acidʺ in that it does not utilize a phosphodiester backbone. For example, in some embodiments, a"nucleic acidʺ is, comprises, or consists of one or more"peptide nucleic acids", which are known in the art and have peptide bonds instead of phosphodiester bonds in the backbone, are considered within the scope of the present invention. Alternatively, or additionally, in some embodiments, a"nucleic acidʺ has one or more phosphorothioate and/or 5'-N-phosphoramidite linkages rather than phosphodiester bonds. In some embodiments, a"nucleic acidʺ is, comprises, or consists of one or more natural nucleosides (e.g., adenosine, thymidine, guanosine, cytidine, uridine, deoxyadenosine, deoxythymidine, deoxyguanosine, and deoxycytidine). In some embodiments, a"nucleic acidʺ is, comprises, or consists of one or more nucleoside analogs (e.g., 2-aminoadenosine, 2-thiothymidine, inosine, pyrrolo-pyrimidine, 3-methyl adenosine, 5-methylcytidine, C-5 propynyl-cytidine, C-5 propynyl-uridine, 2-aminoadenosine, C5-bromouridine, C5-fluorouridine, C5-iodouridine, C5-propynyl-uridine, C5-propynyl-cytidine, C5-methylcytidine, 2-aminoadenosine, 7-deazaadenosine, 7-deazaguanosine, 8-oxoadenosine, 8-oxoguanosine, O(6)-methylguanine, 2-thiocytidine, methylated bases, intercalated bases, and combinations thereof). In some embodiments, a"nucleic acidʺ comprises one or more modified sugars (e.g., 2'-fluororibose, ribose, 2'-deoxyribose, arabinose, and hexose) as compared with those in natural nucleic acids. In some embodiments, a"nucleic acidʺ has a nucleotide sequence that encodes a functional gene product such as an RNA or protein. In some embodiments, a"nucleic acidʺ has a nucleotide sequence that encodes polypeptide fragment (e.g., a peptide). In some embodiments, a"nucleic acidʺ includes one or more introns. In some embodiments, a"nucleic acidʺ includes one or more exons. In some embodiments, a"nucleic acidʺ includes one or more coding sequences. In some embodiments, a"nucleic acidʺ is prepared by one or more of isolation from a natural source, enzymatic synthesis by polymerization based on a complementary template (in vivo orin vitro), reproduction in a recombinant cell or system, and chemical synthesis. In some embodiments, a"nucleic acidʺ is at least 3 or more residues long. In some embodiments, a"nucleic acidʺ is single stranded; in some embodiments, a"nucleic acidʺ is double stranded. In some embodiments, a"nucleic acidʺ has a nucleotide sequence comprising at least one element that encodes, or is the complement of a sequence that encodes, a polypeptide or fragment thereof. In some embodiments, a"nucleic acidʺ has enzymatic activity.

Operably linked: refers to a juxtaposition wherein the components described are in a relationship permitting them to function in their intended manner.

In some embodiments, operably linked nucleotide sequences are contiguous with one another, e.g., a nucleic acid sequence comprising an immunoglobulin gene segment operably linked to an RSS comprises the immunoglobulin gene segment nucleotide sequence contiguous with the RSS nucleotide sequence, e.g., the immunoglobulin gene segment is flanked at least on one side by (e.g., abuts) the RSS nucleotide sequence in a contiguous manner such that the immunoglobulin gene segment is immediately adjacent to the RSS nucleotide sequence.

In other embodiments, operable linkage does not require contiguity. For example, unrearranged variable region gene segments "operably linked" to each other are capable of rearranging to form a rearranged variable region gene, which unrearranged variable region gene segments may not necessarily be contiguous with one another. Unrearranged variable region gene segments operably linked to each other and to a contiguous constant region gene are capable of rearranging to form a rearranged variable region gene that is expressed in conjunction with the constant region gene as a polypeptide chain of an antigen binding protein. A control sequence "operably linked" to a coding sequence is ligated in such a way that expression of the coding sequence is achieved under conditions compatible with the control sequences. "Operably linked" sequences include both expression control sequences that are contiguous with the gene of interest and expression control sequences that act in trans or at a distance to control the gene of interest.

The term "expression control sequence", refers to polynucleotide sequences, which are necessary to affect the expression and processing of coding sequences to which they are ligated. "Expression control sequences" include: appropriate transcription initiation, termination, promoter and enhancer sequences; efficient RNA processing signals such as splicing and polyadenylation signals; sequences that stabilize cytoplasmic mRNA; sequences that enhance translation efficiency (i.e., Kozak consensus sequence); sequences that enhance protein stability; and when desired, sequences that enhance protein secretion. The nature of such control sequences differs depending upon the host organism. For example, in prokaryotes, such control sequences generally include promoter, ribosomal binding site and transcription termination sequence, while in eukaryotes typically, such control sequences include promoters and transcription termination sequence. The term "control sequences" is intended to include components whose presence is essential for expression and processing and can also include additional components whose presence is advantageous, for example, leader sequences and fusion partner sequences.

Generally, each unrearranged immunoglobulin V gene segment, D gene segment, or J gene segment is operably linked to (e.g., associated with, flanked on by one or both sides with, contiguous with, etc.) a recombination signal sequence (RSS), which may be a 12-mer RSS or a 23-mer RSS. Any gene segment flanked on each side by an RSS (including a D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS) has not undergone recombination, and thus, may be considered an "unrearranged" gene segment. In some embodiments, an unrearranged gene segment herein may comprise a gene segment in its germline (e.g., wildtype) configuration, e.g., a germline V_H gene segment and a germline J_H gene segment are each flanked on both sides by 23-mer RSS. In contrast, a germline D_H gene segment, e.g., an unrearranged D_H gene segment, is flanked on each side by a 12-mer RSS. A D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, e.g., an engineered D_H gene segment, also has not undergone recombination, and thus, comprises (i) a 23-mer RSS and (ii) a 12-mer RSS. An engineered D_H gene segment (e.g., a D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS) is able to rearrange with another D_H gene segment operably linked with a 12-mer RSS in accordance with the 12/23 rule of recombination.

Physiological conditions: has its art-understood meaning referencing conditions under which cells or organisms live and/or reproduce. In some embodiments, the term refers to conditions of the external or internal milieu that may occur in nature for an organism or cell system. In some embodiments, physiological conditions are those conditions present within the body of a human or non-human animal, especially those conditions present at and/or within a surgical site. Physiological conditions typically include, e.g., a temperature range of 20-40°C, atmospheric pressure of 1, pH of 6-8, glucose concentration of 1-20 mM, oxygen concentration at atmospheric levels, and gravity as it is encountered on earth. In some embodiments, conditions in a laboratory are manipulated and/or maintained at physiological conditions. In some embodiments, physiological conditions are encountered in an organism (e.g., non-human animal).

Polypeptide: refers to any polymeric chain of amino acids.

In some embodiments, a polypeptide has an amino acid sequence that occurs in nature. In some embodiments, a polypeptide has an amino acid sequence that does not occur in nature. In some embodiments, a polypeptide has an amino acid sequence that contains portions that occur in nature separately from one another (i.e., from two or more different organisms, for example, human and non-human portions). In some embodiments, a polypeptide has an amino acid sequence that is engineered in that it is designed and/or produced through action of the hand of man. In some embodiments, a polypeptide may comprise or consist of a plurality of fragments, each of which is found in the same parent polypeptide in a different spatial arrangement relative to one another than is found in the polypeptide of interest (e.g., fragments that are directly linked in the parent may be spatially separated in the polypeptide of interest or vice versa, and/or fragments may be present in a different order in the polypeptide of interest than in the parent), so that the polypeptide of interest is a derivative of its parent polypeptide.

Recombinant: refers to polypeptides that are designed, engineered, prepared, expressed, created or isolated by recombinant means, such as polypeptides expressed using a recombinant expression vector transfected into a host cell, polypeptides isolated from a recombinant, combinatorial human polypeptide library (Hoogenboom H. R., 1997 TIB Tech. 15:62-70;Hoogenboom H., and Chames P., 2000, Immunology Today 21:371-378;Azzazy H., and Highsmith W. E., 2002, Clin. Biochem. 35:425-445;Gavilondo J. V., and Larrick J. W., 2002, BioTechniques 29:128-145), antibodies isolated from an animal (e.g., a mouse) that is transgenic for human immunoglobulin genes (see e.g.,Taylor, L. D., et al., 1992, Nucl. Acids Res. 20:6287-6295;Little M. et al., 2000, Immunology Today 21:364-370;Kellermann S. A. and Green L. L., 2002, Current Opinion in Biotechnology 13:593-597;Murphy, A.J., et al., 2014, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 111(14):5153-5158) or polypeptides prepared, expressed, created or isolated by any other means that involves splicing selected sequence elements to one another.

In some embodiments, one or more of such selected sequence elements is found in nature. In some embodiments, one or more of such selected sequence elements is designedin silico. In some embodiments, one or more such selected sequence elements result from mutagenesis (e.g.,in vivo orin vitro) of a known sequence element, e.g., from a natural or synthetic source. For example, in some embodiments, a recombinant polypeptide comprises sequences found in the genome (or polypeptide) of a source organism of interest (e.g., human, mouse, etc.). In some embodiments, a recombinant polypeptide comprises sequences that occur in nature separately from one another (i.e., from two or more different organisms, for example, human and non-human portions) in two different organisms (e.g., a human and a non-human organism). In some embodiments, a recombinant polypeptide has an amino acid sequence that resulted from mutagenesis (e.g.,in vitro orin vivo, for example in a non-human animal), so that the amino acid sequences of the recombinant polypeptides are sequences that, while originating from and related to polypeptide sequences, may not naturally exist within the genome of a non-human animalin vivo.

Reference: refers to a standard or control agent, animal, cohort, individual, population, sample, sequence or value against which an agent, animal, cohort, individual, population, sample, sequence or value of interest is compared. A "reference" may refer to a "reference animal". A "reference animal" may have a modification as described herein, a modification that is different as described herein or no modification (i.e., a wild-type animal). Typically, as would be understood by those skilled in the art, a reference agent, animal, cohort, individual, population, sample, sequence or value is determined or characterized under conditions comparable to those utilized to determine or characterize the agent, animal (e.g., a mammal), cohort, individual, population, sample, sequence or value of interest.

In some embodiments, a reference agent, animal, cohort, individual, population, sample, sequence or value is tested and/or determined substantially simultaneously with the testing or determination of the agent, animal, cohort, individual, population, sample, sequence or value of interest. In some embodiments, a reference agent, animal, cohort, individual, population, sample, sequence or value is a historical reference, optionally embodied in a tangible medium. In some embodiments, a reference may refer to a control.

Substantially: refers to the qualitative condition of exhibiting total or near-total extent or degree of a characteristic or property of interest. One of ordinary skill in the biological arts will understand that biological and chemical phenomena rarely, if ever, go to completion and/or proceed to completeness or achieve or avoid an absolute result. The term "substantially" is therefore used to capture the potential lack of completeness inherent in many biological and chemical phenomena.

Substantial homology: refers to a comparison between amino acid or nucleic acid sequences. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, two sequences are generally considered to be "substantially homologous" if they contain homologous residues in corresponding positions. Homologous residues may be identical residues. Alternatively, homologous residues may be non-identical residues with appropriately similar structural and/or functional characteristics. For example, as is well known by those of ordinary skill in the art, certain amino acids are typically classified as "hydrophobic" or "hydrophilic" amino acids, and/or as having "polar" or "non-polar" side chains. Substitution of one amino acid for another of the same type may often be considered a "homologous" substitution. Typical amino acid categorizations are summarized below:

Alanine	Ala	A	Nonpolar	Neutral	1.8
Arginine	Arg	R	Polar	Positive	-4.5
Asparagine	Asn	N	Polar	Neutral	-3.5
Aspartic acid	Asp	D	Polar	Negative	-3.5
Cysteine	Cys	C	Nonpolar	Neutral	2.5
Glutamic acid	Glu	E	Polar	Negative	-3.5
Glutamine	Gln	Q	Polar	Neutral	-3.5
Glycine	Gly	G	Nonpolar	Neutral	-0.4
Histidine	His	H	Polar	Positive	-3.2
Isoleucine	Ile	I	Nonpolar	Neutral	4.5
Leucine	Leu	L	Nonpolar	Neutral	3.8
Lysine	Lys	K	Polar	Positive	-3.9
Methionine	Met	M	Nonpolar	Neutral	1.9
Phenylalanine	Phe	F	Nonpolar	Neutral	2.8
Proline	Pro	P	Nonpolar	Neutral	-1.6
Serine	Ser	S	Polar	Neutral	-0.8
Threonine	Thr	T	Polar	Neutral	-0.7
Tryptophan	Trp	W	Nonpolar	Neutral	-0.9
Tyrosine	Tyr	Y	Polar	Neutral	-1.3
Valine	Val	V	Nonpolar	Neutral	4.2
Ambiguous Amino Acids			3-Letter	1-Letter
Asparagine or aspartic acid			Asx	B
Glutamine or glutamic acid			Glx	Z
Leucine or Isoleucine			Xle	J
Unspecified or unknown amino acid			Xaa	X

As is well known in this art, amino acid or nucleic acid sequences may be compared using any of a variety of algorithms, including those available in commercial computer programs such as BLASTN for nucleotide sequences and BLASTP, gapped BLAST, and PSI-BLAST for amino acid sequences. Exemplary such programs are described inAltschul, S. F. et al., 1990, J. Mol. Biol., 215(3): 403-410;Altschul, S. F. et al., 1996, Methods in Enzymol. 266:460-80;Altschul, S. F. et al., 1997, Nucleic Acids Res., 25:3389-402;Baxevanis, A.D., and B. F. F. Ouellette (eds.) Bioinformatics: A Practical Guide to the Analysis of Genes and Proteins, Wiley, 1998; andMisener et al. (eds.) Bioinformatics Methods and Protocols (Methods in Molecular Biology, Vol. 132), Humana Press, 1998. In addition to identifying homologous sequences, the programs mentioned above typically provide an indication of the degree of homology.

In some embodiments, two sequences are considered to be substantially homologous if at least 95% or more of their corresponding residues are homologous over a relevant stretch of residues. In some embodiments, the relevant stretch is a complete sequence. In some embodiments, the relevant stretch is at least 9 or more residues. In some embodiments, the relevant stretch includes contiguous residues along a complete sequence. In some embodiments, the relevant stretch includes discontinuous residues along a complete sequence, for example, noncontiguous residues brought together by the folded conformation of a polypeptide or a portion thereof. In some embodiments, the relevant stretch is at least 10 or more residues.

Substantial identity: refers to a comparison between amino acid or nucleic acid sequences. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, two sequences are generally considered to be "substantially identical" if they contain identical residues in corresponding positions. As is well known in this art, amino acid or nucleic acid sequences may be compared using any of a variety of algorithms, including those available in commercial computer programs such as BLASTN for nucleotide sequences and BLASTP, gapped BLAST, and PSI-BLAST for amino acid sequences. Exemplary such programs are described inAltschul, S. F. et al., 1990, J. Mol. Biol., 215(3): 403-410;Altschul, S. F. et al., 1996, Methods in Enzymol. 266:460-80;Altschul, S. F. et al., 1997, Nucleic Acids Res., 25:3389-3402;Baxevanis, A.D., and B. F. F. Ouellette (eds.) Bioinformatics: A Practical Guide to the Analysis of Genes and Proteins, Wiley, 1998; andMisener et al. (eds.) Bioinformatics Methods and Protocols (Methods in Molecular Biology, Vol. 132), Humana Press, 1998. In addition to identifying identical sequences, the programs mentioned above typically provide an indication of the degree of identity.

In some embodiments, two sequences are considered to be substantially identical if at least 95% or more of their corresponding residues are identical over a relevant stretch of residues. In some embodiments, the relevant stretch is a complete sequence. In some embodiments, the relevant stretch is at least 10 or more residues.

Targeting vector ortargeting construct: refers to a polynucleotide molecule that comprises a targeting region. A targeting region comprises a sequence that is identical or substantially identical to a sequence in a target cell, tissue or animal and provides for integration of the targeting construct into a position within the genome of the cell, tissue or animal via homologous recombination. Targeting regions that target using site-specific recombinase recognition sites (e.g.,loxP or Frt sites) are also included.

In some embodiments, a targeting construct as described herein further comprises a nucleic acid sequence or gene of particular interest, a selectable marker, control and or regulatory sequences, and other nucleic acid sequences that allow for recombination mediated through exogenous addition of proteins that aid in or facilitate recombination involving such sequences. In some embodiments, a targeting construct as described herein further comprises a gene of interest in whole or in part, wherein the gene of interest is a heterologous gene that encodes a polypeptide, in whole or in part, that has a similar function as a protein encoded by an endogenous sequence. In some embodiments, a targeting construct as described herein further comprises a humanized gene of interest, in whole or in part, wherein the humanized gene of interest encodes a polypeptide, in whole or in part, that has a similar function as a polypeptide encoded by an endogenous sequence. In some embodiments, a targeting construct (or targeting vector) may comprise a nucleic acid sequence manipulated by the hand of man. For example, in some embodiments, a targeting construct (or targeting vector) may be constructed to contain an engineered or recombinant polynucleotide that contains two or more sequences that are not linked together in that order in nature yet manipulated by the hand of man to be directly linked to one another in the engineered or recombinant polynucleotide.

Transgene ortransgene construct: refers to a nucleic acid sequence (encoding e.g., a polypeptide of interest, in whole or in part) that has been introduced into a cell by the hand of man such as by the methods described herein. A transgene could be partly or entirely heterologous, i.e., foreign, to the transgenic animal or cell into which it is introduced. A transgene can include one or more transcriptional regulatory sequences and any other nucleic acid, such as introns or promoters, which may be necessary for expression of a selected nucleic acid sequence. A transgene can include one or more selectable markers that allow for subsequent selection of progeny (e.g., cells) that have taken up the transgene.

Transgenic animal, transgenic non-human animal orTg⁺: are used interchangeably herein and refer to any non-naturally occurring non-human animal in which one or more of the cells of the non-human animal contain heterologous nucleic acid and/or gene encoding a polypeptide of interest, in whole or in part. The non-human animal of the present invention is a rodent.

In some embodiments, a heterologous nucleic acid sequence and/or gene is introduced into the cell, directly or indirectly by introduction into a precursor cell, by way of deliberate genetic manipulation, such as by microinjection or by infection with a recombinant virus. The term genetic manipulation does not include classic breeding techniques, but rather is directed to introduction of recombinant DNA molecule(s). This molecule may be integrated within a chromosome, or it may be extrachromosomally replicating DNA. The term "Tg⁺" includes animals that are heterozygous or homozygous for a heterologous nucleic acid and/or gene, and/or animals that have single or multicopies of a heterologous nucleic acid and/or gene.

Vector: refers to a nucleic acid molecule capable of transporting another nucleic acid to which it is associated.

In some embodiment, vectors are capable of extra-chromosomal replication and/or expression of nucleic acids to which they are linked in a host cell such as a eukaryotic and/or prokaryotic cell. Vectors capable of directing the expression of operably linked genes are referred to herein as "expression vectors."

Wild-type: has its art-understood meaning that refers to an entity having a structure and/or activity as found in nature in a "normal" (as contrasted with mutant, diseased, engineered, altered, etc.) state or context. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that wild-type genes and polypeptides often exist in multiple different forms (e.g., alleles).

[Deleted].

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides among other things, transgenic or engineered rodents having heterologous genetic material encoding one or more portions (functional fragments, binding portions, etc.) of human immunoglobulins, which heterologous genetic material is inserted into an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region locus so that the heterologous genetic material is operably linked with heavy chain constant (C_H) genes. It is contemplated that such rodents demonstrate a capacity to generate antibodies encoded by rearranged V(DD)J sequences. It is also contemplated that such rodents demonstrate an antibody population characterized by heavy chain variable regions having an increase in CDR3 diversity as compared to an antibody population having immunoglobulin heavy chain variable CDR3 diversity generated from a wild-type immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region locus (or an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region locus that appears in nature). Therefore, provided rodents are particularly useful for the development of antibody-based therapeutics that bind particular antigens, in particular, antigens associated with low and/or poor immunogenicity or antigens that are characterized by one or more epitopes that are unfavorable for binding by traditional (or wild-type) antibodies. In particular, the present invention encompasses the introduction of a 23-mer recombination signal sequence adjacent to (e.g., 5' or 3' of) one or more D_H segments of a D_H region in an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region resulting in the capacity for D_H-to-D_H segment rearrangement during VDJ recombination, and expression of antibodies having heavy chain variable regions and, in particular, CDR3 regions, which may be characterized by a longer amino acid length as compared to antibodies generated from VDJ recombination involving single D_H segments. Such transgenic rodents provide anin vivo system for identifying and developing antibodies and/or antibody-based therapeutics that bind disease targets beyond the targeting capabilities of established drug discovery technologies. Further, such transgenic rodents provide a useful animal model system for the development of antibodies and/or antibody-based therapeutics centered on or designed for disrupting protein-protein interactions that are central to various diseases and/or disease pathologies that affect humans.

As shown inFigure 1, top panel, recombination between immunoglobulin gene segments follows a rule commonly referred to as the 12/23 rule, in which gene segments flanked by recombination signal sequences (RSS) are joined by an ordered process. Each RSS consists of a conserved block of seven nucleotides (heptamer; 5'-CACAGTG-3'; SEQ ID NO: 144) that is contiguous with a coding sequence (e.g., a V_H, D_H or J_H segment) followed by a non-conserved region, known as the spacer which is either 12bp or 23bp in length, and a second conserved block of nine nucleotides (nonamer; 5'-ACAAAAACC-3'; SEQ ID NO:145). The spacer may vary in sequence, but its conserved length corresponds to one or two turns of the DNA double helix. This brings the heptamer and nonamer sequences to the same side of the DNA helix, where they can be bound by a complex of proteins that catalyzes recombination. An RSS with a 23bp spacer is a 23-mer RSS and an RSS with a 12bp spacer is a 12-mer RSS. The 12/23 rule of recombination generally promotes recombination between a 12-mer RSS and a 23-mer RSS and prohibits recombination between a 23-mer RSS and another 23-mer RSS, or between a 12-mer RSS and another 12-mer RSS, e.g., prohibits direct germline V_H-to-germline J_H recombination (i.e., 23-mer-to-23-mer joining) or germline D_H-germline D_H recombination (i.e., 12-mer-to-12-mer joining), although exceptions have been reported.

In some embodiments, rodents as described herein comprise an engineered immunoglobulin heavy chain diversity (D_H) region ("engineered D_H region") comprising:

wherein (i) the engineered DH gene segment and (ii) the unrearranged DH gene segment are operably linked such that (i) the engineered DH gene segment and (ii) the unrearranged DH gene segment are able to join in a DH-DH recombination event according to the 12/23 rule,
wherein the nucleotide molecule is suitable for obtaining rodents having the engineered DH region, and
optionally wherein the engineered DH region comprises only human DH gene segments. In some embodiments, antibodies containing CDR3s generated from such recombination may be characterized as having increased diversity resulting from longer amino acid length to direct binding to particular antigens (e.g., viruses, membrane channels, etc.). In some embodiments, rodents described herein comprise human heavy chain variable (VH) and joining (JH) gene segments operably linked with the engineered DH region so that VDJ recombination occurs between said VH, JH and more than one DH segment to create a heavy chain variable region that binds an antigen of interest. In some embodiments, an engineered DH region as described herein contains one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10 or more) human DH segments engineered to allow for (or promote) DH-to-DH recombination at an increased frequency as compared to a reference immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region locus.

In some embodiments, rodents as described herein further comprise a human or humanized immunoglobulin light chain locus (e.g., κ and/or λ) such that the non-human animals produce antibodies comprising human variable regions (i.e., heavy and light) and non-human constant regions. In some embodiments, said human or humanized immunoglobulin light chain locus comprises human V_L and J_L gene segments operably linked to a rodent light chain constant region (e.g., a rodent Cκ or Cλ). In some embodiments, rodents described herein further comprise an immunoglobulin light chain locus as described inU.S. Patent Nos. 9,796,788;9,969,814;U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2011/0195454 A1,2012/0021409 A1,2012/0192300 A1,2013/0045492 A1,2013/0185821 A1,2013/0302836 A1,2018/0125043; International Patent Application Publication Nos.WO 2011/097603,WO 2012/148873,WO 2013/134263,WO 2013/184761,WO 2014/160179,WO 2014/160202; andWO2019/113065).

Various aspects of the invention are described in detail in the following sections. The use of sections is not meant to be limiting to embodiments described herein. Each section can apply to any aspect or embodiment described herein. In this application, the use of "or" means "and/or" unless stated otherwise.

VDJ Recombination

Genes responsible for immunoglobulin synthesis are found in all cells of an animal and are arranged in gene segments, sequentially situated along the chromosome. The configuration of human gene segments that are inherited, e.g., the germline configuration of human gene segments, e.g., the order of human gene segments in the germline genome (e.g., the genome passed down to the next generation) of a human, may be found atLefranc, M.-P., Exp. Clin. Immunogenet., 18, 100-116 (2001), which also shows functional gene segments and pseudogenes found within the human immunoglobulin heavy chain locus in germline configuration. A series of recombination events, involving several genetic components, serves to assemble immunoglobulins from ordered arrangement of gene segments (e.g., V, D and J). This assembly of gene segments is known to be imprecise and, therefore, immunoglobulin diversity is achieved both by combination of different gene segments and formation of unique junctions through imprecise joining. Further diversity is generated through a process known as somatic hypermutation in which the variable region sequence of immunoglobulins is altered to increase affinity and specificity for antigen. The immunoglobulin molecule is a Y-shaped polypeptide composed of two identical heavy and two identical light chains, each of which have two structural components: one variable domain and one constant domain. It is the variable domains of heavy and light chains that are formed by the assembly of gene segments, while constant domains are fused to variable domains through RNA splicing. Although the mechanism of assembling (or joining) gene segments is similar for heavy and light chains, only one joining event is required for light chains (i.e., V to J) while two are required for heavy chains (i.e., D to J and V to DJ).

The assembly of gene segments for heavy and light chain variable regions (referred to respectively as VDJ recombination and VJ recombination) is guided by conserved noncoding DNA sequences that flank each gene segment, termed recombination signal sequences (RSSs), which ensure DNA rearrangements at precise locations relative to V, D and J coding sequences (see, e.g.,Ramsden, D.A. et al., 1994, Nuc. Acids Res. 22(10):1785-96). A representative schematic of the sequences involved in VDJ recombination of heavy chain gene segments as understood by a skilled artisan is set forth inFigure 1. Each RSS consists of a conserved block of seven nucleotides (heptamer) that is contiguous with a coding sequence (e.g., a V, D or J segment) followed by a spacer (either 12bp or 23bp) and a second conserved block of nine nucleotides (nonamer). Although considerable sequence divergence in the 12bp or 23Bp spacer among individuals is tolerated, the length of these sequences typically does not vary. Recombination between immunoglobulin gene segments follows a rule commonly referred to as the 12/23 rule, in which gene segments flanked by an RSS with a 12bp spacer (or 12-mer) are typically joined to a gene segment flanked by a 23bp spacer (or 23-mer; see, e.g.,Hiom, K. and M. Gellert, 1998, Mol. Cell. 1(7):1011-9). The sequence of an RSS has been reported to influence the efficiency and/or the frequency of recombination with a particular gene segment (see, e.g.,Ramsden, D.A and G.E. Wu, 1991, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 88:10721-5;Boubnov, N.V. et al., 1995, Nuc. Acids Res. 23:1060-7;Ezekiel, U.R. et al., 1995, Immunity 2:381-9;Sadofsky, M. et al., 1995, Genes Dev. 9:2193-9;Cuomo, C.A. et al., 1996, Mol. Cell Biol. 16:5683-90;Ramsden, D.A. et al., 1996, EMBO J 15:3197-3206). Indeed, many reports point to a highly biased and variable usage of gene segments, in particular, D_H segments, among individuals. Unless otherwise indicated or unless it would be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art that a contradiction or inconsistency would arise, an unrearranged gene segment without reference to an RSS is presumed to comprise the two RSS with which the gene segment is naturally associated, e.g., flanked by, operably linked to, etc. In some embodiments, an unrearranged gene segment herein may comprise a gene segment in its germline (e.g., wildtype) configuration, e.g., a germline V_H gene segment and a germline J_H gene segment are each flanked on both sides by 23-mer RSS. In contrast, a germline D_H gene segment, e.g., an unrearranged D_H gene segment, is flanked on each side by a 12-mer RSS.

As such, an unrearranged gene segment may also refer to a gene segment in its germline configuration, including any RSS associated with such germline configuration. Moreover, a plurality of gene segments in their germline configuration generally refers to the not only each individual gene segment being in its germline (e.g., unrearranged) configuration, but also the order and/or location of the functional gene segments. See, e.g.,Lefranc, M.-P., Exp. Clin. Immunogenet., 18, 100-116 (2001).

The assembly of gene segments to form heavy and light chain variable regions results in the formation of antigen-binding regions (or sites) of immunoglobulins. Such antigen-binding regions are characterized, in part, by the presence of hypervariable regions, which are commonly referred to as complementary determining regions (CDRs). There are three CDRs for both heavy and light chains (i.e., for a total of six CDRs) with both CDR1 and CDR2 being entirely encoded by the V gene segment. CDR3, however, is encoded by the sequence resulting from the joining of the V and J segments for light chains, and the V, D and J segments for heavy chains. Thus, the additional gene segment employed during recombination to form a heavy chain variable region coding sequence significantly increases the diversity of the antigen-binding sites of heavy chains. Thus, provided non-human animals containing an engineered D_H region as described herein generate CDR3 diversity characterized by D_H-to-D_H recombination and have an increased amino acid length as compared to CDR3 regions of heavy chain variable regions generated by traditional VDJ recombination.

Without being bound by theory, it is thought that further diversity in heavy chain CDR3 repertoire may possible through increasing the number of junctions forming the rearranged heavy chain variable region gene sequence and/or increasing the length of the CDR3 region. One mechanism to increase the number of junctions and/or increase the length of the CDR3 region may be through the joining of a first D_H segment (which may be generically referred to D_H"A") to another D_H segment (which may be generically referred to as D_H"B") in a D_H-D_H recombination event prior to subsequent D_H-J_H and V-D_HJ_H recombination events, leading to V_H(D_HA-D_HB)J_H gene sequence. In nature D_H-D_H recombination events were long thought to be prohibited by the 12/23 rule (Alt, F.W. et al., 1984, EMBO J. 3(6):1209-19). However, it appears that D_H-D_H recombination events do occur at very low frequency in humans in contravention of the 12/23 rule, (1 in 800 or ~0.125% naive B cells; see, e.g., Ollier, P.J. et al. 1985, EMBO J. 4(13B):3681-88;Milner, E.C.B. et al. 1986, Immunol. Today 7 :36-40;Liu, Z. et al., 1987, Nucleic Acids Res. 15(11):4688;Liu, Z. et al., 1987, Nucleic Acids Res. 15(15):6296;Meek, K.D. et al., 1989, J. Exp. Med. 169(2):519-33;Meek, K.D. et al., 1989, J. Exp. Med. 170:39-57;Baskin, B. et al. 1998, Clin. Exp. Immunol. 112:44-7;Briney, B.S. et al., 2012 Immunol. 137: 56-64) and are thought to be the primary mechanism for generating the unusually long CDR3s observed in some heavy chains (Janeway's Immunobiology. 9th Edition. Kenneth Murphy, Casey Weaver. Chapter 5, 2017). However, some potential therapeutic targets (e.g. but not limited to, viruses, cell surface receptors, type IV transmembrane proteins like GPCRs, ion channels) have masked or recessed epitopes that are inaccessible to normal antibodies but may be recognized by antibodies having long HCDR3 sequences. For example, antibodies with very long HCDR3s are often found in patients with chronic viral infections and in some cases have broadly neutralizing activity (e.g. broadly neutralizing antibodies to HIV-1 or influenza). To select antibodies capable of reaching these hidden epitopes, it would be useful to increase the frequency of heavy chains with very long HCDR3s. Without wishing to be bound by theory, one way to achieve this is to increase the frequency of heavy chain V_H(D_HA-D_HB)J_H rearrangements by engineering a D_H segments to comprise a 23-mer RSS and/or to increase the frequency of recombination of a D_H gene segment to the longer J_H6 gene segment. In mouse, D_H-J_H joining is thought to occur in two ordered steps: (1) primary rearrangement of the proximal DQ52 segment (referred to as D_H7-27 in humans) to one of the nearest J_H segments (J_H1 or J_H2). The strong µ0 promoter upstream of DQ52 then allows for the remaining J_H segments (J_H3 and J_H4) to be more accessible to recombination activating genes (RAGs); (2) secondary rearrangement of a distal D_H segment to one of the remaining J_H segments (J_H3 or J_H4).See,Figure 1, top panel. This is consistent with the more frequent usage of downstream J_H segments observed in both mice (J_H3-J_H4) and humans (J_H4-J_H6) (Nitschke et al. 2001 J. Immunol. 166:2540-52). Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is hypothesized that replacing D_H7-27 and J_H1-J_H3 (or J_H1-J_H5) with a synthetic D_H gene (e.g., a synthetic D_H3-3 segment) having a 5' 23-mer RSS and 3' 12-mer RSS would result in a high frequency of V_H(D_H-D_H)J_H recombination and may occur by a three-step mechanism: (1) 23-D_H-12 rearrangement to J_H4, J_H5, or J_H6 to yield a 23(D_H)J_H, (2) rearrangement of a distal D_H (D_H1-1 to D_H1-26) to the 23(D_H)J_H to yield a 12(D_H-D_H)J_H (V_H rearrangement to the 23(D_H)J_H would be prohibited by the 12/23 rule), (3) V_H to 12(D_H-D_H)J_H rearrangement to yield a VDDJ coding sequence encoding an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable domain.See, e.g.,Figure 1, bottom panel. It is also hypothesized that replacing D_H2-2, D_H2-8, and D_H2-15 gene segments, which are long D_H gene segments (comprising more than 31 nucleotides encoding two cysteines that form can form a disulfide bond thought to stabilize long HCDR3 regions [see, e.g.,Wang et al. 2013 Cell 153:1379-93], respectively with those gene segments operably linked to a 5'end 12-mer RSS and 3'end 23-mer RSS would also result in a high frequency of V_H(D_H-D_H)J_H recombination that may occur by a three-step mechanism: (1) 12:D_H-12 rearrangement to J_H4, J_H5, or J_H6 to yield a 12(D_H)J_H, (2) rearrangement of a distal 12:D_H2-2:23, 12:D_H2-8:23, or 12:D_H2-15-23 to the 12(D_H)J_H to yield a 12(D_H-D_H)J_H, and (3) V_H to 12(D_H-D_H)J_H rearrangement to yield a VDDJ coding sequence encoding an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable domain. As described herein, an engineered D_H region was constructed by placing a 23-mer spacer at either a 5' or 3' flanking position adjacent to one or more D_H segments, thereby enabling Dr_H to D_H recombination in a humanized immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region locus.

In some embodiments rodents described herein comprise an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region locus that demonstrates VDJ recombination that does not follow the 12/23 rule as compared to a reference rodent. In some embodiments, rodents described herein comprise one or more RSSs adjacent to or flanking one or more D_H segments that are modified as compared to wild-type D_H segments. In some embodiments, one or more D_H gene segments of an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region of a non-human animal as described herein are each operably linked to either a 5' or 3' 23-mer RSS so that the frequency of D_H-D_H recombination is increased in the rodent as compared to a reference rodent. Recombination efficiency and/or frequency may be determined, in some embodiments, by usage frequencies of gene segments in a population of antibody sequences (e.g., from an individual or group of individuals; see e.g.,Arnaout, R. et al., 2011, PLoS One 6(8):e22365;Glanville, J. et al., 2011, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 108(50):20066-71). Thus, rodents described herein may, in some embodiments, comprise one or more D_H segments that are each operably linked to or flanked by a 23-mer RSS so that D_H-D_H recombination occurs at an increased frequency as compared to D_H-D_H recombination in a reference non-human animal. In some embodiments, a rodent comprising an engineered D_H region as described herein exhibits at least a 3-fold increased frequency of D_H-D_H recombination as compared to D_H-D_H recombination in a reference non-human animal. In some embodiments, a rodent comprising an engineered D_H region as described herein exhibits at least a 4-fold increased frequency of D_H-D_H recombination as compared to D_H-D_H recombination in a reference rodent. In some embodiments, a rodent comprising an engineered D_H region as described herein exhibits at least a 5-fold increased frequency of D_H-D_H recombination as compared to D_H-D_H recombination in a reference rodent. In some embodiments, a rodent comprising an engineered D_H region as described herein exhibits at least a 10-fold increased frequency of D_H-D_H recombination as compared to D_H-D_H recombination in a reference rodent. In some embodiments, a rodent comprising an engineered D_H region as described herein exhibits at least a 20-fold increased frequency of D_H-D_H recombination as compared to D_H-D_H recombination in a reference non-human animal. In some embodiments, a rodent comprising an engineered D_H region as described herein exhibits at least a 30-fold increased frequency of D_H-D_H recombination as compared to D_H-D_H recombination in a reference rodent. In some embodiments, a rodent comprising an engineered D_H region as described herein exhibits at least a 40-fold increased frequency of D_H-D_H recombination as compared to D_H-D_H recombination in a reference rodent. In some embodiments, a rodent comprising an engineered D_H region as described herein exhibits at least a 50-fold increased frequency of D_H-D_H recombination as compared to D_H-D_H recombination in a reference rodent.

Providedin vivo systems

The present invention is based on the recognition that particular antigens are associated with low and/or poor immunogenicity and, therefore, are poor targets for antibody-based therapeutics. Indeed, many disease targets (e.g., viruses, channel proteins) have been characterized as intractable or undruggable. Thus, the present invention is based on the creation of anin vivo system for the development of antibodies and antibody-based therapeutics that overcome deficiencies associated with established drug discovery technologies and/or approaches. In some embodiments, the present invention provides anin vivo system characterized by the presence of immunoglobulin loci, in particular, humanized immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region loci, that include an engineered D_H region in which one or more D_H RSS are altered, modified or engineered from a 12-mer-D_H-12-mer format to a 12-mer-D_H-23-mer or 23-mer-D_H-12-mer format, thereby enabling D_H-to-D_H recombination at an increased frequency as compared D_H-to-D_H recombination observed in a referencein vivo system. The present disclosure specifically demonstrates the construction of a transgenic rodent whose genome comprises an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region that includes an engineered D_H region, which engineered D_H region includes one or more D_H segments that are each operably linked to a 23-mer RSS positioned relative to each of the one or more D_H segment to allow for an increased frequency of D_H-D_H recombination. The methods described herein can be adapted to achieve any number of D_H segments (e.g., traditional or synthetic) that each are operably linked to a 5' or 3' 23-mer RSS for creating an engineered D_H region as described herein. The engineered D_H region, once integrated into an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (i.e., placed in operable linkage with V_H and J_H gene segments and/or one or more constant regions), provides for recombination of V_H and J_H gene segments with more than one D_H segment, e.g., to generate antibodies characterized by heavy chains having added diversity (i.e., long CDR3s, e.g., wherein at least 95% of the heavy chain CDR3 sequences are at least 14 amino acids in length) to direct binding to particular antigens. In some embodiments, such heavy chain variable regions have the capability to access difficult-to-reach epitopes in viruses, channel proteins, GPCRs, etc.

Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, we note that data provided herein demonstrate that, in some embodiments, rodents whose genome comprises an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable locus that includes an engineered D_H region characterized by the inclusion of a D_H segment operably linked to a 5' 23-mer RSS effectively generate antibodies produced by V(DD)J recombination. We also note that data provided herein demonstrate that, in some embodiments, rodents whose genome comprises an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable locus that includes an engineered D_H region characterized by the inclusion of three D_H segments each operably linked to a 3' 23-mer RSS effectively generate antibodies produced by V(DD)J recombination. Also noted herein is that deletion of some or all five J_H gene segments upstream of the J_H6 gene segment results in preferential recombination to the J_H6 gene segment. Notably, the J_H6 gene segment comprises 63 nucleotides, e.g., 10 more nucleotides than the other J_H1, J_H2, J_H3, J_H4, and J_H5 gene segments, which respectively comprise 52, 53, 50, 40, and 51 nucleotides. Thus, the present disclosure, in at least some embodiments, embraces the development of anin vivo system for generating antibodies and/or antibody-based therapeutics to intractable disease targets, e.g., by providing rodents that generate rearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region gene sequences, e.g., V_HD_HJ_H and V_H(D_HA-D_HB)J_H, e.g., V_H(D_HA-D_HB)J_H6, sequences encoding heavy chain variable domains with CDR3 lengths of at least 20 amino acids, e.g., CDR3 lengths between 20-30 amino acids in length. In some embodiments, at least 8-10% of the rearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region gene sequences, e.g., V_HD_HJ_H and V_H(D_HA-D_HB)J_H gene sequences of a non-human animal described herein encode CDR3 regions that are at least 21 amino acids in length.

In some embodiments, described herein is a., a rodent, e.g., a rat or a mouse, that comprises (1) in its germline genome, e.g., in a germ cell, an immunoglobulin heavy chain locus comprising an engineered D_H region comprising a D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, and (2) in its somatic genome, e.g., in a B cell, a rearranged heavy chain V_H(D_HA-D_HB)J_H coding sequence, wherein the first or second D_H gene segment (i.e., D_HA or D_HB of the V_H(D_HA-D_HB)J_H coding sequence, respectively) comprises the D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, or a portion thereof, e.g., wherein the first or second D_H gene segment has at least 9 consecutive nucleotides aligning with a D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, and wherein each of the first and second D_H gene segments comprises at least 5 consecutive nucleotides aligning with a corresponding germline D_H gene segment irrespective of any overlap.

In some embodiments, provided rodents comprise an immunoglobulin heavy chain locus characterized by the presence of a plurality of human V_H, D_H and J_H gene segments arranged in germline configuration and operably linked to non-human immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region genes, enhancers and regulatory regions. In some embodiments, provided rodents comprise one or more human V_H gene segments, one or more human D_H gene segments and one or more human J_H gene segments operably linked to a non-human immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region.

In some embodiments, provided rodents comprise at least human V_H gene segments V_H3-74, V_H3-73, V_H3-72, V_H2-70, V_H1-69, V_H3-66, V_H3-64, V_H4-61, V_H4-59, V_H1-58, V_H3-53, V_H5-51, V_H3-49, V_H3-48, V_H1-46, V_H1-45, V_H3-43, V_H4-39, V_H4-34, V_H3-33, V_H4-31, V_H3-30, V_H4-28, V_H2-26, V_H1-24, V_H3-23, V_H3-21, V_H3-20, V_H1-18, V_H3-15, V_H3-13, V_H3-11, V_H3-9, V_H1-8, V_H3-7, V_H2-5, V_H7-4-1, V_H4-4, V_H1-3, V_H1-2 and V_H6-1.

In some embodiments, provided rodents comprise human D_H gene segments D_H1-1, D_H2-2, D_H3-3, D_H4-4, D_H5-5, D_H6-6, D_H1-7, D_H2-8, D_H3-9, D_H3-10, D_H5-12, D_H6-13, D_H2-15, D_H3-16, D_H4-17, D_H5-18, D_H6-19, D_H1-20, D_H2-21, D_H3-22, D_H6-25 and D_H1-26. In some embodiments, provided rodents further comprise D_H1-14, D_H4-11, D_H4-23, D_H5-24, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, provided rodents further comprise human D_H7-27.

In some embodiments, described herein is a rodent, e.g., a rat or a mouse, that comprises (1) in its germline genome, e.g., in a germ cell, an immunoglobulin heavy chain locus comprising an engineered D_H region comprising a D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, and (2) in its somatic genome, e.g., in a B cell, a rearranged heavy chain V_H(D_HA-D_HB)J_H coding sequence, wherein the first or second D_H gene segment (i.e., D_HA or D_HB of the V_H(D_HA-D_HB)J_H coding sequence, respectively) comprises the D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, or a portion thereof, e.g., wherein the first or second D_H gene segment has at least 9 consecutive nucleotides aligning with a D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, and wherein each of the first and second D_H gene segments comprises at least 5 consecutive nucleotides aligning with a corresponding germline D_H gene segment, irrespective of any overlap. In some embodiments, provided rodents comprise a human D_H gene segments operably linked to a 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises two cysteine codons. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS contains at least 37 nucleotides. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS contains at least 19 nucleotides. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS contains at least 20 nucleotides. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS contains at least 23 nucleotides. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS contains at least 28 nucleotides. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS contains at least 31 nucleotides. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS contains at least 37 nucleotides.

In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises the human D_H1 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises the human D_H2 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises the human D_H3 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises the human D_H4 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises the human D_H5 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises the human D_H6 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises the human D_H7gene segment.

In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises the human D_H1-1 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises the human D_H2-2 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises the human D_H3-3 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises the human D_H4-4 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises the human D_H5-5 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises the human D_H6-6 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises the human D_H1-7 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises the human D_H2-8 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises the human D_H3-9 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises the human D_H3-10 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises the human D_H5-12 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises the human D_H6-13 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises the human D_H2-15 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises the human D_H3-16 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises the human D_H4-17 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises the human D_H5-18 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises the human D_H6-19 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises the human D_H1-20 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises the human D_H2-21 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises the human D_H3-22 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises the human D_H6-25 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises the human D_H1-26 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises the human D_H1-14 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises the human D_H4-11 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises the human D_H4-23 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises the human D_H5-24 gene segment. In some embodiments, the human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises the human D_H7-27 gene segment.

In some embodiments, provided rodents comprise the full or substantially full repertoire of human D_H gene segments generally arranged in the order found in an unrearranged human genomic variable locus, wherein one of the human D_H gene segments of the full or substantially full repertoire is replaced with a D_H gene segment engineered to be operably linked to a 23-mer RSS.In some embodiments one of the human D_H gene segments of the full or substantially full repertoire is replaced with corresponding a D_H gene segment engineered to be operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, e.g., a wildtype D_H2-2 gene segment is replaced with a D_H2-2 gene segment engineered to be operably linked to a 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, one of the human D_H gene segments of the full or substantially full repertoire is replaced with another D_H gene segment engineered to be operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, e.g., a wildtype D_H7-27 gene segment is replaced with a D_H3-3 gene segment engineered to be operably linked to a 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, the D_H1-1 gene segment of a full or substantially full repertoire human D_H gene segments generally arranged in the order found in an unrearranged human genomic variable locus is replaced with a corresponding or another D_H gene segment engineered to be operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, e.g., a 3' 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, the D_H1-1, D_H2-2, D_H2-8, D_H2-15, D_H2-21 gene segment(s) or any combination thereof of a full or substantially full repertoire human D_H gene segments generally arranged in the order found in an unrearranged human genomic variable locus is replaced with a corresponding or another D_H gene segment engineered to be operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, e.g., a 3' 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, each of the D_H2-2, D_H2-8, and D_H2-15 gene segments of a full or substantially full repertoire human D_H gene segments generally arranged in the order found in an unrearranged human genomic variable locus is replaced with a corresponding or another D_H gene segment engineered to be operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, e.g., a 3' 23-mer RSS.

In some embodiments, provided rodents comprise at least human J_H gene segment J_H6. In some embodiments, provided rodents comprise at least human J_H gene segments J_H4, J_H5 and J_H6. In some embodiments, provided rodents comprise human J_H gene segments J_H1, J_H2, J_H3, J_H4, J_H5 and J_H6.

In some embodiments, a non-human immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region includes one or more non-human immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region genes such as, for example, immunoglobulin M (IgM), immunoglobulin D (IgD), immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin E (IgE) and immunoglobulin A (IgA). In some embodiments, a non-human immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region includes a rodent IgM, rodent IgD, rodent IgG3, rodent IgG1, rodent IgG2b, rodent IgG2a, rodent IgE and rodent IgA constant region genes. In some embodiments, said human V_H, D_H and J_H gene segments are operably linked to one or more non-human immunoglobulin heavy chain enhancers (i.e., enhancer sequences or enhancer regions). In some embodiments, said human V_H, D_H and J_H gene segments are operably linked to one or more non-human immunoglobulin heavy chain regulatory regions (or regulatory sequences). In some embodiments, said human V_H, D_H and J_H gene segments are operably linked to one or more non-human immunoglobulin heavy chain enhancers (or enhancer sequence) and one or more non-human immunoglobulin heavy chain regulatory regions (or regulatory sequence).

In some embodiments, provided rodents do not contain (or lack) an endogenous Adam6 gene. In some embodiments, provided rodents do not contain or lack an endogenous Adam6 gene (or Adam6-encoding sequence) in the same germline genomic position as found in a germline genome of a wild-type rodent of the same species. In some embodiments, provided rodents do not contain or lack a human Adam6 pseudogene. In some embodiments, provided rodents comprise insertion of at least one nucleotide sequence that encodes one or more rodent Adam6 polypeptides. Said insertion may be outside of an engineered immunoglobulin heavy chain locus as described herein (e.g., upstream of a 5' most V_H gene segment), within an engineered immunoglobulin heavy chain locus or elsewhere in the germline genome of a rodent (e.g., a randomly introduced non-human Adam6-encoding sequence), cell or tissue. In some embodiments, provided rodents do not contain or lack a functional endogenous Adam6 pseudogene.

In some embodiments, a provided rodent, rodent cell or rodent tissue as described herein does not detectably express, in whole or in part, an endogenous rodent V_H region in an antibody molecule. In some embodiments, a provided rodent, rodent cell or rodent tissue as described herein does not contain (or lacks or contains a deletion of) one or more nucleotide sequences that encode, in whole or in part, an endogenous non-human V_H region (e.g., V_H, D_H and/or J_H) in an antibody molecule. In some embodiments, a provided rodent, rodent cell or rodent tissue as described herein has a germline genome that includes a deletion of endogenous non-human V_H, D_H and J_H gene segments, in whole or in part. In some embodiments, a provided rodent is fertile.

In some embodiments, provided rodents further comprise an engineered immunoglobulin κ light chain locus characterized by the presence of a plurality of human Vκ and Jκ gene segments arranged in germline configuration and inserted upstream of, and operably linked to, a non-human Cκ gene. In some embodiments, an engineered immunoglobulin κ light chain locus comprises at least human Vκ gene segments that appear in the proximal variable cluster (or proximal arm, or proximal duplication) of a human immunoglobulin κ light chain locus. In some embodiments, an engineered immunoglobulin κ light chain locus comprises at least human Vκ gene segments Yκ2-40, Vκ1-39, Vκ1-33, Vκ2-30, Vκ2-8, Vκ1-27, Vκ2-24, Vκ6-21, Vκ3-20, Vκ1-17, Vκ1-16, Vκ3-15, Vκ1-12, Vκ3-11, Vκ1-9, Vκ1-8, Vκ1-6, Vκ1-5, Vκ5-2 and Vκ4-1. In some embodiments, an engineered immunoglobulin κ light chain locus comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, or 15 human Vκ gene segments selected from Vκ2-40, Vκ1-39, Vκ1-33, Vκ2-30, Vκ2-8, Vκ1-27, Vκ2-24, Vκ6-21, Vκ3-20, Vκ1-17, Vκ1-16, Vκ3-15, Vκ1-12, Vκ3-11, Vκ1-9, Vκ1-8, Vκ1-6, Vκ1-5, Vκ5-2 and Vκ4-1. In some embodiments, an engineered immunoglobulin κ light chain locus comprises human Jκ gene segments Jκ1, Jκ2, Jκ3, Jκ4 and Jκ5. In some embodiments, an engineered immunoglobulin κ light chain locus comprises at least 1, 2, 3, or 4 human Jκ gene segments selected from Jκ1, Jκ2, Jκ3, Jκ4 and Jκ5.

In many embodiments, said human Vκ and Jκ gene segments are operably linked to one or more non-human immunoglobulin κ light chain enhancers (i.e., enhancer sequences or enhancer regions). In some embodiments, said human Vκ and Jκ gene segments are operably linked to a murine Igκ light chain intronic enhancer region (Igκ Ei or Eiκ). In many embodiments, said human Vκ and Jκ gene segments are operably linked to one or more non-human immunoglobulin κ light chain regulatory regions (or regulatory sequences). In some embodiments, said human Vκ and Jκ gene segments are operably linked to a murine Igκ light chain 3' enhancer region (Igκ 3'E or 3'Eκ). In some embodiments, said human Vκ and Jκ gene segments are operably linked to a murine Eiκ and operably linked to a murine 3'Eκ. In some embodiments, said human Vκ and Jκ gene segments are operably linked to one or more non-human immunoglobulin κ light chain enhancers (or enhancer sequences or enhancer regions) and one or more non-human immunoglobulin κ light chain regulatory regions (or regulatory sequences). In some embodiments, an engineered immunoglobulin κ light chain locus contains the same non-human immunoglobulin κ light chain enhancer regions (or enhancer sequences) that appear in a wild-type immunoglobulin κ light chain locus. In some embodiments, an engineered immunoglobulin κ light chain locus contains non-human Igκ light chain enhancer regions (or enhancer sequences) that appear in a wild-type immunoglobulin κ light chain locus of a different species (e.g., a different rodent species).

In some embodiments, an engineered immunoglobulin κ light chain locus as described herein does not contain (i.e., lacks) a human VpreB gene (or human VpreB gene-encoding sequence).

In some embodiments, a non-human Cκ gene of an engineered immunoglobulin κ light chain locus includes a rodent Cκ gene such as, for example, a mouse Cκ gene or a rat Cκ gene. In some embodiments, a non-human Cκ gene of an engineered immunoglobulin κ light chain locus is or comprises a mouse Cκ gene from a genetic background that includes a 129 strain, a BALB/c strain, a C57BL/6 strain, a mixed 129xC57BL/6 strain or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, a provided rodent, rodent cell or rodent tissue as described herein does not detectably express, in whole or in part, an endogenous rodent Vκ region in an antibody molecule. In some embodiments, a provided rodent, rodent cell or rodent tissue as described herein does not contain (or lacks or contains a deletion of) one or more nucleotide sequences that encode, in whole or in part, an endogenous rodent Vκ region in an antibody molecule. In some embodiments, a provided rodent, rodent cell or rodent tissue as described herein has a germline genome that includes a deletion of endogenous rodent Vκ and Jκ gene segments, in whole or in part.

In some embodiments, provided rodent further comprise a wild-type or inactivated (e.g., by gene targeting) immunoglobulin λ light chain locus.

In some embodiments, a provided rodent, rodent cell or rodent tissue as described herein does not detectably express, in whole or in part, an endogenous rodent Vλ region in an antibody molecule. In some embodiments, a provided rodent, rodent cell or rodent tissue as described herein does not contain (or lacks, or contains a deletion of) one or more nucleotide sequences that encode, in whole or in part, an endogenous rodent Vλ region in an antibody molecule. In some embodiments, a provided rodent, rodent cell or rodent tissue as described herein has a germline genome that includes a deletion of endogenous rodent Vλ and Jλ gene segments, in whole or in part. In some embodiments, a provided rodent, rodent cell or rodent tissue as described herein as a germline genome that includes a deletion of endogenous non-human Vλ, Jλ and Cλ gene segments, in whole or in part.

Guidance for the creation of targeting vectors, non-human cells and animals harboring such engineered immunoglobulin loci can be found inU.S. Patent Nos. 8,642,835,8,697,940,9,006,511,9,012,717, 9,029,628,9,035,128,9,066,502,9,150,662 and9,163,092. Persons skilled in the art are aware of a variety of technologies, known in the art, for accomplishing such genetic engineering and/or manipulation of non-human (e.g., mammalian) genomes or for otherwise preparing, providing, or manufacturing such sequences for introducing into the germline genome of non-human animals.

DNA constructs

Typically, a polynucleotide molecule containing immunoglobulin gene segments as described herein, in particular, one or more D_H segments that each are operably linked to a 5' or 3' 23-mer RSS is inserted into a vector, preferably a DNA vector, in order to replicate the polynucleotide molecule in a suitable host cell.

Due to their size, D_H segments can be cloned directly from genomic sources available from commercial suppliers or designedin silico based on published sequences available from GenBank. Alternatively, bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) libraries can provide immunoglobulin sequences. BAC libraries contain an average insert size of 100-150kb and are capable of harboring inserts as large as 300kb (Shizuya, et al., 1992, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., USA 89:8794-8797;Swiatek, et al., 1993, Genes and Development 7:2071-2084;Kim, et al., 1996, Genomics 34 213-218). For example, human and mouse genomic BAC libraries have been constructed and are commercially available (e.g., Invitrogen, Carlsbad Calif.). Genomic BAC libraries can also serve as a source of immunoglobulin sequences as well as transcriptional control regions.

Alternatively, immunoglobulin sequences may be isolated, cloned and/or transferred from yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs). An entire immunoglobulin locus, or substantial portion thereof, can be cloned and contained within one or a few YACs. If multiple YACs are employed and contain regions of overlapping homology, they can be recombined within yeast host strains to produce a single construct representing an entire locus. YAC arms can be additionally modified with mammalian selection cassettes by retrofitting to assist in introducing the constructs into non-human embryonic stems cells or non-human embryos by methods known in the art and/or described herein.

DNA constructs can be prepared using methods known in the art. For example, a DNA construct can be prepared as part of a larger plasmid. Such preparation allows the cloning and selection of the correct constructions in an efficient manner as is known in the art. DNA fragments containing one or more D_H segments that are each operably linked to a 5' or 3' 23-mer RSS as described herein can be located between convenient restriction sites on the plasmid so that they can be easily isolated from the remaining plasmid sequences for incorporation into the desired animal.

In some embodiments, methods employed in preparation of plasmids and transformation of host organisms are known in the art. For other suitable expression systems for both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, as well as general recombinant procedures, seeMolecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2nd Ed., ed. by Sambrook, J. et al., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press: 1989.

Production of Rodents

Rodents are provided that express antibodies having heavy chain CDR3 diversity characterized by long amino acid length resulting from integration of 23-mer RSSs adjacent to one or more D_H segments that allow for D_H-to-D_H recombination within an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region in the genome of the rodent. Suitable examples described herein include r in particular, mice. One or more D_H segments, in many embodiments, include heterologous D_H segments (e.g., human D_H segments). Rodent animals, embryos, cells and targeting constructs for making rodents, rodent embryos, and cells containing said D_H segments that are capable of D_H-D_H recombination at an increased frequency as compared to wild-type or reference rodents are also provided.

In some embodiments, one or more D_H segments are modified to be immediately adjacent to a 5' or 3' 23-mer RSS within a diversity cluster (i.e., a D_H region) of an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region in the genome of a rodent. In some embodiments, a D_H region (or portion thereof) of an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region is not deleted (i.e., intact). In some embodiments, a D_H region (or portion thereof) of an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region is altered, disrupted, deleted, engineered or replaced with one or more D_H segments that are each operably linked to a 5' or 3' 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, all or substantially all of a D_H region is replaced with one or more synthetic D_H segments that are each operably linked to a 5' or 3' 23-mer RSS; in some embodiments, one or more traditional D_H gene segments are not deleted or replaced in a D_H region of an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region. In some embodiments, a D_H region contains both traditional D_H segments (i.e., one or more D_H segments each operably linked to a 5' 12-mer RSS and a 3' 12-mer RSS) and engineered D_H gene segments (i.e., one or more D_H segments each operably linked to a 5' or 3' 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, a D_H region as described herein is a synthetic D_H region. In some embodiments, a D_H region is a human D_H region. In some embodiments, a D_H region is a murine D_H region. In some embodiments, an engineered D_H region (or portion thereof) as described herein is inserted into an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region so that said engineered D_H region (or portion thereof) is operably linked with one or more V_H gene segments and/or one or more J_H gene segments. In some embodiments, said engineered D_H region is inserted into one of the two copies of an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region, giving rise to a rodent that is heterozygous with respect to the said engineered D_H region. In some embodiments, a rodent is provided that is homozygous for an engineered D_H region. In some embodiments, a rodent is provided that is heterozygous for an engineered D_H region.

In some embodiments, a rodent as described herein contains a randomly integrated human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region that includes a D_H region that contains one or more D_H segments that are each operably linked to a 5' or 3' 23-mer RSS within its genome. Thus, such rodents can be described as having a human immunoglobulin heavy chain transgene containing an engineered D_H region. An engineered D_H region can be detected using a variety of methods including, for example, PCR, Western blot, Southern blot, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), or a gain of allele (GOA) or loss of allele (LOA) assay. In some such embodiments, a rodent as described herein is heterozygous with respect to an engineered D_H region as described herein. In some such embodiments, a rodent as described herein is homozygous with respect to an engineered D_H region as described herein. In some such embodiments, a rodent as described herein is hemizygous with respect to an engineered D_H region as described herein. In some such embodiments, a rodent as described herein contains one or more copies of an engineered D_H region as described herein.

In some embodiments, an engineered D_H region of a rodent as described herein includes at least one D_H segment that is associated with (or operably linked to) a 5' 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, an engineered D_H region of a rodent as described herein includes at least one D_H segment that is associated with (or operably linked to) a 3' 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, an engineered D_H region of a rodent as described herein includes at least a human D_H3-3 segment that is associated with (or operably linked to) a 5' 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, an engineered D_H region of a rodent as described herein includes at least a human D_H2 segment that is associated with (or operably linked to) a 3' 23-mer RSS, wherein the human D_H2 segment is selected from the group consisting of human D_H2-2, human D_H2-8, human D_H2-15 and human D_H2-21.

In some embodiments, an engineered D_H region of a rodent as described herein includes more than one D_H segment that are each associated with (or operably linked to) a 5' 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, an engineered D_H region of a rodent as described herein includes more than one D_H segment that are each associated with (or operably linked to) a 3' 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, an engineered D_H region of a rodent as described herein includes human D_H2-2, human D_H2-8, and human D_H2-15 segments that are each associated with (or operably linked to) a 3' 23-mer RSS.

Compositions and methods for making rodents whose genome comprises an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region that includes an engineered D_H region, wherein the engineered D_H region includes one or more D_H segments that are each associated with (or operably linked to) a 5' or 3' 23-mer RSS, are provided, including compositions and methods for making rodents that express antibodies comprising a heavy chain variable region that includes a CDR3 region having an amino acid sequence encoded by more than one D_H segment from an immunoglobulin heavy chain locus that contains human V_H and J_H gene segments operably linked to one or more non-human heavy chain constant region genes. In some embodiments, compositions and methods for making rodents that express such antibodies under the control of an endogenous enhancer(s) and/or an endogenous regulatory sequence(s) are also provided. In some embodiments, compositions and methods for making rodents that express such antibodies under the control of a heterologous enhancer(s) and/or a heterologous regulatory sequence(s) are also provided. Methods include inserting one or more D_H segments and other sequences that that allow for D_H-D_H recombination at an increased frequency as compared to wild-type D_H segments, in the genome of a rodent so that an antibody is expressed which includes immunoglobulin heavy chains resulting from V(DD)J recombination.

In some embodiments, methods include inserting DNA that includes a D_H gene segment with a 5' 23-mer RSS and a 3' 12-mer RSS operably linked to one or more J_H gene segments. As described herein, the D_H gene segment is positioned downstream of a µ0 promoter sequence. In some embodiments, methods include inserting a D_H segment with a 5' 23-mer RSS and a 3' 12-mer RSS in a position relative to a µ0 promoter sequence so that said J_H gene segment is accessible to RAG genes (e.g., RAG-1 and/or RAG-2) during recombination. Genetic material that includes the D_H segment and flanking RSSs described above may be inserted into the genome of a rodent, thereby creating a non-human animal having an engineered D_H region that contains said D_H segment and necessary RSSs to allow for recombination with an adjacent D_H gene segment and V_H and J_H gene segments.

In some embodiments, methods include inserting DNA that includes three D_H gene segments each associated with a 5' 12-mer RSS and a 3' 23-mer RSS operably linked to six J_H gene segments. As described herein, the D_H gene segments are positioned amongst a plurality of D_H gene segments that are each associated with 5' and 3' 12-mer RSS. In some embodiments, methods include inserting D_H2-2, D_H2-8 and D_H2-15 gene segments each associated with a 5' 12-mer RSS and a 3' 23-mer RSS in a diversity cluster with a plurality of other DH gene segments each associated with traditional or wild-type RSS. Genetic material that includes the D_H gene segments and flanking RSSs described above may be inserted into the genome of a rodent, thereby creating a rodent having an engineered D_H region that contains said D_H segments and necessary RSSs to allow for recombination with adjacent D_H gene segments and V_H and J_H gene segments.

Where appropriate, sequences corresponding to (or encoding) D_H segments may be modified to include codons that are optimized for expression in the non-human animal (e.g., seeU.S. Patent Nos. 5,670,356 and5,874,304). Codon optimized sequences are synthetic sequences, and preferably encode the identical polypeptide (or a biologically active fragment of a full-length polypeptide which has substantially the same activity as the full-length polypeptide) encoded by the non-codon optimized parent polynucleotide. In some embodiments, sequences corresponding to (or encoding) D_H segments may include an altered sequence to optimize codon usage for a particular cell type (e.g., a rodent cell). For example, the codons of sequences corresponding to D_H segments to be inserted into the genome of a rodent may be optimized for expression in a cell of the non-human animal. Such a sequence may be described as a codon-optimized sequence.

Insertion of D_H segments operably linked to a 5' or 3' 23-mer RSS into a D_H region so that said D_H segments are operably linked to V_H and J_H gene segments (e.g., a plurality of V_H and J_H gene segments) employs a relatively minimal modification of the genome and results in expression of antibodies comprising heavy chains characterized by CDR3s having longer amino acid lengths.

Methods for generating transgenic non-human animals, including knockouts and knockins, are well known in the art (see, e.g.,Gene Targeting: A Practical Approach, Joyner, ed., Oxford University Press, Inc. (2000)). For example, generation of transgenic rodents may optionally involve disruption of the genetic loci of one or more endogenous rodent genes (or gene segments) and introduction of one or more D_H segments each operably linked to a 23-mer RSS into the rodent genome, in some embodiments, at the same location as an endogenous rodent gene (or gene segments). In some embodiments, one or more D_H segments each operably linked to a 23-mer RSS are introduced into a D_H region of a randomly inserted immunoglobulin heavy chain locus in the genome of a rodent. In some embodiments, one or more D_H segments each operably linked to a 23-mer RSS are introduced into a D_H region of an endogenous immunoglobulin heavy chain locus in the genome of a rodent; in some embodiments, an endogenous immunoglobulin heavy chain locus is altered, modified, or engineered to contain human gene segments (e.g., V and/or J) operably linked to one or more constant region genes (e.g., human or murine).

A schematic illustration (not to scale) of representative targeting vectors for constructing an engineered D_H region and integration into rodent embryonic stem (ES) cells to create a rodent whose genome comprises an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region that includes an engineered diversity cluster (i.e., D_H region), which diversity cluster includes one or more D_H segments each operably linked to a 5' or 3' 23-mer RSS is provided inFigure 2. Exemplary strategies and methods for inserting such vectors into immunoglobulin heavy chain variable regions in the genome of rodent ES cells are provided inFigures 3-8. In each ofFigures 2-8, NotI restriction enzyme recognition sites are indicated were appropriate, names and approximate locations (small dash) of various primer/probe sets (see Table 4) are indicated for various alleles shown (not to scale), and unless otherwise noted, open symbols and lines represent human sequence, while closed symbols and dark lines represent mouse sequence. The following abbreviations are used for each of the figures, spec: spectinomycin resistance gene; neo: neomycin resistance gene; hyg: hygromycin resistance gene; lp:loxP site-specific recombination recognition site; Ei: murine heavy chain intronic enhancer; IgM: murine immunoglobulin M constant region gene; L:loxP site sequence; Frt: Flippase recognition target sequence; µ0 pro: µ0 promoter sequence.

As illustrated inFigure 2, DNA fragments containing a plurality of D_H segments with one D_H segments operably linked to a 5' 23-mer RSS (Figure 2, top and middle) or with three D_H segments each operably linked to a 3' 23-mer RSS (Figure 2, bottom) are made using VELOCIGENE^® technology (see, e.g.,U.S. Patent No. 6,586,251 andValenzuela et al., 2003, Nature Biotech. 21(6):652-659) and molecular biology techniques known in the art. InFigure 2, unless otherwise noted, open symbols and lines represent human sequence, while closed symbols and dark lines represent mouse sequence. The not-to-scale relative locations of the human V_H6-1, D_H2-2, D_H2-8, D_H2-15, D_H3-3, and J_H1, J_H2, J_H3, J_H4, J_H5 and J_H6 gene segments are depicted, when present and any gene segment remaining unnamed is a D_H gene segment. Generally, the D_H region as depicted with the hash marks comprises the full repertoire of unrearranged human D_H gene segments (see, e.g., www.imgt.org/IMGTrepertoire/index.php?section=LocusGenes&repertoire=locus&species=human &group=IGH) with the following exceptions: the top two targeting vectors lacks the last D_H7-27 gene, which is replaced by a sequence comprising the D_H3-3 gene segment flanked by a 5'-end 23-mer RSS and a 3'-end 12-mer RSS (depicted as an open arrow); the bottom targeting vector lacks the unrearranged human D_H2-2 gene segment, the unrearranged human D_H2-8 gene segment, and D_H2-15 gene segments, which are respectively replaced by the D_H2-2 gene segment flanked by a 5'-end 12-mer RSS and a 3'-end 23-mer RSS, the D_H2-8 gene segment flanked by a 5'-end 12-mer RSS and a 3'-end 23-mer RSS, and the D_H2-15 gene segment flanked by a 5'-end 12-mer RSS and a 3'-end 23-mer RSS (each of which engineered D_H2-2, D_H2-8, and D_H2-15 gene segment is depicted as an open arrow). Unfilled vertical rectangles represent locations of unique artificial 40-mers homologous to sequence primers and probes placed in the 12:D_H2-2:23|12:D_H2-8:23|12:D_H2-15:23 targeting vector to help insure correct modification of the targeting vector/ES cell. Sequences for the unique artificial 40-mers denoted as "1," "2," "10," "16," "8," and "18" are set forth as SEQ ID NO:73, SEQ ID NO:74, SEQ ID NO:75, SEQ ID NO:76, SEQ ID NO:77, and SEQ ID NO:78, respectively.

DNA fragments are assembled with homology arms for precise targeted insertion into a humanized immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region locus (Figures 3,5,7). Selection cassette (e.g., neomycin) flanked by site-specific recombination recognition sites (e.g.,loxP) are included in the targeting vectors for facilitate screening of proper insertion in ES cells clones and may be removed by transient expression of a recombinase (e.g., Cre) in positive ES cell clones (Figures 4,6,8). The DNA fragments include the necessary sequences for proper assembly (i.e., recombination), transcription and expression of heavy chain variable regions once integrated into an immunoglobulin heavy chain locus. The targeting vectors are designed so that the engineered D_H region is flanked 5' by human V_H genomic DNA and 3' by human J_H genomic DNA and non-human (e.g., rodent) genomic heavy chain constant region DNA (e.g., intronic enhancer and a IgM constant region gene). The final targeting vectors for incorporation into the genome of a non-human cell (e.g., a rodent embryonic stem cell) contain V_H genomic DNA (e.g., containing one or more V_H gene segments), an engineered D_H region, 3' J_H genomic DNA, and non-human (e.g., rodent) genomic heavy chain constant region DNA, all of which are operably linked to allow for recombination between V_H gene segments, the engineered D_H region and a J_H gene segment once integrated into the genome of a non-human animal. Once assembled, the targeting vectors are linearized and electroporated into rodent ES cells.

The targeting vectors are introduced into rodent (e.g., mouse) embryonic stem cells so that the sequence contained in the targeting vector (i.e., an engineered D_H region) results in the capacity of a non-human cell or non-human animal (e.g., a mouse) that expresses antibodies that contain CDR3s having amino acids encoded by more than one D_H segment.

As described herein, transgenic rodents are generated where an engineered D_H region has been introduced into an immunoglobulin heavy chain locus of the rodent genome (e.g., an immunoglobulin heavy chain locus engineered to contain human variable region gene segments, which may be an endogenous immunoglobulin heavy chain locus so engineered).

Immunoglobulin loci comprising human variable region gene segments are known in the art and can be found, for example, inU. S. Pat. Nos. 5,633,425;5,770,429;5,814,318;6,075,181;6,114,598;6,150,584;6,998,514;7,795,494;7,910,798;8,232,449;8,502,018;8,697,940;8,703,485;8,754,287;8,791,323;8,809,051;8,907,157;9,035,128;9,145,588;9,206,263;9,447,177;9,551,124;9,580,491 and9,475,559, as well as inU.S. Pat. Pub. Nos. 20100146647,20110195454,20130167256,20130219535,20130326647,20130096287, and2015/0113668, and inPCT Pub. Nos. WO2007117410,WO2008151081,WO2009157771,WO2010039900,WO2011004192,WO2011123708 andWO2014093908.

In some embodiments, rodents as disclosed herein comprise exogenous fully human immunoglobulin transgenes comprising an engineered D_H region, which are able to rearrange in precursor B cells in mice (Alt et al., 1985, Immunoglobulin genes in transgenic mice, Trends Genet 1:231-236). In these embodiments, fully human immunoglobulin transgenes comprising an engineered D_H region may be (randomly) inserted and endogenous immunoglobulin genes may also be knocked-out (Green et al., 1994, Antigen-specific human monoclonal antibodies from mice engineered with human Ig heavy and light chain YACs, Nat Genet 7:13-21;Lonberg et al., 1994, Antigen-specific human antibodies from mice comprising four distinct genetic modifications, Nature 368:856-859;Jakobovits et al., 2007, From XenoMouse technology to panitumumab, the first fully human antibody product from transgenic mice, Nat Biotechnol 25:1134-1143) e.g., wherein endogenous immunoglobulin heavy chain and κ light chain loci are inactivated, e.g., by targeted deletion of small but critical portions of each endogenous locus, followed by introduction of human immunoglobulin gene loci as randomly integrated large transgenes, or mini chromosomes (Tomizuka et al., 2000, Double trans-chromosomic mice: maintenance of two individual human chromosome fragments containing Ig heavy and kappa loci and expression of fully human antibodies, PNAS USA 97:722-727.

In some embodiments, human or humanized immunoglobulin heavy and light chain loci comprising an engineered D_H region are at endogenous immunoglobulin heavy and light chain loci, respectively. A method for a large in situ genetic replacement of the mouse germline immunoglobulin variable gene loci with human germline immunoglobulin variable gene loci while maintaining the ability of the mice to generate offspring has been previously described.See,e.g.,U.S. Patent Nos. 6,596,541 and8,697,940. Specifically, the precise replacement of six megabases of both the mouse heavy chain and κ light chain immunoglobulin variable gene loci with their human counterparts while leaving the mouse constant regions intact is described. As a result, mice have been created that have a precise replacement of their entire germline immunoglobulin variable repertoire with equivalent human germline immunoglobulin variable sequences, while maintaining mouse constant regions. The human variable regions are linked to mouse constant regions to form chimeric human-mouse immunoglobulin loci that rearrange and express at physiologically appropriate levels. The antibodies expressed are "reverse chimeras," i.e., they comprise human variable region sequences and mouse constant region sequences. These mice having humanized immunoglobulin variable regions that express antibodies having human or humanized variable regions and mouse constant regions are called VELOCIMMUNE^® mice.

VELOCIMMUNE^® humanized mice exhibit a fully functional humoral immune system that is essentially indistinguishable from that of wild-type mice. They display normal cell populations at all stages of B cell development. They exhibit normal lymphoid organ morphology. Antibody sequences of VELOCIMMUNE^® mice exhibit normal V(D)J rearrangement and normal somatic hypermutation frequencies. Antibody populations in these mice reflect isotype distributions that result from normal class switching (e.g., normal isotype cis-switching). Immunizing VELOCIMMUNE^® mice results in robust humoral immune responses that generate large, diverse antibody repertoires having human immunoglobulin variable domains suitable for use as therapeutic candidates. This platform provides a plentiful source of naturally affinity-matured human immunoglobulin variable region sequences for making pharmaceutically acceptable antibodies and other antigen-binding proteins. It has also been shown that replacement of even a single endogenous V_H gene segment with a human V_H gene segment can result in an immune response comprising humanized immunoglobulin variable domain.See,e.g.,Tien et al. (2016) Cell 166:1471-84. It is the precise replacement of mouse immunoglobulin variable sequences with human immunoglobulin variable sequences such that the human immunoglobulin variable sequences are operably linked with endogenous non-human constant region gene sequence(s) in a reverse chimeric manner that allows for making VELOCIMMUNE^® mice.

Mice modified in a reverse chimeric manner include mice modified to comprise at an endogenous immunoglobulin locus a human(ized) variable region (e.g., comprising (D), J, and one or more human V gene segments) operably linked to an endogenous constant region, e.g.,

(a) at an endogenous heavy chain locus:
1. (i) an unrearranged human(ized) immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region in operable linkage to an endogenous heavy chain constant region, wherein the unrearranged human(ized) immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region comprises a plurality of unrearranged human heavy chain variable region V_H gene segments (e.g., all functional human unrearranged human V_H gene segments), one or more unrearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain D_H gene segments and one or more unrearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain J_H gene segments,optionally wherein the one or more unrearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain D_H gene segments and one or more unrearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain J_H gene segments are one or more unrearranged human immunoglobulin heavy chain D_H gene segments (e.g., all functional human D_H gene segments) and/or one or more unrearranged human immunoglobulin heavy chain J_H gene segments (e.g., all functional human J_H gene segments);
2. (ii) a restricted unrearranged human(ized) heavy chain variable region in operable linkage to an endogenous heavy chain constant region, wherein the restricted unrearranged human(ized) heavy chain variable region consists essentially of a single unrearranged human heavy chain variable region V_H gene segment operably linked with one or more unrearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain D_H gene segments and one or more unrearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain J_H gene segments, optionally wherein the one or more unrearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain D_H gene segments and one or more unrearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain J_H gene segments are one or more unrearranged human immunoglobulin heavy chain D_H gene segments and/or one or more unrearranged human immunoglobulin heavy chain J_H gene segments, respectively;
3. (iii) a histidine modified unrearranged human(ized) heavy chain variable region in operable linkage to an endogenous heavy chain constant region, wherein the histidine modified unrearranged human(ized) heavy chain variable region comprises an unrearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain variable gene sequence comprising in a complementaritydetermining region 3 (CDR3) encoding sequence a substitution of at least one non-histidine codon with a histidine codon or an insertion of at least one histidine codon; or
4. (iv) a heavy chain only immunoglobulin encoding sequence comprising an unrearranged human(ized) heavy chain variable region in operable linkage to an endogenous heavy chain constant region, wherein the endogenous heavy chain constant region comprises (1) an intact endogenous IgM gene that encodes an IgM isotype that associates with light chain and (2) a non-IgM gene, e.g., an IgG gene, lacking a sequence that encodes a functional CH1 domain, wherein the non-IgM gene encodes a non-IgM isotype lacking a CH1 domain capable of covalently associating with a light chain constant domain;and/or
(b) at an endogenous light chain locus:
1. (i) an unrearranged human(ized) immunoglobulin light chain variable region in operable linkage to an endogenous light chain constant region, wherein the unrearranged human(ized) immunoglobulin light chain variable region comprises a plurality of unrearranged human light chain variable region V_L gene segments (e.g., all functional human unrearranged human V_L gene segments) and one or more unrearranged immunoglobulin light chain J_L gene segments,optionally wherein the one or more unrearranged immunoglobulin light chain J_L gene segments are one or more unrearranged human immunoglobulin light chain J_L gene segments (e.g., all functional human J_HL gene segments),optionally wherein the endogenous immunoglobulin light chain locus is an endogenous immunoglobulin light chain kappa (κ) locus, the unrearranged human(ized) immunoglobulin light chain variable region comprises human variable κ (V_κ) and joining κ (JK) gene segments, and wherein the endogenous light chain constant region is an endogenous κ chain constant region sequence and/or wherein the endogenous immunoglobulin light chain locus is an endogenous immunoglobulin light chain lambda (λ), the unrearranged human(ized) immunoglobulin light chain variable region comprises human variable λ (V_λ) and joining λ (J_λ) gene segments, and the endogenous light chain constant region is an endogenous λ chain constant region sequence, optionally wherein the endogenous immunoglobulin light chain λ locus comprises (a) one or more human V_λ gene segments, (b) one or more human J_λ gene segments, and (c) one or more human C_λ gene segments, wherein (a) and (b) are operably linked to (c) and a rodent immunoglobulin lightchain constant (C_λ) gene segment, and wherein the endogenous immunoglobulin λ light chain locus further comprises: one or more rodent immunoglobulin λ light chain enhancers (Eλ), and one or more human immunoglobulin λ light chain enhancers (Eλ), optionally comprising three human Eλs;
2. (ii) a common light chain encoding sequence comprising a rearranged human(ized) light chain variable region sequence in operable linkage to an endogenous light chain constant region, wherein the rearranged human(ized) light chain variable region sequence comprises a human light chain variable region V_L gene segment rearranged with an immunoglobulin light chain J_L gene segment;
3. (iii) a restricted unrearranged human(ized) light chain variable region in operable linkage to an endogenous light chain constant region, wherein the restricted unrearranged human(ized) light chain variable region comprises no more than two unrearranged human immunoglobulin light chain variable (V_L) gene segments operably linked to one or more unrearranged human immunoglobulin light chain joining (J_L) gene segments;
4. (iv) a histidine modified unrearranged human(ized) light chain variable region in operable linkage to an endogenous light chain constant region, wherein the histidine modified unrearranged human(ized) light chain variable region comprises an unrearranged human(ized) immunoglobulin light chain variable gene sequence comprising in a complementarity determining region 3 (CDR3) encoding sequence a substitution of at least one non-histidine codon with a histidine codon or an insertion of at least one histidine codon; or
5. (v) a histidine modified rearranged human(ized) light chain variable region in operable linkage to an endogenous light chain constant region, wherein the histidine modified rearranged human(ized) light chain variable region comprises a rearranged human(ized) immunoglobulin light chain variable gene sequence comprising in a complementarity determining region 3 (CDR3) encoding sequence a substitution of at least one non-histidine codon with a histidine codon or an insertion of at least one histidine codon,
optionally wherein the mouse further comprises
1. (i) a human(ized) immunoglobulin heavy chain locus comprising a functional ADAM6 gene such that the mouse exhibits wildtype fertility of the non-human animal; and/or
2. (ii) an exogenous terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) gene for increased antigen receptor diversity, optionally such that at least 10% of the rearranged variable region genes comprise non-template additions,
which mice have been previously described.See,e.g.,U.S. Patent Nos. 8,697,940;8,754,287;9,204,624;9,334,334;9,801,362;9,332,742; and9,516,868;U.S. Patent Publications 20110195454,20120021409,20120192300,20130045492;20150289489;20180125043;20180244804;PCT Publication No. WO2019/113065,WO2017210586, andWO2011163314; Lee et al. (2014) Nature Biotechnology 32:356.

In some embodiments, the present invention includes a genetically modified non-human animal whose genome, e.g., germline genome, comprises:

an endogenous immunoglobulin locus comprising an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region comprising a human VH gene segment, a human engineered DH gene region of the invention, and a human JH gene segment, wherein the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region is operably linked to a constant region, and/or
an endogenous chain locus comprising an immunoglobulin light chain variable region comprising a human VL gene segment and a human JL gene segments, wherein the immunoglobulin light chain variable region is operably linked to a constant region.

In some embodiments, a rodent, e.g., a rat or a mouse, comprises in its genome a replacement of one or more endogenous V_H, D_H, and J_H segments at an endogenous immunoglobulin heavy chain locus with one or more human V_H, D_H, and J_H segments, wherein the one or more human V_H, D_H, and J_H segments comprises a human D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS and are operably linked to an endogenous immunoglobulin heavy chain gene; and optionally an unrearranged or rearranged human V_L and human J_L segment operably linked to a rodent, e.g., a mouse or rat, or human immunoglobulin light chain constant (C_L) region gene, e.g., at an endogenous non-human light chain locus.

In certain embodiments, the genetically modified rodents comprise in their genome, e.g., germline genome, an immunoglobulin locus (exogenous or endogenous) containing an immunoglobulin variable region comprising one or more unrearranged human immunoglobulin variable region gene segments including an engineered D_H region and an immunoglobulin constant region comprising an immunoglobulin constant region gene and in which the one or more unrearranged human immunoglobulin variable region gene segments are operably linked to the immunoglobulin constant region gene.

Generally, a genetically modified immunoglobulin locus comprises an immunoglobulin variable region (comprising immunoglobulin variable region gene segments) operably linked to an immunoglobulin constant region. In some embodiments, the genetically modified immunoglobulin locus comprises one or more human unrearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region gene segments, including an engineered D_H region, operably linked to a heavy chain constant region gene. In some embodiments, the genetically modified immunoglobulin locus comprises human unrearranged immunoglobulin variable region κ gene segments operably linked to a κ chain constant region gene. In some embodiments, the genetically modified immunoglobulin locus comprises human unrearranged immunoglobulin variable region λ gene segments operably linked to a κ chain constant region gene. In some embodiments, the genetically modified immunoglobulin locus comprises human unrearranged immunoglobulin variable region λ gene segments operably linked to a λ chain constant region gene.

In certain embodiments, the rodent comprises at an endogenous heavy chain locus an unrearranged human(ized) immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region comprising an engineered D_H region in operable linkage to an endogenous heavy chain constant region, wherein immunoglobulin variable region contains one or more unrearranged human Ig heavy chain variable region gene segments. In some embodiments, the one or more unrearranged human Ig variable region gene segments comprises at least one human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable (V_H) segment, one or more immunoglobulin heavy chain diversity (D_H) segments (e.g., one or more unrearranged human D_H segments operably linked to a 23-mer RSS), and one or more immunoglobulin heavy chain joining (J_H) segments (optionally one or more unrearranged human J_H segments). In some embodiments, the unrearranged human Ig variable region gene segments comprise a plurality of unrearranged human V_H segments, one or more unrearranged (human) D_H segments (e.g., one or more unrearranged (human) D_H segments operably linked to a 23-mer RSS) and one or more unrearranged (human) J_H segments. In some embodiments, the unrearranged human Ig variable region gene segments comprise at least 3 V_H gene segments, at least 18 V_H gene segments, at least 20 V_H gene segments, at least 30 V_H gene segments, at least 40 V_H gene segments, at least 50 V_H gene segments, at least 60 V_H gene segments, at least 70 V_H gene segments, or at least 80 V_H gene segments. In some embodiments, the unrearranged human Ig gene segments include all of the functional human D_H gene segments, wherein at least one of the functional human D_H gene segments is modified to be operably linked to a 23-mer RSS. In some embodiments, the unrearranged human Ig gene segments include all of the functional human J_H gene segments. Exemplary variable regions comprising Ig heavy chain gene segments are provided, for example, inMacdonald et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 111 :5147-52.

In some embodiments, the rodents provided herein comprise at an endogenous heavy chain locus a restricted unrearranged human(ized) heavy chain variable region in operable linkage to an endogenous heavy chain constant region comprising at least a non-human IgM gene, wherein the restricted unrearranged human(ized) heavy chain variable region is characterized by a single human V_H gene segment, a plurality of D_H gene segments (e.g., human D_H gene segments, including one or more unrearranged (human) D_H segments operably linked to a 23-mer RSS) and a plurality of J_H gene segments (e.g. human J_H gene segments), wherein the restricted immunoglobulin heavy chain locus is capable of rearranging and forming a plurality of distinct rearrangements, wherein each rearrangement is derived from the single human V_H gene segment, one of the D_H segments, and one of the J_H segments, and wherein each rearrangement encodes a different heavy chain variable domain (e.g., as described inU.S. Pat. Pub. No. 20130096287). In some embodiments the single human V_H gene segment is V_H1-2 or V_H1-69.

In certain embodiments, a rodent comprises at an endogenous light chain locus an unrearranged human(ized) immunoglobulin light chain variable region in operable linkage to an endogenous light chain constant region. In some embodiments the unrearranged human(ized) immunoglobulin light chain variable region contains unrearranged human Ig κ variable region gene segments. In some embodiments, the unrearranged human(ized) immunoglobulin variable region comprises a plurality of unrearranged human Vκ segments and one or more unrearranged human J_K segments. In some embodiments, the unrearranged human immunoglobulin variable region gene segments comprise all of the human Jκ segments. In some embodiments, the immunoglobulin variable region gene segments comprise four functional Vκ segments and all human Jκ segments. In some embodiments, the immunoglobulin variable region gene segments comprise 16 functional Vκ segments and all human Jκ segments (e.g., all functional human Vκ segments and Jκ segments). In some embodiments, the unrearranged human immunoglobulin variable region gene segments comprise all of the human Vκ segments and all human Jκ segments. Exemplary variable regions comprising Ig κ gene segments are provided, for example, inMacdonald et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 1 11 :5147-52 and supplemental information.

In some embodiments, a restricted unrearranged human(ized) light chain variable region in operable linkage to an endogenous light chain constant region is characterized in that the unrearranged human(ized) light chain variable region comprises no more than two human V_L gene segments and a plurality of J_L gene segments (e.g., dual light chain mice, or DLC, as described inU. S. Pat. No. 9,796,788). In some embodiments the V_L gene segments are Vκ gene segments. In some embodiments the V_L gene segments are Vλ gene segments. In some embodiments the Vκ gene segments are IGKV3-20 and IGKV1 -39. In some embodiments, a rodent comprises exactly two unrearranged human Vκ gene segments and five unrearranged human Jκ gene segments operably linked to a mouse light chain constant region at the endogenous κ light chain loci of the mouse, optionally wherein the exactly two unrearranged human Vκ gene segments are a human Vκ1-39 gene segment and a human Vκ3-20 gene segment, wherein the five unrearranged human Jκ gene segments are a human Jκ1 gene segment, a human Jκ2 gene segment, a human Jκ3 gene segment, a human Jκ4 gene segment, and a human Jκ5 gene segment, wherein the unrearranged human kappa light chain gene segments are capable of rearranging and encoding human variable domains of an antibody, and optionally further wherein the non-human animal does not comprise an endogenous Vκ gene segment that is capable of rearranging to form an immunoglobulin light chain variable region.

In certain embodiments, the unrearranged human(ized) immunoglobulin light chain variable region in operable linkage to an endogenous light chain constant region contains unrearranged human Igλ variable region gene segments. In some embodiments, the unrearranged human immunoglobulin variable region gene segments comprise a plurality of human Vλ segments and one or more human Jλ segments. In some embodiment, the unrearranged human immunoglobulin variable region gene segments comprise one or more human Vλ segments, one or more human Jλ segments, and one or more human Cλ constant region sequences. In some embodiments, the unrearranged human immunoglobulin variable region gene segments comprise all of the human Vλ segments. In some embodiments, the unrearranged human immunoglobulin variable region gene segments comprise all of the human Jλ segments. Exemplary variable regions comprising Ig λ gene segments are provided, for example,U. S. Pat. Nos. 9,035,128 and6,998,514. In some embodiments, the unrearranged human(ized) immunoglobulin light chain variable region in operable linkage to an endogenous light chain constant region comprises (a) one or more human Vλ gene segments, (b) one or more human Jλ gene segments, and (c) one or more human Cλ gene segments, wherein (a) and (b) are operably linked to (c) and an endogenous (e.g., rodent) Cλ gene segment, and wherein the endogenous immunoglobulin λ light chain locus further comprises: one or more rodent immunoglobulin λ light chain enhancers (Eλ), and one or more human immunoglobulin λ light chain enhancers (Eλ), optionally comprising three human Eλ.

In certain embodiments, the unrearranged human(ized) immunoglobulin light chain variable region in operable linkage to an endogenous light chain constant region comprises an unrearranged human Igλ variable region gene segments operably linked to an endogenous (e.g., rodent, e.g., rat or mouse) Cκ gene such that the non-human animal expresses an immunoglobulin light chain that comprises a human λ variable domain sequence derived from the Vλ and Jλ gene segments fused with an endogenous κ constant domain, see, e.g.,US Patent No. 9,226,484.

In some embodiments, the immunoglobulin variable region comprising unrearranged human immunoglobulin variable region gene segments also includes human immunoglobulin variable region intergenic sequences. In some embodiments, the immunoglobulin variable region includes non-human (e.g., rodent, rat, mouse) Ig variable region intergenic sequences. In some embodiments, the intergenic sequence is of endogenous species origin.

In some embodiments, the immunoglobulin variable region is a rearranged light variable region (a universal light chain variable region). In some embodiments, the rearranged Ig light chain variable region gene is a human rearranged Ig light chain variable region gene. Exemplary rearranged Ig light chain variable regions are provided in, e.g.,U.S. Patent Nos.: 9,969,814;10,130,181, and10,143,186 andU.S. Patent Pub. Nos. 20120021409,20120192300,20130045492,20130185821,20130302836, and20150313193. In some embodiments, the rodent ("universal light chain" organism) comprising a universal light chain variable region is used to produce bispecific antibodies. In some embodiments, a common light chain encoding sequence comprises a single rearranged human immunoglobulin light chain Yκ/Jκ sequence operably linked to an endogenous light chain constant region, wherein the single rearranged human immunoglobulin light chain Yκ/Jκ sequence is either (i) a human Vκ1-39/Jκ5 sequence comprising a human Vκ1-39 gene segment fused to a human Jκ5 gene segment, or (ii) a human Vκ3-20/Jκ1 sequence comprising a human Vκ3-20 gene segment fused to a human Jκ1 gene segment.

In some embodiments, the immunoglobulin variable region is a light chain and/or a heavy chain immunoglobulin variable region that includes insertions and/or replacements of histidine codons designed to introduce pH- dependent binding properties to the antibodies generated in such non-human organism. In some of such embodiments, the histidine codons are inserted and/or replaced in the nucleic acid sequences encoding CDR3. Various such light and/or heavy immunoglobulin loci are provided inU.S. Patent Nos. 9,301,510;9,334,334; and9,801,362 andU.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20140013456. In some embodiments, the histidine modified rearranged human(ized) light chain variable region in operable linkage to an endogenous light chain constant region comprises a single rearranged human immunoglobulin light chain variable region gene sequence comprising human Vκ and Jκ segment sequences, optionally wherein the Vκ segment sequence is derived from a human Vκ1-39 or Vκ3-20 gene segment, and wherein the single rearranged human immunoglobulin light chain variable region gene sequence comprises a substitution of at least one non-histidine codon of the Vκ segment sequence with a histidine codon that is expressed at a position selected from the group consisting of 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 111 and a combination thereof (according to IMGT numbering). In some embodiments, the histidine modified unrearranged human(ized) heavy chain variable region in operable linkage to an endogenous heavy chain constant region comprises an unrearranged human(ized) immunoglobulin heavy chain variable gene sequence comprising in a complementarity determining region 3 (CDR3) encoding sequence (e.g., in a (human) D_H gene segment modified to be operably linked to a 23-mer RSS) a substitution of at least one non-histidine codon with a histidine codon or an insertion of at least one histidine codon. In some embodiments, the unrearranged human(ized) immunoglobulin heavy chain variable gene sequence comprises unrearranged human V_H, unrearranged human D_H or synthetic D_H including a D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS, and unrearranged human J_H gene segments, optionally wherein the unrearranged human D_H or synthetic D_H gene segment or D_H gene segment operably linked to a 23-mer RSS comprises the substitution of at least one non-histidine codon with a histidine codon or an insertion of at least one histidine codon. In some embodiments, the histidine modified unrearranged human(ized) light chain variable region in operable linkage to an endogenous heavy chain constant region comprises unrearranged V_L and unrearranged J_L gene segments. In some embodiments, the histidine modified unrearranged human(ized) light chain variable region comprises no more than two unrearranged human V_L (e.g., no more than two Vκ gene segments) and one or more unrearranged human J_L (e.g., Jκ) gene segment(s), wherein each of the no more than two human V_L gene segments comprises in a CDR3 encoding sequence a substitution of at least one non-histidine codon with a histidine codon or an insertion of at least one histidine codon. In some embodiments, the no more than two unrearranged human Vκ gene segments are human Vκ1-39 and Vκ3-20 gene segments each comprising one or more substitutions of a non-histidine codon with a histidine codon, and wherein the human Vκ and Jκ gene segments are capable of rearranging and the human Vκ and Jκ gene segments encode a human light chain variable domain comprising one or more histidines at a position selected from the group consisting of 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 111 (according to IGMT numbering), and a combination thereof, wherein the one or more histidines are derived from the one or more substitutions.

In some embodiments, the immunoglobulin constant region comprises a heavy chain constant region gene. In some embodiments, the heavy chain constant region gene is a human heavy chain constant region gene. In some embodiments, the heavy chain constant region gene is of endogenous species origin. In some embodiments, the heavy chain constant region gene is a mouse constant region gene or a rat constant region gene. In some embodiments, the constant region gene is a mixture of human and non-human sequence. For example, in some embodiments, the constant region gene encodes a human CH1 region and a non-human (e.g., endogenous species origin, mouse, rat) CH2 and/or CH3 region. In some embodiments, the heavy chain constant region gene is an Cµ, Cδ, Cγ (Cγ1, Cγ2, Cγ3, Cγ4), Cα or Cε constant region gene. In some embodiments, the constant region gene is an endogenous constant region gene. In some embodiments, the constant region gene encodes a mutated CH1 region so that the non-human animal expresses heavy chain only antibodies (see., e.g.,U.S. Patent No. 8,754,287,U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0289489). In some embodiments, e.g., where the goal is to generate heavy chains to make bispecific antibodies (e.g., in universal or dual light chain organisms), the Fc domains of the heavy chains comprise modifications to facilitate heavy chain heterodimer formation and/or to inhibit heavy chain homodimer formation. Such modifications are provided, for example, inU.S. Pat. Nos. 5,731,168;5,807,706;5,821,333;7,642,228 and8,679,785 and inU.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2013/0195849.

In some embodiments, the immunoglobulin constant region comprises a light chain constant region gene. In some embodiments, the light chain constant region gene is a κ constant region gene. In some embodiments, the light chain constant region gene is a λ constant region gene. In some embodiments, the light chain constant region gene is of endogenous species origin. In some embodiments, the light chain constant region gene is a mouse constant region gene or a rat constant region gene. In some embodiments, the light chain constant region gene is a mixture of human and non-human sequence.

In some embodiments, the immunoglobulin variable region comprising human variable region gene segments and the immunoglobulin constant region gene to which the variable region gene segments are operably linked are located at an endogenous immunoglobulin locus. In some embodiments, the endogenous immunoglobulin locus is an endogenous heavy chain locus. In some embodiments, the endogenous immunoglobulin locus is an endogenous κ locus. In some embodiments, the endogenous immunoglobulin locus is an endogenous λ locus. In some embodiments, the constant region gene to which the human variable region gene segments are operably linked is an endogenous constant region gene.

In some embodiments, one or more of the endogenous immunoglobulin loci or a portion of the one or more endogenous loci (e.g., a variable region and/or a constant region) in the genome of the rodent provided herein is inactivated. Endogenous immunoglobulin variable region gene loci and portions thereof can be inactivated using any method known in the art, including, but not limited to, the deletion of the locus or a portion thereof from the genome of the organism, the replacement of a locus or a portion thereof with a different nucleic acid sequence, the inversion of a portion of the locus and/or the displacement of a portion of the locus to another position in the genome of the non-human organism. In some embodiments the inactivation of the locus is only a partial inactivation. In some embodiments, the variable region of the locus is inactivated but the constant region remains functional (e.g., because it is operably linked to non-endogenous variable region gene segments).

In some embodiments, the genetically modified rodent includes an inactivated endogenous immunoglobulin heavy chain locus. In some embodiments, the endogenous immunoglobulin heavy chain locus or a portion thereof is inactivated by deletion, replacement, displacement and/or inversion of at least part of the endogenous variable region of the endogenous heavy chain locus. In some embodiments, the at least part of the variable region of the endogenous heavy chain locus that is deleted, replaced, displaced, and/or inverted comprises the J segments of the variable region. In some embodiments, the endogenous immunoglobulin heavy chain locus or portion thereof is inactivated by deletion, replacement, displacement and/or inversion of at least part of the endogenous constant region of the endogenous heavy chain locus. In some embodiments, the at least part of the constant region of the endogenous heavy chain locus that is deleted, replaced, displaced, and/or inverted comprises the Oµ gene of the endogenous constant region.

In some embodiments, the genetically modified rodent includes an inactivated endogenous immunoglobulin κ chain locus. In some embodiments, the endogenous immunoglobulin κ chain locus or a portion thereof is inactivated by deletion, replacement, displacement and/or inversion of at least part of the endogenous variable region of the endogenous κ chain locus. In some embodiments, the at least part of the variable region of the endogenous κ chain locus that is deleted, replaced, displaced, and/or inverted comprises the J segments of the variable region. In some embodiments, the endogenous immunoglobulin κ chain locus or portion thereof is inactivated by deletion, replacement, displacement and/or inversion of at least part of the endogenous constant region of the endogenous κ chain locus. In some embodiments, the at least part of the constant region of the endogenous κ chain locus that is deleted, replaced, displaced, and/or inverted comprises the Cκ gene of the endogenous constant region.

In some embodiments, the genetically modified rodent includes an inactivated endogenous immunoglobulin λ chain locus. In some embodiments, the endogenous immunoglobulin λ chain locus or a portion thereof is inactivated by deletion, replacement, displacement and/or inversion of at least part of an endogenous variable region of the endogenous λ chain locus. In some embodiments, the at least part of at least one V-J-C gene cluster in the endogenous λ chain locus is deleted, replaced, displaced, and/or inverted. In some embodiments, the endogenous immunoglobulin λ chain locus or portion thereof is inactivated by deletion, replacement, displacement and/or inversion of at least part of an endogenous constant region of the endogenous λ chain locus. In some embodiments, the at least part of the constant region of the endogenous λ chain locus that is deleted, replaced, displaced, and/or inverted comprises a C gene of the endogenous constant region.

In various embodiments, the immunoglobulin locus modifications do not affect fertility of the rodent. In some embodiments, the heavy chain locus comprises a functional, e.g., endogenous ADAM6a gene, ADAM6b gene, or both, and the genetic modification does not affect the expression and/or function of the endogenous ADAM6a gene, ADAM6b gene, or both. In some embodiments, the genome of the genetically modified rodent further comprises an ectopically located functional, e.g., endogenous ADAM6a gene, ADAM6b gene, or both. Exemplary rodents expressing exogenous ADAM6a and/or ADAM6b are described inU.S. Pat. Nos. 8,642,835 and8,697,940.

In some embodiments, the genetically modified rodent further comprises and expresses an exogenous terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) for increased antigen receptor diversity. Exemplary non-human animals expressing exogenous TdT are described inPCT Publication WO 2017210586.

In some embodiments, the genome of a provided rodent further comprises one or more human immunoglobulin heavy and/or light chain genes (see, e.g.,U.S. Patent No. 8,502,018; U.S.

Patent No.8,642,835;U.S. Patent No. 8,697,940;U.S. Patent No: 8,791,323; andU.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2013/0096287 A1 and2018/0125043 A1; andPCT Publication No. WO2019/113065). Alternatively, an engineered D_H region can be introduced into an embryonic stem cell of a different modified strain such as, e.g., a VELOCIMMUNE^® strain (see, e.g.,U.S. Patent No. 8,502,018 orU.S. Patent No. 8,642,835). In some embodiments, rodents as described herein may be prepared by introducing a targeting vector as described herein, into a cell from a modified strain. To give but one example, a targeting vector as described herein, may be introduced into a rodent as described inU.S. Patent Nos. 8,642,835 and8,697,940, which rodent expresses antibodies that have fully human variable regions and mouse constant regions. In some embodiments, rodents as described herein are prepared to further comprise human immunoglobulin genes (variable and/or constant region genes). In some embodiments, rodents as described herein comprise an engineered D_H region as described herein, and genetic material from a heterologous species (e.g., humans), wherein the genetic material encodes, in whole or in part, one or more human heavy and/or light chain variable regions.

The rodents as described herein may be prepared as described above, or using methods known in the art, to comprise additional human or humanized genes, oftentimes depending on the intended use of the rodent. Genetic material of such additional human or humanized genes may be introduced through the further alteration of the genome of cells (e.g., embryonic stem cells) having the genetic modifications as described above or through breeding techniques known in the art with other genetically modified strains as desired.

For example, as described herein, rodents comprising an engineered D_H region may further comprise (e.g., via cross-breeding or multiple gene targeting strategies) one or more modifications as describedU.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2011-0195454 A1,2012-0021409 A1,2012-0192300 A1,2013-0045492 A1,2013-0185821 A1,2013-0198880 A1,2013-0302836 A1,2015-0059009 A1; International Patent Application Publication Nos.WO 2011/097603,WO 2012/148873,WO 2013/134263,WO 2013/184761,WO 2014/160179,WO 2014/160202.

A transgenic founder rodent can be identified based upon the presence of an engineered D_H region in its genome and/or expression of antibodies that include CDR3 regions containing amino acids resulting from D_H-D_H recombination in tissues or cells of the non-human animal. A transgenic founder rodent can then be used to breed additional rodents carrying the engineered D_H region thereby creating a series of non-rodents each carrying one or more copies of an engineered D_H region. Moreover, transgenic rodents s carrying an engineered D_H region can further be bred to other transgenic rodents carrying other transgenes (e.g., human immunoglobulin genes) as desired.

Rodents may also be produced to contain selected systems that allow for regulated or directed expression of the transgene. Exemplary systems include the Cre/loxP recombinase system of bacteriophage PI (see, e.g.,Lakso, M. et al., 1992, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:6232-6236) and the FLP/Frt recombinase system of S. cerevisiae (O'Gorman, S. et al, 1991, Science 251:1351-1355). Such animals can be provided through the construction of"double" transgenic animals, e.g., by mating two transgenic animals, one containing a transgene comprising a selected modification (e.g., an engineered D_H region) and the other containing a transgene encoding a recombinase (e.g., a Cre recombinase).

Although embodiments employing an engineered D_H region in a mouse (i.e., a mouse with an engineered D_H region operably linked with human V_H and J_H gene segments, all of which are operably linked with one or more murine heavy chain constant region genes) are extensively discussed herein, other rodents that comprise an engineered D_H region are also provided. In some embodiments, such rodents comprise an engineered D_H region operably linked to endogenous V_H and J_H gene segments. In some embodiments, such non-rodents comprise an engineered D_H region operably linked to humanized V_H and J_H gene segments. Such rodents include any of those which can be genetically modified to express antibodies having CDR3s that include amino acids resulting from D_H-D_H recombination at an increased frequency as compared to a wild-type immunoglobulin heavy chain locus as disclosed herein, including, e.g., mouse, rat, etc. For example, for those rodents for which suitable genetically modifiable ES cells are not readily available, other methods are employed to make a non-human animal comprising the genetic modification. Such methods include, e.g., modifying a non-ES cell genome (e.g., a fibroblast or an induced pluripotent cell) and employing somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) to transfer the genetically modified genome to a suitable cell, e.g., an enucleated oocyte, and gestating the modified cell (e.g., the modified oocyte) in a rodent under suitable conditions to form an embryo.

Methods for modifying a non-human animal genome (e.g., a pig, cow, rodent, chicken, etc.) include, e.g., employing a zinc finger nuclease (ZFN), a transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) or a Cas protein (i.e., a CRISPR/Cas system) to modify a genome to include an engineered D_H region as described herein. Guidance for methods for modifying the germline genome of a non-human animal can be found in, e.g.,U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2015-0376628 A1,US 2016-0145646 A1 andUS 2016-0177339 A1.

In some embodiments, a rodent as described herein is selected from a mouse, a rat, and a hamster. In some embodiments, a rodent as described herein is selected from the superfamily Muroidea. In some embodiments, a genetically modified animal as described herein is from a family selected from Calomyscidae (e.g., mouse-like hamsters), Cricetidae (e.g., hamster, New World rats and mice, voles), Muridae (true mice and rats, gerbils, spiny mice, crested rats), Nesomyidae (climbing mice, rock mice, with-tailed rats, Malagasy rats and mice), Platacanthomyidae (e.g., spiny dormice), and Spalacidae (e.g., mole rates, bamboo rats, and zokors). In some embodiments, a genetically modified rodent as described herein is selected from a true mouse or rat (family Muridae), a gerbil, a spiny mouse, and a crested rat. In some embodiments, a genetically modified mouse as described herein is from a member of the family Muridae. In some embodiments, a rodent as described herein is selected from a mouse and a rat. In some embodiments, rodet as described herein is a mouse.

In some embodiments, a rodent as described herein is a rodent that is a mouse of a C57BL strain selected from C57BL/A, C57BL/An, C57BL/GrFa, C57BL/KaLwN, C57BL/6, C57BL/6J, C57BL/6ByJ, C57BL/6NJ, C57BL/10, C57BL/10ScSn, C57BL/10Cr, and C57BL/Ola. In some embodiments, a mouse of the present invention is a 129-strain selected from the group consisting of a strain that is 129P1, 129P2, 129P3, 129X1, 129S1 (e.g., 129S1/SV, 129S1/SvIm), 129S2, 129S4, 129S5, 129S9/SvEvH, 129/SvJae, 129S6 (129/SvEvTac), 129S7, 129S8, 129T1, 129T2 (see, e.g.,Festing et al., 1999, Mammalian Genome 10:836;Auerbach, W. et al., 2000, Biotechniques 29(5):1024-1028, 1030, 1032). In some embodiments, a genetically modified mouse as described herein is a mix of an aforementioned 129 strain and an aforementioned C57BL/6 strain. In some embodiments, a mouse as described herein is a mix of aforementioned 129 strains, or a mix of aforementioned BL/6 strains. In some embodiments, a 129 strain of the mix as described herein is a 129S6 (129/SvEvTac) strain. In some embodiments, a mouse as described herein is a BALB strain, e.g., BALB/c strain. In some embodiments, a mouse as described herein is a mix of a BALB strain and another aforementioned strain.

In some embodiments, a rodent as described herein is a rat. In some embodiments, a rat as described herein is selected from a Wistar rat, an LEA strain, a Sprague Dawley strain, a Fischer strain, F344, F6, and Dark Agouti. In some embodiments, a rat strain as described herein is a mix of two or more strains selected from the group consisting of Wistar, LEA, Sprague Dawley, Fischer, F344, F6, and Dark Agouti.

Methods

Severalin vitro andin vivo technologies have been developed for the production of antibody-based therapeutics. In particular,in vivo technologies have featured the production of transgenic animals (i.e., rodents) containing human immunoglobulin genes either randomly incorporated into the genome of the animal (e.g., seeU.S. Patent No. 5,569,825) or precisely placed at an endogenous immunoglobulin locus in operable linkage with endogenous immunoglobulin constant regions of the animal (e.g., seeU.S. Patent Nos. 8,502,018;8,642,835;8,697,940; and8,791,323). Both approaches have been productive in producing promising antibody therapeutic candidates for use in humans. Further, both approaches have the advantage overin vitro approaches in that antibody candidates are chosen from antibody repertoires generatedin vivo, which includes selection for affinity and specificity for antigen within the internal milieu of the host's immune system. In this way, antibodies bind to naturally presented antigen (within relevant biological epitopes and surfaces) rather than artificial environments orin silico predictions that can accompanyin vitro technologies. Despite the robust antibody repertoires produced fromin vivo technologies, antibodies to complex (e.g., viruses, channel polypeptides) or cytoplasmic antigens remains difficult. Further, generating antibodies to polypeptides that share a high degree of sequence identity between species (e.g., human and mouse) remains a challenge due to immune tolerance.

Thus, the present invention is, among other things, based on the recognition that the construction of anin vivo system characterized by the production of antibodies having added diversity in CDRs, in particular, CDR3s, generated from non-traditional gene segment rearrangement (i.e., D_H to D_H recombination) can be made using one or more D_H segments that are each operably linked to a 5' or 3' 23-mer RSS. By having the 5' or 3' 23-mer RSS, recombination between D_H segments is increased as compared to an immunoglobulin heavy chain locus that lacks such engineered D_H gene segments. Such added diversity can direct binding to particular antigens (e.g., viruses, channel polypeptides). Upon recombination of a V_H gene segment, at least two D_H gene segments, and a J_H gene segment, a heavy chain variable region coding sequence is formed that contains a CDR3 region having an amino acid sequence resulting from D_H-to-D_H recombination. Furthermore, this CDR3 resulting from D_H to D_H recombination contains an added diversity due to increased amino acid length. Furthermore, such a CDR3 region has the capability to direct binding to a particular antigen (or epitope) that is otherwise unable to be bound by an antibody generated by traditional VDJ recombination.

Provided rodents may be employed for making a human antibody, where the human antibody comprises variable domains derived from one or more variable region nucleic acid sequences encoded by genetic material of a cell of a rodent as described herein. For example, a provided rodent is immunized with an antigen of interest (e.g., virus or channel polypeptide, in whole or in part) under conditions and for a time sufficient that the rodent develops an immune response to said antigen of interest. Antibodies are isolated from the rodent (or one or more cells, for example, one or more B cells) and characterized using various assays measuring, for example, affinity, specificity, epitope mapping, ability for blocking ligand-receptor interaction, inhibition receptor activation, etc. In some embodiments, antibodies produced by provided rodents comprise one or more human variable domains that are derived from one or more human variable region nucleotide sequences isolated from the rodent. In some embodiments, anti-drug antibodies (e.g., anti-idiotype antibody) may be raised in provided rodents.

Rodents as described herein provide an improvedin vivo system and source of biological materials (e.g., cells) for producing human antibodies that are useful for a variety of assays. In some embodiments, provided rodents are used to develop therapeutics that target one or more viruses and/or modulate viral activity and/or modulate viral interactions with other binding partners (e.g., a cell surface receptor). In some embodiments, provided rodents are used to develop therapeutics that target one or more channel proteins and/or modulate channel protein activity and/or modulate channel protein interactions with other binding partners. In some embodiments, provided rodents are used to identify, screen and/or develop candidate therapeutics (e.g., antibodies, siRNA, etc.) that bind one or more virus, channel or G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) polypeptides. In some embodiments, provided rodents are used to screen and develop candidate therapeutics (e.g., antibodies, siRNA, etc.) that block activity of one or more virus polypeptides, one or more human channel polypeptides or one or more human GPCR polypeptides. In some embodiments, provided rodents are used to determine the binding profile of antagonists and/or agonists of one or more human GPCR polypeptides or of one or more human channel polypeptides. In some embodiments, provided rodents are used to determine the epitope or epitopes of one or more candidate therapeutic antibodies that bind one or more human GPCR polypeptides or that bind one or more human channel polypeptides.

In some embodiments, provided rodents are used to determine the pharmacokinetic profiles of antibodies. In some embodiments, one or more provided rodents and one or more control or reference rodents are each exposed to one or more candidate therapeutic antibodies at various doses (e.g., 0.1 mg/kg, 0.2 mg/kg, 0.3 mg/kg, 0.4 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, 2 mg/kg, 3 mg/kg, 4 mg/kg, 5 mg/mg, 7.5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, 15 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg, 25 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg, or 50 mg/kg or more). Candidate therapeutic antibodies may be dosed via any desired route of administration including parenteral and non-parenteral routes of administration. Parenteral routes include, e.g., intravenous, intraarterial, intraportal, intramuscular, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, intraspinal, intrathecal, intracerebroventricular, intracranial, intrapleural or other routes of injection. Non-parenteral routes include, e.g., oral, nasal, transdermal, pulmonary, rectal, buccal, vaginal, ocular. Administration may also be by continuous infusion, local administration, sustained release from implants (gels, membranes or the like), and/or intravenous injection, e.g., using an intravenous fluid bag. Blood is isolated from non-human animals (humanized and control) at various time points (e.g., 0 hr, 6 hr, 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 8 days, 9 days, 10 days, 11 days, or up to 30 or more days). Various assays may be performed to determine the pharmacokinetic profiles of administered candidate therapeutic antibodies using samples obtained from rodents as described herein including, but not limited to, total IgG, anti-therapeutic antibody response, agglutination, etc.

In some embodiments, provided rodents as are used to measure the therapeutic effect of blocking or modulating activity of a target antigen and the effect on gene expression as a result of cellular changes or cell surface density of the target antigen (in the case of a cell surface receptor) of cells of rodents as described herein. In some embodiments, a provided rodent or cells isolated therefrom are exposed to a candidate therapeutic that binds an antigen of interest and, after a subsequent period of time, analyzed for effects on target antigen-dependent processes (or interactions), for example, ligand-receptor interactions or antigen related signaling.

In some embodiments, provided rodents are used to measure the therapeutic effect of blocking or modulating channel activity (or channel signaling, or channel-mediated interactions, or channel action potentials) and the effect on gene expression as a result of cellular changes or the channel density of cells of rodents as described herein. In some embodiments, a provided rodent or cells isolated therefrom are exposed to a candidate therapeutic that binds a human channel polypeptide (or a portion thereof) and, after a subsequent period of time, analyzed for effects on channel-dependent processes (or interactions), for example, ligand-receptor interactions or channel action potentials.

In some embodiments, provided rodents express antibodies, thus cells, cell lines, and cell cultures can be generated to serve as a source of antibodies for use in binding and functional assays, e.g., to assay for binding or function of an antagonist or agonist, particularly where the antagonist or agonist is specific for a human polypeptide sequence or epitope or, alternatively, specific for a human polypeptide sequence or epitope that functions in ligand-receptor interaction (binding). In some embodiments, epitopes bound by candidate therapeutic antibodies or siRNAs can be determined using cells isolated from provided rodents.

In some embodiments, cells from provided rodents can be isolated and used on an ad hoc basis or can be maintained in culture for many generations. In some embodiments, cells from a provided rodent are immortalized (e.g., via use of a virus) and maintained in culture indefinitely (e.g., in serial cultures).

In some embodiments, rodents as described herein provide anin vivo system for the generation of antibody variants that binds a human target antigen. Such variants include antibodies having a desired functionality, specificity, low cross-reactivity to a common epitope shared by two or more human target antigens. In some embodiments, provided rodents are employed to generate panels of antibodies to generate a series of antibody variants that are screened for a desired or improved functionality.

In some embodiments, rodents as described herein provide anin vivo system for generating antibody libraries. Such libraries provide a source for heavy and light chain variable region sequences that may be grafted onto different Fc regions based on a desired effector function and/or used as a source for affinity maturation of the variable region sequence using techniques known in the art (e.g., site-directed mutagenesis, error-prone PCR, etc.).

In some embodiments, rodents as described herein provide anin vivo system for the analysis and testing of a drug or vaccine. In some embodiments, a candidate drug or vaccine may be delivered to one or more provided rodents, followed by monitoring of the rodents to determine one or more of the immune responses to the drug or vaccine, the safety profile of the drug or vaccine, or the effect on a disease or condition and/or one or more symptoms of a disease or condition. Exemplary methods used to determine the safety profile include measurements of toxicity, optimal dose concentration, antibody (i.e., anti-drug) response, efficacy of the drug or vaccine, and possible risk factors. Such drugs or vaccines may be improved and/or developed in such rodents.

Vaccine efficacy may be determined in a number of ways. Briefly, rodents described herein are vaccinated using methods known in the art and then challenged with a vaccine or a vaccine is administered to already-infected rodents. The response of a non-human animal(s) to a vaccine may be measured by monitoring of, and/or performing one or more assays on, the rodent(s) (or cells isolated therefrom) to determine the efficacy of the vaccine. The response of a rodent(s) to the vaccine is then compared with control animals, using one or more measures known in the art and/or described herein.

Vaccine efficacy may further be determined by viral neutralization assays. Briefly, non-human animals as described herein are immunized and serum is collected on various days post-immunization. Serial dilutions of serum are pre-incubated with a virus during which time antibodies in the serum that are specific for the virus will bind to it. The virus/serum mixture is then added to permissive cells to determine infectivity by a plaque assay or microneutralization assay. If antibodies in the serum neutralize the virus, there are fewer plaques or lower relative luciferase units compared to a control group.

Rodents as described herein provide an improvedin vivo system for development and characterization of antibody-based therapeutics for use in cancer and/or inflammatory diseases. Inflammation has long been associated with cancer (reviewed in, e.g.,Grivennikov, S.I. et al., 2010, Cell 140:883-99;Rakoff-Nahoum, S., 2006, Yale J. Biol. Med. 79:123-30). Indeed, a developing tumor environment is characterized, in part, by infiltration of various inflammatory mediators. Also, persistent inflammation can lead to a higher probability of developing cancer. Thus, in some embodiments, a rodent as described herein provides for anin vivo system for the development and/or identification of anti-cancer and/or anti-inflammatory therapeutics. In some embodiments, provided rodents or control rodents (e.g., having a genetic modification different than described herein or no genetic modification, i.e., wild-type) may be implanted with a tumor (or tumor cells), followed by administration of one or more candidate therapeutics. In some embodiments, candidate therapeutics may include a multi-specific antibody (e.g., a bi-specific antibody) or an antibody cocktail. In some embodiments, candidate therapeutics include combination therapy such as, for example, administration of two or more mono-specific antibodies dosed sequentially or simultaneously. The tumor may be allowed sufficient time to be established in one or more locations within the non-human animal prior to administration of one or more candidate therapeutics. Tumor cell proliferation, growth, survival, etc. may be measured both before and after administration with the candidate therapeutic(s). Cytotoxicity of candidate therapeutics may also be measured in the rodent as desired.

Kits

Also disclosed us a pack or kit comprising one or more containers filled with at least one non-human animal, non-human cell, DNA fragment, and/or targeting vector as described herein. Kits may be used in any applicable method (e.g., a research method). Optionally associated with such container(s) can be a notice in the form prescribed by a governmental agency regulating the manufacture, use or sale of pharmaceuticals or biological products, which notice reflects (a) approval by the agency of manufacture, use or sale for human administration, (b) directions for use, or both, or a contract that governs the transfer of materials and/or biological products (e.g., a rodent or rodent cell as described herein) between two or more entities.

Other features of the invention will become apparent in the course of the following descriptions of exemplary embodiments, which are given for illustration and are not intended to be limiting thereof.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are provided so as to describe to those of ordinary skill in the art how to make and use methods and compositions of the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of what the inventors regard as their invention. Unless indicated otherwise, temperature is indicated in Celsius, and pressure is at or near atmospheric.

Example 1. Targeting vector design and construction

This example illustrates the construction of targeting vectors for inserting into the genome of a non-human animal such as a rodent (e.g., a mouse). In particular, the methods described in this example demonstrate the production of targeting vectors for inserting into the genome of rodent (e.g., a mouse) embryonic stem (ES) cells to produce a rodent whose genome comprises an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region that includes a engineered heavy chain diversity (D_H) region, which engineered D_H region includes one or more D_H segments that are each operably linked to a 5' or 3' 23-mer RSS. In this example, three targeting vectors are described: a first targeting vector containing an engineered D_H region that includes a proximal (or 3') D_H segment operably linked to a 5' 23-mer RSS and operably linked to one human J_H segment, a second targeting vector containing an engineered D_H region that includes a proximal (or 3') D_H segment operably linked to a 5' 23-mer RSS and operably linked to three human J_H segments, and a third targeting vector containing an engineered D_H region that includes three D_H segments each associated with a 3' 23-mer RSS and operably linked to six human J_H segments (Figure 2). Each of these targeting vectors were generated and separately inserted into a humanized immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (Figures 3,5,7). As described below, the engineered D_H region was placed in operable linkage with heavy chain variable (V_H) and heavy chain joining (J_H) segments so that, upon VDJ recombination, antibodies having CDR3s resulting from D_H-D_H recombination are expressed.

Targeting vectors containing one or more human D_H segments each associated with a 5' or 3' 23-mer RSS for insertion into an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region were created using VELOCIGENE^® technology (see, e.g.,U.S. Patent No. 6,586,251 andValenzuela et al., 2003, Nature Biotech. 21(6):652-659) and molecular biology techniques known in the art. The methods described in this example can be employed to utilize any D_H segment, set of D_H segments, or combination of D_H segments as desired.

A. 23:D_H3-3:12/J_H6 targeting vector (Figure 2)

Briefly, a first targeting vector was constructed using a genomic DNA fragment containing a plurality of human D_H segments and a synthetic human D_H3-3 segment positioned in the place of human D_H7-27. A donor forin vitro Cas9/GA modification was made byde novo synthesis (Blue Heron Bio) and comprised from 5' to 3: (a) a 100 bp homology arm starting 350 bp upstream of the 5' 12-mer RSS of D_H7-27 (b) AgeI and XhoI sites for insertion of a neomycin-resistance cassette, (c) the 250bp region upstream of the 5'-end 12 RSS of D_H7-27, (d) a synthetic human D_H3-3 segment engineered with a 5'end 23-mer RSS (from J_H4) and a 3'end 12-mer RSS (from D_H3-3), and (3) a 100bp homology box starting 3bp downstream of J_H5. A loxp-UbC-Em7-Neo-loxp cassette, e.g., a neomycin resistance gene flanked byloxP site-specific recombination recognition sites, was positioned ~250bp upstream of the synthetic D_H segment and downstream by ligation into the AgeI and XhoI sites to allow selection in E. coli and mouse ES cells. This23:D_H3-3:12/J_H6 donor (SEQ ID NO:61) including the neomycin cassette was used to modify a BAC byin vitro Cas9/GA using two Cas9:gRNA complexes. Prior to the modification, the BAC was identical in sequence to the chimeric IgH locus of a VELOCIMMUNE^® mouse (see, e.g.,Figures 3 and4, showing an exemplary non-limiting endogenous immunoglobulin heavy chain locus of a VELOCIMMUNE^® mouse that is heterozygous for a 6394 allele comprising a humanized variable region that lacks J_H gene segments and is operably linked to and endogenous mouse immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region sequence and a 1460 allele comprising a humanized variable region operably linked to an endogenous mouse immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region sequence.). Specifically, the BAC was identical to the 1460 allele starting from the most proximal human V_H gene (V_H6-1) and including all 27 human D_H genes, all 6 human J_H genes, the mouse IgH intronic enhancer (Eµ), the mouse IgM switch region (Sµ), and the first 4 exons of the mouse IgM gene. The BAC also included a spectinomycin (spec)-resistance cassette and ~29kb of human intergenic sequence upstream from the V_H6-1 gene. The human-mouse junction is 222bp 3' of the human J_H6 gene and 490 bp 5' of the mouse Eµ enhancer. Insertion of the 23:D3-3:12/J_H6 donor into the BAC via GA resulted in the final 23:D3-3:12/J_H6 targeting vector comprising a replacement of the D_H7-7 gene segment with the engineered 23:D3-3:12 segment and deletion of J_H1, J_H2, J_H3, J_H4, and J_H5 gene segments(Figure 2). Table 1 provides the sequence of the gRNA, primers and probes used to determine accurate construction of the 23:D_H3-3:12/J_H6 targeting vector.

23:D_H3-3:12/J_H6 targeting vector

DNA recognition site

5' D7.27 crRNA

DNA recognition site

3' JH1-5 del crRNA

5' up detect D7-27

3' ub pro-200

5' neo detect

3' down detect JH1-5 del

The 23 :D3-3:12/JH6 targeting vector was linearized with NotI and electroporated into mouse embryonic stem cells having a genome that was heterozygous for a humanized immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (i.e., a first heavy chain allele (1460het) containing a plurality of human V_H, D_H, and J_H segments operably linked to a rodent immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region including rodent heavy chain enhancers and regulatory regions, and containing an inserted nucleotide sequence encoding one or more murine Adam6 genes (e.g.,U.S. Patent Nos. 8,642,835 and8,697,940); and a second heavy chain allele (6394het) containing a plurality of human V_H and D_H segments, a J_H region deletion, and a rodent immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region including rodent heavy chain enhancers and regulatory regions, and containing an inserted nucleotide sequence encoding one or more murine Adam6 genes (e.g.,U.S. Patent Nos. 8,642,835 and8,697,940)) and that was homozygous (HO) for a humanized endogenous κ locus comprising the full repertoire of human immunoglobulin light chain Vκ and Jκ gene segments operably linked to an endogenous mouse immunoglobulin heavy chain Cκ region (1293) (seeFigure 3). The 6799 allele is created upon electroporation and proper homologous recombination of the 1460 allele with the 23 :D3-3: 12/J_H6 targeting vector comprising the neomycin cassette. (Figure 3). These engineered mouse ES cells heterozygous for the 6394 and 679 alleles were employed to facilitate efficient screening of positive ES clones (see below) and subsequent cre-mediated removal of the drug resistance cassettes, after which deletion the 6394 and 6799 alleles are respectively referred to as 6643 and 6800 (Figure 4).

B. 23:D_H3-3:12/J_H4-6 targeting vector (Figure 2)

In a similar manner, another targeting vector (23:D_H3-3:12/J_H4-6 ) was constructed using the same a genomic DNA fragment containing a plurality of human D_H segments and a synthetic human D_H3-3 segment positioned in the place of human D_H7-27. However, this second targeting vector included three of the six human J_H segments (i.e., J_H4, J_H5, J_H6). To create the final 23:D_H3-3:12/J_H4-6 targeting vector, a donor was used to modify the BAC identical in sequence to the chimeric IgH locus of a VELOCIMMUNE^® mouse (see, e.g.,Figures 3 and4, showing an exemplary non-limiting endogenous immunoglobulin heavy chain locus of a VELOCIMMUNE^® mouse that is heterozygous for a 6394 allele comprising a humanized variable region that lacks J_H gene segments and is operably linked to and endogenous mouse immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region sequence and a 1460 allele comprising a humanized variable region operably linked to an endogenous mouse immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region sequence). The donor comprised, from 5' to 3': (a) a 100bp homology box starting 350bp upstream of the 5'-end 12 RSS of D7-27, (b) AgeI and XhoI sites for inserting a neomycin-resistance cassette, (c) the 250bp region upstream of the 5'-end 12 RSS of D7-27, (d) a synthetic human D_H3-3 segment flanked 5' by a 23-mer RSS (from J_H4) and 3' by a 12-mer RSS (from D_H3-3), and (e) a 100bp homology box starting 3bp downstream of J_H3. A loxp-UbC-Em7-Neo-loxp cassette, e.g., a neomycin resistance gene flanked byloxP site-specific recombination recognition sites, was positioned ~250bp upstream of the synthetic D_H segment by ligation into the AgeI and XhoI sites to allow selection in E. coli and mouse ES cells. This 23:D3-3:12/J_H4-6 donor comprising a nucleotide sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO:52, including the neomycin cassette, was used to modify the BAC identical in sequence to the 1460 allele (Figures 3 and4). Specifically, the BAC was identical to the 1460 allele starting from the most proximal human V_H gene (V_H6-1) and including all 27 human D_H genes, all 6 human J_H genes, the mouse IgH intronic enhancer (Eµ), the mouse IgM switch region (Sµ), and the first 4 exons of the mouse IgM gene. The BAC also included a spectinomycin (spec)-resistance cassette and ~29kb of human intergenic sequence upstream from the V_H6-1 gene. The human-mouse junction is 222bp 3' of the human J_H6 gene and 490 bp 5' of the mouse Eµ enhancer. Insertion of the 23:D3-3:12/J_H4-6 donor into the BAC viain vitro Cas9/GA using two Cas9:gRNA complexes resulted in the final 23:D3-3:12/J_H4-6 targeting vector (Figure 2) comprising a replacement of the D_H7-7 gene segment with the engineered 23:D3-3:12 segment and deletion of J_H1, J_H2, and J_H3 gene segments. Table 2 provides the sequence of the gRNA, primers and probes used to determine accurate construction of the23:D_H3-3:12/J_H6 targeting vector.

23:D_H3-3:12/JH4-6 targeting vector

DNA recognition site

5' D7.27 gRNA

DNA recognition site

5' up detect D7-27

3' ub pro-200

5' neo detect

The 23:D3-3:12/J_H4-6 targeting vector was also linearized with NotI and electroporated into mouse embryonic stem cells having a genome that was heterozygous for a humanized immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (i.e., a first heavy chain allele (1460het) containing a plurality of human V_H, D_H, and J_H segments operably linked to a rodent immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region including rodent heavy chain enhancers and regulatory regions, and containing an inserted nucleotide sequence encoding one or more murine Adam6 genes [e.g.,U.S. Patent Nos. 8,642,835 and8,697,940]; and a second heavy chain allele (6394het) containing a plurality of human V_H and D_H segments, a J_H region deletion, and a rodent immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region including rodent heavy chain enhancers and regulatory regions, and containing an inserted nucleotide sequence encoding one or more murine Adam6 genes [e.g.,U.S. Patent Nos. 8,642,835 and8,697,940]) and that was homozygous (HO) for a humanized endogenous κ locus comprising the full repertoire of human immunoglobulin light chain Vκ and Jκ gene segments operably linked to an endogenous mouse immunoglobulin heavy chain Cκ region (1293) (see,Figure 5). The 6797 allele is created upon electroporation and proper homologous recombination of the 1460 allele with the 23:D3-3:12/J_H4-6 targeting vector comprising the neomycin cassette. (Figure 5). These engineered mouse ES cells heterozygous for the 6394 and 6797 alleles were employed to facilitate efficient screening of positive ES clones (see below) and subsequent cre-mediated removal of the drug resistance cassettes, after which deletion the 6394 and 6797 alleles are respectively referred to as 6643 and 6798 (Figure 6).

C. 12:D_H2-2:23|12:D_H2-8:23|12:D_H2-15:23 /J_H1-6 targeting vector (Figure 2)

Briefly, a third targeting vector was constructed using a DNA fragment containing a plurality of human D_H segments that included three D_H2 family gene segments (D_H2-2, D_H2-8 and D_H2-15) each having a 12-mer 5' RSS and a 23-mer 3' RSS. Firstly, the BAC identical in sequence to the chimeric IgH locus of a VELOCIMMUNE^® mouse (see, e.g.,Figures 3 and4, showing an exemplary non-limiting endogenous immunoglobulin heavy chain locus of a VELOCIMMUNE^® mouse that is heterozygous for a 6394 allele comprising a humanized variable region that lacks J_H gene segments and is operably linked to and endogenous mouse immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region sequence and a 1460 allele comprising a humanized variable region operably linked to an endogenous mouse immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region sequence). Specifically, the BAC was identical to the 1460 allele starting from the most proximal human V_H gene (V_H6-1) and including all 27 human D_H genes, all 6 human J_H genes, the mouse IgH intronic enhancer (Eµ), the mouse IgM switch region (Sµ), and the first 4 exons of the mouse IgM gene was modified using bacterial homologous recombination (BHR) to insert a loxp-UbC-Em7-Neo-loxp cassette, e.g., a neomycin resistance gene flanked byloxP site-specific recombination recognition sites, 512 bp upstream of the first human D_H segment (D_H1-1) for selection inE. coli and mouse ES cells. This resulting BAC was subsequently modified with three donors usingin vitro Cas9/GA.

1. The first donor for modification of D_H2-2 contained, from 5' to 3', a 50bp homology box starting 1419bp upstream of the 5'-end 12 RSS of D_H2-2, a multiple cloning site (MreI-NsiI-EcoRI-KpnI-MreI), a modified D2-2 gene with the 3'-end 12-mer RSS replaced by an optimized 3'-end 23-mer RSS derived from human V_H1-69 (CACAGTGTGA AAACCCACAT CCTGAGAGTG ACACAAACC; T->A, G->C; SEQ ID NO:151), and a 50bp homology box ending 863bp downstream of the 3'-end 23-mer RSS of D2-2. The nucleotide sequence of this first donor for modification of D_H2-2 is set forth as SEQ ID NO:70. Since the D_H region consists of four direct repeats of ~10kb, designing unique primers and probes for screening is extremely difficult. To overcome this problem, two unique 40bp sequences were inserted: one 74bp downstream of the 5' homology box and one 40bp upstream of the 3' homology box. These unique 40-mers were used as binding sites for PCR/sequencing primers and Taqman probes, are denoted by unfilled verticalrectangles "1" and "2" ofFigure 2, and comprise a nucleotide sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO:73 and SEQ ID NO:74, respectively
2. The second donor for modification of D_H2-8 contained, from 5' to 3', a 50bp homology box starting 552bp upstream of the 5'-end 12 RSS of D_H2-8, a multiple cloning site (MreI-NsiI-EcoRI-KpnI-MreI), a modified D2-8 gene with the 3'-end 12-mer RSS replaced by an optimized 3'-end 23-mer RSS derived from human VH1-69 (CACAGTGTGA AAACCCACAT CCTGAGAGTG ACACAAACC; T->A, G->C SEQ ID NO: 151), and a 50bp homology box ending 867bp downstream of the 3'-end 23-mer RSS of D2-8. The nucleotide sequence of this second donor for modification of D_H2-8 is set forth as SEQ ID NO:71. Since the D_H region consists of four direct repeats of ~10kb, designing unique primers and probes for screening is extremely difficult. To overcome this problem, two unique 40bp sequences were inserted: one 74bp downstream of the 5' homology box and one 40bp upstream of the 3' homology box. These unique 40-mers were used as binding sites for PCR/sequencing primers and Taqman probes, are denoted by unfilled vertical rectangles "10" and "16" ofFigure 2 and comprise a nucleotide sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO:75 and SEQ ID NO:76, respectively.
3. The third donor for modification of D_H2-15 contained, from 5' to 3', a 50bp homology box starting 391bp upstream of the 5'-end 12 RSS of D_H2-15, a multiple cloning site (MreI-NsiI-EcoRI-KpnI-MreI), a modified D2-15 gene with the 3'-end 12-mer RSS replaced by an optimized 3'-end 23-mer RSS derived from human V_H1-69 (CACAGTGTGA AAACCCACAT CCTGAGAGTG ACACAAACC; T->A, G->C SEQ ID NO: 151), and a 50bp homology box ending 867bp downstream of the 3'-end 23-mer RSS of D2-15. The nucleotide sequence of this third donor for modification of D_H2-2 is set forth as SEQ ID NO:72. Since the D_H region consists of four direct repeats of ~10kb, designing unique primers and probes for screening is extremely difficult. To overcome this problem, two unique 40bp sequences were inserted: one 74bp downstream of the 5' homology box and one 40bp upstream of the 3' homology box. These unique 40-mers were used as binding sites for PCR/sequencing primers and Taqman probes, are denoted by unfilled vertical rectangles "8" and "18" ofFigure 2, and comprise a nucleotide sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO:77 and SEQ ID NO:78, respectively.

Afterin vitro Cas9/GA modification with the three donors, the final targeting vector contained, from 5' to 3', a 49kb 5' homology arm containing human variable region DNA, a Neomycin selection cassette, an engineered human D_H region including three human DH segments each flanked 5' by a 12-mer RSS and 3' by a 23-mer RSS, six human J_H segments, and a 24kb 3' homology arm containing a mouse heavy chain intronic enhancer (Ei) and a mouse IgM constant region gene. (Figure 2). Table 3 provides the sequence of the gRNA, primers and probes used to determine accurate construction of the12:D_H2-2:23|12:D_H2-8:23|12:D_H2-15:23 /J_H1-6 targeting vector.

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1. BHR: VI433-pLMa0298= VI826	5' hIgHD HU2(h268)
3' hIgHD HU2 AgeI(h269)
5' hIgHD HD2 XhoI(h271)
3' hIgHD HD2(h272)
Jxn PCR	5' hIgHD HU2 detect(h270)
3' ub pro-200
Jxn PCR	5' neo detect
3' hIgHD HD2 detect(h273)
2. Cas9/GA: VI826-p51816= VI835
gRNAs	5' D2-2 Cas9 DNA target
5' D2-2 gRNA
3' D2-2 Cas9 DNA target
3' D2-2 gRNA
Jxn PCR	5' up detect D2-2(h274)
3' cm up detect
Jxn PCR	D2-2seqF2
3' down detect D2-2(h275)
3. MreI/JO-1 GA: VI8352-delCM= VI841
GA	JO-1
Jxn PCR	5' up detect D2-2(h274)
D2-2seqR1
Additional D2-2 sequencing primers	D2-2seqF 1
D2-2seqR2
4. Cas9/GA: VI841-p53419= VI853
crRNAs	5' D2-8 Cas9 DNA target
5' D2-8 crRNA
3' D2-8 Cas9 DNA target
3' D2-8 crRNA
Jxn PCR	5' up detect D2-8(h276)
3' cm up detect
Jxn PCR	D2-8seqF2
3' down detect D2-8(h277)
5. MreI/JO-2 GA= VI853-delCM= VI872
GA	JO-2
Jxn PCR	5' up detect D2-8(h276)
D2-8seqR1
Additional D2-8 sequencing primers	D2-8seqF1
D2-8seqR2
6. Cas9/GA: VI872-p51818= VI886
crRNAs	5' D2-8 Cas9 DNA target
5' D2-8 crRNA
3' D2-8 Cas9 DNA target
3' D2-8 crRNA
Jxn PCR	5' up detect D2-15(h278)
3' cm up detect
Jxn PCR	D2-15seqF2
3' down detect D2-15(h279)
7. MreI/JO-2 GA= VI886-delCM= VI896/MAI D20187
GA	JO-3
Jxn PCR
D2-15seqR1
Additional D2-15 sequencing primers	D2-15seqF1
D2-15seqR2

Name	Forward Primer; Probe; Revere Primer	Type of Probe	Type of Assay	Specificity
23:D3-3:12/1	Taqman MGB	GOA	23:D3-3:12 segment
23:D3-3:12/2	BHQ1	GOA	MAID6797 3'jxn
23:D3-3:12/3	Taqman MGB	GOA	MAID6799 3' jxn

Name	Forward Primer, Probe, Reverse Primer	Type of Probe	Type of Assay	Specificity
	BHQ1	GOA	40bp-2 jxn of D2-2
	BHQ1	GOA	40bp-16 jxn of D2-8
	BHQ1	GOA	40bp-18 jxn of D2-15

The 12:D_H2-2:23:|12:D_H2-8:23|12:D_H2-15:23×3/J_H1-6 targeting vector was also linearized with NotI and electroporated into mouse embryonic stem cells having a genome that was homozygous for a humanized immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region that contained the full repertoire of functional human V_H gene segments, a deletion of the D_H region except for D_H7-27, and a full repertoire of functional human J_H gene segments (6011) and that was homozygous (HO) for a humanized endogenous κ locus comprising the full repertoire of human immunoglobulin light chain Vκ and Jκ gene segments operably linked to an endogenous mouse immunoglobulin heavy chain Cκ region (1293) (see,Figure 7). The 20187 allele is created upon electroporation and proper homologous recombination of a 6011 allele with the12:D_H2-2:23|12:D_H2-8:23|12:D_H2-15:23 /J_H1-6 targeting vector comprising the neomycin cassette. (Figure 7). These engineered mouse ES cells were employed to facilitate efficient screening of positive ES clones (see below) and subsequent cre-mediated removal of the neomycin drug resistance cassette, after which removal the 20187 allele is to as 20188 (Figure 8).

Example 2. ES cell screening

This example demonstrates the production of non-human animals (e.g., rodents) whose genome comprises an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region that includes an engineered heavy chain diversity (D_H) region, wherein the engineered D_H region includes one or more D_H segments that are each operably linked to a 23-mer RSS.

Correct assembly of the targeting vectors described in Example 1 and targeted insertion of the DNA fragments into the diversity cluster of a humanized immunoglobulin heavy chain locus contained with BAC DNA clones was confirmed by sequencing and polymerase chain reaction during the construction each targeting vector. Targeted BAC DNA, confirmed by polymerase chain reaction, was then introduced into mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells via electroporation followed by culturing in selection medium. The genome of the ES cells used for electroporation of each targeting vector is depicted inFigures 3,5 and7, respectively. Drug-resistant colonies were picked 10 days after electroporation and screened by TAQMAN^™ and karyotyping for correct targeting as previously described (Valenzuela et al.,supra;Frendewey, D. et al., 2010, Methods Enzymol. 476:295-307) using primer/probe sets that detected proper integration of the engineered D_H gene segments (Table 4; F: forward primer, P: probe, R: reverse primer).

The VELOCIMOUSE^® method (DeChiara, T.M. et al., 2010, Methods Enzymol. 476:285-294;DeChiara, T.M., 2009, Methods Mol. Biol. 530:311-324;Poueymirou et al., 2007, Nat. Biotechnol. 25:91-99) was used, in which targeted ES cells were injected into uncompacted 8-cell stage Swiss Webster embryos, to produce healthy fully ES cell-derived F0 generation mice heterozygous for the engineered D_H region and that express antibodies containing heavy chain variable regions that include CDR3 regions generated from D_H-D_H recombination. F0 generation heterozygous male were crossed with C57B16/NTac females to generate F1 heterozygotes that were intercrossed to produce F2 generation homozygotes and wild-type mice.

The drug selection cassette may optionally be removed by the subsequent addition of a recombinase (e.g., by Cre treatment) or by breeding to a Cre deleter mouse strain (see, e.g., International Patent Application Publication No.WO 2009/114400) in order to remove any loxed selected cassette introduced by the targeting construct that is not removed, e.g., at the ES cell stage or in the embryo. Optionally, the selection cassette is retained in the mice. Selection cassettes engineered into targeting vectors described herein were removed in positive ES cells by transient expression of Cre recombinase (seeFigures 4,6 and8, respectively).

Table 4. Primer/probe sets for ES cell screening

Name	Sequence (5'-3')		SEQ ID NO
F	GAGGCTGTGCTACTGGTACTTC	1
hIgHJ2	P	CCGTGGCACCCTGGTCACTGT	2
R	TGGTGCCTGGACAGAGAAG	3

F	TTTTTGTGCACCCCTTAATGG	4
VI741-42h1	P	ATGTGGTATTACGATTTTTGGA	5
R	CTCTGTGACACTGTGGGTATAATAACC	6

F	TGTCACAGAGTCCATCAAAAACCT	7
VI742h2	P	CACCACCCCCTCTC	8
R	CCTGAGACCCTGGCAAGCT	9

F	GGTGGAGAGGCTATTCGGC	10
Neo	P	TGGGCACAACAGACAATCGGCTG	11
R	GAACACGGCGGCATCAG	12

F	ATGGCGCTTGCAGCGATTC	13
P	CCAATACTAACGAGGAAATGCAAACCCA	14
R	ACCCTCACTGTTGTCCTTCTG	15

F	GCAAACGTCCATCTGAAGGAGAA	16
P	CAAATAAACGATGGCAGGCTACACCCG	17
R	GAGTTGCCGAACCGACTTATTG	18
F	GCAATGGTAGGTTCATGTCCATC	19
P	ACCGCCGCTGGTACTCCAAT	20
R	CCCTGGCTGTCTGGGTTTG	21

F	CAGCAGAGGGTTCCATGAGAA	22
hIgHJ6	P	CAGGACAGGGCCACGGACAGTC	23
R	GCCACCCAGAGACCTTCTGT	24

F	ATCACACTCATCCCATCCCC	25
hIgH31	P	CCCTTCCCTAAGTACCACAGAGTGGGCTC	26
R	CACAGGGAAGCAGGAACTGC	27

F	GCCATGCAAGGCCAAGC	28
mIgHp2	P	CCAGGAAAATGCTGCCAGAGCCTG	29
R	AGTTCTTGAGCCTTAGGGTGCTAG	30

F	CTGAGCATGGTGTCCCATCT	31
mADAM6-1	P	TGCAGATAAGTGTCATCTGGGCAA	32
R	CCAGAGTACTGTAGTGGCTCTAAG	33

F	CCCCGTCCTCCTCCTTTTTC	34
hIgk5	P	TCATGTCCATTAACCCATTTACCTTTTGCCCA	35
R	TGCAAGTGCTGCCAGCAAG	36

F	CATTTGGCTACATATCAAAGCCG	37
hIgK21	P	CCTGAGCCAGGGAACAGCCCACTGATA	38
R	ACATGGCTGAGGCAGACACC	39

F	GCAAACAAAAACCACTGGCC	40
mIgKd2	P	CTGTTCCTCTAAAACTGGACTCCACAGTAAATGGAAA	41
R	GGCCACATTCCATGGGTTC	42

F	TGCGGCCGATCTTAGCC	43
hyg	P	ACGAGCGGGTTCGGCCCATTC	44
R	TTGACCGATTCCTTGCGG	45

F	TGGCAGCTGTTCAACCATGT	46
hIgHD-J.1	P	ATCCACTGTCCCAGACAGCACC	47
R	GGCGGTTTGTGGAGTTTCCT	48

F	TGTTGCCTCCCTGCTTCTAG	49
hIgHD-J.2	P	CCCAGACCCTCCCTTGTTCCTGA	50
R	GGCCCACGCATTGTTCAG	51

Example 3. Characterization of mice modified with the 23:D_H3-3:12/J_H6, 23:D_H3-3:12/J_H4-6, or12:D_H2-2:23|12:D_H2-8:23|12:D_H2-15:23 /J_H1-6 targeting vectorsImmunophenotyping

Immunophenotypic analysis of animals modified with 23:D_H3-3:12/J_H6 or 23:D_H3-3:12/J_H4-6 targeting vectors was performed for mice heterozygous for the respective 6800 or 6795 modified alleles (seeFigures 4 and6). Immunophenotypic analysis of animals modified with the 12:D_H2-2:23|12:D_H2-8:2-23| 12:D_H2-15:23/J_H1-6 targeting vector was performed for mice bred to homozygosity for the 20188 modified allele. B cell development was analyzed in these animals by fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS). Briefly, spleens and leg bones (femur and tibia) were harvested from:

VELOCIMMUNE® mice (n=3, 26% C57BL/6 23% 129S6/SvEvTac 51% Balb/cAnNTac; see, e.g., U.S. Patent Nos. 8,502,018 and 8,642,835),
6643het/6800het//1293ho mice (25% C57BL/6NTac 25% 129S6/SvEvTac 50% Balb/cAnNTac modified with the 23:DH3-3:12/JH6 targeting vector; see Figure 4; n=3;
6643het/6798het//1293ho mice (25% C57BL/6NTac 25% 129S6/SvEvTac 50% Balb/cAnNTac modified with the 23:DH3-3:12/JH4-6 targeting vector; see Figure 6; n=3); or
20188ho/1293ho mice (25% C57BL/6NTac 25% 129S6/SvFvTac 50% Balb/cAnNTac modified with the 12:DH2-2:23|12:DH2-8:23|12:DH2.1523/JH1-6 targeting vector; n= 3).

Bone marrow was collected from femurs by centrifugation. Red blood cells from spleen and bone marrow preparations were lysed with ACK lysis buffer (Gibco) followed by washing with 1xPBS with 2% FBS. Isolated cells (1×10⁶) were incubated with selected antibody cocktails for 30 min at +4°C: Stain 1: rat anti-mouse CD43-FITC (Biolegend 121206, clone 1B11), rat anti-mouse c-kit-PE (Biolegend 105808, clone 2B8), rat anti-mouse IgM-PeCy (eBiosciences 25-5790-82, clone II/41), rat anti-mouse IgD-PerCP-Cy5.5 (Biolegend 405710, clone 11-26c.2a), rat anti-mouse CD3-PB (Biolegend 100214, clone 17-A2), rat anti-mouse B220-APC (eBiosciences 17-0452-82, clone RA3-6B2), and rat anti-mouse CD19-APC-H7 (BD 560143 clone 1D3). Stain 2: rat anti-mouse kappa-FITC (BD 550003, clone 187.1), rat anti-mouse lambda-PE (Biolegend 407308, clone RML-42), rat anti-mouse IgM-PeCy (eBiosciences 25-5790-82, clone II/41), rat anti-mouse IgD-PerCP-Cy5.5 (Biolegend 405710, clone 11-26c.2a), rat anti-mouse CD3-PB (Biolegend 100214, clone 17-A2), rat anti-mouse B220-APC (eBiosciences 17-0452-82, clone RA3-6B2), and rat anti-mouse CD19-APC-H7 (BD 560143 clone 1D3). Following staining, cells were washed and then fixed in 2% formaldehyde. Data acquisition was performed on a BD LSRFORTESSA^™ flow cytometer (BD Biosciences) and analyzed with FLOWJO^™ software (BD Biosciences).

In mice heterozygous for the 6800 or 6798 alleles, total B cell numbers were decreased in both the spleen and bone marrow, and there was an increase in pro-B cells observed in the bone marrow when compared to control VELOCIMMUNE^® mice (data not shown). Overall, the B cells had similar κ and λ usage (data not shown). In mice homozygous for the 20188 allele, a slightly higher level of λ⁺ B cells in the spleen were seen (data not shown). None of the differences observed in the B cell populations in mice expressing the 6800, 6798, or 20188 alleles compared to control VELOLCIMMUNE^® mice were considered to affect B cell development of these animals (data not shown).

Frequencies of D_H-D_Hrearrangements and characteristics

Gene rearrangements in unimmunized naive mice modified with the 23:D_H3-3:12/J_H6 targeting vector, the 23:D_H3-3:12/J_H4-6 targeting vector, or the 12:D_H2-2:23|12:D_H2-8:23|12:D_H2-15:23 targeting vector were analyzed by IgM repertoire sequencing. IgM repertoire library from spleen B cells was prepared using a SMARTer^™ RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends) cDNA Amplification Kit (Clontech) with primers specific to the mouse constant IgM (Table 5, "nnnnnn" represents a 6bp index sequences to enable multiplexing samples for sequencing). Prepared repertoire library was then sequenced on a MiSeq sequencer (Illumina).

Illumina MiSeq paired-end sequences (2x300 cycles) were merged and filtered based on quality and perfect match to the heavy chain IgM constant region primer. Rearranged heavy chain sequences were aligned to germline V, D, and J reference databases (IMGT). Subsequent analyses only included productive rearrangements, defined as sequences with no stop codons within the open reading frame and an in-frame VDJ junction.

Table 5: Primers used in library preparation for IgM repertoire sequencing

5' -AGCAGTGGTATCAACGCAGAGTACATGGG -3'

In unimmunized animals modified with the 23:D_H3-3:12/J_H6 targeting vector or the 23:D_H3-3:12/J_H4-6 targeting vector, no expression of D_H7-27 was detected, and J_H usage was respectively limited to J_H6, or J_H4, J_H5, and J_H6, as expected (data not shown). In unimmunized animals modified with the 12:D_H2-2:23|12:D_H2-8:23|12:D_H2-15:23 targeting vector, recombination with all J_H1-6 gene segments was detected, although recombination with J_H4 was seen at higher frequencies (about 50%) in both the modified and control animals (data not shown). In all modified animals, a variety of V_H gene segments were used (e.g., but not limited to V_H4-39, V_H3-23, etc.) and a variety of D_H gene segments (e.g., but not limited to D_H1-7, D_H3-10, and D_H5-12) recombined with the engineered D_H gene segments. Interestingly, usage of D_H2-2, D_H2-8, and D_H2-15 gene segments trended higher in animals modified with the 12:D_H2-2:23|12:D_H2-8:23|12:D_H2-15:23 targeting vector (2.41%; 6.34%; 6.91%; n=3) compared to control animals (2.57%, 3.44%; 3.58%; n=3). (Table 6).

Functional sequences with a minimum of two consecutive D_H segments identified within the junction region were further confirmed as resulting from a D_H-D_H recombination event using the following criteria. In sequences isolated from mice modified with the 23:D_H3-3:12/J_H6 targeting vector or the 23:D_H3-3:12/J_H4-6 targeting vector, a D_H-D_H recombination event was confirmed when (1) the identified "successive" or 3' D_H segment aligned with a minimum of 9 consecutive base pairs to a germline sequence of the IGHD3-3 D_H gene segment and (2) both the identified leading 5' and successive 3' D_H gene segments aligned with a minimum of 5 consecutive base pairs to a germline D_H gene segment, irrespective of any overlap. In sequences isolated from mice modified with the 12:D_H2-2:23|12:D_H2-8:23|12:D_H2-15:23 targeting vector, a D_H-D_H recombination event was confirmed when (1) the identified "leading" or 5' D_H segment aligned with a minimum of 9 consecutive base pairs to a germline sequence of the IGHD2-2 D_H gene segment, the IGHD2-8 D_H gene segment, or the IGHD2-15 D_H gene segment, and (2) both the identified leading 5' and successive 3' D_H gene segments aligned with a minimum of 5 consecutive nucleotides to a germline D_H gene segment, irrespective of any overlap.

Table 6 provides the number of functional Ig reads as an absolute amount and percent of total reads, the percentage of all functional reads derived from a D_H2-2 gene segment, a D_H2-8 gene segment, or a D_H2-15 gene segment, and the percentage of all reads derived from a D_H2-2 gene segment, a D_H2-8 gene segment, or a D_H2-15 gene segment that satisfy the criteria to be confirmed as the result of a D_H-D_H recombination event.

Table 6

Mouse	% D2-2/D2-8/D2-15 usage
Control	3.44
Control	3.58
Control	2.57
20188 S1	6.34	3.80
20188 S2	2.41	1.69
20188 S3	6.91	4.16

Table 6

As shown in Table 6, all unimmunized modified animals showed an increase in D_H-D_H recombination events compared to the control animals. In animals modified with engineered 2-2, 2-8 and 2-15 gene segments, e.g., homozygous for the 20188 allele, D_H-D_H recombination events in 1.69% to 4.16% of all rearrangements comprising one of the three engineered 2-2, 2-8, 2-15 D_H gene segments. In contrast, D_H-D_H recombination was confirmed in less than 0.2% of all rearrangements derived from 2-2, 2-8, or 2-15 gene segment in control animals. In a separate experiment, the frequency of confirmed D_H-D_H recombination events involving an engineered D_H3-3 gene segment in mice heterozygous for the 6800 mice (Figure 4) ranged from 0.6 to 1.2% of all functional reads derived from a D_H3-3 gene segment.

In all modified animals, the rearranged V_H(D_HA-D_HB)J_H rearrangements encoded longer CDR3 lengths (e.g. but not limited to CDR3 lengths of about 21 amino acids) and incorporated more cysteine residues. (e.g.,Figures 9 and10).

In summary, mice modified with an engineered D_H gene segment exhibit a relatively normal B cell phenotype with an increased frequency of D_H-D_H recombination events due to the utilization of the engineered D_H gene segment. Additionally, the D_H-D_H recombined sequences encoded for CDR3 that were longer in length and had a higher rate of cysteine incorporation.

Example 4. Production of antibodies

This example demonstrates production of antibodies in a rodent whose genome comprises an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region that includes an engineered D_H region as described herein. The methods described in this example, and/or immunization methods well known in the art, can be used to immunize rodents containing an engineered D_H region as described herein with polypeptides or fragments thereof (e.g., peptides derived from a desired epitope), or a combination of polypeptides or fragments thereof, as desired.

Briefly, cohorts of mice that include an engineered D_H region as described herein are immunized with an antigen of interest using immunization methods known in the art. The antibody immune response (i.e., serum titer) is monitored by an ELISA immunoassay and/or on engineered cells by MSD. When a desired immune response is achieved, splenocytes (and/or other lymphatic tissue) are harvested and fused with mouse myeloma cells to preserve their viability and form immortal hybridoma cell lines. The hybridoma cell lines are screened (e.g., by an ELISA assay or MSD) and selected to identify hybridoma cell lines that produce antigen-specific antibodies. Hybridomas may be further characterized for relative binding affinity and isotype as desired. Using this technique, several antigen-specific chimeric antibodies (i.e., antibodies possessing human variable domains and rodent constant domains) are obtained.

DNA encoding the variable regions of heavy chain and light chains may be isolated and linked to desirable isotypes (constant regions) of the heavy chain and light chain for the preparation of fully-human antibodies. Such an antibody may be produced in a cell, such as a CHO cell. Fully human antibodies are then characterized for relative binding affinity and/or neutralizing activity of the antigen of interest.

DNA encoding the antigen-specific chimeric antibodies, or the variable domains of light and heavy chains, may be isolated directly from antigen-specific lymphocytes. Initially, high affinity chimeric antibodies are isolated having a human variable region and a rodent constant region and are characterized and selected for desirable characteristics, including, but not limited to, affinity, selectivity, epitope, etc. Rodent (e.g., but not limited to, rat, mouse, etc.) constant regions are replaced with a desired human constant region to generate fully-human antibodies. While the constant region selected may vary according to specific use, high affinity antigen-binding and target specificity characteristics reside in the variable region. Antigen-specific antibodies are also isolated directly from antigen-positive B cells (from immunized mice) without fusion to myeloma cells, as described in, e.g.,U.S. Patent No. 7,582,298,. Using this method, several fully human antigen-specific antibodies (i.e., antibodies possessing human variable domains and human constant domains) are made.

In one experiment, control mice (e.g., VELOCIMMUNE^® mice with humanized immunoglobulin heavy and κ light chain variable region loci (n= 4-6; see, e.g.,U.S. Patent Nos. 8,697,940 and8,642,835)) and test mice (e.g., mice modified to comprise an engineered 23:D_H3-3:12/J_H4-6 or 23:D_H3-3:12/J_H6 region as described herein (n= 4-6)) were immunized with different antigens and/or nucleic acids encoding same (a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), an ion channel, a chemokine receptor, or a pathogen).

Mice were able to generate responses to each of the tested antigens, with responses ranging from low titers to high specific titers (data not shown). Mice having an engineered 23:D_H3-3:12/J_H6 region as described herein demonstrated titers to a GPCR expressing cell line comparable to control mice having humanized immunoglobulin heavy and κ light chain variable region loci (Figure 11; filled circles represent an engineered cell line that expresses GPCR; unfilled circles are control cells that do not express GPCR).

Additionally, 100% of 23 tested antibodies specific to a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that were generated in mice comprising an engineered D_H region had a heavy chain CDR3 length of 10 or more amino acids; 20% had a CDR3 length of 14 amino acids and 1 antibody had a CDR3 length of 18 amino acids (data not shown). In contrast, only about 60% of the 8 tested antibodies specific to the GPCR that were generated in mice having humanized immunoglobulin heavy and κ light chain variable region loci, but not an engineered D_H region, had CDR3 lengths of 10 amino acids or more, none of which had CDR3 lengths of 14 or more (data not shown).

A plurality of antiviral antibodies was isolated from a mouse having an engineered 23:D_H3-3:12/J_H4-6 region, with at least one demonstrating a neutralization activity superior to that of the comparator molecule (data not shown).

Antibodies from a mouse having an engineered 23:D_H3-3:12/J_H6 and immunized with an ion channel comprised a population of antibodies having HCDR3 lengths of greater than 21 amino acids stemming from both V_HD_HJ_H and V_HD_HA-D_HBJ_H rearrangement (as determined by stringent criteria described for this example), with the sequences encoding longer HCDR3 lengths being found more in the bone marrow compared to the spleen (Figure 12). Analysis of CDR3 lengths encoded by sequences determined to be the result of V_HD_HA-D_HBJ_H rearrangement according to the stringent criteria of this example (when using the stringent criteria of this example each D_H gene segment detected must display a minimum of 40% identity to a germline D gene segment, the 3' D_H gene segment must be derived from the D_H3-3 gene segment, and a maximum of 1 nucleotide mutation in each D_H gene segment) is shown inFigure 13. Table 7 below provides a comparison of the frequency of V_HD_HA-D_HBJ_H recombination in the bone marrow or spleen using the stringent criteria described in this example, or non-stringent criteria in this example (when using the non-stringent criteria of this example each D_H gene segment detected must display a minimum of 5 nucleotide identity to a germline D gene segment, the 3' D_H gene segment must be derived from the D_H3-3 gene segment).

Table 7: V_HD_HA-D_HBJ_H recombination frequency

Non-stringent Criteria	Stringent Criteria
Bone Marrow	3.54	1.7
Spleen	0.38	0.04

SEQUENCE LISTING

<110> Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. MURPHY, Andrew J. MACDONALD, Lynn GUO, Chunguang MCWHIRTER, John VORONINA, Vera
<120> NON-HUMAN ANIMALS CAPABLE OF DH-DH REARRANGEMENT AND USES THEREOF
<130> 009108.347/10347
<150> 62685203<151> 2018-06-14
<150> 62702206<151> 2018-07-23
<150> 62812580<151> 2019-03-01
<160> 151
<170> PatentIn version 3.5
<210> 1<211> 22<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> hIgHJ2
<400> 1gaggctgtgc tactggtact tc 22
<210> 2<211> 21<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> hIgHJ2
<400> 2ccgtggcacc ctggtcactg t 21
<210> 3<211> 19<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> hIgHJ2
<400> 3tggtgcctgg acagagaag 19
<210> 4<211> 21<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> VI741-42h1
<400> 4tttttgtgca ccccttaatg g 21
<210> 5<211> 22<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> VI741-42h1
<400> 5atgtggtatt acgatttttg ga 22
<210> 6<211> 27<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> VI741-42h1
<400> 6ctctgtgaca ctgtgggtat aataacc 27
<210> 7<211> 24<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> VI742h2
<400> 7tgtcacagag tccatcaaaa acct 24
<210> 8<211> 14<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> VI742h2
<400> 8caccaccccc tctc 14
<210> 9<211> 19<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> VI742h2
<400> 9cctgagaccc tggcaagct 19
<210> 10<211> 19<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> Neo
<400> 10ggtggagagg ctattcggc 19
<210> 11<211> 23<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> Neo
<400> 11tgggcacaac agacaatcgg ctg 23
<210> 12<211> 17<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> Neo
<400> 12gaacacggcg gcatcag 17
<210> 13<211> 19<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> Jxn DH2-2
<400> 13atggcgcttg cagcgattc 19
<210> 14<211> 28<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> Jxn DH2-2
<400> 14ccaatactaa cgaggaaatg caaaccca 28
<210> 15<211> 21<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> Jxn DH2-2
<400> 15accctcactg ttgtccttct g 21
<210> 16<211> 23<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> Jxn DH2-8
<400> 16gcaaacgtcc atctgaagga gaa 23
<210> 17<211> 27<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> Jxn DH2-8
<400> 17caaataaacg atggcaggct acacccg 27
<210> 18<211> 22<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> Jxn DH2-8
<400> 18gagttgccga accgacttat tg 22
<210> 19<211> 23<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> Jxn DH2-15
<400> 19gcaatggtag gttcatgtcc atc 23
<210> 20<211> 20<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> Jxn DH2-15
<400> 20accgccgctg gtactccaat 20
<210> 21<211> 19<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> Jxn DH2-15
<400> 21ccctggctgt ctgggtttg 19
<210> 22<211> 21<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> hIgHJ6
<400> 22cagcagaggg ttccatgaga a 21
<210> 23<211> 22<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> hIgHJ6
<400> 23caggacaggg ccacggacag tc 22
<210> 24<211> 20<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> hIgHJ6
<400> 24gccacccaga gaccttctgt 20
<210> 25<211> 20<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> hIgH31
<400> 25atcacactca tcccatcccc 20
<210> 26<211> 29<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> hIgH31
<400> 26cccttcccta agtaccacag agtgggctc 29
<210> 27<211> 20<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> hIgH31
<400> 27cacagggaag caggaactgc 20
<210> 28<211> 17<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> mIgHp2
<400> 28gccatgcaag gccaagc 17
<210> 29<211> 24<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> mIgHp2
<400> 29ccaggaaaat gctgccagag cctg 24
<210> 30<211> 24<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> mIgHp2
<400> 30agttcttgag ccttagggtg ctag 24
<210> 31<211> 20<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> mADAM6-1
<400> 31ctgagcatgg tgtcccatct 20
<210> 32<211> 24<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> mADAM6-1
<400> 32tgcagataag tgtcatctgg gcaa 24
<210> 33<211> 24<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> mADAM6-1
<400> 33ccagagtact gtagtggctc taag 24
<210> 34<211> 20<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> hIgk5
<400> 34ccccgtcctc ctcctttttc 20
<210> 35<211> 32<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> hIgk5
<400> 35tcatgtccat taacccattt accttttgcc ca 32
<210> 36<211> 19<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> hIgk5
<400> 36tgcaagtgct gccagcaag 19
<210> 37<211> 23<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> hIgK21
<400> 37catttggcta catatcaaag ccg 23
<210> 38<211> 27<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> hIgK21
<400> 38cctgagccag ggaacagccc actgata 27
<210> 39<211> 20<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> hIgK21
<400> 39acatggctga ggcagacacc 20
<210> 40<211> 20<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> mIgKd2
<400> 40gcaaacaaaa accactggcc 20
<210> 41<211> 37<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> mIgKd2
<400> 41ctgttcctct aaaactggac tccacagtaa atggaaa 37
<210> 42<211> 19<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> mIgKd2
<400> 42ggccacattc catgggttc 19
<210> 43<211> 17<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> hyg
<400> 43tgcggccgat cttagcc 17
<210> 44<211> 21<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> hyg
<400> 44acgagcgggt tcggcccatt c 21
<210> 45<211> 18<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> hyg
<400> 45ttgaccgatt ccttgcgg 18
<210> 46<211> 20<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> hIgHD-J.1
<400> 46tggcagctgt tcaaccatgt 20
<210> 47<211> 22<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> hIgHD-J.1
<400> 47atccactgtc ccagacagca cc 22
<210> 48<211> 20<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> hIgHD-J.1
<400> 48ggcggtttgt ggagtttcct 20
<210> 49<211> 20<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> hIgHD-J.2
<400> 49tgttgcctcc ctgcttctag 20
<210> 50<211> 23<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> hIgHD-J.2
<400> 50cccagaccct cccttgttcc tga 23
<210> 51<211> 18<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> hIgHD-J.2
<400> 51ggcccacgca ttgttcag 18
<210> 52<211> 3263<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> >p46458 (23-D3-3-12_delJ1-3 donor]
<400> 52
<210> 53<211> 23<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> DNA recognition site
<400> 53tcagaaagca agtggatgag agg 23
<210> 54<211> 42<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 5' D7.27 gRNA
<400> 54ucagaaagca aguggaugag guuuuagagc uaugcuguuu ug 42
<210> 55<211> 23<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> DNA recognition site
<400> 55gctccaggac agaggacgct ggg 23
<210> 56<211> 42<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 3' JH1-3 del gRNA
<400> 56gcuccaggac agaggacgcu guuuuagagc uaugcuguuu ug 42
<210> 57<211> 19<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 5' up detect D7-27
<400> 57gtgaacaggt ggaaccaac 19
<210> 58<211> 21<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 3' ub pro-200
<400> 58ccagtgccct agagtcaccc a 21
<210> 59<211> 21<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 5' neo detect
<400> 59ctcccactca tgatctatag a 21
<210> 60<211> 20<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 3' down detect JH1-3 del
<400> 60gtcccagttc ccaaagaaag 20
<210> 61<211> 3263<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> >p46459 (23-D3-3-12_delJ1-5 donor)
<400> 61
<210> 62<211> 23<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> DNA recognition site
<400> 62tcagaaagca agtggatgag agg 23
<210> 63<211> 42<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 5' D7.27 crRNA
<400> 63ucagaaagca aguggaugag guuuuagagc uaugcuguuu ug 42
<210> 64<211> 23<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> DNA recognition site
<400> 64ttagggagac tcagcttgcc agg 23
<210> 65<211> 42<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 3' JH1-5 del crRNA
<400> 65uuagggagac ucagcuugcc guuuuagagc uaugcuguuu ug 42
<210> 66<211> 19<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 5' up detect D7-27
<400> 66gtgaacaggt ggaaccaac 19
<210> 67<211> 21<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 3' ub pro-200
<400> 67ccagtgccct agagtcaccc a 21
<210> 68<211> 21<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 5' neo detect
<400> 68ctcccactca tgatctatag a 21
<210> 69<211> 19<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 3' down detect JH1-5 del
<400> 69acgcaatcat cacgacagc 19
<210> 70<211> 3345<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> >p51816 (12-D2-2-23 donor)
<400> 70
<210> 71<211> 2484<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> >p53419 (12-D2-8-23 donor)
<400> 71
<210> 72<211> 2321<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> >p51818 (12-D2-15-23 donor)
<400> 72
<210> 73<211> 40<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 1 P51816(D2-2)
<400> 73tgttagatag gcattgatct aggcacgggg cgcgatgttg 40
<210> 74<211> 40<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 2 P51816(D2-2)
<400> 74gcgcttgcag cgattcaaca gctaaccaat actaacgagg 40
<210> 75<211> 40<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 10 P53419(D2-8)
<400> 75cgagcaaaat ccgacacgta actacaagta gggcctgatc 40
<210> 76<211> 40<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 16 P53419(D2-8)
<400> 76ctacacccgt gcatccaata agtcggttcg gcaactcaac 40
<210> 77<211> 40<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 8 P51818(D2-15)
<400> 77atagatgcac caatatctcc cagtaagctc aagctcgcgg 40
<210> 78<211> 40<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 18 P51818(D2-15)
<400> 78tccatctcat cggtcagtaa aaataccgcc gctggtactc 40
<210> 79<211> 20<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 5' hIgHD HU2(h268)
<400> 79gcagtaaccc tcaggaagca 20
<210> 80<211> 31<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 3' hIgHD HU2 AgeI(h269)
<400> 80cttccaccgg tacagccaca ccaaggtcat c 31
<210> 81<211> 31<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 5' hIgHD HD2 XhoI(h271)
<400> 81cttccctcga ggaacactgt cagctcccac a 31
<210> 82<211> 19<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 3' hIgHD HD2(h272)
<400> 82agatcctcca tgcgtgctg 19
<210> 83<211> 20<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 5' hIgHD HU2 detect(h270)
<400> 83tctcctctcg tcgcctctac 20
<210> 84<211> 21<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 3' ub pro-200
<400> 84ccagtgccct agagtcaccc a 21
<210> 85<211> 21<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 5' neo detect
<400> 85ctcccactca tgatctatag a 21
<210> 86<211> 20<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 3' hIgHD HD2 detect(h273)
<400> 86gggtgcttgg gtcctgttag 20
<210> 87<211> 23<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 5' D2-2 Cas9 DNA target
<400> 87aggtctggag ctacaagcgg tgg 23
<210> 88<211> 42<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 5' D2-2 gRNA
<400> 88aggucuggag cuacaagcgg guuuuagagc uaugcuguuu ug 42
<210> 89<211> 23<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 3' D2-2 Cas9 DNA target
<400> 89aggacaacag tgagggttac agg 23
<210> 90<211> 42<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 3' D2-2 gRNA
<400> 90aggacaacag ugaggguuac guuuuagagc uaugcuguuu ug 42
<210> 91<211> 19<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 5' up detect D2-2(h274)
<400> 91gtcaaaggtg gaggcagtg 19
<210> 92<211> 21<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 3' cm up detect
<400> 92tccagctgaa cggtctggtt a 21
<210> 93<211> 19<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> D2-2seqF2
<400> 93agcgattcaa cagctaacc 19
<210> 94<211> 20<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 3' down detect D2-2(h275)
<400> 94ccagtagaag taacgaccac 20
<210> 95<211> 80<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> JO-1
<400> 95
<210> 96<211> 19<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 5' up detect D2-2(h274)
<400> 96gtcaaaggtg gaggcagtg 19
<210> 97<211> 19<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> D2-2seqR1
<400> 97cccgtgccta gatcaatgc 19
<210> 98<211> 19<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> D2-2seqF1
<400> 98aggcattgat ctaggcacg 19
<210> 99<211> 19<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> D2-2seqR2
<400> 99ctgttgaatc gctgcaagc 19
<210> 100<211> 23<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 5' D2-8 Cas9 DNA target
<400> 100acctgaagac gcccagtcaa cgg 23
<210> 101<211> 42<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 5' D2-8 crRNA
<400> 101accugaagac gcccagucaa guuuuagagc uaugcuguuu ug 42
<210> 102<211> 23<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 3' D2-8 Cas9 DNA target
<400> 102gccacaagca caaaagtaca ggg 23
<210> 103<211> 42<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 3' D2-8 crRNA
<400> 103gccacaagca caaaaguaca guuuuagagc uaugcuguuu ug 42
<210> 104<211> 19<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 5' up detect D2-8(h276)
<400> 104gccttaccca agtctttcc 19
<210> 105<211> 21<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 3' cm up detect
<400> 105tccagctgaa cggtctggtt a 21
<210> 106<211> 19<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> D2-8seqF2
<400> 106tccaataagt cggttcggc 19
<210> 107<211> 19<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 3' down detect D2-8(h277)
<400> 107gcagaagtaa ccaccactg 19
<210> 108<211> 80<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> JO-2
<400> 108
<210> 109<211> 19<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 5' up detect D2-8(h276)
<400> 109gccttaccca agtctttcc 19
<210> 110<211> 20<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> D2-8seqR1
<400> 110gccctacttg tagttacgtg 20
<210> 111<211> 19<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> D2-8seqF1
<400> 111gcaaaatccg acacgtaac 19
<210> 112<211> 20<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> D2-8seqR2
<400> 112cgaaccgact tattggatgc 20
<210> 113<211> 23<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 5' D2-8 Cas9 DNA target
<400> 113ggtggcccca taacacacct agg 23
<210> 114<211> 42<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 5' D2-8 crRNA
<400> 114gguggcccca uaacacaccu guuuuagagc uaugcuguuu ug 42
<210> 115<211> 23<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 3' D2-8 Cas9 DNA target
<400> 115ggacaacagt agagggctac agg 23
<210> 116<211> 42<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 3' D2-8 crRNA
<400> 116ggacaacagu agagggcuac guuuuagagc uaugcuguuu ug 42
<210> 117<211> 20<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 5' up detect D2-15(h278)
<400> 117gcactccctc taaagacaag 20
<210> 118<211> 21<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 3' cm up detect
<400> 118tccagctgaa cggtctggtt a 21
<210> 119<211> 19<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> D2-15seqF2
<400> 119gtaaaaatac cgccgctgg 19
<210> 120<211> 19<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 3' down detect D2-15(h279)
<400> 120gcattttcct gttcttgcg 19
<210> 121<211> 80<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> JO-3
<400> 121
<210> 122<211> 20<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 5' up detect D2-15(h278)*
<400> 122gcactccctc taaagacaag 20
<210> 123<211> 20<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> D2-15seqR1
<400> 123ctgggagata ttggtgcatc 20
<210> 124<211> 19<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> D2-15seqF1
<400> 124tgcaccaata tctcccagt 19
<210> 125<211> 20<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> D2-15seqR2
<400> 125cggcggtatt tttactgacc 20
<210> 126<211> 21<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 23D3.312-1
<400> 126tttttgtgca ccccttaatg g 21
<210> 127<211> 22<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 23D3.312-1
<400> 127atgtggtatt acgatttttg ga 22
<210> 128<211> 26<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 23D3.312-1
<400> 128tctgtgacac tgtgggtata ataacc 26
<210> 129<211> 22<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 23D3.312-2
<400> 129cccacagtgt cacagagtcc at 22
<210> 130<211> 24<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 23D3.312-2
<400> 130caagatggct ttccttctgc ctcc 24
<210> 131<211> 19<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 23D3.312-2
<400> 131tcccagctcc aggacagag 19
<210> 132<211> 24<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 23D3.312-3
<400> 132tgtcacagag tccatcaaaa acct 24
<210> 133<211> 14<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 23D3.312-3
<400> 133caccaccccc tctc 14
<210> 134<211> 19<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 23D3.312-3
<400> 134cctgagaccc tggcaagct 19
<210> 135<211> 19<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> Jxn DH2-2
<400> 135atggcgcttg cagcgattc 19
<210> 136<211> 28<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> Jxn DH2-2
<400> 136ccaatactaa cgaggaaatg caaaccca 28
<210> 137<211> 21<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> Jxn DH2-2
<400> 137accctcactg ttgtccttct g 21
<210> 138<211> 23<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> Jxn DH2-8
<400> 138gcaaacgtcc atctgaagga gaa 23
<210> 139<211> 27<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> Jxn DH2-8
<400> 139caaataaacg atggcaggct acacccg 27
<210> 140<211> 22<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> Jxn DH2-8
<400> 140gagttgccga accgacttat tg 22
<210> 141<211> 23<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> Jxn DH2-15
<400> 141gcaatggtag gttcatgtcc atc 23
<210> 142<211> 20<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> Jxn DH2-15
<400> 142accgccgctg gtactccaat 20
<210> 143<211> 19<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> Jxn DH2-15
<400> 143ccctggctgt ctgggtttg 19
<210> 144<211> 7<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> Artificial
<400> 144cacagtg 7
<210> 145<211> 9<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> Artificial
<400> 145acaaaaacc 9
<210> 146<211> 29<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> Template switching oligo
<400> 146agcagtggta tcaacgcaga gtacatggg 29
<210> 147<211> 54<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 1st round PCR primers IgM Constant
<400> 147acactctttc cctacacgac gctcttccga tctgggaaga catttgggaa ggac 54
<210> 148<211> 57<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 1st round PCR primers PE2-PIIA
<400> 148gtgactggag ttcagacgtg tgctcttccg atctaagcag tggtatcaac gcagagt 57
<210> 149<211> 68<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 2nd round PCR Primers
<220><221> misc_feature<222> (30)..(35)<223> n is a, c, g, or t
<400> 149
<210> 150<211> 64<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 2nd round PCR Primers
<220><221> misc_feature<222> (25)..(30)<223> n is a, c, g, or t
<400> 150
<210> 151<211> 39<212> DNA<213> Artificial Sequence
<220><223> 23-mer RSS from VH1-69
<400> 151cacagtgtga aaacccacat cctgagagtg acacaaacc 39

Claims

A nucleotide molecule comprising an engineered immunoglobulin heavy chain diversity (D_H) region ("engineered D_H region") comprising:
(i) an engineered D_H gene segment comprising a D_H gene segment immediately adjacent to a 23-mer RSS ("engineered D_H gene segment") and
(ii) an unrearranged D_H gene segment flanked on its 5' side by a first 12-mer RSS and on its 3' side by a second 12-mer RSS ("unrearranged D_H gene segment"),
wherein (i) the engineered D_H gene segment and (ii) the unrearranged D_H gene segment are operably linked such that (i) the engineered D_H gene segment and (ii) the unrearranged D_H gene segment are able to join in a D_H-D_H recombination event according to the 12/23 rule,
wherein the nucleotide molecule is suitable for obtaining rodents having the engineered D_H region, and
optionally wherein the engineered D_H region comprises only human D_H gene segments.
The nucleotide molecule of claim 1, wherein the nucleotide molecule further comprises:
(a) at least one unrearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain variable (V_H) gene segment ("unrearranged V_H gene segment") that is upstream of and operably linked to the engineered D_H region;
(b) at least one unrearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain joining (J_H) gene segment ("unrearranged J_H gene segment") that is downstream of and operably linked to the engineered D_H region; or
(c) a combination of (a) and (b).
The nucleotide molecule of claim 2, wherein:
(a) the at least one unrearranged V_H gene segment comprises an unrearranged human V_H6-1 gene segment, the at least one unrearranged J_H gene segment comprises an unrearranged human J_H6 gene segment, or a combination thereof;
(b) the at least one unrearranged J_H gene segment comprises an unrearranged human J_H4 gene segment, an unrearranged human J_H5 gene segment, and an unrearranged human J_H6 gene segment;
(c) the at least one unrearranged J_H gene segment comprises an unrearranged human J_H1 gene segment, an unrearranged human J_H2 gene segment, an unrearranged human J_H3 gene segment, an unrearranged human J_H4 gene segment, an unrearranged human J_H5 gene segment, and anunrearranged human J_H6 gene segment, optionally wherein the unrearranged human J_H1 gene segment, the unrearranged human J_H2 gene segment, the unrearranged human J_H3 gene segment, the unrearranged human J_H4 gene segment, the unrearranged human J_H5 gene segment, and the unrearranged human J_H6 gene segment are in germline configuration; and/or
(d) the at least one unrearranged V_H gene segment comprises the full repertoire of functional unrearranged human V_H gene segments spanning between and including an unrearranged human V_H3-74 gene segment and an unrearranged human V_H1-6 gene segment ("full repertoire of functional unrearranged human V_H gene segments"), optionally wherein the full repertoire of functional unrearranged human V_H gene segments is in germline configuration.
The nucleotide molecule of any one of the preceding claims, wherein:
(a) the nucleotide molecule further comprises one or more functional rodent Adam6 genes, optionally wherein the one or more functional rodent Adam6 genes is located between a human V_H1-2 gene segment and a human V_H6-1 gene segment and/or replaces a human Adam6 gene;
(b) the engineered D_H gene segment comprises the 23-mer RSS immediately adjacent to the 5'-end of the D_H gene segment;
(c) the engineered D_H gene segment comprises the 23-mer RSS immediately adjacent to the 3'-end of the D_H gene segment;
(d) the engineered D_H gene segment comprises:
(i) a human D_H3-3 gene segment immediately adjacent to the 23-mer RSS, optionally wherein the 23-mer RSS is immediately adjacent to the 5'-end of the D_H3-3 gene segment;
(ii) a human D_H2-2 gene segment immediately adjacent to the 23-mer RSS, optionally wherein the 23-mer RSS is immediately adjacent to the 3'-end of the D_H2-2 gene segment;
(iii) a human D_H2-8 gene segment immediately adjacent to the 23-mer RSS, optionally wherein the 23-mer RSS is immediately adjacent to the 3'-end of the D_H2-8 gene segment;
(iv) a human D_H2-15 gene segment immediately adjacent to the 23-mer RSS, optionally wherein the 23-mer RSS is immediately adjacent to the 3'-end of the D_H2-15 gene segment; or
(v) any combination of (i)-(iv);
(e) the nucleotide molecule comprises the nucleotide sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO:52 or comprises the nucleotide sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO:61;
(f) the nucleotide molecule comprises the nucleotide sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO:70;
(g) the nucleotide molecule comprises the nucleotide sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO:71; and/or
(h) the nucleotide molecule comprises the nucleotide sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO:72.
The nucleotide molecule of any one of claims 1-4, comprising in operable linkage from 5' to 3':
(a) at least one unrearranged human V_H gene segment,
(b) the engineered D_H region, wherein the engineered D_H gene segment comprises a human D_H3-3 gene segment immediately adjacent to the 23-mer RSS, wherein the 23-mer RSS is immediately adjacent to the 5' end of the human D_H3-3 gene segment, and
(c) at least one unrearranged human J_H gene segment.
The nucleotide molecule of any one of claims 1-4, comprising in operable linkage from 5' to 3':
(a) at least one unrearranged human V_H gene segment,
(b) the engineered D_H region, wherein the engineered D_H gene segment comprises a human D_H2 gene segment immediately adjacent to the 23-mer RSS, wherein the 23-mer RSS is immediately adjacent to the 3'end of the human D_H2 gene segment, optionally wherein:
(i) the engineered D_H gene segment comprises a human D_H2-2 gene segment immediately adjacent to 23-mer RSS;
(ii) the engineered D_H gene segment comprises a human D_H2-8 gene segment immediately adjacent to 23-mer RSS;
(iii) the engineered D_H gene segment comprises a human D_H2-15 gene segment immediately adjacent to 23-mer RSS; or
(iv) any combination thereof, and
(c) at least one unrearranged human J_H gene segment.
The nucleotide molecule of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein:
(a) the at least one unrearranged human V_H gene segment comprises from 5' to 3' an unrearranged human V_H1-2 gene segment and an unrearranged human V_H6-1 gene segment, wherein the nucleotide further comprises one or more functional rodent Adam6 genes between the unrearranged human V_H1-2 gene segment and the unrearranged human V_H6-1 gene segment, and wherein the unrearranged human V_H1-2 gene segment, the one or more functional rodent Adam6 genes, and the unrearranged human V_H6-1 gene segment are contiguous;
(b) the at least one unrearranged human V_H gene segment comprises the full repertoire of functional unrearranged human V_H gene segments, optionally wherein the full repertoire of functional unrearranged human V_H gene segments is in germline configuration; and/or
(c) the at least one unrearranged human J_H gene segment comprises an unrearranged human J_H6 gene segment, optionally wherein:
(i) the at least one unrearranged human J_H gene segment comprises an unrearranged human J_H4 gene segment, an unrearranged human J_H5 gene segment, and the unrearranged human J_H6 gene segment; and/or
(ii) wherein the at least one unrearranged human J_H gene segment comprises an unrearranged human J_H1 gene segment, an unrearranged human J_H2 gene segment, an unrearranged human J_H3 gene segment, an unrearranged human J_H4 gene segment, an unrearranged human J_H5 gene segment, and an unrearranged human J_H6 gene segment, further optionally wherein the unrearranged human J_H1 gene segment, the unrearranged J_H2 gene segment, the unrearranged J_H3 gene segment, the unrearranged J_H4 gene segment, the unrearranged J_H5 gene segment, and the unrearranged J_H6 gene segment are in germline configuration.
The nucleotide molecule of any one of claims 1-7, further comprising:
(a) at its 3'-end, a heavy chain immunoglobulin constant (C_H) region or a portion thereof;
(b) at its 3'-end, a rodent C_H region or a portion thereof;
(c) at its 3'-end, a rodent C_H region or a portion thereof comprising a rodent intronic enhancer region and a rodent IgM gene; and/or
(d) a drug selection cassette located upstream of the engineered D_H gene segment, optionally wherein the drug selection cassette is flanked by one or more site-specific recombination sites.
A targeting vector comprising a nucleotide molecule of any one of claims 1-8, comprising 5'- and 3'- homology arms configured to allow homologous recombination with an immunoglobulin heavy chain sequence at an endogenous rodent immunoglobulin heavy chain locus, optionally wherein the immunoglobulin heavy chain sequence comprises a human or humanized immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region.
A method of modifying an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region to engineer D_H-D_H recombination, the method comprising:
(a) obtaining an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable chain sequence comprising a D_H region comprising one or more unrearranged D_H gene segments, each of which unrearranged D_H gene segment is flanked on its 5' side by a first 12-mer RSS and on its 3' side by a second 12-mer RSS,optionally wherein the one or more unrearranged D_H gene segments comprises at least one unrearranged human D_H gene segment, further optionally wherein the at least one unrearranged human D_H gene segment comprises all the functional human D_H gene segments spanning between and including an unrearranged human D_H1-1 gene segment and an unrearranged human D_H7-27 gene segment, optionally wherein all the functional human D_H gene segments are in germline configuration, and
(b) engineering the D_H region to further comprise at least one engineered D_H gene segment, wherein the engineered D_H gene segment comprises a D_H gene segment immediately adjacent to a 23-mer RSS,
wherein, in the resulting engineered D_H region, the engineered D_H gene segment and at least one of the one or more unrearranged D_H gene segments are operably linked and able to join in a D_H-D_H recombination event according to the 12/23 rule,
optionally wherein the resulting engineered D_H region comprises only human D_H gene segments.
The method of claim 10, wherein the D_H region of claim 10(a) comprises two or more unrearranged D_H gene segments, each of which is flanked on its 5' side by a first 12-mer RSS and on its 3' side by a second 12-mer RSS, and
wherein engineering comprises
(a) replacing at least one of the two or more unrearranged D_H gene segments with the engineered D_H gene segment as defined in claim 10(b),
(b) replacing the first 12-mer RSS or the second 12-mer RSS of at least one of the two or more unrearranged D_H gene segments with a 23-mer RSS, or
(c) a combination of (a) and (b),
optionally wherein the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable chain sequence further comprises a J_H region comprising at least one unrearranged J_H gene segment,
wherein the J_H region is operably linked to the D_H region, and
wherein replacing at least one of the two or more unrearranged D_H gene segments with the engineered D_H gene segment as defined in claim 10(b) comprises deleting the at least one unrearranged J_H gene segment,
further optionally wherein the J_H region comprises a full repertoire of human germline J_H gene segments comprising an unrearranged human J_H1 gene segment, an unrearranged human J_H2 gene segment, an unrearranged human J_H3 gene segment, an unrearranged human J_H4 gene segment, an unrearranged human J_H5 gene segment, and an unrearranged human J_H6 gene segment, optionally wherein the unrearranged human J_H1 gene segment, the unrearranged human J_H2 gene segment, the unrearranged human J_H3 gene segment, the unrearranged human J_H4 gene segment, the unrearranged human J_H5 gene segment, and the unrearranged human J_H6 gene segment are in germline configuration, and
wherein deleting at least one germline J_H gene segment comprises deleting the unrearranged human J_H1 gene segment, the unrearranged human J_H2 gene segment, and the unrearranged human J_H3 gene segment, and optionally further deleting the unrearranged human J_H4 gene segment and the unrearranged human J_H5 gene segment.
The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein:
(a) the engineered D_H gene segment as defined in claim 10(b) comprises
(i) a human D_H3-3 gene segment immediately adjacent to the 23-mer RSS, optionally wherein the 23-mer RSS is immediately adjacent to the 5'-end of the D_H3-3 gene segment,
(ii) a human D_H2-2 gene segment immediately adjacent to the 23-mer RSS, optionally wherein the 23-mer RSS is immediately adjacent to the 3'-end of the D_H2-2 gene segment,
(iii) a human D_H2-8 gene segment immediately adjacent to the 23-mer RSS, optionally wherein the 23-mer RSS is immediately adjacent to the 3'-end of the D_H2-8 gene segment,
(iv) a human D_H2-15 gene segment immediately adjacent to the 23-mer RSS, optionally wherein the 23-mer RSS is immediately adjacent to the 3'-end of the D_H2-15 gene segment, or
(v) any combination of (i)-(iv);
(b) engineering comprises replacing the most 3' unrearranged D_H gene segment of the D_H region as defined in claim 10(a) with the engineered D_H gene segment as defined in claim 10(b); and/or
(c) engineering comprises replacing at least one of the one or more unrearranged D_H gene segments that corresponds to the engineered D_H gene segment as defined in claim 10(b) with the engineered D_H gene segment as defined in claim 10(b).
An immunoglobulin heavy chain locus comprising the nucleotide molecule of any one of claims 1-8, the targeting vector of claim 9, or the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region modified according to the method of any one of claims 10-12.
A rodent genome comprising the nucleotide molecule of any one of claims 1-8, the targeting vector of claim 9, the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region modified according to the method of any one of claims 10-12, or the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus of claim 13, wherein the rodent genome is optionally a rodent germline genome.
The rodent genome of claim 14, wherein the rodent genome comprises an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region that comprises:
(a) unrearranged V_H gene segments,
(b) the engineered D_H region, optionally wherein the engineered D_H region comprises only human D_H gene segments, and
(c) unrearranged J_H gene segments,
wherein (a)-(c) are in operable linkage such that, upon recombination, the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region comprises a rearranged heavy chain variable region sequence encoding an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable domain, optionally wherein the rearranged heavy chain variable region sequence is formed after a V_H(D_H-D_H)J_H recombination event,
optionally wherein:
(aa) the engineered D_H gene segment comprises a D_H segment immediately adjacent to a 3' 23-mer RSS;
(bb) the engineered D_H gene segments comprises a D_H gene segment immediately adjacent to a 5' 23-mer RSS;
(cc) the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region is a human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region comprising only human V_H gene segments, human D_H gene segments, and human J_H gene segments, optionally wherein the human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region is operably linked to a C_H region, further optionally wherein the C_H region is an endogenous C_H region, optionally at an endogenous immunoglobulin heavy chain locus;
(dd) the unrearranged V_H gene segments comprise the full repertoire of functional unrearranged human V_H gene segments, optionally wherein the full repertoire of functional unrearranged human V_H gene segments is in germline configuration;
(ee) the unrearranged J_H gene segments comprise a human J_H6 gene segment; and/or
(ff) (i) the rodent genome lacks an endogenous Adam6 gene; or(ii) the rodent genome further comprises one or more rodent Adam6 genes, optionally wherein:
the one or more rodent Adam6 genes comprises an endogenous rodent Adam6 gene;
the one or more rodent Adam6 genes are inserted between two human V_H gene segments, optionally wherein the one or more rodent Adam6 genes are inserted between an unrearranged human V_H1-2 gene segment and an unrearranged human V_H6-1 gene segment
the one or more one or more rodent Adam6 genes are inserted in the place of a human Adam6 pseudogene; and/or
the one or more one or more rodent Adam6 genes are inserted between an unrearranged human V_H gene segment and an unrearranged human D_H gene segment.
The rodent genome of claim 14 or 15, wherein:
(a) the rodent genome further comprises a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase gene;
(b) the rodent genome ischaracterized in that it is homozygous for the engineered D_H region or the rodent genome ischaracterized in that it is heterozygous for the engineered D_H region; and/or
(c) the rodent genome is a rat genome or a mouse genome.
A rodent cell comprising the rodent genome of any one of claims 14 to 16, optionally wherein the rodent cell is a rat cell or a mouse cell.
The rodent cell of claim 17, wherein the rodent cell is a rodent embryonic stem cell.
A rodent generated from the rodent embryonic stem cell of claim 18, wherein the rodent comprises the rodent genome in its germline.
The rodent of claim 19, wherein:
(a) the rodent further comprises a somatic genome that comprises a rearranged heavy chain V_H(D_HA-D_HB)J_H coding sequence,optionally wherein the rearranged heavy chain V_H(D_HA-D_HB)J_H coding sequence is operably linked to an IgM constant region gene sequence and/or wherein D_HA or D_HB is derived from the engineered D_H gene segment or a portion thereof and at least 9 base pairs of D_HA or D_HB is identical to at least 9 base pairs of the engineered D_H gene segment; and/or
(b) at least 95% of all rearranged heavy chain VDJ coding sequences in the rodent have a CDR3 length of at least 10 amino acids, optionally wherein at least 70% of all rearranged heavy chain VDJ gene sequences in the rodent have a CDR3 length of at least 11 amino acids, optionally wherein at least 15% of all rearranged heavy chain VDJ gene sequences in the rodent have a CDR3 length of at least 14 amino acids, further optionallycharacterized in that the rodent exhibits at least a at least a 3-fold increased frequency of D_H-D_H recombination as compared to the frequency of D_H-D_H recombination in a reference rodent.
A method of making a rodent whose genome comprises an engineered D_H region, the method comprising:
(A) generating the rodent from the embryonic stem cell of claim 18, or
(B)
(a) modifying the genome of a rodent embryonic stem cell to comprise a DNA fragment comprising one or more engineered D_H gene segments, each comprising a D_H gene segment immediately adjacent to a 23-mer RSS, optionally wherein the DNA fragment comprises the nucleotide molecule of any one of claims 1-8, the targeting vector of claim 9, the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region modified according to the method of any one of claims 10-12, or the immunoglobulin heavy chain of claim 13, and
(b) generating the rodent using the modified rodent embryonic stem cell of (B)(a).
The method of claim 21, wherein the rodent is a rat or a mouse.
A method of producing an antibody or obtaining a nucleic acid encoding same, the method comprising
immunizing a rodent with an antigen, which rodent comprises a germline genome comprising an engineered D_H region that comprises one or more engineered D_H gene segments that are each immediately adjacent to a 23-mer RSS, optionally wherein the rodent is the rodent according to any one of claims 19 to 20 or made according to claim 21, and
allowing the rodent to produce an immune response to the antigen including an antibody, or nucleic acid encoding same, that binds the antigen,
optionally wherein:
(a) the method is one further comprising recovering the antibody, or nucleic acid encoding same, from the rodent or a rodent cell, wherein the rodent cell is a B cell or a hybridoma;
(b) one or more engineered D_H gene segments that are each immediately adjacent to a 23-mer RSS comprises a D_H gene segment operably linked to a 5' 23-mer RSS;
(c) one or more engineered D_H gene segments that are each immediately adjacent to a 23-mer RSS comprises a D_H gene segment operably linked to a 3' 23-mer RSS; and/or
(d) the rodent is a rat or a mouse.