Novel mutated form of arginine deiminase

Abstract

The present invention discloses arginine deiminase that is genetically modified for more efficient manufacturing and processing. The present invention discloses recombinant DNA molecules and vectors and other therapeutic and pharmaceutical compositions. The present invention also discloses methods for preparing modified arginine deiminase as well as methods of treating cancer and other disease states using modified arginine deiminase.

1 - 70 . (canceled).  
     
     
         71 . An arginine deiminase comprising arginine deiminase isolated from  Mycoplasma hominis  that has been modified by elimination of at least one pegylation site at or adjacent to the catalytic region of the polypeptide.  
     
     
         72 . The arginine deiminase of  claim 71  wherein the arginine deiminase has been modified by deletion or substitution of at least one amino acid.  
     
     
         73 . The arginine deiminase of  claim 71  covalently bound to polyethylene glycol.  
     
     
         74 . The arginine deiminase of  claim 73  wherein the arginine deiminase is covalently bound to polyethylene glycol via a linking group.  
     
     
         75 . A composition comprising the arginine deiminase of any one of  claims 71  to  74  and at least one carrier, diluent, or excipient.