Phase Separation of an IgG1 Antibody Solution under a Low Ionic Strength Condition

Hydrogen exchange mass spectrometry reveals protein interfaces and distant dynamic coupling effects during the reversible self-association of an IgG1 monoclonal antibody

There is a need for new analytical approaches to better characterize the nature of the concentration-dependent, reversible self-association (RSA) of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directly, and with high resolution, when these proteins are formulated as highly concentrated solutions. In the work reported here, hydrogen exchange mass spectrometry (HX-MS) was used to define the concentration-dependent RSA interface, and to characterize the effects of association on the backbone dynamics of an IgG1 mAb (mAb-C). Dynamic light scattering, chemical cross-linking, and solution viscosity measurements were used to determine conditions that caused the RSA of mAb-C. A novel HX-MS experimental approach was then applied to directly monitor differences in local flexibility of mAb-C due to RSA at different protein concentrations in deuterated buffers. First, a stable formulation containing lyoprotectants that permitted freeze-drying of mAb-C at both 5 and 60 mg/mL was identified. Upon reconstitution with RSA-promoting deuterated solutions, the low vs. high protein concentration samples displayed different levels of solution viscosity (i.e., approx. 1 to 75 mPa.s). The reconstituted mAb-C samples were then analyzed by HX-MS. Two specific sequences covering complementarity-determining regions CDR2H and CDR2L (in the variable heavy and light chains, respectively) showed significant protection against deuterium uptake (i.e., decreased hydrogen exchange). These results define the major protein-protein interfaces associated with the concentration-dependent RSA of mAb-C. Surprisingly, certain peptide segments in the V_H domain, the constant domain (C_H2), and the hinge region (C_H1-C_H2 interface) concomitantly showed significant increases in local flexibility at high vs. low protein concentrations. These results indicate the presence of longer-range, distant dynamic coupling effects within mAb-C occurring upon RSA.

Quantitative Correlation between Viscosity of Concentrated MAb Solutions and Particle Size Parameters Obtained from Small-Angle X-ray Scattering

PURPOSE

To investigate the relationship between viscosity of concentrated MAb solutions and particle size parameters obtained from small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS).

METHODS

The viscosity of three MAb solutions (MAb1, MAb2, and MAb3; 40-200 mg/mL) was measured by electromagnetically spinning viscometer. The protein interactions of MAb solutions (at 60 mg/mL) was evaluated by SAXS. The phase behavior of 60 mg/mL MAb solutions in a low-salt buffer was observed after 1 week storage at 25°C.

RESULTS

The MAb1 solutions exhibited the highest viscosity among the three MAbs in the buffer containing 50 mM NaCl. Viscosity of MAb1 solutions decreased with increasing temperature, increasing salt concentration, and addition of amino acids. Viscosity of MAb1 solutions was lowest in the buffer containing histidine, arginine, and aspartic acid. Particle size parameters obtained from SAXS measurements correlated very well with the viscosity of MAb solutions at 200 mg/mL. MAb1 exhibited liquid-liquid phase separation at a low salt concentration.

CONCLUSIONS

Simultaneous addition of basic and acidic amino acids effectively suppressed intermolecular attractive interactions and decreased viscosity of MAb1 solutions. SAXS can be performed using a small volume of samples; therefore, the particle size parameters obtained from SAXS at intermediate protein concentration could be used to screen for low viscosity antibodies in the early development stage.

Resolving self-association of a therapeutic antibody by formulation optimization and molecular approaches

A common challenge encountered during development of high concentration monoclonal antibody formulations is preventing self-association. Depending on the antibody and its formulation, self-association can be seen as aggregation, precipitation, opalescence or phase separation. Here we report on an unusual manifestation of self-association, formation of a semi-solid gel or "gelation." Therapeutic monoclonal antibody C4 was isolated from human B cells based on its strong potency in neutralizing bacterial toxin in animal models. The purified antibody possessed the unusual property of forming a firm, opaque white gel when it was formulated at concentrations >30 mg/mL and the temperature was <6°C. Gel formation was reversible with temperature. Gelation was affected by salt concentration or pH, suggesting an electrostatic interaction between IgG monomers. A comparison of the C4 amino acid sequences to consensus germline sequences revealed differences in framework regions. A C4 variant in which the framework sequence was restored to the consensus germline sequence did not gel at 100 mg/mL at temperatures as low as 1°C. Additional genetic analysis was used to predict the key residue(s) involved in the gelation. Strikingly, a single substitution in the native antibody, replacing heavy chain glutamate 23 with lysine (E23K), was sufficient to prevent gelation. These results indicate that the framework region is involved in intermolecular interactions. The temperature dependence of gelation may be related to conformational changes near glutamate 23 or the regions it interacts with. Molecular engineering of the framework can be an effective approach to resolve the solubility issues of therapeutic antibodies.

High-throughput assay for measuring monoclonal antibody self-association and aggregation in serum

Subcutaneous delivery is one of the preferred administration routes for therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). High antibody dosing requirements and small injection volumes necessitate formulation and delivery of highly concentrated mAb solutions. Such elevated antibody concentrations can lead to undesirable solution behaviors such as mAb self-association and aggregation, which are relatively straightforward to detect using various biophysical methods because of the high purity and concentration of antibody formulations. However, the biophysical properties of mAbs in serum can also impact antibody activity, but these properties are less well understood because of the difficulty characterizing mAbs in such a complex environment. Here we report a high-throughput assay for directly evaluating mAb self-association and aggregation in serum. Our approach involves immobilizing polyclonal antibodies specific for human mAbs on gold nanoparticles, and then using these conjugates to capture human antibodies at a range of subsaturating to saturating mAb concentrations in serum. Antibody aggregation is detected at subsaturating mAb concentrations via blue-shifted plasmon wavelengths due to the reduced efficiency of capturing mAb aggregates relative to monomers, which reduces affinity cross-capture of mAbs by multiple conjugates. In contrast, antibody self-association is detected at saturating mAb concentrations via red-shifted plasmon wavelengths due to attractive interparticle interactions between immobilized mAbs. The high-throughput nature of this assay along with its compatibility with unusually dilute mAb solutions (0.1-10 μg per mL) should make it useful for identifying antibody candidates with high serum stability during early antibody discovery.

Complex equilibria, speciation, and heteroprotein coacervation of lactoferrin and β-lactoglobulin

There has been a resurgence of interest in complex coacervation, a form of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) in systems of oppositely charged macroions, but very few reports describe the somewhat anomalous coacervation between acidic and basic proteins, which occurs under very narrow ranges of conditions. We sought to identify the roles of equilibrium interprotein complexes during the coacervation of β-lactoglobulin dimer (BLG2) with lactoferrin (LF) and found that this LLPS arises specifically from LF(BLG2)2. We followed the progress of complexation and coacervation as a function of r, the LF/BLG molar ratio, using turbidity to monitor the degree of coacervation and proton release and dynamic light scattering (DLS) to assess the stoichiometry and abundance of complexes. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) showed that initial complex formation is endothermic, but a large exotherm related to coacervate formation obscured other regions. On the basis of turbidimetry, proton release, and DLS, we propose a speciation diagram that presents the abundance of various complexes as a function of r. Although multiple species could be simultaneously present, distinct regions could be identified corresponding to equilibria among particular protein pairs.

Opalescence in monoclonal antibody solutions and its correlation with intermolecular interactions in dilute and concentrated solutions

Opalescence indicates physical instability of a formulation because of the presence of aggregates or liquid-liquid phase separation in solution and has been reported for monoclonal antibody (mAb) formulations. Increased solution opalescence can be attributed to attractive protein-protein interactions (PPIs). Techniques including light scattering, AUC, or membrane osmometry are routinely employed to measure PPIs in dilute solutions, whereas opalescence is seen at relatively higher concentrations, where both long- and short-range forces contribute to overall PPIs. The mAb molecule studied here shows a unique property of high opalescence because of liquid-liquid phase separation. In this study, opalescence measurements are correlated to PPIs measured in diluted and concentrated solutions using light scattering (kD ) and high-frequency rheology (G'), respectively. Charges on the molecules were calculated using zeta potential measurements. Results indicate that high opalescence and phase separation are a result of the attractive interactions in solution; however, the presence of attractive interactions do not always imply phase separation. Temperature dependence of opalescence suggests that thermodynamic contribution to opalescence is significant and Tcloud can be utilized as a potential tool to assess attractive interactions in solution.

Improving monoclonal antibody selection and engineering using measurements of colloidal protein interactions

A limitation of using mAbs as therapeutic molecules is their propensity to associate with themselves and/or with other molecules via nonaffinity (colloidal) interactions. This can lead to a variety of problems ranging from low solubility and high viscosity to off-target binding and fast antibody clearance. Measuring such colloidal interactions is challenging given that they are weak and potentially involve diverse target molecules. Nevertheless, assessing these weak interactions-especially during early antibody discovery and lead candidate optimization-is critical to preventing problems that can arise later in the development process. Here we review advances in developing and implementing sensitive methods for measuring antibody colloidal interactions as well as using these measurements for guiding antibody selection and engineering. These systematic efforts to minimize nonaffinity interactions are expected to yield more effective and stable mAbs for diverse therapeutic applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 103:3356-3363, 2014.

The role of electrostatics in protein-protein interactions of a monoclonal antibody

Understanding how protein-protein interactions depend on the choice of buffer, salt, ionic strength, and pH is needed to have better control over protein solution behavior. Here, we have characterized the pH and ionic strength dependence of protein-protein interactions in terms of an interaction parameter kD obtained from dynamic light scattering and the osmotic second virial coefficient B22 measured by static light scattering. A simplified protein-protein interaction model based on a Baxter adhesive potential and an electric double layer force is used to separate out the contributions of longer-ranged electrostatic interactions from short-ranged attractive forces. The ionic strength dependence of protein-protein interactions for solutions at pH 6.5 and below can be accurately captured using a Deryaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) potential to describe the double layer forces. In solutions at pH 9, attractive electrostatics occur over the ionic strength range of 5-275 mM. At intermediate pH values (7.25 to 8.5), there is a crossover effect characterized by a nonmonotonic ionic strength dependence of protein-protein interactions, which can be rationalized by the competing effects of long-ranged repulsive double layer forces at low ionic strength and a shorter ranged electrostatic attraction, which dominates above a critical ionic strength. The change of interactions from repulsive to attractive indicates a concomitant change in the angular dependence of protein-protein interaction from isotropic to anisotropic. In the second part of the paper, we show how the Baxter adhesive potential can be used to predict values of kD from fitting to B22 measurements, thus providing a molecular basis for the linear correlation between the two protein-protein interaction parameters.

Protein-poly(amino acid) complex precipitation for high-concentration protein formulation

A method for concentration of protein solutions is required for high-dosage protein formulation. Here, we present a precipitation-redissolution method by poly(amino acid) for proteins, including therapeutic enzymes, antibodies, and hormones. The proteins were fully precipitated by the addition of poly-L-lysine or poly-L-glutamic acid at low ionic strength, after which precipitate was dissolved at physiological ionic strength. The activities and secondary structures of redissolved proteins, especially antibodies, were almost identical to the native state. The precipitation-redissolution method is a simple and rapid technique for concentration of protein formulations.

Phase transitions in human IgG solutions

Protein condensations, such as crystallization, liquid-liquid phase separation, aggregation, and gelation, have been observed in concentrated antibody solutions under various solution conditions. While most IgG antibodies are quite soluble, a few outliers can undergo condensation under physiological conditions. Condensation of IgGs can cause serious consequences in some human diseases and in biopharmaceutical formulations. The phase transitions underlying protein condensations in concentrated IgG solutions is also of fundamental interest for the understanding of the phase behavior of non-spherical protein molecules. Due to the high solubility of generic IgGs, the phase behavior of IgG solutions has not yet been well studied. In this work, we present an experimental approach to study IgG solutions in which the phase transitions are hidden below the freezing point of the solution. Using this method, we have investigated liquid-liquid phase separation of six human myeloma IgGs and two recombinant pharmaceutical human IgGs. We have also studied the relation between crystallization and liquid-liquid phase separation of two human cryoglobulin IgGs. Our experimental results reveal several important features of the generic phase behavior of IgG solutions: (1) the shape of the coexistence curve is similar for all IgGs but quite different from that of quasi-spherical proteins; (2) all IgGs have critical points located at roughly the same protein concentration at ~100 mg/ml while their critical temperatures vary significantly; and (3) the liquid-liquid phase separation in IgG solutions is metastable with respect to crystallization. These features of phase behavior of IgG solutions reflect the fact that all IgGs have nearly identical molecular geometry but quite diverse net inter-protein interaction energies. This work provides a foundation for further experimental and theoretical studies of the phase behavior of generic IgGs as well as outliers with large propensity to condense. The investigation of the phase diagram of IgG solutions is of great importance for the understanding of immunoglobulin deposition diseases as well as for the understanding of the colloidal stability of IgG pharmaceutical formulations.

Quantitative evaluation of colloidal stability of antibody solutions using PEG-induced liquid-liquid phase separation

Colloidal stability of antibody solutions, i.e., the propensity of the folded protein to precipitate, is an important consideration in formulation development of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. In a protein solution, different pathways including crystallization, colloidal aggregation, and liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) can lead to the formation of precipitates. The kinetics of crystallization and aggregation are often slow and vary from protein to protein. Due to the diverse mechanisms of these protein condensation processes, it is a challenge to develop a standardized test for an early evaluation of the colloidal stability of antibody solutions. LLPS would normally occur in antibody solutions at sufficiently low temperature, provided that it is not preempted by freezing of the solution. Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) can be used to induce LLPS at temperatures above the freezing point. Here, we propose a colloidal stability test based on inducing LLPS in antibody solutions and measuring the antibody concentration of the dilute phase. We demonstrate experimentally that such a PEG-induced LLPS test can be used to compare colloidal stability of different antibodies in different solution conditions and can be readily applied to high-throughput screening. We have derived an equation for the effects of PEG concentration and molecular weight on the results of the LLPS test. Finally, this equation defines a binding energy in the condensed phase, which can be determined in the PEG-induced LLPS test. This binding energy is a measure of attractive interactions between antibody molecules and can be used for quantitative characterization of the colloidal stability of antibody solutions.

Reentrant condensation, liquid–liquid phase separation and crystallization in protein solutions induced by multivalent metal ions

We briefly summarize the recent progress in tuning protein interactions as well as phase behavior in protein solutions using multivalent metal ions. We focus on the influence of control parameters and the mechanism of reentrant condensation, the metastable liquid–liquid phase separation and classical vs. non-classical pathways of protein crystallization.

Label-free flow cytometry analysis of subvisible aggregates in liquid IgG1 antibody formulations

The objective of this study was to characterize and quantify label-free subvisible antibody particles in different formulations based on their size and physical properties by flow cytometry. Protein subvisible particles were prepared under various stress conditions and analyzed by applying different analytical techniques [light obscuration (LO), microflow imaging (MFI), and flow cytometry (FACS)] for the detection of aggregates. The capability of the FACS method to detect and count subvisible particles was evaluated and benchmarked against conventional techniques. FACS can analyze particles down to 500 nm reducing the gap between size-exclusion chromatography and LO. The applied methods of FACS, LO, and MFI displayed a proportional correlation between the total particle counts, however, FACS can provide additional information on the structural characteristics of such aggregated particles.

Characterization and suitability of therapeutic antibody dense phases for subcutaneous delivery

Subcutaneous antibody dosing formulations comprising solid suspensions have the potential to reduce dosage viscosity and injection volume. Gel beads of three therapeutic antibodies were prepared to determine the feasibility of such formulations. The beads were formed directly from aqueous solution within 0.1-4 days upon addition of biocompatible precipitating agents under conditions compatible with the use of stabilizing excipients. The phase behavior of antibody gel beads and their mechanical characteristics were measured. Gel beads were characterized by reduced elastic moduli of 0.4-1.0 MPa, as measured by atomic force microscopy, and completely redissolved within 10-20 min under physiologic conditions, in vitro. Crystalline particles could also be prepared in some cases and were found to have reduced elastic moduli 3 orders of magnitude greater than those for the gel beads. Both crystalline and gel particles had protein concentrations of 100-180 mg/mL within the dense phase. Protein stored within the dense phase was recoverable after 40 days of incubation at room temperature or 4 °C.

Hyaluronic acid nanoparticles titrate the viscoelastic properties of viscosupplements

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan with diverse biomedical applications including viscosupplementation of synovial fluid for the treatment osteoarthritis. Current HA viscosupplements such as Synvisc, Orthovisc, and Hyalgan have shown positive effects of reducing pain and improving joint function. The therapeutic efficacy, however, is highly transient, and these viscous fluids suffer from poor injectability. HA nanoparticles were found to modify the rheological properties of a model of the HA viscosupplement Orthovisc. Nanoparticles were successfully synthesized from 17 and 1500 kDa HA. Nanoparticle suspensions of HA were studied at different concentrations and in blends with the model viscosupplement. Nanoparticles made from 1500 kDa HA reduced the viscosupplement viscosity and elasticity to a much greater degree than nanoparticles made from 17 kDa HA. The difference in the nanoparticle effect on viscoelasticity suggested that nanoparticles made from 17 kDa HA may have dangling surface polymers that facilitated interactions with HA in solution. This hypothesis was supported by the greater compressibility of 17 kDa nanoparticles as determined by ultrasonic vibrational spectroscopy. Rheological investigations showed that the viscoelasticity of viscosupplements could be discretely titrated by modulating the concentration and type of HA nanoparticle additive (hard sphere or hairy). Thus, the injectability of viscosupplements may be enhanced while maintaining high elasticity.

Rapid analysis of antibody self-association in complex mixtures using immunogold conjugates

A key challenge in developing therapeutic antibodies is their highly variable propensities to self-associate at high antibody concentrations (>50 mg/mL) required for subcutaneous delivery. Identification of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in the initial discovery process that not only have high binding affinity but also have high solubility and low viscosity would simplify the development of safe and effective antibody therapeutics. Unfortunately, the low purities, small quantities and large numbers of antibody candidates during the early discovery process are incompatible with current methods of measuring antibody self-association. We report a method (affinity-capture self-interaction nanoparticle spectroscopy, AC-SINS) capable of identifying mAbs with low self-association propensity that is robust even at low mAb concentrations (5-50 μg/mL) and in the presence of cell culture media. Gold nanoparticles are coated with polyclonal antibodies specific for human antibodies, and then human mAbs are captured from dilute antibody solutions. We find that the wavelength of maximum absorbance (plasmon wavelength) of antibody-gold conjugates--which red-shifts as the distance between particles is reduced due to attractive mAb self-interactions--is well correlated with light scattering measurements conducted at several orders of magnitude higher antibody concentrations. The generality of AC-SINS makes it well suited for use in diverse settings ranging from antibody discovery to formulation development.

Effects of ionic strength and sugars on the aggregation propensity of monoclonal antibodies: influence of colloidal and conformational stabilities

PURPOSE

To develop a general strategy for optimizing monoclonal antibody (MAb) formulations.

METHODS

Colloidal stabilities of four representative MAbs solutions were assessed based on the second virial coefficient (B 2) at 20°C and 40°C, and net charges at different NaCl concentrations, and/or in the presence of sugars. Conformational stabilities were evaluated from the unfolding temperatures. The aggregation propensities were determined at 40°C and after freeze-thawing. The electrostatic potential of antibody surfaces was simulated for the development of rational formulations.

RESULTS

Similar B 2 values were obtained at 20°C and 40°C, implying little dependence on temperature. B 2 correlated quantitatively with aggregation propensities at 40°C. The net charge partly correlated with colloidal stability. Salts stabilized or destabilized MAbs, depending on repulsive or attractive interactions. Sugars improved the aggregation propensity under freeze-thaw stress through improved conformational stability. Uneven and even distributions of potential surfaces were attributed to attractive and strong repulsive electrostatic interactions.

CONCLUSIONS

Assessment of colloidal stability at the lowest ionic strength is particularly effective for the development of formulations. If necessary, salts are added to enhance the colloidal stability. Sugars further improved aggregation propensities by enhancing conformational stability. These behaviors are rationally predictable according to the surface potentials of MAbs.

Pathological crystallization of human immunoglobulins

Condensation of Igs has been observed in pharmaceutical formulations and in vivo in cases of cryoglobulinemia. We report a study of monoclonal IgG cryoglobulins overexpressed by two patients with multiple myeloma. These cryoglobulins form crystals, and we measured their solubility lines. Depending on the supersaturation, we observed a variety of condensate morphologies consistent with those reported in clinical investigations. Remarkably, the crystallization can occur at quite low concentrations. This suggests that, even within the regular immune response to infections, cryoprecipitation of Ig can be possible.

High-dose monoclonal antibodies via the subcutaneous route: challenges and technical solutions, an industry perspective

This review summarizes the various challenges in product development involved in subcutaneous administration of high-dose monoclonal antibodies and attempts to provide an industry perspective of some of the available technologies and potential avenues to overcome these challenges.

Solution pH that minimizes self-association of three monoclonal antibodies is strongly dependent on ionic strength

Monoclonal antibodies display highly variable solution properties such as solubility and viscosity at elevated concentrations (>50 mg/mL), which complicates antibody formulation and delivery. To understand this complex behavior, it is critical to measure the underlying protein self-interactions that govern the solution properties of antibody suspensions. We have evaluated the pH-dependent self-association behavior of three monoclonal antibodies using self-interaction chromatography for a range of pH values commonly used in antibody formulations (pH 4.4-6). At low ionic strength (<25 mM), we find that each antibody is more associative at near-neutral pH (pH 6) than at low pH (pH 4.4). At high ionic strength (>100 mM), we observe the opposite pH-dependent pattern of antibody self-association. Importantly, this inversion in self-association behavior is not unique to multidomain antibodies, as similar pH-dependent behavior is observed for some small globular proteins (e.g., ribonuclease A and α-chymotrypsinogen). We also find that the opalescence of concentrated antibody solutions (90 mg/mL) is minimized at low ionic strength at pH 4.4 and high ionic strength at pH 6, in agreement with the self-interaction measurements conducted at low antibody concentrations (5 mg/mL). Our results highlight the complexity of antibody self-association and emphasize the need for systematic approaches to optimize the solution properties of concentrated antibody formulations.

High-throughput analysis of concentration-dependent antibody self-association

Monoclonal antibodies are typically monomeric and nonviscous at low concentrations, yet they display highly variable associative and viscous behavior at elevated concentrations. Although measurements of antibody self-association are critical for understanding this complex behavior, traditional biophysical methods are not capable of characterizing such concentration-dependent self-association in a high-throughput manner. Here we describe a nanoparticle-based method, termed self-interaction nanoparticle spectroscopy, that is capable of rapidly measuring concentration-dependent self-interactions for three human monoclonal antibodies with unique solution behaviors. We demonstrate that gold nanoparticles conjugated with antibodies at low protein concentrations (<40 μg/mL) display self-association behavior (as measured by the interparticle distance-dependent plasmon wavelength) that is well correlated with static light-scattering measurements obtained at three orders of magnitude higher antibody concentrations. Using this methodology, we find that the antibodies display a complex pH-dependent self-association behavior that is strongly influenced by the solution ionic strength. Importantly, we find that a polyclonal human antibody is nonassociative for all solution conditions evaluated in this work, suggesting that antibody self-association is more specific than previously realized. We expect that our findings will guide rational manipulation of antibody phase behavior, and enable studies that elucidate sequence and structural determinants of antibody self-association.

Protein-excipient interactions: mechanisms and biophysical characterization applied to protein formulation development

The purpose of this review is to demonstrate the critical importance of understanding protein-excipient interactions as a key step in the rational design of formulations to stabilize and deliver protein-based therapeutic drugs and vaccines. Biophysical methods used to examine various molecular interactions between solutes and protein molecules are discussed with an emphasis on applications to pharmaceutical excipients in terms of their effects on protein stability. Key mechanisms of protein-excipient interactions such as electrostatic and cation-pi interactions, preferential hydration, dispersive forces, and hydrogen bonding are presented in the context of different physical states of the formulation such as frozen liquids, solutions, gels, freeze-dried solids and interfacial phenomenon. An overview of the different classes of pharmaceutical excipients used to formulate and stabilize protein therapeutic drugs is also presented along with the rationale for use in different dosage forms including practical pharmaceutical considerations. The utility of high throughput analytical methodologies to examine protein-excipient interactions is presented in terms of expanding formulation design space and accelerating experimental timelines.

Phase separation in solutions of monoclonal antibodies and the effect of human serum albumin

We report the observation of liquid-liquid phase separation in a solution of human monoclonal antibody, IgG2, and the effects of human serum albumin, a major blood protein, on this phase separation. We find a significant reduction of phase separation temperature in the presence of albumin, and a preferential partitioning of the albumin into the antibody-rich phase. We provide a general thermodynamic analysis of the antibody-albumin mixture phase diagram and relate its features to the magnitude of the effective interprotein interactions. Our analysis suggests that additives (HSA in this report), which have moderate attraction with antibody molecules, may be used to forestall undesirable protein condensation in antibody solutions. Our findings are relevant to understanding the stability of pharmaceutical solutions of antibodies and the mechanisms of cryoglobulinemia.

Liquid-liquid phase separation of a monoclonal antibody and nonmonotonic influence of Hofmeister anions

Liquid-liquid phase separation was studied for a monoclonal antibody in the monovalent salt solutions of KF, KCl, and KSCN under different pH conditions. A modified Carnahan-Starling hard-sphere model was utilized to fit the experimental data, establish the liquid-liquid coexistence curve, and determine antibody-antibody interactions in the form of T(c) (critical temperature) under the different solution conditions. The liquid-liquid phase separation revealed the complex relationships between antibody-antibody interactions and different solution conditions, such as pH, ionic strength, and the type of anion. At pH 7.1, close to the pI of the antibody, a decrease of T(c) versus ionic strength was observed at low salt conditions, suggesting that the protein-protein interactions became less attractive. At a pH value below the pI of the antibody, a nonmonotonic relationship of T(c) versus ionic strength was apparent: initially as the ionic strength increased, protein-protein interactions became more attractive with the effectiveness of the anions following the inverse Hofmeister series; then the interactions became less attractive following the direct Hofmeister series. This nonmonotonic relationship may be explained by combining the charge neutralization by the anions, perhaps with the ion-correlation force for polarizable anions, and their preferential interactions with the antibody.