Analysis of immunoglobulin glycosylation by LC-ESI-MS of glycopeptides and oligosaccharides

Comparison of the human and bovine milk N-glycome via high-performance microfluidic chip liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry

The isolation of whey proteins from human and bovine milks followed by profiling of their entire N-glycan repertoire is described. Whey proteins resulting from centrifugation and ethanol precipitation of milk were treated with PNGase F to release protein-bound N-glycans. Once released, N-glycans were analyzed via nanoflow liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry following chromatographic separation on a porous graphitized carbon chip. In all, 38 N-glycan compositions were observed in the human milk sample while the bovine milk sample revealed 51 N-glycan compositions. These numbers translate to over a hundred compounds when isomers are considered and point to the complexity of the mixture. High mannose, neutral, and sialylated complex/hybrid glycans were observed in both milk sources. Although NeuAc sialylation was observed in both milk samples, the NeuGc residue was only observed in bovine milk and marks a major difference between human and bovine milks. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first MS based confirmation of NeuGc in milk protein bound glycans as well as the first comprehensive N-glycan profile of bovine milk proteins. Tandem MS was necessary for resolving complications presented by the fact that (NeuGc:Fuc) corresponds to the exact mass of (NeuAc:Hex). Comparison of the relative distribution of the different glycan types in both milk sources was possible via their abundances. While the human milk analysis revealed a 6% high mannose, 57% sialylation, and 75% fucosylation distribution, a 10% high mannose, 68% sialylation, and 31% fucosylation distribution was observed in the bovine milk analysis. Comparison with the free milk oligosaccharides yielded low sialylation and high fucosylation in human, while high sialylation and low fucosylation are found in bovine. The results suggest that high fucosylation is a general trait in human, while high sialylation and low fucosylation are general features of glycosylation in bovine milk.

Annotation of a serum N-glycan library for rapid identification of structures

Glycosylation is one of the most common post-translational modifications of proteins and has been shown to change with various pathological states including cancer. Global glycan profiling of human serum based on mass spectrometry has already led to several promising markers for diseases. The changes in glycan structure can result in altered monosaccharide composition as well as in the linkages between the monosaccharides. High-throughput glycan structural elucidation is not possible because of the lack of a glycan template to expedite identification. In an effort toward rapid profiling and identification of glycans, we have constructed a library of structures for the serum glycome to aid in the rapid identification of serum glycans. N-Glycans from human serum glycoproteins are used as a standard and compiled into a library with exact structure (composition and linkage), liquid chromatography retention time, and accurate mass. Development of the library relies on highly reproducible nanoLC-MS retention times. Tandem MS and exoglycosidase digestions were used for structural elucidation. The library currently contains over 300 entries with 50 structures completely elucidated and over 60 partially elucidated structures. This database is steadily growing and will be used to rapidly identify glycans in unknown biological samples.

Identification of low-abundance cancer biomarker candidate TIMP1 from serum with lectin fractionation and peptide affinity enrichment by ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry

As investigating a proteolytic target peptide originating from the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1) known to be aberrantly glycosylated in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), we first confirmed that TIMP1 is to be a CRC biomarker candidate in human serum. For this, we utilized matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometry (MS) showing ultrahigh-resolution and high mass accuracy. This investigation used phytohemagglutinin-L(4) (L-PHA) lectin, which shows binding affinity to the β-1,6-N-acetylglucosamine moiety of N-linked glycan on a protein, to compare fractionated aberrant protein glycoforms from both noncancerous control and CRC serum. Each lectin-captured fraction containing aberrant glycoforms of TIMP1 was digested by trypsin, resulting in the tryptic target peptide, representative of the serum glycoprotein TIMP1. The resulting target peptide was enriched using a stable isotope standard and capture by the antipeptide antibody (SISCAPA) technique and analyzed by a 15 T MALDI FTICR mass spectrometer with high mass accuracy (Δ < 0.5 ppm to the theoretical mass value of the target peptide). Since exact measurement of multiplex isotopic peaks of the target peptide could be accomplished by virtue of high mass resolution (Rs > 400,000), robust identification of the target peptide is only achievable with 15 T FTICR MS. Also, MALDI data obtained in this study showed that the L-PHA-captured glycoforms of TIMP1 were measured in the pooled CRC serum with about 5 times higher abundance than that in the noncancerous serum, and were further proved by MRM mass analysis. These results confirm that TIMP1 in human serum is a potent CRC biomarker candidate, demonstrating that ultrahigh-resolution MS can be a powerful tool toward identifying and verifying potential protein biomarker candidates.

Analysis of glycoforms on the glycosylation site and the glycans in monoclonal antibody biopharmaceuticals

Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), immunoglobulins, have been efficiently used in the treatment of many diseases, such as cancer, inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases, and organ transplantation. mAbs are glycoprotein molecules undergoing posttranslational modifications. Glycosylation is one of the posttranslational modifications. Different glycoforms that are important for maintaining the potency of mAb drugs show various biological activities. Therefore, the profile of the glycans and glycosylation sites should be determined to produce safe, good quality, consistent mAb drugs for human use. For this reason, simple, robust, accurate, and reproducible analytical methods need to be developed. In this article, chromatographic methods for the analysis of the glycoforms on the glycosylation site and the glycans in mAb biopharmaceuticals have been evaluated.

Enhanced potency of a fucose-free monoclonal antibody being developed as an Ebola virus immunoprotectant

No countermeasures currently exist for the prevention or treatment of the severe sequelae of Filovirus (such as Ebola virus; EBOV) infection. To overcome this limitation in our biodefense preparedness, we have designed monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) which could be used in humans as immunoprotectants for EBOV, starting with a murine mAb (13F6) that recognizes the heavily glycosylated mucin-like domain of the virion-attached glycoprotein (GP). Point mutations were introduced into the variable region of the murine mAb to remove predicted human T-cell epitopes, and the variable regions joined to human constant regions to generate a mAb (h-13F6) appropriate for development for human use. We have evaluated the efficacy of three variants of h-13F6 carrying different glycosylation patterns in a lethal mouse EBOV challenge model. The pattern of glycosylation of the various mAbs was found to correlate to level of protection, with aglycosylated h-13F6 providing the least potent efficacy (ED(50) = 33 μg). A version with typical heterogenous mammalian glycoforms (ED(50) = 11 μg) had similar potency to the original murine mAb. However, h-13F6 carrying complex N-glycosylation lacking core fucose exhibited superior potency (ED(50) = 3 μg). Binding studies using Fcγ receptors revealed enhanced binding of nonfucosylated h-13F6 to mouse and human FcγRIII. Together the results indicate the presence of Fc N-glycans enhances the protective efficacy of h-13F6, and that mAbs manufactured with uniform glycosylation and a higher potency glycoform offer promise as biodefense therapeutics.

Changes in antigen-specific IgG1 Fc N-glycosylation upon influenza and tetanus vaccination

Antibody effector functions have been shown to be influenced by the structure of the Fc N-glycans. Here we studied the changes in plasma or serum IgG Fc N-glycosylation upon vaccination of 10 Caucasian adults and 10 African children. Serum/plasma IgG was purified by affinity chromatography prior to and at two time points after vaccination. Fc N-glycosylation profiles of individual IgG subclasses were determined for both total IgG and affinity-purified anti-vaccine IgG using a recently developed fast nanoliquid chromatography-electrospray ionization MS (LC-ESI-MS) method. While vaccination had no effect on the glycosylation of total IgG, anti-vaccine IgG showed increased levels of galactosylation and sialylation upon active immunization. Interestingly, the number of sialic acids per galactose increased during the vaccination time course, suggesting a distinct regulation of galactosylation and sialylation. In addition we observed a decrease in the level of IgG1 bisecting N-acetylglucosamine whereas no significant changes were observed for the level of fucosylation. Our data indicate that dependent on the vaccination time point the infectious agent will encounter IgGs with different glycosylation profiles, which are expected to influence the antibody effector functions relevant in immunity.

Immunoglobulin G Fc N-glycan profiling in patients with gastric cancer by LC-ESI-MS: relation to tumor progression and survival

The IgG Fc glycans strongly influence the Fcγ receptor interactions and Fc-mediated effector mechanisms. Changes in the structure of IgG glycans are associated with various diseases, such as infections and autoimmunity. However, the possible role of Fc glycans in tumor immunity is not yet fully understood. The aim of this study was to profile the Fc N-glycans of IgG samples from patients with gastric cancer (n = 80) and controls (n = 51) using LC-ESI-MS method to correlate the findings with stage of cancer and patients survival. Analysis of 32 different IgG N-glycans revealed significant increase of agalactosylated (GnGnF, GnGn(bi)F), and decrease of galactosylated (AGn(bi), AGn(bi)F, AA(bi), AAF) and monosialylated IgG glycoforms (NaAF, NaA(bi)) in cancer patients. A statistically significant increase of Fc fucosylation was observed in tumor stage II and III whereas reverse changes were found for the presence of bisecting GlcNAc. Higher level of fully sialylated glycans and elevated expression of glycans with bisecting GlcNAc were associated with better survival rate. Our findings provide the first evidence that the changes in Fc glycan profile may predict the survival of patients with gastric cancer. Cancer stage-dependent changes in Fc fucosylation and the bisecting N-acteylglucosamine expression as well as an association of several IgG glycoforms with the survival suggest that IgG glycosylation is related to pathogenesis of cancer and progression of the disease.

Growth, productivity and protein glycosylation in a CHO EpoFc producer cell line adapted to glutamine-free growth

A primary objective of cell line development and process optimisation in animal cell culture is the improvement of culture performance as indicated by desirable properties such as high cell concentration, viability, productivity and product quality. The inefficient energy metabolism of mammalian cells in culture is still a major limiting factor for improvements in process performance. It results in high uptake rates of glucose and glutamine and the concomitant accumulation of waste products which in turn limits final cell concentrations and growth. To avoid these negative side effects, a CHO host cell line was established recently which is able to grow in completely glutamine free medium (Hernandez Bort et al., 2010). To determine the influence of this adaptation on productivity and product quality, the same procedure was repeated with a recombinant CHO cell line producing an erythropoietin-Fc fusion protein (CHO-EpoFc) for this publication. After adaptation to higher cell densities and glutamine free medium, culture performance was monitored in batch bioprocesses and revealed comparable growth properties and EpoFc product formation in both cell lines. The level of reactive oxygen species was elevated in the adapted cells, reflecting a higher level of oxidative stress, however, at the same time the level of the oxido-protective glutathione was also higher, so that cells seem adequately protected against cellular damage. Analysis of nucleotides and nucleotide sugars revealed elevated UDP-sugars in cells grown in the absence of glutamine. Furthermore, the antennarity of N-glycans was moderately higher on the Epo part of the protein produced by the adapted cell line compared to the parental cell line. Except for this, the glycosylation, with respect to site occupancy, degree of sialylation and glycoform structure, was highly comparable, both for the Epo and the Fc part of the protein.

Rapid high yield production of different glycoforms of Ebola virus monoclonal antibody

BACKGROUND

Fc-glycosylation of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has profound implications on the Fc-mediated effector functions. Alteration of this glycosylation may affect the efficiency of an antibody. However, difficulties in the production of mAbs with homogeneous N-glycosylation profiles in sufficient amounts hamper investigations of the potential biological impact of different glycan residues.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Here we set out to evaluate a transient plant viral based production system for the rapid generation of different glycoforms of a monoclonal antibody. Ebola virus mAb h-13F6 was generated using magnICON expression system in Nicotiana benthamiana, a plant species developed for commercial scale production of therapeutic proteins. h-13F6 was co-expressed with a series of modified mammalian enzymes involved in the processing of complex N-glycans. Using wild type (WT) plants and the glycosylation mutant ΔXTFT that synthesizes human like biantennary N-glycans with terminal N-acetylglucosamine on each branch (GnGn structures) as expression hosts we demonstrate the generation of h-13F6 complex N-glycans with (i) bisected structures, (ii) core α1,6 fucosylation and (iii) β1,4 galactosylated oligosaccharides. In addition we emphasize the significance of precise sub Golgi localization of enzymes for engineering of IgG Fc-glycosylation.

CONCLUSION

The method described here allows the efficient generation of a series of different human-like glycoforms at large homogeneity of virtually any antibody within one week after cDNA delivery to plants. This accelerates follow up functional studies and thus may contribute to study the biological role of N-glycan residues on Fcs and maximizing the clinical efficacy of therapeutic antibodies.

A dynamic mathematical model for monoclonal antibody N-linked glycosylation and nucleotide sugar donor transport within a maturing Golgi apparatus

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are one of the most important products of the biopharmaceutical industry. Their therapeutic efficacy depends on the post-translational process of glycosylation, which is influenced by manufacturing process conditions. Herein, we present a dynamic mathematical model for mAb glycosylation that considers cisternal maturation by approximating the Golgi apparatus to a plug flow reactor and by including recycling of Golgi-resident proteins (glycosylation enzymes and transport proteins [TPs]). The glycosylation reaction rate expressions were derived based on the reported kinetic mechanisms for each enzyme, and transport of nucleotide sugar donors [NSDs] from the cytosol to the Golgi lumen was modeled to serve as a link between glycosylation and cellular metabolism. Optimization-based methodologies were developed for estimating unknown enzyme and TP concentration profile parameters. The resulting model is capable of reproducing glycosylation profiles of commercial mAbs. It can further reproduce the effect gene silencing of the FucT glycosylation enzyme and cytosolic NSD depletion have on the mAb oligosaccharide profile. All novel elements of our model are based on biological evidence and generate more accurate results than previous reports. We therefore believe that the improvements contribute to a more detailed representation of the N-linked glycosylation process. The overall results show the potential of our model toward evaluating cell engineering strategies that yield desired glycosylation profiles. Additionally, when coupled to cellular metabolism, this model could be used to assess the effect of process conditions on glycosylation and aid in the design, control, and optimization of biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes.

Characterization and scope of S-layer protein O-glycosylation in Tannerella forsythia

Cell surface glycosylation is an important element in defining the life of pathogenic bacteria. Tannerella forsythia is a Gram-negative, anaerobic periodontal pathogen inhabiting the subgingival plaque biofilms. It is completely covered by a two-dimensional crystalline surface layer (S-layer) composed of two glycoproteins. Although the S-layer has previously been shown to delay the bacterium's recognition by the innate immune system, we characterize here the S-layer protein O-glycosylation as a potential virulence factor. The T. forsythia S-layer glycan was elucidated by a combination of electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy as an oligosaccharide with the structure 4-Me-β-ManpNAcCONH(2)-(1→3)-[Pse5Am7Gc-(2→4)-]-β-ManpNAcA-(1→4)-[4-Me-α-Galp-(1→2)-]-α-Fucp-(1→4)-[-α-Xylp-(1→3)-]-β-GlcpA-(1→3)-[-β-Digp-(1→2)-]-α-Galp, which is O-glycosidically linked to distinct serine and threonine residues within the three-amino acid motif (D)(S/T)(A/I/L/M/T/V) on either S-layer protein. This S-layer glycan obviously impacts the life style of T. forsythia because increased biofilm formation of an UDP-N-acetylmannosaminuronic acid dehydrogenase mutant can be correlated with the presence of truncated S-layer glycans. We found that several other proteins of T. forsythia are modified with that specific oligosaccharide. Proteomics identified two of them as being among previously classified antigenic outer membrane proteins that are up-regulated under biofilm conditions, in addition to two predicted antigenic lipoproteins. Theoretical analysis of the S-layer O-glycosylation of T. forsythia indicates the involvement of a 6.8-kb gene locus that is conserved among different bacteria from the Bacteroidetes phylum. Together, these findings reveal the presence of a protein O-glycosylation system in T. forsythia that is essential for creating a rich glycoproteome pinpointing a possible relevance for the virulence of this bacterium.

Silencing β1,2-xylosyltransferase in Transgenic Tomato Fruits Reveals xylose as Constitutive Component of Ige-Binding Epitopes

Complex plant N-glycans containing β1,2-xylose and core α1,3-fucose are regarded as the major class of the so-called "carbohydrate cross-reactive determinants" reactive with IgE antibodies in sera of many allergic patients, but their clinical relevance is still under debate. Plant glycosyltransferases, β1,2-xylosyltransferase (XylT), and core α1,3-fucosyltransferase (FucT) are responsible for the transfer of β1,2-linked xylose and core α1,3-linked fucose residues to N-glycans of glycoproteins, respectively. To test the clinical relevance of β1,2-xylose-containing epitopes, expression of the tomato β1,2-xylosyltransferase was down-regulated by RNA interference (RNAi) in transgenic plants. Fruits harvested from these transgenic plants were analyzed for accumulation of XylT mRNA, abundance of β1,2-xylose epitopes and their allergenic potential. Based on quantitative real-time PCR analysis XylT mRNA levels were reduced up to 10-fold in independent transgenic lines as compared to untransformed control, whereas no xylosylated N-glycans could be revealed by MS analysis. Immunoblotting using anti-xylose-specific IgG antibodies revealed a strong reduction of β1,2-xylose-containing epitopes. Incubating protein extracts from untransformed controls and XylT_RNAi plants with sera from tomato allergic patients showed a patient-specific reduction in IgE-binding, indicating a reduced allergenic potential of XylT_RNAi tomato fruits, in vitro. To elucidate the clinical relevance of β1,2-xylose-containing complex N-glycans skin prick tests were performed demonstrating a reduced responsiveness of tomato allergic patients, in vivo. This study provides strong evidence for the clinical relevance of β1,2-xylose-containing epitopes in vivo.

Zwitterionic-type hydrophilic interaction nano-liquid chromatography of complex and high mannose glycans coupled with electrospray ionisation high resolution time of flight mass spectrometry

In this study we describe a new method for rapid and sensitive analysis of reduced high mannose and complex glycans using zwitterionic-type hydrophilic interaction nano-liquid chromatography (nano ZIC-HILIC, 75 μm I.D.×150 mm) coupled with high resolution nanoelectrospray ionisation time of flight mass spectrometry (nano ESI-TOF-MS). The retention of neutral glycans increases with increasing molecular weight and is higher for high mannose glycans than for complex-type glycans. The selectivity of ZIC-HILIC for sialylated glycans differs from that for the neutral glycans and is believed to involve electrostatic repulsion; therefore, charged glycans are eluted earlier than neutral glycans with comparable molecular weight. Due to the improved sensitivity achieved by employing a ZIC-HILIC nano-column, a range of less common complex glycans has been studied and the high resolution mass spectrometry enabled confirmation of glycan composition for the proposed structures. Good sensitivity for glycans was achieved without prior fluorescent labelling, and the time of the analysis was significantly reduced compared to the separation of glycans on a conventional-size column. The proposed method offers a fast and sensitive approach for glycan profiling applied to analysis of biopharmaceuticals.

Enrichment of sialylated IgG by lectin fractionation does not enhance the efficacy of immunoglobulin G in a murine model of immune thrombocytopenia

Intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIg) is widely used against a range of clinical symptoms. For its use in immune modulating therapies such as treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura high doses of IVIg are required. It has been suggested that only a fraction of IVIg causes this anti immune modulating effect. Recent studies indicated that this fraction is the Fc-sialylated IgG fraction. The aim of our study was to determine the efficacy of IVIg enriched for sialylated IgG (IVIg-SA (+)) in a murine model of passive immune thrombocytopenia (PIT). We enriched IVIg for sialylated IgG by Sambucus nigra agglutinin (SNA) lectin fractionation and determined the degree of sialylation. Analysis of IVIg-SA (+) using a lectin-based ELISA revealed that we enriched predominantly for Fab-sialylated IgG, whereas we did not find an increase in Fc-sialylated IgG. Mass spectrometric analysis confirmed that Fc sialylation did not change after SNA lectin fractionation. The efficacy of sialylated IgG was measured by administering IVIg or IVIg-SA (+) 24 hours prior to an injection of a rat anti-mouse platelet mAb. We found an 85% decrease in platelet count after injection of an anti-platelet mAb, which was reduced to a 70% decrease by injecting IVIg (p<0.01). In contrast, IVIg-SA (+) had no effect on the platelet count. Serum levels of IVIg and IVIg-SA (+) were similar, ruling out enhanced IgG clearance as a possible explanation. Our results indicate that SNA lectin fractionation is not a suitable method to enrich IVIg for Fc-sialylated IgG. The use of IVIg enriched for Fab-sialylated IgG abolishes the efficacy of IVIg in the murine PIT model.

High throughput isolation and glycosylation analysis of IgG-variability and heritability of the IgG glycome in three isolated human populations

All immunoglobulin G molecules carry N-glycans, which modulate their biological activity. Changes in N-glycosylation of IgG associate with various diseases and affect the activity of therapeutic antibodies and intravenous immunoglobulins. We have developed a novel 96-well protein G monolithic plate and used it to rapidly isolate IgG from plasma of 2298 individuals from three isolated human populations. N-glycans were released by PNGase F, labeled with 2-aminobenzamide and analyzed by hydrophilic interaction chromatography with fluorescence detection. The majority of the structural features of the IgG glycome were consistent with previous studies, but sialylation was somewhat higher than reported previously. Sialylation was particularly prominent in core fucosylated glycans containing two galactose residues and bisecting GlcNAc where median sialylation level was nearly 80%. Very high variability between individuals was observed, approximately three times higher than in the total plasma glycome. For example, neutral IgG glycans without core fucose varied between 1.3 and 19%, a difference that significantly affects the effector functions of natural antibodies, predisposing or protecting individuals from particular diseases. Heritability of IgG glycans was generally between 30 and 50%. The individual's age was associated with a significant decrease in galactose and increase of bisecting GlcNAc, whereas other functional elements of IgG glycosylation did not change much with age. Gender was not an important predictor for any IgG glycan. An important observation is that competition between glycosyltransferases, which occurs in vitro, did not appear to be relevant in vivo, indicating that the final glycan structures are not a simple result of competing enzymatic activities, but a carefully regulated outcome designed to meet the prevailing physiological needs.

N-glycosylation engineering of plants for the biosynthesis of glycoproteins with bisected and branched complex N-glycans

Glycoengineering is increasingly being recognized as a powerful tool to generate recombinant glycoproteins with a customized N-glycosylation pattern. Here, we demonstrate the modulation of the plant glycosylation pathway toward the formation of human-type bisected and branched complex N-glycans. Glycoengineered Nicotiana benthamiana lacking plant-specific N-glycosylation (i.e. β1,2-xylose and core α1,3-fucose) was used to transiently express human erythropoietin (hEPO) and human transferrin (hTF) together with modified versions of human β1,4-mannosyl-β1,4-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (GnTIII), α1,3-mannosyl-β1,4-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (GnTIV) and α1,6-mannosyl-β1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (GnTV). hEPO was expressed as a fusion to the IgG-Fc domain (EPO-Fc) and purified via protein A affinity chromatography. Recombinant hTF was isolated from the intracellular fluid of infiltrated plant leaves. Mass spectrometry-based N-glycan analysis of hEPO and hTF revealed the quantitative formation of bisected (GnGnbi) and tri- as well as tetraantennary complex N-glycans (Gn[GnGn], [GnGn]Gn and [GnGn][GnGn]). Co-expression of GnTIII together with GnTIV and GnTV resulted in the efficient generation of bisected tetraantennary complex N-glycans. Our results show the generation of recombinant proteins with human-type N-glycosylation at great uniformity. The strategy described here provides a robust and straightforward method for producing mammalian-type N-linked glycans of defined structures on recombinant glycoproteins, which can advance glycoprotein research and accelerate the development of protein-based therapeutics.

Alterations in glycopeptides associated with herceptin treatment of human breast carcinoma mcf-7 and T-lymphoblastoid cells

The therapeutic humanized monoclonal antibody IgG1 known as Herceptin® has shown remarkable antitumor effects. Although this type of therapy has increased the cancer-free survival of patients, not all tumors respond to this treatment and cancers often develop resistance to the antibody. Despite the fact that Herceptin function has been extensively studied, the precise mechanism underlying its antitumor activity still remains incompletely defined. We previously demonstrated on human breast MCF-7 carcinoma and T-lymphoblastoid CEM cells that monoclonal antibody in combination with Lipoplex consisting of Lipofectamine mixed with plasmid DNA showed a more profound effect on cancer cell viability than antibody alone. The analyses of N-glycans isolated from cancer cells showed dramatic differences in profiles when cells were exposed to Herceptin. Moreover, the investigation of glycosylated peptides from the same cancer cell models after treatment revealed further alterations in the post-translational modifications. Tandem mass spectra obtained from the samples treated confirmed the presence of a series of glycopeptides bearing characteristic oligosaccharides as described in IgG1. However some of them differed by mass differences that corresponded to peptide backbones not described previously and more of them were detected from Herceptin treated samples than from cells transfected with Heceptin/Lipoplex. The results indicate that the presence of Lipoplex prevents antibody transformation and elongates its proper function. The better understanding of the multipart changes described in the glycoconjugates could provide new insights into the mechanism by which antibody induces regression in cancers.

N-glycans modulate the function of human corticosteroid-binding globulin

Human corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG), a heavily glycosylated protein containing six N-linked glycosylation sites, transports cortisol and other corticosteroids in blood circulation. Here, we investigate the biological importance of the N-glycans of CBG derived from human serum by performing a structural and functional characterization of CBG N-glycosylation. Liquid chromatography-tandem MS-based glycoproteomics and glycomics combined with exoglycosidase treatment revealed 26 complex type N-glycoforms, all of which were terminated with α2,3-linked neuraminic acid (NeuAc) residues. The CBG N-glycans showed predominantly bi- and tri-antennary branching, but higher branching was also observed. N-glycans from all six N-glycosylation sites were identified with high site occupancies (70.5-99.5%) and glycoforms from all sites contained a relatively low degree of core-fucosylation (0-34.9%). CBG showed site-specific glycosylation and the site-to-site differences in core-fucosylation and branching could be in silico correlated with the accessibility to the individual glycosylation sites on the maturely folded protein. Deglycosylated and desialylated CBG analogs were generated to investigate the biological importance of CBG N-glycans. As a functional assay, MCF-7 cells were challenged with native and glycan-modified CBG and the amount of cAMP, which is produced as a quantitative response upon CBG binding to its cell surface receptor, was used to evaluate the CBG:receptor interaction. The removal of both CBG N-glycans and NeuAc residues increased the production of cAMP significantly. This confirms that N-glycans are involved in the CBG:receptor interaction and indicates that the modulation is performed by steric and/or electrostatic means through the terminal NeuAc residues.

2D-LC analysis of BRP 3 erythropoietin N-glycosylation using anion exchange fractionation and hydrophilic interaction UPLC reveals long poly-N-acetyl lactosamine extensions

Post-translational modifications, in particular glycosylation, represent critical structural attributes that govern both the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of therapeutic glycoproteins. To guarantee safety and efficacy of recombinant therapeutics, characterization of glycosylation present is a regulatory requirement. In the current paper, we applied a multidimensional strategy comprising a shallow anion exchange gradient in the first dimension, followed by analysis using the recently introduced 1.7 μm HILIC phase in the second dimension for the comprehensive separation of complex N-glycans present on the European Biological Reference Preparation (BRP) 3 erythropoietin standard. Tetra-antennary glycans with multiple sialic acids and poly-N-acetyl lactosamine extensions were the most abundant oligosaccharides present on the molecule. Site-specific glycan analysis was performed to examine microheterogeneity. Tetra-antennary glycans with up to four sialic acids and up to five poly-N-acetyl lactosamine extensions were observed at asparagine 24 and 83, while biantennary glycans were the major structures at asparagine 38. The combined AEC x UPLC HILIC allows for the rapid and comprehensive analysis of complex N-glycosylation present on therapeutic glycoproteins, such as BRP3 erythropoietin.

Analysis of recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) by mass spectrometric approaches

Recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone is an important drug in reproductive medicine. Thorough analysis of the heterodimeric heavily glycosylated protein is a prerequisite for the evaluation of production batches as well as for the determination of "essential similarity" of new biosimilars. The concerted application of different liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry methods enabled the complete depiction of the primary structure of this pituitary hormone. Sequence coverage of 100% for the α- as well as the β-chain was achieved with tryptic peptides. Most of these peptides could be verified by tandem mass spectrometry. Site-specific analysis of all four glycosylation sites was, however, not possible with tryptic but with chymotryptic peptides. Quantification of the glycoforms of each glycopeptide was accomplished with the software MassMap®. Both protein subunits gave interpretable mass spectra upon S-alkylation and separation on a C5 reversed-phase column. Glycan isomer patterns were depicted by separation on porous graphitic carbon, using mass spectrometric detection for the evaluation of the glycopeptide liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization data. The currently marketed product Gonal-f™ and a potential biosimilar were compared with the help of these procedures.

Expression of antibody fragments with a controlled N-glycosylation pattern and induction of endoplasmic reticulum-derived vesicles in seeds of Arabidopsis

Intracellular trafficking and subcellular deposition are critical factors influencing the accumulation and posttranslational modifications of proteins. In seeds, these processes are not yet fully understood. In this study, we set out to investigate the intracellular transport, final destination, N-glycosylation status, and stability of the fusion of recombinant single-chain variable fragments to the crystallizing fragment of an antibody (scFv-Fc) of two antiviral monoclonal antibodies (2G12 and HA78). The scFv-Fcs were expressed in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seeds and leaves both as secretory molecules and tagged with an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention signal. We demonstrate differential proteolytic degradation of scFv-Fcs in leaves versus seeds, with higher degradation in the latter organ. In seeds, we show that secretory versions of HA78 scFv-Fcs are targeted to the extracellular space but are deposited in newly formed ER-derived vesicles upon KDEL tagging. These results are in accordance with the obtained N-glycosylation profiles: complex-type and ER-typical oligomannosidic N-glycans, respectively. HA78 scFv-Fcs, expressed in seeds of an Arabidopsis glycosylation mutant lacking plant-specific N-glycans, exhibit custom-made human-type N-glycosylation. In contrast, 2G12 scFv-Fcs carry exclusively ER-typical oligomannosidic N-glycans and were deposited in newly formed ER-derived vesicles irrespective of the targeting signals. HA78 scFv-Fcs exhibited efficient virus neutralization activity, while 2G12 scFv-Fcs were inactive. We demonstrate the efficient generation of scFv-Fcs with a controlled N-glycosylation pattern. However, our results also reveal aberrant subcellular deposition and, as a consequence, unexpected N-glycosylation profiles. Our attempts to elucidate intracellular protein transport in seeds contributes to a better understanding of this basic cell biological mechanism and is a step toward the versatile use of Arabidopsis seeds as an alternative expression platform for pharmaceutically relevant proteins.

Production of monoclonal antibodies with a controlled N-glycosylation pattern in seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana

Seed-specific expression is an appealing alternative technology for the production of recombinant proteins in transgenic plants. Whereas attractive yields of recombinant proteins have been achieved by this method, little attention has been paid to the intracellular deposition and the quality of such products. Here, we demonstrate a comparative study of two antiviral monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) (HA78 against Hepatitis A virus; 2G12 against HIV) expressed in seeds of Arabidopsis wild-type (wt) plants and glycosylation mutants lacking plant specific N-glycan residues. We demonstrate that 2G12 is produced with complex N-glycans at great uniformity in the wt as well as in the glycosylation mutant, carrying a single dominant glycosylation species, GnGnXF and GnGn, respectively. HA78 in contrast, contains additionally to complex N-glycans significant amounts of oligo-mannosidic structures, which are typical for endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-retained proteins. A detailed subcellular localization study demonstrated the deposition of both antibodies virtually exclusively in the extracellular space, illustrating their efficient secretion. In addition, although a KDEL-tagged version of 2G12 exhibited an ER-typical N-glycosylation pattern, it was surprisingly detected in protein storage vacuoles. The different antibody variants showed different levels of degradation with hardly any degradation products detectable for HA78 carrying GnGnXF glycans. Finally, we demonstrate functional integrity of the HA78 and 2G12 glycoforms using viral inhibition assays. Our data therefore demonstrate the usability of transgenic seeds for the generation of mAbs with a controlled N-glycosylation pattern, thus expanding the possibilities for the production of optimally glycosylated proteins with enhanced biological activities for the use as human therapeutics.

Rapid characterization of N-linked glycans from secreted and gel-purified monoclonal antibodies using MALDI-ToF mass spectrometry

Recombinant monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) are increasingly being used for therapeutic use and correct glycosylation of these MAbs is essential for their correct function. Glycosylation profiles are host cell- and antibody class-dependent and can change over culture time and environmental conditions. Therefore, rapid monitoring of glycan addition/status is of great importance for process validity. We describe two workflows of generally applicability for glycan profiling of purified and gel-purified MAbs produced in NS0 and CHO cells, in which small-scale antibody purification and buffer exchange is combined with PNGase F glycan cleavage and graphite HyperCarb desalting. MALDI-ToF mass spectrometry is used for sensitive detection of glycan forms, with the ability to confirm glycan structures by selective ion fragmentation. Both workflows are rapid, technically simple and amenable to automation, and use in multi-well formats.

Beta-N-acetylhexosaminidases HEXO1 and HEXO3 are responsible for the formation of paucimannosidic N-glycans in Arabidopsis thaliana

Most plant glycoproteins contain substantial amounts of paucimannosidic N-glycans instead of their direct biosynthetic precursors, complex N-glycans with terminal N-acetylglucosamine residues. We now demonstrate that two β-N-acetylhexosaminidases (HEXO1 and HEXO3) residing in different subcellular compartments jointly account for the formation of paucimannosidic N-glycans in Arabidopsis thaliana. Total N-glycan analysis of hexo knock-out plants revealed that HEXO1 and HEXO3 contribute equally to the production of paucimannosidic N-glycans in roots, whereas N-glycan processing in leaves depends more heavily on HEXO3 than on HEXO1. Because hexo1 hexo3 double mutants do not display any obvious phenotype even upon exposure to different forms of abiotic or biotic stress, it should be feasible to improve the quality of glycoprotein therapeutics produced in plants by down-regulation of endogenous β-N-acetylhexosaminidase activities.

Glycan analysis by modern instrumental methods

The oligosaccharides attached to proteins or lipids are among the most challenging analytical tasks due to their complexity and variety. Knowing the genes and enzymes responsible for their biosynthesis, a large but not unlimited number of different structures and isomers of such glycans can be imagined. Understanding of the biological role of structural variations requires the ability to unambiguously determine the identity and quantity of all glycan species. Here, we examine, which analytical strategies - with a certain high-throughput potential - may come near this ideal. After an expose of the relevant techniques, we try to depict how analytical raw data are translated into structural assignments using retention times, mass and fragment spectra. A method's ability to discriminate between the many conceivable isomeric structures together with the time, effort and sample amount needed for that purpose is suggested as a criterion for the comparative assessment of approaches and their evolutionary stages.

Fc-glycosylation influences Fcγ receptor binding and cell-mediated anti-HIV activity of monoclonal antibody 2G12

Interactions between the Fc segment of IgG and FcγRs on a variety of cells are likely to play an important role in the anti-HIV activity of Abs. Because the nature of the glycan structure on the Fc domain is a critical determinant of Fc-FcγR binding, proper Fc glycosylation may contribute to Ab-mediated protection. We have generated five different glycoforms of the broadly HIV-1-neutralizing mAb 2G12 in wild-type and glycoengineered plants and Chinese hamster ovary cells. Plant-derived 2G12 exhibited highly homogeneous glycosylation profiles with a single dominant N-glycan species. Using flow cytometry with FcγR-expressing cell lines, all 2G12 glycoforms demonstrated similar binding to FcγRI, FcγRIIa, and FcγRIIb. In contrast, two glycoforms derived from glycoengineered plants that lack plant-specific xylose and core α1,3-fucose, and instead carry human-like glycosylation with great uniformity, showed significantly enhanced binding to FcγRIIIa compared with Chinese hamster ovary or wild-type plant-derived 2G12. Using surface plasmon resonance, we show that binding of 2G12 to FcγRIIIa is markedly affected by core fucose, irrespective of its plant-specific α1,3 or mammalian-type α1,6 linkage. Consistent with this finding, 2G12 glycoforms lacking core fucose (and xylose) mediated higher antiviral activity against HIV-1 or simian immunodeficiency virus as measured by Ab-dependent cell-mediated virus inhibition. This is, to our knowledge, the first demonstration that specific alterations of Fc glycosylation can improve antiviral activity. Such alterations may result in better immunotherapeutic reagents. Moreover, biasing vaccine-induced immune responses toward optimal Fc glycosylation patterns could result in improved vaccine efficacy.

Glycan labeling strategies and their use in identification and quantification

Most methods for the analysis of oligosaccharides from biological sources require a glycan derivatization step: glycans may be derivatized to introduce a chromophore or fluorophore, facilitating detection after chromatographic or electrophoretic separation. Derivatization can also be applied to link charged or hydrophobic groups at the reducing end to enhance glycan separation and mass-spectrometric detection. Moreover, derivatization steps such as permethylation aim at stabilizing sialic acid residues, enhancing mass-spectrometric sensitivity, and supporting detailed structural characterization by (tandem) mass spectrometry. Finally, many glycan labels serve as a linker for oligosaccharide attachment to surfaces or carrier proteins, thereby allowing interaction studies with carbohydrate-binding proteins. In this review, various aspects of glycan labeling, separation, and detection strategies are discussed.

Solvent effects on the retention of oligosaccharides in porous graphitic carbon liquid chromatography

Porous graphitic carbon (PGC) is known as well suited adsorbent for liquid chromatography of carbohydrates. In this work we report on systematic investigations of solvent effects on the retention mechanism of fluorescence labeled malto-oligosaccharides on PGC. The adsorption mechanism was found to depend on the type of organic modifier used in the mobile phase. Positive adsorption enthalpies and entropies, which have already been reported in the literature, were solely produced using acetonitrile. Both alternative solvents (tetrahydrofuran, 2-propanol) yielded in contrast negative enthalpies. As plausible retention mechanism for oligosaccharides on PGC applying acetonitrile as mobile phase component we propose the formation of a dense and highly ordered solvation layer of the PGC surface with the linear acetonitrile molecules. Adsorption of analyte molecules requires a displacement of numerous acetonitrile molecules, which explains the positive enthalpy and entropy values measured. The interplay of enthalpic and entropic contributions to the overall adsorption phenomena results in strongly temperature dependent chromatographic selectivity values.

Identification of two aberrant transcripts derived from a hybridoma with amplification of functional immunoglobulin variable genes

Murine monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are widely used but have limitations if administered in humans. The use of chimeric or humanized mAbs can reduce immunogenicity. The first step in producing such mAbs is to clone murine variable genes from a hybridoma, but it is possible to amplify both functional and aberrant variable genes, as they coexist in the hybridoma. During the development of a murine-human chimeric antibody, we have cloned from a hybridoma the functional heavy chain variable region (V(H)) and light chain variable region (V(L)) genes of a mAb that blocks the binding of anthrax lethal factor to protective antigen. In this study, we report the detection of two aberrant transcripts from a hybridoma produced using myeloma cell line OUR-1, the development of a method to distinguish between the functional and abundant aberrant V(L) transcripts, and the origins of these aberrant genes. The aberrant V(L) gene is derived from OUR-1 cells, while the aberrant V(H) gene might derive from antibody repertoires in B cells or from gene rearrangement in the hybridoma cells. The aberrant V(H) and V(L) genes in this study may facilitate discrimination between the functional and aberrant variable genes from hybridoma cells.

Effects of the redox state of porous graphitic carbon on the retention of oligosaccharides

Retention of hydrophilic compounds on porous graphitic carbon (PGC) is afforded by polar interactions with induced dipoles within this polarizable stationary phase. These interactions depend on the redox state of PGC, which can be influenced by application of an electrical field or by chemical means. We explored the impact of oxidizing and reducing agents on the retention of fluorescence labeled neutral oligosaccharides. Malto-oligosaccharides were employed as simple model system. Subsequently, the effects on the retention of glycans typical for immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies were investigated. Chemical oxidation of the PGC surface increased the retention of all analytes tested. Selectivities were significantly altered by the redox treatment, emphasizing the need for controlling the redox state of PGC to achieve reproducible conditions. Furthermore a column pre-conditioning protocol is presented, which allowed for reproducible chromatography of neutral IgG glycans.

Chip-based reversed-phase liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry of permethylated N-linked glycans: a potential methodology for cancer-biomarker discovery

The study of protein glycosylation in biological fluids and tissues has substantial medical importance, as changes in glycan structures have now been associated with a number of diseases. Quantification of glycomic-profile changes is becoming increasingly important in the search for disease biomarkers. Here, we report a highly reproducible combination of a glycomic sample preparation/solid-phase derivatization of glycoprotein-derived N-linked glycans with their subsequent microchip-based separation and mass-spectrometric (MS) measurements. Following our previously described reductive beta-elimination for O-linked glycans with ammonia-borane complex to reduce N-linked structures, the N-linked alditol structures are effectively methylated in dimethylformamide medium to avoid artefacts in MS measurements. Reversed-phase microfluidic liquid chromatography (LC) of methylated N-linked oligosaccharide alditols resolved some closely related structures into regular retention increments, aiding in their structural assignments. Optimized LC gradients, together with nanospray MS, have been applied here in the quantitative measurements of N-linked glycans in blood serum, distinguishing breast cancer patients from control individuals.

In planta protein sialylation through overexpression of the respective mammalian pathway

Many therapeutic proteins are glycosylated and require terminal sialylation to attain full biological activity. Current manufacturing methods based on mammalian cell culture allow only limited control of this important posttranslational modification, which may lead to the generation of products with low efficacy. Here we report in vivo protein sialylation in plants, which have been shown to be well suited for the efficient generation of complex mammalian glycoproteins. This was achieved by the introduction of an entire mammalian biosynthetic pathway in Nicotiana benthamiana, comprising the coordinated expression of the genes for (i) biosynthesis, (ii) activation, (iii) transport, and (iv) transfer of Neu5Ac to terminal galactose. We show the transient overexpression and functional integrity of six mammalian proteins that act at various stages of the biosynthetic pathway and demonstrate their correct subcellular localization. Co-expression of these genes with a therapeutic glycoprotein, a human monoclonal antibody, resulted in quantitative sialylation of the Fc domain. Sialylation was at great uniformity when glycosylation mutants that lack plant-specific N-glycan residues were used as expression hosts. Finally, we demonstrate efficient neutralization activity of the sialylated monoclonal antibody, indicating full functional integrity of the reporter protein. We report for the first time the incorporation of the entire biosynthetic pathway for protein sialylation in a multicellular organism naturally lacking sialylated glycoconjugates. Besides the biotechnological impact of the achievement, this work may serve as a general model for the manipulation of complex traits into plants.

Immunoglobulin G glycopeptide profiling by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) fragment crystallizable (Fc) glycosylation is essential for Fc-receptor-mediated activities. Changes in IgG Fc glycosylation have been found to be associated with various diseases. Here we describe a high-throughput IgG glycosylation profiling method. Sample preparation is performed in 96-well plate format: IgGs are purified from 2 microL of human plasma using immobilized protein A. IgGs are cleaved with trypsin, and the resulting glycopeptides are purified by reversed-phase or hydrophilic interaction solid-phase extraction. Glycopeptides are analyzed by intermediate pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (MALDI-FTICR-MS). Notably, both dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) and alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA) matrixes allowed the registration of sialylated as well as nonsialylated glycopeptides. Data were automatically processed, and IgG isotype-specific Fc glycosylation profiles were obtained. The entire method showed an interday variation below 10% for the six major glycoforms of both IgG1 and IgG2. The method was found suitable for isotype-specific high-throughput IgG glycosylation profiling from human plasma. As an example we successfully applied the method to profile the IgG glycosylation of 62 human samples.