1
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Verscheure L, Detremmerie S, Stals H, De Vos J, Sandra P, Lynen F, Borgions F, Sandra K. Multidimensional LC-MS with 1D multi-method option and parallel middle-up and bottom-up MS acquisition for in-depth characterization of antibodies. J Chromatogr A 2024; 1726:464947. [PMID: 38724406 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2024.464947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are large and highly heterogeneous species typically characterized using a plethora of analytical methodologies. There is a trend within the biopharmaceutical industry to combine several of these methods in one analytical platform to simultaneously assess multiple structural attributes. Here, a protein analyzer for the fully automated middle-up and bottom-up liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis of charge, size and hydrophobic variants is described. The multidimensional set-up combines a multi-method option in the first dimension (1D) (choice between size exclusion - SEC, cation exchange - CEX or hydrophobic interaction chromatography - HIC) with second dimension (2D) on-column reversed-phase (RPLC) based desalting, denaturation and reduction prior to middle-up LC-MS analysis of collected 1D peaks and parallel on-column trypsin digestion of denatured and reduced peaks in the third dimension (3D) followed by bottom-up LC-MS analysis in the fourth dimension (4D). The versatile and comprehensive workflow is applied to the characterization of charge, hydrophobic and size heterogeneities associated with an engineered Fc fragment and is complemented with hydrogen-deuterium exchange (HDX) MS and FcRn affinity chromatography - native MS to explain observations in a structural/functional context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesa Verscheure
- RIC group, President Kennedypark 6, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium; Separation Science Group, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281-S4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Hilde Stals
- Argenx, Industriepark Zwijnaarde 7, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jelle De Vos
- RIC group, President Kennedypark 6, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Pat Sandra
- RIC group, President Kennedypark 6, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium; Separation Science Group, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281-S4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Frederic Lynen
- Separation Science Group, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281-S4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Koen Sandra
- RIC group, President Kennedypark 6, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium; Separation Science Group, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281-S4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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2
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Cao W, Maza JC, Chernyak N, Flygare JA, Krska SW, Toste FD, Francis MB. Modification of Cysteine-Substituted Antibodies Using Enzymatic Oxidative Coupling Reactions. Bioconjug Chem 2023; 34:510-517. [PMID: 36787347 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.2c00576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Cysteines are routinely used as site-specific handles to synthesize antibody-drug conjugates for targeted immunotherapy applications. Michael additions between thiols and maleimides are some of the most common methods for modifying cysteines, but these functional groups can be difficult to prepare on scale, and the resulting linkages have been shown to be reversible under some physiological conditions. Here, we show that the enzyme tyrosinase, which oxidizes conveniently accessed phenols to afford reactive ortho-quinone intermediates, can be used to attach phenolic cargo to cysteines engineered on antibody surfaces. The resulting linkages between the thiols and ortho-quinones are shown to be more resistant than maleimides to reversion under physiological conditions. Using this approach, we construct antibody conjugates bearing cytotoxic payloads, which exhibit targeted cell killing, and further demonstrate this method for the attachment of a variety of cargo to antibodies, including fluorophores and oligonucleotides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Cao
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Johnathan C Maza
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Natalia Chernyak
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - John A Flygare
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Shane W Krska
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 2000 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - F Dean Toste
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Matthew B Francis
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
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3
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Tešanović Perković D, Bukvić Mokos Z, Marinović B. Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita-Current and Emerging Treatments. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12031139. [PMID: 36769788 PMCID: PMC9917799 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12031139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) is a rare chronic autoimmune subepidermal blistering disease of the skin and mucous membranes, usually beginning in adulthood. EBA is induced by autoantibodies to type VII collagen, a major component of anchoring fibrils in the dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ). The binding of autoantibodies to type-VII collagen subsequently leads to the detachment of the epidermis and the formation of mucocutaneous blisters. EBA has two major clinical subtypes: the mechanobullous and inflammatory variants. The classic mechanobullous variant presentation consists of skin fragility, bullae with minimal clinical or histological inflammation, erosions in acral distribution that heal with scarring, and milia formation. The inflammatory variant is challenging to differentiate from other autoimmune bullous diseases, most commonly bullous pemphigoid (BP) but also mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP), Brunsting-Perry pemphigoid, and linear IgA dermatosis. Due to its recalcitrance conventional treatment of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita is shown to be demanding. Here we discuss novel therapeutic strategies that have emerged and which could potentially improve the quality of life in patients with EBA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zrinka Bukvić Mokos
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, School of Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, University of Zagreb, Kišpatićeva 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Branka Marinović
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, School of Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, University of Zagreb, Kišpatićeva 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Correspondence:
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4
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An antibody Fc engineered for conditional antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity at the low tumor microenvironment pH. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101798. [PMID: 35248534 PMCID: PMC9006656 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the exquisite specificity and high affinity of antibody-based cancer therapies, treatment side effects can occur since the tumor-associated antigens targeted are also present on healthy cells. However, the low pH of the tumor microenvironment provides an opportunity to develop conditionally active antibodies with enhanced tumor specificity. Here, we engineered the human IgG1 Fc domain to enhance pH-selective binding to the receptor FcγRIIIa and subsequent antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). We displayed the Fc domain on the surface of mammalian cells and generated a site-directed library by altering Fc residues at the Fc-FcγRIIIa interface to support interactions with positively charged histidine residues. We then used a competitive staining and flow cytometric selection strategy to isolate Fc variants exhibiting reduced FcγRIIIa affinities at neutral pH, but physiological affinities at the tumor-typical pH 6.5. We demonstrate that antibodies composed of Fab arms binding the breast cell epithelial marker Her2 and the lead Fc variant, termed acid-Fc, exhibited an ∼2-fold pH-selectivity for FcγRIIIa binding based on the ratio of equilibrium dissociation constants Kd,7.4/Kd,6.5, due to a faster dissociation rate at pH 7.4. Finally, in vitro ADCC assays with human FcγRIIIa-positive natural killer and Her2-positive target cells demonstrated similar activities for anti-Her2 antibodies bearing the wild-type or acid-Fc at pH 6.5, but nearly 20-fold reduced ADCC for acid-Fc at pH 7.4, based on EC50 ratios. This work shows the promise of mammalian cell display for Fc engineering and the feasibility of pH-selective Fc activation to provide a second dimension of selective tumor cell targeting.
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5
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Gupta P, Makowski EK, Kumar S, Zhang Y, Scheer JM, Tessier PM. Antibodies with Weakly Basic Isoelectric Points Minimize Trade-offs between Formulation and Physiological Colloidal Properties. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:775-787. [PMID: 35108018 PMCID: PMC9350878 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.1c00373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The widespread interest in antibody therapeutics has led to much focus on identifying antibody candidates with favorable developability properties. In particular, there is broad interest in identifying antibody candidates with highly repulsive self-interactions in standard formulations (e.g., low ionic strength buffers at pH 5-6) for high solubility and low viscosity. Likewise, there is also broad interest in identifying antibody candidates with low levels of non-specific interactions in physiological solution conditions (PBS, pH 7.4) to promote favorable pharmacokinetic properties. To what extent antibodies that possess both highly repulsive self-interactions in standard formulations and weak non-specific interactions in physiological solution conditions can be systematically identified remains unclear and is a potential impediment to successful therapeutic drug development. Here, we evaluate these two properties for 42 IgG1 variants based on the variable fragments (Fvs) from four clinical-stage antibodies and complementarity-determining regions from 10 clinical-stage antibodies. Interestingly, we find that antibodies with the strongest repulsive self-interactions in a standard formulation (pH 6 and 10 mM histidine) display the strongest non-specific interactions in physiological solution conditions. Conversely, antibodies with the weakest non-specific interactions under physiological conditions display the least repulsive self-interactions in standard formulations. This behavior can be largely explained by the antibody isoelectric point, as highly basic antibodies that are highly positively charged under standard formulation conditions (pH 5-6) promote repulsive self-interactions that mediate high colloidal stability but also mediate strong non-specific interactions with negatively charged biomolecules at physiological pH and vice versa for antibodies with negatively charged Fv regions. Therefore, IgG1s with weakly basic isoelectric points between 8 and 8.5 and Fv isoelectric points between 7.5 and 9 typically display the best combinations of strong repulsive self-interactions and weak non-specific interactions. We expect that these findings will improve the identification and engineering of antibody candidates with drug-like biophysical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Gupta
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Department, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180, United States.,Biotherapeutics Molecule Discovery Department, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut 06877, United States
| | - Emily K Makowski
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Biotherapeutics Molecule Discovery Department, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut 06877, United States
| | - Yulei Zhang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Justin M Scheer
- Biotherapeutics Molecule Discovery Department, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut 06877, United States.,Janssen R&D, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Peter M Tessier
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Department, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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6
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Vianelli N, Auteri G, Buccisano F, Carrai V, Baldacci E, Clissa C, Bartoletti D, Giuffrida G, Magro D, Rivolti E, Esposito D, Podda GM, Palandri F. Refractory primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP): current clinical challenges and therapeutic perspectives. Ann Hematol 2022; 101:963-978. [PMID: 35201417 PMCID: PMC8867457 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-022-04786-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Chronic primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) can today benefit from multiple therapeutic approaches with proven clinical efficacy, including rituximab, thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RA), and splenectomy. However, some ITP patients are unresponsive to multiple lines of therapy with prolonged and severe thrombocytopenia. The diagnosis of refractory ITP is mainly performed by exclusion of other disorders and is based on the clinician's expertise. However, it significantly increases the risk of drug-related toxicity and of bleedings, including life-threatening events. The management of refractory ITP remains a major clinical challenge. Here, we provide an overview of the currently available treatment options, and we discuss the emerging rationale of new therapeutic approaches and their strategic combination. Particularly, combination strategies may target multiple pathogenetic mechanisms and trigger additive or synergistic effects. A series of best practices arising both from published studies and from real-life clinical experience is also included, aiming to optimize the management of refractory ITP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Vianelli
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Istituto Di Ematologia "Seràgnoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Auteri
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Istituto Di Ematologia "Seràgnoli, Bologna, Italy.,Dipartimento Di Medicina Specialistica, Diagnostica E Sperimentale, Università Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Buccisano
- Dipartimento Di Biomedicina E Prevenzione, Università Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Daniela Bartoletti
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Istituto Di Ematologia "Seràgnoli, Bologna, Italy.,Dipartimento Di Medicina Specialistica, Diagnostica E Sperimentale, Università Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | - Elena Rivolti
- Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Daniela Esposito
- Presidio Ospedaliero San G. Moscati Di Aversa - ASL Caserta, Caserta, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Podda
- Medicina III, Ospedale San Paolo, ASST Santi Paolo E Carlo, Dipartimento Di Scienze Della Salute, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesca Palandri
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Istituto Di Ematologia "Seràgnoli, Bologna, Italy.
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7
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Case JB, Chen RE, Cao L, Ying B, Winkler ES, Johnson M, Goreshnik I, Pham MN, Shrihari S, Kafai NM, Bailey AL, Xie X, Shi PY, Ravichandran R, Carter L, Stewart L, Baker D, Diamond MS. Ultrapotent miniproteins targeting the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain protect against infection and disease. Cell Host Microbe 2021; 29:1151-1161.e5. [PMID: 34192518 PMCID: PMC8221914 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2021.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite the introduction of public health measures and spike protein-based vaccines to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 infections and deaths continue to have a global impact. Previously, we used a structural design approach to develop picomolar range miniproteins targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain. Here, we investigated the capacity of modified versions of one lead miniprotein, LCB1, to protect against SARS-CoV-2-mediated lung disease in mice. Systemic administration of LCB1-Fc reduced viral burden, diminished immune cell infiltration and inflammation, and completely prevented lung disease and pathology. A single intranasal dose of LCB1v1.3 reduced SARS-CoV-2 infection in the lung when given as many as 5 days before or 2 days after virus inoculation. Importantly, LCB1v1.3 protected in vivo against a historical strain (WA1/2020), an emerging B.1.1.7 strain, and a strain encoding key E484K and N501Y spike protein substitutions. These data support development of LCB1v1.3 for prevention or treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Brett Case
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Rita E Chen
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Longxing Cao
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Baoling Ying
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Emma S Winkler
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Max Johnson
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Inna Goreshnik
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Minh N Pham
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Swathi Shrihari
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Natasha M Kafai
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Adam L Bailey
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Xuping Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Pei-Yong Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Rashmi Ravichandran
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Lauren Carter
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Lance Stewart
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - David Baker
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Michael S Diamond
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; The Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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8
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Grinshpun B, Thorsteinson N, Pereira JN, Rippmann F, Nannemann D, Sood VD, Fomekong Nanfack Y. Identifying biophysical assays and in silico properties that enrich for slow clearance in clinical-stage therapeutic antibodies. MAbs 2021; 13:1932230. [PMID: 34116620 PMCID: PMC8204999 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2021.1932230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of a drug, such as clearance, is a crucial step for evaluating efficacy. The PK of therapeutic antibodies can be complex and is influenced by interactions with the target, Fc-receptors, anti-drug antibodies, and antibody intrinsic factors. A growing body of literature has linked biophysical properties of antibodies, particularly nonspecific-binding propensity, hydrophobicity and charged regions to rapid clearance in preclinical species and selected human PK studies. A clear understanding of the connection between biophysical properties and their impact on PK would allow for early selection and optimization of antibodies and reduce costly attrition during clinical trials due to sub-optimal human clearance. Due to the difficulty in obtaining large and unbiased human PK data, previous studies have focused mostly on preclinical PK. For this study, we obtained and curated the most comprehensive clinical PK dataset to date and calculated accurate estimates of linear clearance for 64 monoclonal antibodies ranging from investigational candidates in Phase 2 trials to marketed products. This allows for the first time a deep analysis of the influence of biophysical and sequence-based in silico properties directly on human clearance. We use statistical analysis and a Random Forest classifier to identify properties that have the greatest influence in our dataset. Our findings indicate that in vitro poly-specificity assay and in silico estimated isoelectric point can discriminate fast and slow clearing antibodies, extending previous observations on preclinical clearance. This provides a simple yet powerful approach to select antibodies with desirable PK during early-stage screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Grinshpun
- Discovery & Development Technologies, Drug Disposition & Design, EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc, Billerica, MA, USA
| | - Nels Thorsteinson
- Department of Scientific Services, Chemical Computing Group ULC, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Joao Ns Pereira
- Discovery & Development Technologies, Drug Disposition & Design, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Friedrich Rippmann
- Discovery & Development Technologies, Drug Disposition & Design, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - David Nannemann
- Discovery & Development Technologies, Drug Disposition & Design, EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc, Billerica, MA, USA
| | - Vanita D Sood
- Discovery & Development Technologies, Drug Disposition & Design, EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc, Billerica, MA, USA
| | - Yves Fomekong Nanfack
- Discovery & Development Technologies, Drug Disposition & Design, EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc, Billerica, MA, USA
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9
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Characterization of ultrasound-mediated delivery of trastuzumab to normal and pathologic spinal cord tissue. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4412. [PMID: 33627726 PMCID: PMC7904756 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83874-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Extensive studies on focused ultrasound (FUS)-mediated drug delivery through the blood-brain barrier have been published, yet little work has been published on FUS-mediated drug delivery through the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB). This work aims to quantify the delivery of the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab to rat spinal cord tissue and characterize its distribution within a model of leptomeningeal metastases. 10 healthy Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with FUS + trastuzumab and sacrificed at 2-h or 24-h post-FUS. A human IgG ELISA (Abcam) was used to measure trastuzumab concentration and a 12 ± fivefold increase was seen in treated tissue over control tissue at 2 h versus no increase at 24 h. Three athymic nude rats were inoculated with MDA-MB-231-H2N HER2 + breast cancer cells between the meninges in the thoracic region of the spinal cord and treated with FUS + trastuzumab. Immunohistochemistry was performed to visualize trastuzumab delivery, and semi-quantitative analysis revealed similar or more intense staining in tumor tissue compared to healthy tissue suggesting a comparable or greater concentration of trastuzumab was achieved. FUS can increase the permeability of the BSCB, improving drug delivery to specifically targeted regions of healthy and pathologic tissue in the spinal cord. The achieved concentrations within the healthy tissue are comparable to those reported in the brain.
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10
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Yadav SPS, Sandoval RM, Zhao J, Huang Y, Wang E, Kumar S, Campos-Bilderback SB, Rhodes G, Mechref Y, Molitoris BA, Wagner MC. Mechanism of how carbamylation reduces albumin binding to FcRn contributing to increased vascular clearance. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2021; 320:F114-F129. [PMID: 33283642 PMCID: PMC7847050 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00428.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease results in high serum urea concentrations leading to excessive protein carbamylation, primarily albumin. This is associated with increased cardiovascular disease and mortality. Multiple methods were used to address whether carbamylation alters albumin metabolism. Intravital two-photon imaging of the Munich Wistar Frömter (MWF) rat kidney and liver allowed us to characterize filtration and proximal tubule uptake and liver uptake. Microscale thermophoresis enabled quantification of cubilin (CUB7,8 domain) and FcRn binding. Finally, multiple biophysical methods including dynamic light scattering, small-angle X-ray scattering, LC-MS/MS and in silico analyses were used to identify the critical structural alterations and amino acid modifications of rat albumin. Carbamylation of albumin reduced binding to CUB7,8 and FcRn in a dose-dependent fashion. Carbamylation markedly increased vascular clearance of carbamylated rat serum albumin (cRSA) and altered distribution of cRSA in both the kidney and liver at 16 h post intravenous injection. By evaluating the time course of carbamylation and associated charge, size, shape, and binding parameters in combination with in silico analysis and mass spectrometry, the critical binding interaction impacting carbamylated albumin's reduced FcRn binding was identified as K524. Carbamylation of RSA had no effect on glomerular filtration or proximal tubule uptake. These data indicate urea-mediated time-dependent carbamylation of albumin lysine K524 resulted in reduced binding to CUB7,8 and FcRn that contribute to altered albumin transport, leading to increased vascular clearance and increased liver and endothelial tissue accumulation.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Chromatography, Liquid
- Disease Models, Animal
- Glomerular Filtration Rate
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class I/metabolism
- Kidney Tubules, Proximal/metabolism
- Kidney Tubules, Proximal/physiopathology
- Liver/metabolism
- Lysine
- Male
- Microscopy, Fluorescence, Multiphoton
- Protein Binding
- Protein Carbamylation
- Rats, Inbred Strains
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptors, Cell Surface/metabolism
- Receptors, Fc/metabolism
- Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/metabolism
- Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/pathology
- Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/physiopathology
- Scattering, Small Angle
- Serum Albumin/metabolism
- Tandem Mass Spectrometry
- Time Factors
- X-Ray Diffraction
- Rats
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiv Pratap S Yadav
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Ruben M Sandoval
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Jingfu Zhao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
| | - Yifan Huang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
| | - Exing Wang
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Sudhanshu Kumar
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Silvia B Campos-Bilderback
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - George Rhodes
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Yehia Mechref
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
| | - Bruce A Molitoris
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Mark C Wagner
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
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11
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Falck D, Thomann M, Lechmann M, Koeleman CAM, Malik S, Jany C, Wuhrer M, Reusch D. Glycoform-resolved pharmacokinetic studies in a rat model employing glycoengineered variants of a therapeutic monoclonal antibody. MAbs 2021; 13:1865596. [PMID: 33382957 PMCID: PMC7781607 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2020.1865596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Good pharmacokinetic (PK) behavior is a key prerequisite for sufficient efficacy of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Fc glycosylation is a critical quality attribute (CQA) of mAbs, due to its impact on stability and effector functions. However, the effects of various IgG Fc glycoforms on antibody PK remain unclear. We used a combination of glycoengineering and glycoform-resolved PK measurements by mass spectrometry (MS) to assess glycoform effects on PK. Four differently glycoengineered mAbs, each still containing multiple glycoforms, were separately injected into rats. Rat models have been shown to be predictive of human PK. At different time points, blood was taken, from which the mAbs were purified and analyzed with a liquid chromatography-MS-based bottom-up glycoproteomics approach. This allowed us to follow changes in the glycosylation profiles of each glycoengineered mAb over time. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay measurements provided an absolute concentration in the form of a sum value for all glycoforms. Information from both readouts was then combined to calculate PK parameters per glycoform. Thereby, multiple glycoform kinetics were resolved within one mAb preparation. We confirmed increased clearance of high-mannose (Man5) and hybrid-type (Man5G0) glycoforms. Specifically, Man5 showed a 1.8 to 2.6-fold higher clearance than agalactosylated, complex glycans (G0F). Unexpectedly, clearance was even higher (4.7-fold) for the hybrid-type glycan Man5G0. In contrast, clearance of agalactosylated, monoantennary glycoforms (G0F-N) was only slightly increased over G0F (1.2 to 1.4-fold). Thus, monoantennary, hybrid-type and high-mannose glycoforms should be distinguished in CQA assessments. Strikingly, α2,3-linked sialylation did not affect clearance, contradicting the involvement of the asialoglycoprotein receptor in mAb clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Falck
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marco Thomann
- Pharma Technical Development Europe, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Martin Lechmann
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Carolien A. M. Koeleman
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sebastian Malik
- Pharma Technical Development Europe, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Cordula Jany
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Manfred Wuhrer
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Dietmar Reusch
- Pharma Technical Development Europe, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
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12
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Ciobanu AM, Dumitru AE, Gica N, Botezatu R, Peltecu G, Panaitescu AM. Benefits and Risks of IgG Transplacental Transfer. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:E583. [PMID: 32806663 PMCID: PMC7459488 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10080583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal passage of immunoglobulin G (IgG) is an important passive mechanism for protecting the infant while the neonatal immune system is still immature and ineffective. IgG is the only antibody class capable of crossing the histological layers of the placenta by attaching to the neonatal Fc receptor expressed at the level of syncytiotrophoblasts, and it offers protection against neonatal infectious pathogens. In pregnant women with autoimmune or alloimmune disorders, or in those requiring certain types of biological therapy, transplacental passage of abnormal antibodies may cause fetal or neonatal harm. In this review, we will discuss the physiological mechanisms and benefits of transplacental transfer of maternal antibodies as well as pathological maternal situations where this system is hijacked, potentially leading to adverse neonatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Marina Ciobanu
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 020021, Romania; (A.M.C.); (N.G.); (R.B.); (G.P.)
- Filantropia Clinical Hospital, Bucharest 11171, Romania;
| | | | - Nicolae Gica
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 020021, Romania; (A.M.C.); (N.G.); (R.B.); (G.P.)
- Filantropia Clinical Hospital, Bucharest 11171, Romania;
| | - Radu Botezatu
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 020021, Romania; (A.M.C.); (N.G.); (R.B.); (G.P.)
- Filantropia Clinical Hospital, Bucharest 11171, Romania;
| | - Gheorghe Peltecu
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 020021, Romania; (A.M.C.); (N.G.); (R.B.); (G.P.)
- Filantropia Clinical Hospital, Bucharest 11171, Romania;
| | - Anca Maria Panaitescu
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 020021, Romania; (A.M.C.); (N.G.); (R.B.); (G.P.)
- Filantropia Clinical Hospital, Bucharest 11171, Romania;
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13
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Golay J, Andrea AE. Combined Anti-Cancer Strategies Based on Anti-Checkpoint Inhibitor Antibodies. Antibodies (Basel) 2020; 9:E17. [PMID: 32443877 PMCID: PMC7345008 DOI: 10.3390/antib9020017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of cancer came of age in 1997, with the approval of anti-CD20 Rituximab. Since then, a wide variety of antibodies have been developed with many different formats and mechanisms of action. Among these, antibodies blocking immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have revolutionized the field, based on the novelty of their concept and their demonstrated efficacy in several types of cancer otherwise lacking effective immunotherapy approaches. ICI are expressed by tumor, stromal or immune cells infiltrating the tumor microenvironment, and negatively regulate anti-tumor immunity. Antibodies against the first discovered ICI, CTLA-4, PD-1 and PD-L1, have shown significant activity in phase III studies against melanoma and other solid cancers, alone or in combination with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. However, not all cancers and not all patients respond to these drugs. Therefore, novel antibodies targeting additional ICI are currently being developed. In addition, CTLA-4, PD-1 and PD-L1 blocking antibodies are being combined with each other or with other antibodies targeting novel ICI, immunostimulatory molecules, tumor antigens, angiogenic factors, complement receptors, or with T cell engaging bispecific antibodies (BsAb), with the aim of obtaining synergistic effects with minimal toxicity. In this review, we summarize the biological aspects behind such combinations and review some of the most important clinical data on ICI-specific antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josée Golay
- Center of Cellular Therapy “G. Lanzani”, UOC Ematologia, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, 24127 Bergamo, Italy
- Fondazione per la Ricerca Ospedale Maggiore, 24127 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Alain E. Andrea
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Thérapies Moléculaires, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Saint Joseph de Beyrouth, Beirut 1100, Lebanon;
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14
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Newland AC, Sánchez‐González B, Rejtő L, Egyed M, Romanyuk N, Godar M, Verschueren K, Gandini D, Ulrichts P, Beauchamp J, Dreier T, Ward ES, Michel M, Liebman HA, Haard H, Leupin N, Kuter DJ. Phase 2 study of efgartigimod, a novel FcRn antagonist, in adult patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia. Am J Hematol 2020; 95:178-187. [PMID: 31821591 PMCID: PMC7004056 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.25680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an acquired autoimmune bleeding disorder, characterized by a low platelet count (<100 × 109/L) in the absence of other causes associated with thrombocytopenia. In most patients, IgG autoantibodies directed against platelet receptors can be detected. They accelerate platelet clearance and destruction, inhibit platelet production, and impair platelet function, resulting in increased risk of bleeding and impaired quality of life. Efgartigimod is a human IgG1 antibody Fc‐fragment, a natural ligand of the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), engineered for increased affinity to FcRn, while preserving its characteristic pH‐dependent binding. Efgartigimod blocks FcRn, preventing IgG recycling, and causing targeted IgG degradation. In this Phase 2 study, 38 patients were randomized 1:1:1 to receive four weekly intravenous infusions of either placebo (N = 12) or efgartigimod at a dose of 5 mg/kg (N = 13) or 10 mg/kg (N = 13). This short treatment cycle of efgartigimod in patients with ITP, predominantly refractory to previous lines of therapy, was shown to be well tolerated, and demonstrated a favorable safety profile consistent with Phase 1 data. Efgartigimod induced a rapid reduction of total IgG levels (up to 63.7% mean change from baseline), which was associated with clinically relevant increases in platelet counts (46% patients on efgartigimod vs 25% on placebo achieved a platelet count of ≥50 × 109/L on at least two occasions, and 38% vs 0% achieved ≥50 × 109/L for at least 10 cumulative days), and a reduced proportion of patients with bleeding. Taken together, these data warrant further evaluation of FcRn antagonism as a novel therapeutic approach in ITP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian C. Newland
- Department of Haematology, Centre for HaematologyThe Royal London Hospital London UK
| | | | - László Rejtő
- Department of HematologyJósa András Teaching Hospital Nyíregyháza Hungary
| | - Miklos Egyed
- Department of HematologyKaposi Mor Teaching Hospital Kaposvar Hungary
| | | | - Marie Godar
- argenx BVBAIndustriepark‐Zwijnaarde 7 Zwijnaarde Belgium
| | | | | | - Peter Ulrichts
- argenx BVBAIndustriepark‐Zwijnaarde 7 Zwijnaarde Belgium
| | - Jon Beauchamp
- argenx BVBAIndustriepark‐Zwijnaarde 7 Zwijnaarde Belgium
| | - Torsten Dreier
- argenx BVBAIndustriepark‐Zwijnaarde 7 Zwijnaarde Belgium
| | - E. Sally Ward
- Department of Molecular and Cellular MedicineTexas A&M University Health Science Center College Station Texas
- Centre for Cancer ImmunologyUniversity of Southampton Southampton UK
| | - Marc Michel
- Service de Médecine Interne, Centre National de Référence des Cytopénies Auto‐Immunes de l'AdulteCentre Hospitalier Universitaire Henri‐Mondor, Assistance Publique‐Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Est Créteil Créteil France
| | - Howard A. Liebman
- Jane Anne Nohl Division of Hematology, Department of MedicineUniversity of Southern California Los Angeles California
| | - Hans Haard
- argenx BVBAIndustriepark‐Zwijnaarde 7 Zwijnaarde Belgium
| | - Nicolas Leupin
- argenx BVBAIndustriepark‐Zwijnaarde 7 Zwijnaarde Belgium
| | - David J. Kuter
- Department of HematologyMassachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts
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15
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Kang TH, Jung ST. Boosting therapeutic potency of antibodies by taming Fc domain functions. Exp Mol Med 2019; 51:1-9. [PMID: 31735912 PMCID: PMC6859160 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-019-0345-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are one of the most widely used drug platforms for infectious diseases or cancer therapeutics because they selectively target pathogens, infectious cells, cancerous cells, and even immune cells. In this way, they mediate the elimination of target molecules and cells with fewer side effects than other therapeutic modalities. In particular, cancer therapeutic mAbs can recognize cell-surface proteins on target cells and then kill the targeted cells by multiple mechanisms that are dependent upon a fragment crystallizable (Fc) domain interacting with effector Fc gamma receptors, including antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and antibody-dependent cell-mediated phagocytosis. Extensive engineering efforts have been made toward tuning Fc functions by either reinforcing (e.g. for targeted therapy) or disabling (e.g. for immune checkpoint blockade therapy) effector functions and prolonging the serum half-lives of antibodies, as necessary. In this report, we review Fc engineering efforts to improve therapeutic potency, and propose future antibody engineering directions that can fulfill unmet medical needs. Fine-tuning the function of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) holds promise for developing new therapeutic agents. Antibodies bind to pathogens or cancer cells, flagging them with Fc (fragment crystallizable) domain for destruction by the immune system. mAbs attached only to specific target cells enable lower side effect than other conventional drugs. Sang Taek Jung at Korea University and Tae Hyun Kang at Kookmin University, both in Seoul, reviewed recent developments in engineering therapeutic potency of mAbs. They report that mAbs can be engineered to activate effective immune cell types to treat a particular disease. Engineering can also increase mAbs’ persistence in the blood, enabling less frequent administration. Antibodies engineered to bind to two different antigens at once can also improve therapeutic efficacy. Applying these techniques could help developing new treatments against cancer, and infectious and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Hyun Kang
- Biopharmaceutical Chemistry Major, School of Applied Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Taek Jung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
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16
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Lee CH, Kang TH, Godon O, Watanabe M, Delidakis G, Gillis CM, Sterlin D, Hardy D, Cogné M, Macdonald LE, Murphy AJ, Tu N, Lee J, McDaniel JR, Makowski E, Tessier PM, Meyer AS, Bruhns P, Georgiou G. An engineered human Fc domain that behaves like a pH-toggle switch for ultra-long circulation persistence. Nat Commun 2019; 10:5031. [PMID: 31695028 PMCID: PMC6834678 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13108-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The pharmacokinetic properties of antibodies are largely dictated by the pH-dependent binding of the IgG fragment crystallizable (Fc) domain to the human neonatal Fc receptor (hFcRn). Engineered Fc domains that confer a longer circulation half-life by virtue of more favorable pH-dependent binding to hFcRn are of great therapeutic interest. Here we developed a pH Toggle switch Fc variant containing the L309D/Q311H/N434S (DHS) substitutions, which exhibits markedly improved pharmacokinetics relative to both native IgG1 and widely used half-life extension variants, both in conventional hFcRn transgenic mice and in new knock-in mouse strains. engineered specifically to recapitulate all the key processes relevant to human antibody persistence in circulation, namely: (i) physiological expression of hFcRn, (ii) the impact of hFcγRs on antibody clearance and (iii) the role of competing endogenous IgG. DHS-IgG retains intact effector functions, which are important for the clearance of target pathogenic cells and also has favorable developability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Han Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Tae Hyun Kang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ophélie Godon
- Unit of Antibodies in Therapy and Pathology, Institut Pasteur, UMR1222 INSERMF-75015, Paris, France
| | - Makiko Watanabe
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - George Delidakis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Caitlin M Gillis
- Unit of Antibodies in Therapy and Pathology, Institut Pasteur, UMR1222 INSERMF-75015, Paris, France
| | - Delphine Sterlin
- Unit of Antibodies in Therapy and Pathology, Institut Pasteur, UMR1222 INSERMF-75015, Paris, France
| | - David Hardy
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Infection and Epidemiology Department, Institut Pasteur, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | - Naxin Tu
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Jiwon Lee
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Jonathan R McDaniel
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Emily Makowski
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Peter M Tessier
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Aaron S Meyer
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Pierre Bruhns
- Unit of Antibodies in Therapy and Pathology, Institut Pasteur, UMR1222 INSERMF-75015, Paris, France.
| | - George Georgiou
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
- Department of Molecular Bioscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
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17
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Genetic Variation in the Magnitude and Longevity of the IgG Subclass Response to a Diphtheria-Tetanus-Acellular Pertussis (DTaP) Vaccine in Mice. Vaccines (Basel) 2019; 7:vaccines7040124. [PMID: 31547158 PMCID: PMC6963843 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines7040124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The type of IgG subclasses induced by vaccination is an important determinant of vaccine efficacy because the IgG subclasses vary in their biological function. The goal of this study was to determine the influence of the genetic background on the production and duration of vaccine-induced IgG subclasses. IgG1, IgG2b, and IgG3 titers against diphtheria toxoid (DT), pertussis toxin (PT), filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), and pertactin (Prn) were measured in mice from 28 different inbred and wild-derived strains vaccinated with an aluminum hydroxide-adjuvanted DTaP vaccine. The titers and duration of vaccine-specific IgG subclass responses were different among mouse strains, indicating that genetic factors contribute to this variation. Statistical associations were used to identify potential mechanisms that contribute to antibody production and longevity. This analysis showed that the mechanisms guiding the magnitude of antibody production were antigen-dependent for IgG1 but antigen-independent for IgG2b and IgG3. However, the mechanisms driving the longevity of antibody titers were antigen-independent for IgG1, IgG2b, and IgG3. The ratio of IgG1 and IgG3 titers identified Th1 and Th2-prone mouse strains. TLR4-deficient C3H/HeJ mice had an enhanced IgG1 response compared with C3H/HeOuJ mice with intact TLR4. This work demonstrates that the genetic background contributes significantly to the magnitude and longevity of vaccine-induced IgG1, IgG2b, and IgG3 titers in mice.
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18
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Díaz-Torné C, Ortiz MÀ, Sarmiento M, Díaz-López C, Corominas H, Casademont J, Vidal S. Rituximab levels are associated with the B cell homeostasis but not with the clinical response in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Eur J Rheumatol 2019; 6:81-84. [PMID: 31365341 PMCID: PMC6467324 DOI: 10.5152/eurjrheum.2019.18109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To study the levels of rituximab (RTX) and anti-RTX antibodies (ARAs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at 30, 90, and 180 days after the first infusion, in relation to clinical and serological parameters and B cell homeostasis. Methods Thirty-four patients with RA who failed to respond to anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy received RTX. At baseline, 4, 12, and 24 weeks after the first infusion of RTX, we performed a clinical assessment and determined the levels of RTX, ARAs, B cells, rheumatoid factors, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies, immunoglobulins, and complements. Results RTX levels varied widely among patients. No ARAs were detected during the follow-up. Patients with lower levels of RTX presented with higher decreases in erythrocyte sedimentation rate, immunoglobulins, and complement 6 months after the first infusion. Patients with higher levels of RTX showed a higher B cell depletion at 90 days but an earlier B cell recovery than those with lower levels of RTX. No differences in clinical response were observed between the two groups at 6 months after starting the treatment. Conclusion Our findings suggest that RTX levels in the serum of patients with RA are related to B cell homeostasis and the severity of immunological parameters but not to the clinical response at 6 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cèsar Díaz-Torné
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Àngels Ortiz
- Department of Immunology, IIB-Institut de Recerca de l'Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mónica Sarmiento
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Rheumatology, Colmédica, Bogota, Spain
| | - César Díaz-López
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Hèctor Corominas
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Casademont
- Departament of Internal Medicine, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Vidal
- Department of Immunology, IIB-Institut de Recerca de l'Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
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19
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Challa DK, Wang X, Montoyo HP, Velmurugan R, Ober RJ, Ward ES. Neonatal Fc receptor expression in macrophages is indispensable for IgG homeostasis. MAbs 2019; 11:848-860. [PMID: 30964743 PMCID: PMC6601554 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2019.1602459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The maintenance of the homeostasis of immunoglobulin G (IgG) represents a fundamental aspect of humoral immunity that has direct relevance to the successful delivery of antibody-based therapeutics. The ubiquitously expressed neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) salvages IgG from cellular degradation following pinocytic uptake into cells, conferring prolonged in vivo persistence on IgG. However, the cellular sites of FcRn function are poorly defined. Pinocytic uptake is a prerequisite for FcRn-mediated IgG salvage, prompting us to investigate the consequences of IgG uptake and catabolism by macrophages, which represent both abundant and highly pinocytic cells in the body. Site-specific deletion of FcRn to generate mice harboring FcRn-deficient macrophages results in IgG hypercatabolism and ~threefold reductions in serum IgG levels, whereas these effects were not observed in mice that lack functional FcRn in B cells and dendritic cells. Consistent with the degradative activity of FcRn-deficient macrophages, depletion of these cells in FcRn-deficient mice leads to increased persistence and serum levels of IgG. These studies demonstrate a pivotal role for FcRn-mediated salvage in compensating for the high pinocytic and degradative activities of macrophages to maintain IgG homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilip K Challa
- a Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine , Texas A&M University Health Science Center , College Station , TX , USA
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- a Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine , Texas A&M University Health Science Center , College Station , TX , USA
| | - Héctor Pérez Montoyo
- b Department of Immunology , University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas , TX , USA
| | - Ramraj Velmurugan
- a Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine , Texas A&M University Health Science Center , College Station , TX , USA
| | - Raimund J Ober
- a Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine , Texas A&M University Health Science Center , College Station , TX , USA.,c Department of Biomedical Engineering , Texas A&M University , College Station , TX , USA.,d Cancer Sciences Unit, Centre for Cancer Immunology, Faculty of Medicine , University of Southampton , Southampton , UK
| | - E Sally Ward
- a Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine , Texas A&M University Health Science Center , College Station , TX , USA.,d Cancer Sciences Unit, Centre for Cancer Immunology, Faculty of Medicine , University of Southampton , Southampton , UK.,e Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology , Texas A&M University Health Science Center , Bryan , TX , USA
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20
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Fogueri U, Cheungapasitporn W, Bourne D, Fervenza FC, Joy MS. Rituximab Exhibits Altered Pharmacokinetics in Patients With Membranous Nephropathy. Ann Pharmacother 2018; 53:357-363. [PMID: 30293439 DOI: 10.1177/1060028018803587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rituximab (RTX) is a chimeric monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody used off-label in the treatment of membranous nephropathy (MN). Unfortunately, limited information is available on the pharmacokinetics of therapeutic proteins such as RTX in patients with glomerular kidney diseases. OBJECTIVE The current study evaluated RTX pharmacokinetics in patients with MN (n = 20) who received 4 RTX weekly intravenous infusions (375 mg/m2) over a month, with a repeat of the identical treatment at 6 months. Baseline patient characteristics were gender (17 male/3 female), age (49 ± 13 years), and body surface area (2.2 ± 0.24 m2). METHODS Compartmental pharmacokinetic analyses were conducted using Phoenix, and comparisons of these parameters were made between the MN patients and published data from 2 reference populations without kidney diseases (follicular lymphoma and autoimmune disorders). RESULTS Patients with MN exhibited a shorter half-life, reduced volume of central compartment, decreased area under the serum concentration-time curve (exposure), and increased RTX clearance from the central compartment versus previous reports in the reference patient populations. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE These results suggest that shorter half-life and lower exposures to RTX in patients with MN may necessitate higher doses and/or changes to dosing frequency to optimize the relationships between serum concentrations and therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uma Fogueri
- 1 Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical sciences, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - David Bourne
- 1 Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical sciences, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Melanie S Joy
- 1 Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical sciences, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
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21
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Smith B, Kiessling A, Lledo-Garcia R, Dixon KL, Christodoulou L, Catley MC, Atherfold P, D'Hooghe LE, Finney H, Greenslade K, Hailu H, Kevorkian L, Lightwood D, Meier C, Munro R, Qureshi O, Sarkar K, Shaw SP, Tewari R, Turner A, Tyson K, West S, Shaw S, Brennan FR. Generation and characterization of a high affinity anti-human FcRn antibody, rozanolixizumab, and the effects of different molecular formats on the reduction of plasma IgG concentration. MAbs 2018; 10:1111-1130. [PMID: 30130439 PMCID: PMC6291300 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2018.1505464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Rozanolixizumab (UCB7665), a humanized high-affinity anti-human neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) monoclonal antibody (IgG4P), has been developed to reduce pathogenic IgG in autoimmune and alloimmune diseases. We document the antibody isolation and compare rozanolixizumab with the same variable region expressed in various mono-, bi- and trivalent formats. We report activity data for rozanolixizumab and the different molecular formats in human cells, FcRn-transgenic mice, and cynomolgus monkeys. Rozanolixizumab, considered the most effective molecular format, dose-dependently and selectively reduced plasma IgG concentrations in an FcRn-transgenic mouse model (no effect on albumin). Intravenous (IV) rozanolixizumab dosing in cynomolgus monkeys demonstrated non-linear pharmacokinetics indicative of target-mediated drug disposition; single IV rozanolixizumab doses (30 mg/kg) in cynomolgus monkeys reduced plasma IgG concentration by 69% by Day 7 post-administration. Daily IV administration of rozanolixizumab (initial 30 mg/kg loading dose; 5 mg/kg daily thereafter) reduced plasma IgG concentrations in all cynomolgus monkeys, with low concentrations maintained throughout the treatment period (42 days). In a 13-week toxicology study in cynomolgus monkeys, supra-pharmacological subcutaneous and IV doses of rozanolixizumab (≤ 150 mg/kg every 3 days) were well tolerated, inducing sustained (but reversible) reductions in IgG concentrations by up to 85%, with no adverse events observed. We have demonstrated accelerated natural catabolism of IgG through inhibition of IgG:FcRn interactions in mice and cynomolgus monkeys. Inhibition of FcRn with rozanolixizumab may provide a novel therapeutic approach to reduce pathogenic IgG in human autoimmune disease. Rozanolixizumab is being investigated in patients with immune thrombocytopenia (NCT02718716) and myasthenia gravis (NCT03052751).
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22
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Targeting FcRn to Generate Antibody-Based Therapeutics. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2018; 39:892-904. [PMID: 30143244 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The MHC class I-related receptor FcRn serves multiple roles ranging from the regulation of levels of IgG isotype antibodies and albumin throughout the body to the delivery of antigen into antigen loading compartments in specialized antigen-presenting cells. In parallel with studies directed towards understanding FcRn at the molecular and cellular levels, there has been an enormous expansion in the development of engineering strategies involving FcRn to modulate the dynamic behavior of antibodies, antigens, and albumin. In this review article, we focus on a discussion of FcRn-targeted approaches that have resulted in the production of novel antibody-based platforms with considerable potential for use in the clinic.
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23
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Ulrichts P, Guglietta A, Dreier T, van Bragt T, Hanssens V, Hofman E, Vankerckhoven B, Verheesen P, Ongenae N, Lykhopiy V, Enriquez FJ, Cho J, Ober RJ, Ward ES, de Haard H, Leupin N. Neonatal Fc receptor antagonist efgartigimod safely and sustainably reduces IgGs in humans. J Clin Invest 2018; 128:4372-4386. [PMID: 30040076 DOI: 10.1172/jci97911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intravenous Ig (IVIg), plasma exchange, and immunoadsorption are frequently used in the management of severe autoimmune diseases mediated by pathogenic IgG autoantibodies. These approaches modulating IgG levels can, however, be associated with some severe adverse reactions and a substantial burden to patients. Targeting the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) presents an innovative and potentially more effective, safer, and more convenient alternative for clearing pathogenic IgGs. METHODS A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled first-in-human study was conducted in 62 healthy volunteers to explore single and multiple ascending intravenous doses of the FcRn antagonist efgartigimod. The study objectives were to assess safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and immunogenicity. The findings of this study were compared with the pharmacodynamics profile elicited by efgartigimod in cynomolgus monkeys. RESULTS Efgartigimod treatment resulted in a rapid and specific clearance of serum IgG levels in both cynomolgus monkeys and healthy volunteers. In humans, single administration of efgartigimod reduced IgG levels up to 50%, while multiple dosing further lowered IgGs on average by 75% of baseline levels. Approximately 8 weeks following the last administration, IgG levels returned to baseline. Efgartigimod did not alter the homeostasis of albumin or Igs other than IgG, and no serious adverse events related to efgartigimod infusion were observed. CONCLUSION Antagonizing FcRn using efgartigimod is safe and results in a specific, profound, and sustained reduction of serum IgG levels. These results warrant further evaluation of this therapeutic approach in IgG-driven autoimmune diseases. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03457649. FUNDING argenx BVBA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - JunHaeng Cho
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Raimund J Ober
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station, Texas, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - E Sally Ward
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station, Texas, USA.,Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
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24
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Alberio T, Forlani G, Lualdi M, Tosi G, Accolla RS, Fasano M. Neonatal Fc receptor is involved in the protection of fibrinogen after its intake in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. J Transl Med 2018. [PMID: 29540212 PMCID: PMC5853075 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-018-1446-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fibrinogen is a central player in the blood coagulation cascade and one of the most abundant plasma proteins. This glycoprotein also triggers important events (e.g., cell spreading, the respiratory burst and degranulation) in neutrophil cells via a αMβ2 integrin-mediated binding to the cell surface. Yet, little is known about the interaction of fibrinogen with leukocytes other than neutrophils or stimulated monocytes, although high amounts of fibrinogen protein can also be found in lymphocytes, particularly in T-cells. The aim of the present work is to unveil the dynamics and the function of fibrinogen intake in T-cells. Methods Using the Jurkat cell line as a T-cells model we performed fibrinogen intake/competition experiments. Moreover, by means of a targeted gene knock-down by RNA-interference, we investigated the dynamics of the intake mechanism. Results Here we show that (i) fibrinogen, although not expressed in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, can be internalized by these cells; (ii) fibrinogen internalization curves show a hyperbolic behavior, which is affected by the presence of serum in the medium, (iii) FITC-conjugated fibrinogen is released and re-internalized by adjacent cells, (iv) the presence of human serum albumin (HSA) or immunoglobulin G (IgG), which are both protected from intracellular degradation by the interaction with the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), results in a decreased amount of internalized fibrinogen, and (v) FcRn-knockdown affects the dynamics of fibrinogen internalization. Conclusions We demonstrated here for the first time that fibrinogen can be internalized and released by T-lymphocyte cells. Moreover, we showed that the presence of serum, HSA or IgG in the culture medium results in a reduction of the amount of internalized fibrinogen in these cells. Thus, we obtained experimental evidence for the expression of FcRn in T-lymphocyte cells and we propose this receptor as involved in the protection of fibrinogen from intracellular lysosomal degradation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12967-018-1446-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Alberio
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Manara, 7, 21052, Busto Arsizio, VA, Italy. .,Center of Neuroscience, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio, Italy. .,Center of Bioinformatics, University of Insubria, Como, Italy.
| | - Greta Forlani
- Center of Bioinformatics, University of Insubria, Como, Italy.,Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Via Ottorino Rossi, 9, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - Marta Lualdi
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Manara, 7, 21052, Busto Arsizio, VA, Italy
| | - Giovanna Tosi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Via Ottorino Rossi, 9, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - Roberto S Accolla
- Center of Bioinformatics, University of Insubria, Como, Italy.,Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Via Ottorino Rossi, 9, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - Mauro Fasano
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Manara, 7, 21052, Busto Arsizio, VA, Italy.,Center of Neuroscience, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio, Italy.,Center of Bioinformatics, University of Insubria, Como, Italy
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25
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Chia J, Louber J, Glauser I, Taylor S, Bass GT, Dower SK, Gleeson PA, Verhagen AM. Half-life-extended recombinant coagulation factor IX-albumin fusion protein is recycled via the FcRn-mediated pathway. J Biol Chem 2018. [PMID: 29523681 PMCID: PMC5925791 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.817064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) has a pivotal role in albumin and IgG homeostasis. Internalized IgG captured by FcRn under acidic endosomal conditions is recycled to the cell surface where exocytosis and a shift to neutral pH promote extracellular IgG release. Although a similar mechanism is proposed for FcRn-mediated albumin intracellular trafficking and recycling, this pathway is less well defined but is relevant to the development of therapeutics exploiting FcRn to extend the half-life of short-lived plasma proteins. Recently, a long-acting recombinant coagulation factor IX–albumin fusion protein (rIX-FP) has been approved for the management of hemophilia B. Fusion to albumin potentially enables internalized proteins to engage FcRn and escape lysosomal degradation. In this study, we present for the first time a detailed investigation of the FcRn-mediated recycling of albumin and the albumin fusion protein rIX-FP. We demonstrate that following internalization via FcRn at low pH, rIX-FP, like albumin, is detectable within the early endosome and rapidly (within 10–15 min) traffics into the Rab11+ recycling endosomes, from where it is exported from the cell. Similarly, rIX-FP and albumin taken up by fluid-phase endocytosis at physiological pH traffics into the Rab11+ recycling compartment in FcRn-positive cells but into the lysosomal compartment in FcRn-negative cells. As expected, recombinant factor IX (without albumin fusion) and an FcRn interaction–defective albumin variant localized to the lysosomal compartments of both FcRn-expressing and nonexpressing cells. These results indicate that FcRn-mediated recycling via the albumin moiety is a mechanism for the half-life extension of rIX-FP observed in clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Chia
- From the CSL Limited, Research, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Jade Louber
- the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia, and
| | - Isabelle Glauser
- From the CSL Limited, Research, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Shirley Taylor
- From the CSL Limited, Research, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Greg T Bass
- From the CSL Limited, Research, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia.,the Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Steve K Dower
- From the CSL Limited, Research, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Paul A Gleeson
- the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia, and
| | - Anne M Verhagen
- From the CSL Limited, Research, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia,
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26
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Avery LB, Wade J, Wang M, Tam A, King A, Piche-Nicholas N, Kavosi MS, Penn S, Cirelli D, Kurz JC, Zhang M, Cunningham O, Jones R, Fennell BJ, McDonnell B, Sakorafas P, Apgar J, Finlay WJ, Lin L, Bloom L, O'Hara DM. Establishing in vitro in vivo correlations to screen monoclonal antibodies for physicochemical properties related to favorable human pharmacokinetics. MAbs 2018; 10:244-255. [PMID: 29271699 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2017.1417718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Implementation of in vitro assays that correlate with in vivo human pharmacokinetics (PK) would provide desirable preclinical tools for the early selection of therapeutic monoclonal antibody (mAb) candidates with minimal non-target-related PK risk. Use of these tools minimizes the likelihood that mAbs with unfavorable PK would be advanced into costly preclinical and clinical development. In total, 42 mAbs varying in isotype and soluble versus membrane targets were tested in in vitro and in vivo studies. MAb physicochemical properties were assessed by measuring non-specific interactions (DNA- and insulin-binding ELISA), self-association (affinity-capture self-interaction nanoparticle spectroscopy) and binding to matrix-immobilized human FcRn (surface plasmon resonance and column chromatography). The range of scores obtained from each in vitro assay trended well with in vivo clearance (CL) using both human FcRn transgenic (Tg32) mouse allometrically projected human CL and observed human CL, where mAbs with high in vitro scores resulted in rapid CL in vivo. Establishing a threshold value for mAb CL in human of 0.32 mL/hr/kg enabled refinement of thresholds for each in vitro assay parameter, and using a combinatorial triage approach enabled the successful differentiation of mAbs at high risk for rapid CL (unfavorable PK) from those with low risk (favorable PK), which allowed mAbs requiring further characterization to be identified. Correlating in vitro parameters with in vivo human CL resulted in a set of in vitro tools for use in early testing that would enable selection of mAbs with the greatest likelihood of success in the clinic, allowing costly late-stage failures related to an inadequate exposure profile, toxicity or lack of efficacy to be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jason Wade
- b BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc. , Cambridge , MA , USA
| | - Mengmeng Wang
- a BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc. , Andover , MA , USA
| | - Amy Tam
- b BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc. , Cambridge , MA , USA
| | - Amy King
- b BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc. , Cambridge , MA , USA
| | | | | | - Steve Penn
- a BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc. , Andover , MA , USA.,c Medicine Design, Pfizer Inc. , Cambridge , MA , USA
| | - David Cirelli
- d Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer Inc. , Andover , MA , USA
| | | | - Minlei Zhang
- a BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc. , Andover , MA , USA
| | | | - Rhys Jones
- b BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc. , Cambridge , MA , USA.,f Currently Medicine Design, Pfizer Inc. , La Jolla , CA , USA
| | | | | | - Paul Sakorafas
- d Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer Inc. , Andover , MA , USA
| | - James Apgar
- b BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc. , Cambridge , MA , USA
| | - William J Finlay
- e Biomedicine Design, Pfizer Inc. , Dublin , Ireland.,g Currently CodeBase , Edinburgh , UK
| | - Laura Lin
- b BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc. , Cambridge , MA , USA
| | - Laird Bloom
- b BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc. , Cambridge , MA , USA
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27
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Pegu A, Hessell AJ, Mascola JR, Haigwood NL. Use of broadly neutralizing antibodies for HIV-1 prevention. Immunol Rev 2017; 275:296-312. [PMID: 28133803 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Antibodies have a long history in antiviral therapy, but until recently, they have not been actively pursued for HIV-1 due to modest potency and breadth of early human monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) and perceived insurmountable technical, financial, and logistical hurdles. Recent advances in the identification and characterization of MAbs with the ability to potently neutralize diverse HIV-1 isolates have reinvigorated discussion and testing of these products in humans, since new broadly neutralizing MAbs (bnMAbs) are more likely to be effective against worldwide strains of HIV-1. In animal models, there is abundant evidence that bnMAbs can block infection in a dose-dependent manner, and the more potent bnMAbs will allow clinical testing at infusion doses that are practically achievable. Moreover, recent advances in antibody engineering are providing further improvements in MAb potency, breadth, and half-life. This review summarizes the current state of the field of bnMAb protection in animal models as well as a review of variables that are critical for antiviral activity. Several bnMAbs are currently in clinical testing, and we offer perspectives on their use as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), potential benefits beyond sterilizing immunity, and a discussion of future approaches to engineer novel molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ann J Hessell
- Oregon National Primate Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | | | - Nancy L Haigwood
- Oregon National Primate Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
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28
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Ferl GZ, Theil FP, Wong H. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic models of small molecules and therapeutic antibodies: a mini-review on fundamental concepts and applications. Biopharm Drug Dispos 2016; 37:75-92. [PMID: 26461173 DOI: 10.1002/bdd.1994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Revised: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms of absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of small and large molecule therapeutics differ significantly from one another and can be explored within the framework of a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model. This paper briefly reviews fundamental approaches to PBPK modeling, in which drug kinetics within tissues and organs are explicitly represented using physiologically meaningful parameters. The differences in PBPK models applied to small/large molecule drugs are highlighted, thus elucidating differences in absorption, distribution and elimination properties between these two classes of drugs in a systematic manner. The absorption of small and large molecules differs with respect to their common extravascular routes of delivery (oral versus subcutaneous). The role of the lymphatic system in drug distribution, and the involvement of tissues as sites of elimination (through catabolism and target mediated drug disposition) are unique features of antibody distribution and elimination that differ from small molecules, which are commonly distributed into the tissues but are eliminated primarily by liver metabolism. Fundamental differences exist in the ability to predict human pharmacokinetics based upon preclinical data due to differing mechanisms governing small and large molecule disposition. These differences have influence on the evolving utilization of PBPK modeling in the discovery and development of small and large molecule therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Z Ferl
- Department of Preclinical and Translational Pharmacokinetics, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Frank-Peter Theil
- Non-clinical Development, UCB Pharma S.A., Chemin du Foriest, B-1420, Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium
| | - Harvey Wong
- University of British Columbia, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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29
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Avery LB, Wang M, Kavosi MS, Joyce A, Kurz JC, Fan YY, Dowty ME, Zhang M, Zhang Y, Cheng A, Hua F, Jones HM, Neubert H, Polzer RJ, O'Hara DM. Utility of a human FcRn transgenic mouse model in drug discovery for early assessment and prediction of human pharmacokinetics of monoclonal antibodies. MAbs 2016; 8:1064-78. [PMID: 27232760 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2016.1193660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic antibodies continue to develop as an emerging drug class, with a need for preclinical tools to better predict in vivo characteristics. Transgenic mice expressing human neonatal Fc receptor (hFcRn) have potential as a preclinical pharmacokinetic (PK) model to project human PK of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Using a panel of 27 mAbs with a broad PK range, we sought to characterize and establish utility of this preclinical animal model and provide guidance for its application in drug development of mAbs. This set of mAbs was administered to both hemizygous and homozygous hFcRn transgenic mice (Tg32) at a single intravenous dose, and PK parameters were derived. Higher hFcRn protein tissue expression was confirmed by liquid chromatography-high resolution tandem mass spectrometry in Tg32 homozygous versus hemizygous mice. Clearance (CL) was calculated using non-compartmental analysis and correlations were assessed to historical data in wild-type mouse, non-human primate (NHP), and human. Results show that mAb CL in hFcRn Tg32 homozygous mouse correlate with human (r(2) = 0.83, r = 0.91, p < 0.01) better than NHP (r(2) = 0.67, r = 0.82, p < 0.01) for this dataset. Applying simple allometric scaling using an empirically derived best-fit exponent of 0.93 enabled the prediction of human CL from the Tg32 homozygous mouse within 2-fold error for 100% of mAbs tested. Implementing the Tg32 homozygous mouse model in discovery and preclinical drug development to predict human CL may result in an overall decreased usage of monkeys for PK studies, enhancement of the early selection of lead molecules, and ultimately a decrease in the time for a drug candidate to reach the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay B Avery
- a Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics and Metabolism, Pfizer Inc. , Andover , MA , USA
| | - Mengmeng Wang
- a Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics and Metabolism, Pfizer Inc. , Andover , MA , USA
| | - Mania S Kavosi
- a Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics and Metabolism, Pfizer Inc. , Andover , MA , USA
| | - Alison Joyce
- a Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics and Metabolism, Pfizer Inc. , Andover , MA , USA
| | - Jeffrey C Kurz
- a Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics and Metabolism, Pfizer Inc. , Andover , MA , USA
| | - Yao-Yun Fan
- a Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics and Metabolism, Pfizer Inc. , Andover , MA , USA
| | - Martin E Dowty
- a Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics and Metabolism, Pfizer Inc. , Andover , MA , USA
| | - Minlei Zhang
- a Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics and Metabolism, Pfizer Inc. , Andover , MA , USA
| | - Yiqun Zhang
- a Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics and Metabolism, Pfizer Inc. , Andover , MA , USA
| | - Aili Cheng
- b Pharmaceutical Sciences Analytical R&D, Pfizer Inc. , Andover , MA , USA
| | - Fei Hua
- c PharmaTherapeutics Clinical R&D, Pfizer Inc. , Technology Square, Cambridge , MA , USA
| | - Hannah M Jones
- d Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics and Metabolism, Pfizer Inc. , Cambridge , MA , USA
| | - Hendrik Neubert
- a Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics and Metabolism, Pfizer Inc. , Andover , MA , USA
| | - Robert J Polzer
- d Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics and Metabolism, Pfizer Inc. , Cambridge , MA , USA
| | - Denise M O'Hara
- a Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics and Metabolism, Pfizer Inc. , Andover , MA , USA
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30
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Fan YY, Avery LB, Wang M, O'Hara DM, Leung S, Neubert H. Tissue expression profile of human neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) in Tg32 transgenic mice. MAbs 2016; 8:848-53. [PMID: 27104806 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2016.1178436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) is a homeostatic receptor responsible for prolonging immunoglobulin G (IgG) half-life by protecting it from lysosomal degradation and recycling it to systemic circulation. Tissue-specific FcRn expression is a critical parameter in physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling for translational pharmacokinetics of Fc-containing biotherapeutics. Using online peptide immuno-affinity chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry, we established a quantitative FcRn tissue protein expression profile in human FcRn (hFcRn) transgenic mice, Tg32 homozygous and hemizygous strains. The concentration of hFcRn across 14 tissues ranged from 3.5 to 111.2 pmole per gram of tissue. Our hFcRn quantification data from Tg32 mice will enable a more refined PBPK model to improve the accuracy of human PK predictions for Fc-containing biotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Yun Fan
- a Pharmacokinetics Dynamics & Metabolism, Pfizer, Inc., Worldwide Research & Development , Andover , Massachusetts , USA
| | - Lindsay B Avery
- a Pharmacokinetics Dynamics & Metabolism, Pfizer, Inc., Worldwide Research & Development , Andover , Massachusetts , USA
| | - Mengmeng Wang
- a Pharmacokinetics Dynamics & Metabolism, Pfizer, Inc., Worldwide Research & Development , Andover , Massachusetts , USA
| | - Denise M O'Hara
- a Pharmacokinetics Dynamics & Metabolism, Pfizer, Inc., Worldwide Research & Development , Andover , Massachusetts , USA
| | - Sheldon Leung
- a Pharmacokinetics Dynamics & Metabolism, Pfizer, Inc., Worldwide Research & Development , Andover , Massachusetts , USA
| | - Hendrik Neubert
- a Pharmacokinetics Dynamics & Metabolism, Pfizer, Inc., Worldwide Research & Development , Andover , Massachusetts , USA
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31
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Fan YY, Neubert H. Quantitative Analysis of Human Neonatal Fc Receptor (FcRn) Tissue Expression in Transgenic Mice by Online Peptide Immuno-Affinity LC-HRMS. Anal Chem 2016; 88:4239-47. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.5b03900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Yun Fan
- Pharmacokinetics Dynamics & Metabolism, Pfizer, Inc., 1 Burtt Road, Andover, Massachusetts 01810, United States
| | - Hendrik Neubert
- Pharmacokinetics Dynamics & Metabolism, Pfizer, Inc., 1 Burtt Road, Andover, Massachusetts 01810, United States
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32
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Burmistrova DA, Tillib SV, Shcheblyakov DV, Dolzhikova IV, Shcherbinin DN, Zubkova OV, Ivanova TI, Tukhvatulin AI, Shmarov MM, Logunov DY, Naroditsky BS, Gintsburg AL. Genetic Passive Immunization with Adenoviral Vector Expressing Chimeric Nanobody-Fc Molecules as Therapy for Genital Infection Caused by Mycoplasma hominis. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150958. [PMID: 26962869 PMCID: PMC4786110 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Developing pathogen-specific recombinant antibody fragments (especially nanobodies) is a very promising strategy for the treatment of infectious disease. Nanobodies have great potential for gene therapy application due to their single-gene nature. Historically, Mycoplasma hominis has not been considered pathogenic bacteria due to the lack of acute infection and partially due to multiple studies demonstrating high frequency of isolation of M. hominis samples from asymptomatic patients. However, recent studies on the role of latent M. hominis infection in oncologic transformation, especially prostate cancer, and reports that M. hominis infects Trichomonas and confers antibiotic resistance to Trichomonas, have generated new interest in this field. In the present study we have generated specific nanobody against M. hominis (aMh), for which the identified target is the ABC-transporter substrate-binding protein. aMh exhibits specific antibacterial action against M. hominis. In an attempt to improve the therapeutic properties, we have developed the adenoviral vector-based gene therapy approach for passive immunization with nanobodies against M. hominis. For better penetration into the mucous layer of the genital tract, we fused aMh with the Fc-fragment of IgG. Application of this comprehensive approach with a single systemic administration of recombinant adenovirus expressing aMh-Fc demonstrated both prophylactic and therapeutic effects in a mouse model of genital M. hominis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria A. Burmistrova
- Department of Immunobiotechnology, Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Moscow, Russia
- * E-mail: (D. Shcheblyakov); (DB)
| | - Sergey V. Tillib
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Gene Biology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry V. Shcheblyakov
- Department of Immunobiotechnology, Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Moscow, Russia
- * E-mail: (D. Shcheblyakov); (DB)
| | - Inna V. Dolzhikova
- Department of Cellular Microbiology, Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry N. Shcherbinin
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga V. Zubkova
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatiana I. Ivanova
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Gene Biology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Amir I. Tukhvatulin
- Department of Cellular Microbiology, Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Maxim M. Shmarov
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Denis Y. Logunov
- Department of Cellular Microbiology, Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Boris S. Naroditsky
- Department of Immunobiotechnology, Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Moscow, Russia
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Guptill JT, Soni M, Meriggioli MN. Current Treatment, Emerging Translational Therapies, and New Therapeutic Targets for Autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis. Neurotherapeutics 2016; 13:118-31. [PMID: 26510558 PMCID: PMC4720661 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-015-0398-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease associated with the production of autoantibodies against 1) the skeletal muscle acetylcholine receptor; 2) muscle-specific kinase, a receptor tyrosine kinase critical for the maintenance of neuromuscular synapses; 3) low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4, an important molecular binding partner for muscle-specific kinase; and 4) other muscle endplate proteins. In addition to the profile of autoantibodies, MG may be classified according the location of the affected muscles (ocular vs generalized), the age of symptom onset, and the nature of thymic pathology. Immunopathologic events leading to the production of autoantibodies differ in the various disease subtypes. Advances in our knowledge of the immunopathogenesis of the subtypes of MG will allow for directed utilization of the ever-growing repertoire of therapeutic agents that target distinct nodes in the immune pathway relevant to the initiation and maintenance of autoimmune disease. In this review, we examine the pathogenesis of MG subtypes, current treatment options, and emerging new treatments and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey T Guptill
- Neuromuscular Division, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Madhu Soni
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Matthew N Meriggioli
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Yu M, Wu J, Shi J, Farokhzad OC. Nanotechnology for protein delivery: Overview and perspectives. J Control Release 2015; 240:24-37. [PMID: 26458789 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2015.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Revised: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Protein-based therapeutics have made a significant impact in the treatment of a variety of important human diseases. However, given their intrinsically vulnerable structure and susceptibility to enzymatic degradation, many therapeutic proteins such as enzymes, growth factors, hormones, and cytokines suffer from poor physicochemical/biological stability and immunogenicity that may limit their potential benefits, and in some cases limit their utility. Furthermore, when protein therapeutics are developed for intracellular targets, their internalization and biological activity may be limited by inefficient membrane permeability and/or endosomal escape. Development of effective protein delivery strategies is therefore essential to further enhance therapeutic outcomes to enable widespread medical applications. This review discusses the advantages and limitations of marketed and developmental-stage protein delivery strategies, and provides a focused overview of recent advances in nanotechnology platforms for the systemic delivery of therapeutic proteins. In addition, we also highlight nanoparticle-mediated non-invasive administration approaches (e.g., oral, nasal, pulmonary, and transdermal routes) for protein delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikyung Yu
- Laboratory of Nanomedicine and Biomaterials, Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Jun Wu
- Laboratory of Nanomedicine and Biomaterials, Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Jinjun Shi
- Laboratory of Nanomedicine and Biomaterials, Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
| | - Omid C Farokhzad
- Laboratory of Nanomedicine and Biomaterials, Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States; King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
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35
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Görtz D, Braun GS, Maruta Y, Djudjaj S, van Roeyen CR, Martin IV, Küster A, Schmitz-Van de Leur H, Scheller J, Ostendorf T, Floege J, Müller-Newen G. Anti-interleukin-6 therapy through application of a monogenic protein inhibitor via gene delivery. Sci Rep 2015; 5:14685. [PMID: 26423228 PMCID: PMC4589789 DOI: 10.1038/srep14685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-cytokine therapies have substantially improved the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Cytokine-targeting drugs are usually biologics such as antibodies or other engineered proteins. Production of biologics, however, is complex and intricate and therefore expensive which might limit therapeutic application. To overcome this limitation we developed a strategy that involves the design of an optimized, monogenic cytokine inhibitor and the protein producing capacity of the host. Here, we engineered and characterized a receptor fusion protein, mIL-6-RFP-Fc, for the inhibition of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a well-established target in anti-cytokine therapy. Upon application in mice mIL-6-RFP-Fc inhibited IL-6-induced activation of the transcription factor STAT3 and ERK1/2 kinases in liver and kidney. mIL-6-RFP-Fc is encoded by a single gene and therefore most relevant for gene transfer approaches. Gene transfer through hydrodynamic plasmid delivery in mice resulted in hepatic production and secretion of mIL-6-RFP-Fc into the blood in considerable amounts, blocked hepatic acute phase protein synthesis and improved kidney function in an ischemia and reperfusion injury model. Our study establishes receptor fusion proteins as promising agents in anti-cytokine therapies through gene therapeutic approaches for future targeted and cost-effective treatments. The strategy described here is applicable for many cytokines involved in inflammatory and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Görtz
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Gerald S Braun
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,Division of Nephrology and Immunology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Yuichi Maruta
- Division of Nephrology and Immunology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sonja Djudjaj
- Division of Nephrology and Immunology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,Institute of Pathology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Ina V Martin
- Division of Nephrology and Immunology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Andrea Küster
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Jürgen Scheller
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Tammo Ostendorf
- Division of Nephrology and Immunology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jürgen Floege
- Division of Nephrology and Immunology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Gerhard Müller-Newen
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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The neonatal Fc receptor, FcRn, as a target for drug delivery and therapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2015; 91:109-24. [PMID: 25703189 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2015.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Immunoglobulin G (IgG)-based drugs are arguably the most successful class of protein therapeutics due in part to their remarkably long blood circulation. This arises from IgG interaction with the neonatal Fc receptor, FcRn. FcRn is the central regulator of IgG and albumin homeostasis throughout life and is increasingly being recognized as an important player in autoimmune disease, mucosal immunity, and tumor immune surveillance. Various engineering approaches that hijack or disrupt the FcRn-mediated transport pathway have been devised to develop long-lasting and non-invasive protein therapeutics, protein subunit vaccines, and therapeutics for treatment of autoimmune and infectious disease. In this review, we highlight the diverse biological functions of FcRn, emerging therapeutic opportunities, as well as the associated challenges of targeting FcRn for drug delivery and disease therapy.
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