1
|
Ahmed SS, Ahmed MM, Ishaq A, Freer M, Stebbings R, Dickinson AM. An In Vitro Human Skin Test for Predicting Skin Sensitization and Adverse Immune Reactions to Biologics. TOXICS 2024; 12:401. [PMID: 38922081 PMCID: PMC11209388 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12060401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Biologics, including monoclonal antibodies (mAb), have proved to be effective and successful therapeutic agents, particularly in the treatment of cancer and immune-inflammatory conditions, as well as allergies and infections. However, their use carries an inherent risk of an immune-mediated adverse drug reaction. In this study, we describe the use of a novel pre-clinical human in vitro skin explant test for predicting skin sensitization and adverse immune reactions. The skin explant test was used to investigate the effects of therapeutic antibodies, which are known to cause a limited reaction in a small number of patients or more severe reactions. MATERIAL AND METHODS Immune responses were determined by T cell proliferation and multiplex cytokine analysis, as well as histopathological analysis of skin damage (grades I-IV in increasing severity), predicting a negative (grade I) or positive (grade ≥ II) response for an adverse skin sensitization effect. RESULTS T cell proliferation responses were significantly increased in the positive group (p < 0.004). Multiplex cytokine analysis showed significantly increased levels of IFNγ, TNFα, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-1β, and IL-4 in the positive response group compared with the negative response group (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, p < 0.002, p < 0.01, p < 0.04, p < 0.006, and p < 0.004, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Overall, the skin explant test correctly predicted the clinical outcome of 13 out of 16 therapeutic monoclonal antibodies with a correlation coefficient of 0.770 (p = 0.0001). This assay therefore provides a valuable pre-clinical test for predicting adverse immune reactions, including T cell proliferation and cytokine release, both associated with skin sensitization to monoclonal antibodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaheda Sameena Ahmed
- Alcyomics Ltd., The Biosphere, Draymans Way, Newcastle Helix, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE4 5BX, UK; (S.S.A.); (M.M.A.); (A.I.); (M.F.)
| | - Mohammed Mahid Ahmed
- Alcyomics Ltd., The Biosphere, Draymans Way, Newcastle Helix, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE4 5BX, UK; (S.S.A.); (M.M.A.); (A.I.); (M.F.)
| | - Abbas Ishaq
- Alcyomics Ltd., The Biosphere, Draymans Way, Newcastle Helix, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE4 5BX, UK; (S.S.A.); (M.M.A.); (A.I.); (M.F.)
| | - Matthew Freer
- Alcyomics Ltd., The Biosphere, Draymans Way, Newcastle Helix, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE4 5BX, UK; (S.S.A.); (M.M.A.); (A.I.); (M.F.)
| | - Richard Stebbings
- National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Blanche Lane, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 3QG, UK;
| | - Anne Mary Dickinson
- Alcyomics Ltd., The Biosphere, Draymans Way, Newcastle Helix, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE4 5BX, UK; (S.S.A.); (M.M.A.); (A.I.); (M.F.)
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Makowski EK, Kinnunen PC, Huang J, Wu L, Smith MD, Wang T, Desai AA, Streu CN, Zhang Y, Zupancic JM, Schardt JS, Linderman JJ, Tessier PM. Co-optimization of therapeutic antibody affinity and specificity using machine learning models that generalize to novel mutational space. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3788. [PMID: 35778381 PMCID: PMC9249733 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31457-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic antibody development requires selection and engineering of molecules with high affinity and other drug-like biophysical properties. Co-optimization of multiple antibody properties remains a difficult and time-consuming process that impedes drug development. Here we evaluate the use of machine learning to simplify antibody co-optimization for a clinical-stage antibody (emibetuzumab) that displays high levels of both on-target (antigen) and off-target (non-specific) binding. We mutate sites in the antibody complementarity-determining regions, sort the antibody libraries for high and low levels of affinity and non-specific binding, and deep sequence the enriched libraries. Interestingly, machine learning models trained on datasets with binary labels enable predictions of continuous metrics that are strongly correlated with antibody affinity and non-specific binding. These models illustrate strong tradeoffs between these two properties, as increases in affinity along the co-optimal (Pareto) frontier require progressive reductions in specificity. Notably, models trained with deep learning features enable prediction of novel antibody mutations that co-optimize affinity and specificity beyond what is possible for the original antibody library. These findings demonstrate the power of machine learning models to greatly expand the exploration of novel antibody sequence space and accelerate the development of highly potent, drug-like antibodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily K Makowski
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Patrick C Kinnunen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jie Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Lina Wu
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Matthew D Smith
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Tiexin Wang
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Alec A Desai
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Craig N Streu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Albion College, Albion, MI, 49224, USA
| | - Yulei Zhang
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jennifer M Zupancic
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - John S Schardt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jennifer J Linderman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Peter M Tessier
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Munro TP, Mahler SM, Huang EP, Chin DY, Gray PP. Bridging the gap: facilities and technologies for development of early stage therapeutic mAb candidates. MAbs 2011; 3:440-52. [PMID: 21822050 DOI: 10.4161/mabs.3.5.16968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) currently dominate the biologics marketplace. Development of a new therapeutic mAb candidate is a complex, multistep process and early stages of development typically begin in an academic research environment. Recently, a number of facilities and initiatives have been launched to aid researchers along this difficult path and facilitate progression of the next mAb blockbuster. Complementing this, there has been a renewed interest from the pharmaceutical industry to reconnect with academia in order to boost dwindling pipelines and encourage innovation. In this review, we examine the steps required to take a therapeutic mAb from discovery through early stage preclinical development and toward becoming a feasible clinical candidate. Discussion of the technologies used for mAb discovery, production in mammalian cells and innovations in single-use bioprocessing is included. We also examine regulatory requirements for product quality and characterization that should be considered at the earliest stages of mAb development. We provide details on the facilities available to help researchers and small-biotech build value into early stage product development, and include examples from within our own facility of how technologies are utilized and an analysis of our client base.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Trent P Munro
- The University of Queensland, Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, Brisbane, QLD Australia.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bumbaca D, Wong A, Drake E, Reyes AE, Lin BC, Stephan JP, Desnoyers L, Shen BQ, Dennis MS. Highly specific off-target binding identified and eliminated during the humanization of an antibody against FGF receptor 4. MAbs 2011; 3:376-86. [PMID: 21540647 DOI: 10.4161/mabs.3.4.15786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Off-target binding can significantly affect the pharmacokinetics (PK), tissue distribution, efficacy and toxicity of a therapeutic antibody. Herein we describe the development of a humanized anti- fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) antibody as a potential therapeutic for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A chimeric anti FGFR4 monoclonal antibody (chLD1) was previously shown to block ligand binding and to inhibit FGFR4 mediated signaling as well as tumor growth in vivo. A humanized version of chLD1, hLD1.vB, had similar binding affinity and in vitro blocking activity, but it exhibited rapid clearance, poor target tissue biodistribution and limited efficacy when compared to chLD1 in a HUH7 human HCC xenograft mouse model. These problems were traced to instability of the molecule in rodent serum. Size exclusion high performance liquid chromatography, immunoprecipitation and mass spectral sequencing identified a specific interaction between hLD1.vB and mouse complement component 3 (C3). A PK study in C3 knock-out mice further confirmed this specific interaction. Subsequently, an affinity-matured variant derived from hLD1.vB (hLD1.v22), specifically selected for its lack of binding to mouse C3 was demonstrated to have a PK profile and in vivo efficacy similar to that of chLD1 in mice. Although reports of non-specific off-target binding have been observed for other antibodies, this represents the first report identifying a specific off-target interaction that affected disposition and biological activity. Screens developed to identify general non-specific interactions are likely to miss the rare and highly specific cross-reactivity identified in this study, thus highlighting the importance of animal models as a proxy for avoiding unexpected clinical outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Bumbaca
- Early Development PKPD, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chapman K, Pullen N, Coney L, Dempster M, Andrews L, Bajramovic J, Baldrick P, Buckley L, Jacobs A, Hale G, Green C, Ragan I, Robinson V. Preclinical development of monoclonal antibodies: considerations for the use of non-human primates. MAbs 2009; 1:505-16. [PMID: 20065651 DOI: 10.4161/mabs.1.5.9676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of mAbs remains high on the therapeutic agenda for the majority of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Often, the only relevant species for preclinical safety assessment of mAbs are non-human primates (NHPs), and this raises important scientific, ethical and economic issues. To investigate evidence-based opportunities to minimize the use of NHPs, an expert working group with representatives from leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, contract research organizations and institutes from Europe and the USA, has shared and analyzed data on mAbs for a range of therapeutic areas. This information has been applied to hypothetical examples to recommend scientifically appropriate development pathways and study designs for a variety of potential mAbs. The addendum of ICHS6 provides a timely opportunity for the scientific and regulatory community to embrace strategies which minimize primate use and increase efficiency of mAb development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Chapman
- National Centre for Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research, London, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Steinitz M. Developing injectable immunoglobulins to treat cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2008; 8:633-42. [PMID: 18407766 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.8.5.633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease is a devastating disorder, clinically characterized by a comprehensive cognitive decline. The novel strategy of anti-amyloid-beta immunotherapy has been suggested following encouraging results obtained in murine models of Alzheimer's disease, in non-human primates, and in small-scale clinical trials. OBJECTIVE To examine the choice between active or passive anti-amyloid-beta immunization and the choice of the molecule to which the immune machinery should be targeted, which are central issues in future immune therapy of Alzheimer's disease. METHODS Research into the new area of Alzheimer's disease immune therapy is primarily based on in vivo and in vitro studies of murine models of Alzheimer's disease. The studies are hence limited to defined genetic deficiencies. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS In humans, infusion of anti-amyloid-beta antibodies is considered a safer approach than active anti-amyloid-beta vaccination. Alzheimer's-disease-protective anti-amyloid-beta monoclonal antibodies should target specific epitopes within the amyloid beta(1 42) peptide, avoiding possibly harmful binding to the ubiquitous normal amyloid precursor protein. Since Alzheimer's disease immunotherapy requires repeated infusion of antibodies over a prolonged period of time, Alzheimer's disease patients will tolerate such antibodies provided the latter are exclusively of human origin. Human monoclonal antibodies that correspond to ubiquitous anti-amyloid-beta, present in all healthy humans, might bear important protective characteristics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Steinitz
- The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Department of Pathology, Jerusalem, 91120, POB 12272, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|