1
|
Tulika T, Pedersen RW, Rimbault C, Ahmadi S, Rivera‐de‐Torre E, Fernández‐Quintero ML, Loeffler JR, Bohn M, Ljungars A, Ledsgaard L, Voldborg BG, Ruso‐Julve F, Andersen JT, Laustsen AH. Phage display assisted discovery of a pH-dependent anti-α-cobratoxin antibody from a natural variable domain library. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4821. [PMID: 37897425 PMCID: PMC10659949 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Recycling IgG antibodies bind to their target antigen at physiological pH in the blood stream and release them upon endocytosis when pH levels drop, allowing the IgG antibodies to be recycled into circulation via FcRn-mediated cellular pathways, while the antigens undergo lysosomal degradation. This enables recycling antibodies to achieve comparable therapeutic effect at lower doses than their non-recycling counterparts. The development of such antibodies is typically achieved by histidine doping of their variable regions or by performing in vitro antibody selection campaigns utilizing histidine doped libraries. Both are strategies that may introduce sequence liabilities. Here, we present a methodology that employs a naïve antibody phage display library, consisting of natural variable domains, to discover antibodies that bind α-cobratoxin from the venom of Naja kaouthia in a pH-dependent manner. As a result, an antibody was discovered that exhibits a 7-fold higher off-rate at pH 5.5 than pH 7.4 in bio-layer interferometry experiments. Interestingly, no histidine residues were found in its variable domains, and in addition, the antibody showed pH-dependent binding to a histidine-devoid antigen mutant. As such, the results demonstrate that pH-dependent antigen-antibody binding may not always be driven by histidine residues. By employing molecular dynamics simulations, different protonation states of titratable residues were found, which potentially could be responsible for the observed pH-dependent antigen binding properties of the antibody. Finally, given the typically high diversity of naïve antibody libraries, the methodology presented here can likely be applied to discover recycling antibodies against different targets ab initio without the need for histidine doping.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tulika Tulika
- Department of Biotechnology and BiomedicineTechnical University of DenmarkLyngbyDenmark
| | - Rasmus W. Pedersen
- Department of Biotechnology and BiomedicineTechnical University of DenmarkLyngbyDenmark
| | - Charlotte Rimbault
- Department of Biotechnology and BiomedicineTechnical University of DenmarkLyngbyDenmark
| | - Shirin Ahmadi
- Department of Biotechnology and BiomedicineTechnical University of DenmarkLyngbyDenmark
| | | | - Monica L. Fernández‐Quintero
- Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, Department of GeneralInorganic and Theoretical Chemistry, University of InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
| | - Johannes R. Loeffler
- Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, Department of GeneralInorganic and Theoretical Chemistry, University of InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
| | - Markus‐Frederik Bohn
- Department of Biotechnology and BiomedicineTechnical University of DenmarkLyngbyDenmark
| | - Anne Ljungars
- Department of Biotechnology and BiomedicineTechnical University of DenmarkLyngbyDenmark
| | - Line Ledsgaard
- Department of Biotechnology and BiomedicineTechnical University of DenmarkLyngbyDenmark
| | - Bjørn G. Voldborg
- Department of Biotechnology and BiomedicineTechnical University of DenmarkLyngbyDenmark
| | - Fulgencio Ruso‐Julve
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
- Department of ImmunologyOslo University Hospital RikshospitaletOsloNorway
- Precision Immunotherapy AllianceUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
| | - Jan Terje Andersen
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
- Department of ImmunologyOslo University Hospital RikshospitaletOsloNorway
- Precision Immunotherapy AllianceUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
| | - Andreas H. Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and BiomedicineTechnical University of DenmarkLyngbyDenmark
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Takeda H, Ozawa T, Zenke H, Ohnuki Y, Umeda Y, Zhou W, Tomoda H, Takechi A, Narita K, Shimizu T, Miyakawa T, Ito Y, Sawasaki T. VNAR development through antigen immunization of Japanese topeshark ( Hemitriakis japanica). Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1265582. [PMID: 37771574 PMCID: PMC10522858 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1265582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The VNAR (Variable New Antigen Receptor) is the smallest single-domain antibody derived from the variable domain of IgNAR of cartilaginous fishes. Despite its biomedical and diagnostic potential, research on VNAR has been limited due to the difficulties in obtaining and maintaining immune animals and the lack of research tools. In this study, we investigated the Japanese topeshark as a promising immune animal for the development of VNAR. This shark is an underutilized fishery resource readily available in East Asia coastal waters and can be safely handled without sharp teeth or venomous stingers. The administration of Venus fluorescent protein to Japanese topesharks markedly increased antigen-specific IgM and IgNAR antibodies in the blood. Both the phage-display library and the yeast-display library were constructed using RNA from immunized shark splenocytes. Each library was enriched by biopanning, and multiple antigen-specific VNARs were acquired. The obtained antibodies had affinities of 1 × 10-8 M order and showed high plasticity, retaining their binding activity even after high-temperature or reducing-agent treatment. The dissociation rate of a low-affinity VNAR was significantly improved via dimerization. These results demonstrate the potential utility of the Japanese topeshark for the development of VNAR. Furthermore, we conducted deep sequencing analysis to reveal the quantitative changes in the CDR3-coding sequences, revealing distinct enrichment bias between libraries. VNARs that were primarily enriched in the phage display had CDR3 coding sequences with fewer E. coli rare codons, suggesting translation machinery on the selection and enrichment process during biopanning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tatsuhiko Ozawa
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
- Center for Advanced Antibody Drug Development, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Hiroki Zenke
- Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Yoh Ohnuki
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Yuri Umeda
- Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Wei Zhou
- Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Honoka Tomoda
- Fisheries Research Center, Ehime Research Institute of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Iyo, Japan
| | - Akihiko Takechi
- Fisheries Research Center, Ehime Research Institute of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Iyo, Japan
| | - Kimiyoshi Narita
- Fisheries Research Center, Ehime Research Institute of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Iyo, Japan
| | - Takaaki Shimizu
- Fisheries Research Center, Ehime Research Institute of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Iyo, Japan
| | - Takuya Miyakawa
- Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuji Ito
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kolmar H, Grzeschik J, Könning D, Krah S, Zielonka S. Construction of Semisynthetic Shark vNAR Yeast Surface Display Antibody Libraries. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2702:227-243. [PMID: 37679622 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3381-6_11] [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] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
The adaptive immune system of sharks comprises a unique heavy chain-only antibody isotype, termed immunoglobulin new antigen receptor (IgNAR), in which antigen binding is mediated by a single variable domain, referred to as vNAR. In recent years, efforts were made to harness these domains for biomedical and biotechnological applications particularly due to their high affinity and specificity combined with a small size and high stability. Herein, we describe protocols for the construction of semisynthetic, CDR3-randomized vNAR libraries for the isolation of target-specific paratopes by yeast surface display. Additionally, we provide guidance for affinity maturation of a panel of antigen-enriched vNAR domains through CDR1 diversification of the FACS-selected, antigen-enriched population and sublibrary establishment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harald Kolmar
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany.
| | - Julius Grzeschik
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Doreen Könning
- Antibody-Drug Conjugates and Targeted NBE Therapeutics, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Simon Krah
- Antibody Discovery & Protein Engineering, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Stefan Zielonka
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany.
- Antibody Discovery & Protein Engineering, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ledsgaard L, Ljungars A, Rimbault C, Sørensen CV, Tulika T, Wade J, Wouters Y, McCafferty J, Laustsen AH. Advances in antibody phage display technology. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:2151-2169. [PMID: 35550436 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Phage display technology can be used for the discovery of antibodies for research, diagnostic, and therapeutic purposes. In this review, we present and discuss key parameters that can be optimized when performing phage display selection campaigns, including the use of different antibody formats and advanced strategies for antigen presentation, such as immobilization, liposomes, nanodiscs, virus-like particles, and whole cells. Furthermore, we provide insights into selection strategies that can be used for the discovery of antibodies with complex binding requirements, such as targeting a specific epitope, cross-reactivity, or pH-dependent binding. Lastly, we provide a description of specialized phage display libraries for the discovery of bispecific antibodies and pH-sensitive antibodies. Together, these methods can be used to improve antibody discovery campaigns against all types of antigen. Teaser: This review provides an overview of the different strategies that can be exploited to improve the success rate of antibody phage display discovery campaigns, addressing key parameters, such as antigen presentation, selection methodologies, and specialized libraries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Line Ledsgaard
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Anne Ljungars
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Rimbault
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Christoffer V Sørensen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Tulika Tulika
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Jack Wade
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Yessica Wouters
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - John McCafferty
- Department of Medicine, Addenbrookes Hospital, Box 157, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK; Department of Medicine, Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pandey SS, Kovaleva M, Barelle CJ, Ubah OC. Overview, Generation, and Significance of Variable New Antigen Receptors (VNARs) as a Platform for Drug and Diagnostic Development. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2446:19-33. [PMID: 35157267 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2075-5_2] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The approval of the first VHH-based drug caplacizumab (anti-von Willebrand factor) has validated a two-decade long commitment in time and research effort to realize the clinical potential of single-domain antibodies. The variable domain (VNAR) of the immunoglobulin new antigen receptor (IgNAR) found in sharks provides an alternative small binding domain to conventional monoclonal antibodies and their fragments and heavy-chain antibody-derived VHHs. Evolutionarily distinct from mammalian antibody variable domains, VNARs have enhanced thermostability and unusual convex paratopes. This predisposition to bind cryptic and recessed epitopes has facilitated both the targeting of new antigens and new (neutralizing) epitopes on existing antigens. Together these unique properties position the VNAR platform as an alternative non-antibody binding domain for therapeutic drug, diagnostic and reagent development. In this introductory chapter, we highlight recent VNAR advancements that further underline the exciting potential of this discovery platform.
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
pH-dependent antigen binding has proven useful in engineering next-generation therapeutics specifically via antibody recycling technology. This technology allows for half-life extension, thereby lowering the amount and frequency of dosing of therapeutics. Cell sorting, coupled with display techniques, has been used extensively for the selection of high-affinity binders. Herein, we describe a cell sorting methodology utilizing yeast surface display for selection of binding proteins with strong binding at physiological pH and weak to no binding at acidic pH. This methodology can be readily applied to engineer proteins and/or antibodies that do not have pH-dependent binding or for selection of de novo pH-dependent binders using library-based methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenna N Meanor
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Albert J Keung
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Balaji M Rao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Golden LEAF Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Valldorf B, Hinz SC, Russo G, Pekar L, Mohr L, Klemm J, Doerner A, Krah S, Hust M, Zielonka S. Antibody display technologies: selecting the cream of the crop. Biol Chem 2021; 403:455-477. [PMID: 33759431 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2020-0377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Antibody display technologies enable the successful isolation of antigen-specific antibodies with therapeutic potential. The key feature that facilitates the selection of an antibody with prescribed properties is the coupling of the protein variant to its genetic information and is referred to as genotype phenotype coupling. There are several different platform technologies based on prokaryotic organisms as well as strategies employing higher eukaryotes. Among those, phage display is the most established system with more than a dozen of therapeutic antibodies approved for therapy that have been discovered or engineered using this approach. In recent years several other technologies gained a certain level of maturity, most strikingly mammalian display. In this review, we delineate the most important selection systems with respect to antibody generation with an emphasis on recent developments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Valldorf
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Development, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, D-64293Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Steffen C Hinz
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Strasse 4, D-64287Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Giulio Russo
- Abcalis GmbH, Inhoffenstrasse 7, D-38124Braunschweig, Germany.,Institut für Biochemie, Biotechnologie und Bioinformatik, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstrasse 7, D-38106Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Lukas Pekar
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, D-64293Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Laura Mohr
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neuroscience and Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, University of Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 13, D-60438Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Janina Klemm
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Strasse 4, D-64287Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Achim Doerner
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, D-64293Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Simon Krah
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, D-64293Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Michael Hust
- Institut für Biochemie, Biotechnologie und Bioinformatik, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstrasse 7, D-38106Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Stefan Zielonka
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, D-64293Darmstadt, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hong ST, Su YC, Wang YJ, Cheng TL, Wang YT. Anti-TNF Alpha Antibody Humira with pH-dependent Binding Characteristics: A constant-pH Molecular Dynamics, Gaussian Accelerated Molecular Dynamics, and In Vitro Study. Biomolecules 2021; 11:334. [PMID: 33672169 PMCID: PMC7926962 DOI: 10.3390/biom11020334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Humira is a monoclonal antibody that binds to TNF alpha, inactivates TNF alpha receptors, and inhibits inflammation. Neonatal Fc receptors can mediate the transcytosis of Humira-TNF alpha complex structures and process them toward degradation pathways, which reduces the therapeutic effect of Humira. Allowing the Humira-TNF alpha complex structures to dissociate to Humira and soluble TNF alpha in the early endosome to enable Humira recycling is crucial. We used the cytoplasmic pH (7.4), the early endosomal pH (6.0), and pKa of histidine side chains (6.0-6.4) to mutate the residues of complementarity-determining regions with histidine. Our engineered Humira (W1-Humira) can bind to TNF alpha in plasma at neutral pH and dissociate from the TNF alpha in the endosome at acidic pH. We used the constant-pH molecular dynamics, Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics, two-dimensional potential mean force profiles, and in vitro methods to investigate the characteristics of W1-Humira. Our results revealed that the proposed Humira can bind TNF alpha with pH-dependent affinity in vitro. The W1-Humira was weaker than wild-type Humira at neutral pH in vitro, and our prediction results were close to the in vitro results. Furthermore, our approach displayed a high accuracy in antibody pH-dependent binding characteristics prediction, which may facilitate antibody drug design. Advancements in computational methods and computing power may further aid in addressing the challenges in antibody drug design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Ting Hong
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
| | - Yu-Cheng Su
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsin-Chu 300, Taiwan;
| | - Yu-Jen Wang
- Department of Mechanical and Electromechanical Engineering, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan;
| | - Tian-Lu Cheng
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
- Drug Development and Value Creation Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Yeng-Tseng Wang
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
- Drug Development and Value Creation Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- School of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sulea T, Rohani N, Baardsnes J, Corbeil CR, Deprez C, Cepero-Donates Y, Robert A, Schrag JD, Parat M, Duchesne M, Jaramillo ML, Purisima EO, Zwaagstra JC. Structure-based engineering of pH-dependent antibody binding for selective targeting of solid-tumor microenvironment. MAbs 2021; 12:1682866. [PMID: 31777319 PMCID: PMC6927761 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2019.1682866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent development of monoclonal antibodies as mainstream anticancer agents demands further optimization of their safety for use in humans. Potent targeting and/or effector activities on normal tissues is an obvious toxicity concern. Optimization of specific tumor targeting could be achieved by taking advantage of the extracellular acidity of solid tumors relative to normal tissues. Here, we applied a structure-based computational approach to engineer anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2) antibodies with selective binding in the acidic tumor microenvironment. We used an affinity maturation platform in which dual-pH histidine-scanning mutagenesis was implemented for pH selectivity optimization. Testing of a small set of designs for binding to the recombinant Her2 ectodomain led to the identification of antigen-binding fragment (Fab) variants with the desired pH-dependent binding behavior. Binding selectivity toward acidic pH was improved by as much as 25-fold relative to the parental bH1-Fab. In vitro experiments on cells expressing intact Her2 confirmed that designed variants formatted as IgG1/k full-size antibodies have high affinity and inhibit the growth of tumor spheroids at a level comparable to that of the benchmark anti-Her2 antibody trastuzumab (Herceptin®) at acidic pH, whereas these effects were significantly reduced at physiological pH. In contrast, both Herceptin and the parental bH1 antibody exhibited strong cell binding and growth inhibition irrespective of pH. This work demonstrates the feasibility of computational optimization of antibodies for selective targeting of the acidic environment such as that found in many solid tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Traian Sulea
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nazanin Rohani
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jason Baardsnes
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Christopher R Corbeil
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Christophe Deprez
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Yuneivy Cepero-Donates
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alma Robert
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Joseph D Schrag
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marie Parat
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mélanie Duchesne
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Maria L Jaramillo
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Enrico O Purisima
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - John C Zwaagstra
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Macarrón Palacios A, Grzeschik J, Deweid L, Krah S, Zielonka S, Rösner T, Peipp M, Valerius T, Kolmar H. Specific Targeting of Lymphoma Cells Using Semisynthetic Anti-Idiotype Shark Antibodies. Front Immunol 2020; 11:560244. [PMID: 33324393 PMCID: PMC7726437 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.560244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The B-cell receptor (BCR) is a key player of the adaptive immune system. It is a unique part of immunoglobulin (Ig) molecules expressed on the surface of B cells. In case of many B-cell lymphomas, the tumor cells express a tumor-specific and functionally active BCR, also known as idiotype. Utilizing the idiotype as target for lymphoma therapy has emerged to be demanding since the idiotype differs from patient to patient. Previous studies have shown that shark-derived antibody domains (vNARs) isolated from a semi-synthetic CDR3-randomized library allow for the rapid generation of anti-idiotype binders. In this study, we evaluated the potential of generating patient-specific binders against the idiotype of lymphomas. To this end, the BCRs of three different lymphoma cell lines SUP-B8, Daudi, and IM-9 were identified, the variable domains were reformatted and the resulting monoclonal antibodies produced. The SUP-B8 BCR served as antigen in fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)-based screening of the yeast-displayed vNAR libraries which resulted after three rounds of screening in the enrichment of antigen-binding vNARs. Five vNARs were expressed as Fc fusion proteins and consequently analyzed for their binding to soluble antigen using biolayer interferometry (BLI) revealing binding constants in the lower single-digit nanomolar range. These variants showed specific binding to the parental SUP-B8 cell line confirming a similar folding of the recombinantly expressed proteins compared with the native cell surface-presented BCR. First initial experiments to utilize the generated vNAR-Fc variants for BCR-clustering to induce apoptosis or ADCC/ADCP did not result in a significant decrease of cell viability. Here, we report an alternative approach for a personalized B-cell lymphoma therapy based on the construction of vNAR-Fc antibody-drug conjugates to enable specific killing of malignant B cells, which may widen the therapeutic window for B-cell lymphoma therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Macarrón Palacios
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Julius Grzeschik
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Lukas Deweid
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Simon Krah
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Stefan Zielonka
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Thies Rösner
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, UKSH, CAU Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Matthias Peipp
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, UKSH, CAU Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Thomas Valerius
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, UKSH, CAU Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Harald Kolmar
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hinz SC, Elter A, Rammo O, Schwämmle A, Ali A, Zielonka S, Herget T, Kolmar H. A Generic Procedure for the Isolation of pH- and Magnesium-Responsive Chicken scFvs for Downstream Purification of Human Antibodies. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:688. [PMID: 32656201 PMCID: PMC7324474 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Affinity chromatography provides an excellent platform for protein purification, which is a key step in the large scale downstream processing of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (Mabs). Protein A chromatography constitutes the gold standard for Mab purification. However, the required acidic conditions (2.8–3.5) for elution from the affinity matrix limit their applicability, particularly for next generation antibodies and antibody fusion proteins, since denaturation and irreversible aggregation can occur due to the acidic buffer conditions. Here we describe a generic procedure for the generation of antigen-specific chromatography ligands with tailor-made elution conditions. To this end, we generated a scFv-library based on mRNA from a chicken immunized with human Fc. The antibody repertoire was displayed on yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae screened via FACS toward pH- and magnesium-responsive scFvs which specifically recognize human IgG antibodies. Isolated scFvs were reformatted, produced in Escherichia coli and immobilized on NHS-agarose columns. Several scFvs were identified that mediated antibody binding at neutral pH and antibody recovery at pH values of 4.5 and higher or even at neutral pH upon MgCl2 exposure. The iterative screening methodology established here is generally amenable to the straightforward isolation of stimulus-responsive antibodies that may become valuable tools for a variety of applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steffen C Hinz
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany.,Merck Lab @ Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Adrian Elter
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany.,Merck Lab @ Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Oliver Rammo
- Life Science Division, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | - Ataurehman Ali
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Stefan Zielonka
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Thomas Herget
- Strategy und Transformation, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Harald Kolmar
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany.,Merck Lab @ Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
van Faassen H, Ryan S, Henry KA, Raphael S, Yang Q, Rossotti MA, Brunette E, Jiang S, Haqqani AS, Sulea T, MacKenzie CR, Tanha J, Hussack G. Serum albumin‐binding V
H
Hs with variable pH sensitivities enable tailored half‐life extension of biologics. FASEB J 2020; 34:8155-8171. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.201903231r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Henk van Faassen
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre National Research Council Canada Ottawa ON Canada
| | - Shannon Ryan
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre National Research Council Canada Ottawa ON Canada
| | - Kevin A. Henry
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre National Research Council Canada Ottawa ON Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology & Immunology University of Ottawa Ottawa ON Canada
| | - Shalini Raphael
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre National Research Council Canada Ottawa ON Canada
| | - Qingling Yang
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre National Research Council Canada Ottawa ON Canada
| | - Martin A. Rossotti
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre National Research Council Canada Ottawa ON Canada
| | - Eric Brunette
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre National Research Council Canada Ottawa ON Canada
| | - Susan Jiang
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre National Research Council Canada Ottawa ON Canada
| | - Arsalan S. Haqqani
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre National Research Council Canada Ottawa ON Canada
| | - Traian Sulea
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre National Research Council Canada Montréal QC Canada
| | - C. Roger MacKenzie
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre National Research Council Canada Ottawa ON Canada
| | - Jamshid Tanha
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre National Research Council Canada Ottawa ON Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology & Immunology University of Ottawa Ottawa ON Canada
| | - Greg Hussack
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre National Research Council Canada Ottawa ON Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Könning D, Zielonka S, Kaempffe A, Jäger S, Kolmar H, Schröter C. Selection and Characterization of Anti-idiotypic Shark Antibody Domains. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2070:191-209. [PMID: 31625097 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9853-1_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The antibody repertoire of cartilaginous fish comprises an additional heavy-chain-only antibody isotype that is referred to as IgNAR (immunoglobulin novel antigen receptor). Its antigen-binding site consists of one single domain (vNAR) that is reportedly able to engage a respective antigen with affinities similar to those achieved by conventional antibodies. While vNAR domains offer a reduced size, which is often favorable for applications in a therapeutic as well as a biotechnological setup, they also exhibit a high physicochemical stability. Together with their ability to target difficult-to-address antigens such as virus particles or toxins, these shark-derived antibody domains seem to be predestined as tools for biotechnological and diagnostic applications. In the following chapter, we will describe the isolation of anti-idiotypic vNAR domains targeting monoclonal antibody paratopes from semi-synthetic, yeast-displayed libraries. Anti-idiotypic vNAR variants could be employed for the characterization of antibody-based therapeutics (such as antibody-drug conjugates) or as positive controls in immunogenicity assays. Peculiarly, when using semi-synthetic vNAR libraries, we found that it is not necessary to deplete the libraries using unrelated antibody targets, which enables a fast and facile screening procedure that exclusively delivers anti-idiotypic binders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Doreen Könning
- Antibody-Drug Conjugates and Targeted NBE Therapeutics, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Stefan Zielonka
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies (PEAT), Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Anna Kaempffe
- Antibody-Drug Conjugates and Targeted NBE Therapeutics, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.,Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Sebastian Jäger
- Antibody-Drug Conjugates and Targeted NBE Therapeutics, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.,Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Harald Kolmar
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Christian Schröter
- Antibody-Drug Conjugates and Targeted NBE Therapeutics, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Buschhaus MJ, Becker S, Porter AJ, Barelle CJ. Isolation of highly selective IgNAR variable single-domains against a human therapeutic Fc scaffold and their application as tailor-made bioprocessing reagents. Protein Eng Des Sel 2019; 32:385-399. [PMID: 32119084 DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzaa002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The adaptive immune system of cartilaginous fish (Elasmobranchii), comprising of classical hetero-tetrameric antibodies, is enhanced through the presence of a naturally occurring homodimeric antibody-like immunoglobulin-the new antigen receptor (IgNAR). The binding site of the IgNAR variable single-domain (VNAR) offers advantages of reduced size (<1/10th of classical immunoglobulin) and extended binding topographies, making it an ideal candidate for accessing cryptic epitopes otherwise intractable to conventional antibodies. These attributes, coupled with high physicochemical stability and amenability to phage display, facilitate the selection of VNAR binders to challenging targets. Here, we explored the unique attributes of these single domains for potential application as bioprocessing reagents in the development of the SEED-Fc platform, designed to generate therapeutic bispecific antibodies. A panel of unique VNARs specific to the SEED homodimeric (monospecific) 'by-products' were isolated from a shark semi-synthetic VNAR library via phage display. The lead VNAR candidate exhibited low nanomolar affinity and superior selectivity to SEED homodimer, with functionality being retained upon exposure to extreme physicochemical conditions that mimic their applicability as purification agents. Ultimately, this work exemplifies the robustness of the semi-synthetic VNAR platform, the predisposition of the VNAR paratope to recognise novel epitopes and the potential for routine generation of tailor-made VNAR-based bioprocessing reagents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena J Buschhaus
- Elasmogen Ltd, Liberty Building, Foresterhill Health Campus, Foresterhill Road, Aberdeen AB25 2ZP, UK
| | - Stefan Becker
- Merck Biopharma KGaA, Protein Engineering & Antibody Technologies, Global Research and Development, Frankfurter Str. 250 Darmstadt 64293, Germany
| | - Andrew J Porter
- Elasmogen Ltd, Liberty Building, Foresterhill Health Campus, Foresterhill Road, Aberdeen AB25 2ZP, UK.,Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Caroline J Barelle
- Elasmogen Ltd, Liberty Building, Foresterhill Health Campus, Foresterhill Road, Aberdeen AB25 2ZP, UK
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Watanabe H, Yoshida C, Ooishi A, Nakai Y, Ueda M, Isobe Y, Honda S. Histidine-Mediated Intramolecular Electrostatic Repulsion for Controlling pH-Dependent Protein-Protein Interaction. ACS Chem Biol 2019; 14:2729-2736. [PMID: 31596562 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.9b00652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions that can be controlled by environmental triggers have immense potential in various biological and industrial applications. In the current study, we aimed to engineer a pH-dependent protein-protein interaction that employs intramolecular electrostatic repulsion through a structure-guided histidine substitution approach. We implemented this strategy on Streptococcal protein G, an affinity ligand for immunoglobulin G, and showed that even a single point mutation effectively improved the pH sensitivity of the binding interactions without adversely affecting its structural stability or its innate binding function. Depending on the pH of the environment, the protein-protein interaction was disrupted by the electrostatic repulsion between the substituted histidine and its neighboring positively charged residues. Structurally, the substituted histidine residue was located adjacent to a lysine residue that could form hydrogen bonds with immunoglobulin G. Thermodynamically, the introduced electrostatic repulsion was reflected in the significant loss of the exothermic heat of the binding under acidic conditions, whereas accompanying enthalpy-entropy compensation partly suppressed the improvement of the pH sensitivity. Thus, the engineered pH-sensitive protein G could enable antibody purification under mildly acidic conditions. This intramolecular design can be combined with conventional protein-protein interface design. Moreover, the method proposed here provides us with additional design criteria for optimization of pH-dependent molecular interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Watanabe
- The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 1-1-1, Higashi, Tsukuba 305-8566, Japan
| | - Chuya Yoshida
- The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 1-1-1, Higashi, Tsukuba 305-8566, Japan
| | - Ayako Ooishi
- The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 1-1-1, Higashi, Tsukuba 305-8566, Japan
| | - Yasuto Nakai
- Daicel Corporation, Innovation Park, 1239, Shinzaike, Aboshi, Himeji, Hyogo 671-1283, Japan
| | - Momoko Ueda
- Daicel Corporation, Innovation Park, 1239, Shinzaike, Aboshi, Himeji, Hyogo 671-1283, Japan
| | - Yutaka Isobe
- Daicel Corporation, Innovation Park, 1239, Shinzaike, Aboshi, Himeji, Hyogo 671-1283, Japan
| | - Shinya Honda
- The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 1-1-1, Higashi, Tsukuba 305-8566, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Next-generation flexible formats of VNAR domains expand the drug platform's utility and developability. Biochem Soc Trans 2018; 46:1559-1565. [PMID: 30381336 DOI: 10.1042/bst20180177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic mAbs have delivered several blockbuster drugs in oncology and autoimmune inflammatory disease. Revenue for mAbs continues to rise, even in the face of competition from a growing portfolio of biosimilars. Despite this success, there are still limitations associated with the use of mAbs as therapeutic molecules. With a molecular mass of 150 kDa, a two-chain structure and complex glycosylation these challenges include a high cost of goods, limited delivery options, and poor solid tumour penetration. There remains an urgency to create alternatives to antibody scaffolds in a bid to circumvent these limitations, while maintaining or improving the therapeutic success of conventional mAb formats. Smaller, less complex binders, with increased domain valency, multi-specific/paratopic targeting, tuneable serum half-life and low inherent immunogenicity are a few of the characteristics being explored by the next generation of biologic molecules. One novel 'antibody-like' binder that has naturally evolved over 450 million years is the variable new antigen receptor (VNAR) identified as a key component of the adaptive immune system of sharks. At only 11 kDa, these single-domain structures are the smallest IgG-like proteins in the animal kingdom and provide an excellent platform for molecular engineering and biologics drug discovery. VNAR attributes include high affinity for target, ease of expression, stability, solubility, multi-specificity, and increased potential for solid tissue penetration. This review article documents the recent drug developmental milestones achieved for therapeutic VNARs and highlights the first reported evidence of the efficacy of these domains in clinically relevant models of disease.
Collapse
|
17
|
Könning D, Kolmar H. Beyond antibody engineering: directed evolution of alternative binding scaffolds and enzymes using yeast surface display. Microb Cell Fact 2018; 17:32. [PMID: 29482656 PMCID: PMC6389260 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-018-0881-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pioneered exactly 20 years ago, yeast surface display (YSD) continues to take a major role in protein engineering among the high-throughput display methodologies that have been developed to date. The classical yeast display technology relies on tethering an engineered protein to the cell wall by genetic fusion to one subunit of a dimeric yeast-mating agglutination receptor complex. This method enables an efficient genotype-phenotype linkage while exploiting the benefits of a eukaryotic expression machinery. Over the past two decades, a plethora of protein engineering efforts encompassing conventional antibody Fab and scFv fragments have been reported. In this review, we will focus on the versatility of YSD beyond conventional antibody engineering and, instead, place the focus on alternative scaffold proteins and enzymes which have successfully been tailored for purpose with regard to improving binding, activity or specificity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Doreen Könning
- Antibody-Drug Conjugates and Targeted NBE Therapeutics, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Strasse 4, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Harald Kolmar
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Strasse 4, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Rosowski S, Becker S, Toleikis L, Valldorf B, Grzeschik J, Demir D, Willenbücher I, Gaa R, Kolmar H, Zielonka S, Krah S. A novel one-step approach for the construction of yeast surface display Fab antibody libraries. Microb Cell Fact 2018; 17:3. [PMID: 29316915 PMCID: PMC5759264 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-017-0853-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Yeast surface display (YSD) has proven to be a versatile platform technology for antibody discovery. However, the construction of antibody Fab libraries typically is a tedious three-step process that involves the generation of heavy chain as well as light chain display plasmids in different haploid yeast strains followed by yeast mating. RESULTS Within this study, we aimed at implementing a focused Golden Gate Cloning approach for the generation of YSD libraries. For this, antibodies heavy and light chains were encoded on one single plasmid. Fab display on yeast cells was either mediated by a two-directional promoter system (2dir) or by ribosomal skipping (bicis). The general applicability of this methodology was proven by the functional display of a therapeutic antibody. Subsequently, we constructed large antibody libraries with heavy chain diversities derived from CEACAM5 immunized animals in combination with a common light chain. Target-specific antibodies from both display systems were readily obtained after three rounds of fluorescence activated cell sorting. Isolated variants exhibited high affinities in the nanomolar and subnanomolar range as well as appropriate biophysical properties. CONCLUSION We demonstrated that Golden Gate Cloning appears to be a valid tool for the generation of large yeast surface display antibody Fab libraries. This procedure simplifies the hit discovery process of antibodies from immune repertoires.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Rosowski
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Strasse 4, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Stefan Becker
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Lars Toleikis
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Bernhard Valldorf
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Development, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Straße 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Julius Grzeschik
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Strasse 4, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Deniz Demir
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Iris Willenbücher
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Ramona Gaa
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Harald Kolmar
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Strasse 4, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Stefan Zielonka
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Simon Krah
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Könning D, Hinz S, Grzeschik J, Schröter C, Krah S, Zielonka S, Kolmar H. Construction of Histidine-Enriched Shark IgNAR Variable Domain Antibody Libraries for the Isolation of pH-Sensitive vNAR Fragments. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1827:109-127. [PMID: 30196494 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8648-4_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The adaptive immune system of sharks comprises a heavy chain-only antibody isotype, referred to as immunoglobulin new antigen receptor (IgNAR). Antigen binding in case of IgNAR antibodies is mediated by a single variable domain (vNAR). Due to their inherent beneficial biophysical properties, such as small size and high thermal stability combined with a high specificity and affinity to their target antigens, vNAR domains emerged as promising tools for biotechnological and biomedical applications. Herein, we present detailed protocols for the engineering of pH-sensitivity into IgNAR V domains by constructing histidine-enriched and CDR3-diversified semisynthetic antibody libraries which can then be screened upon using yeast surface display. Protonation or deprotonation of incorporated histidine residues at different pH values results in structural transitions caused by altered electrostatic interactions. These interactions account for an altered binding behavior toward the target antigen. In the following protocol, we describe the generation of a semisynthetic vNAR master library that comprises two histidine residues on average in the 12-residue CDR3 loop. Moreover, once a pH-dependent vNAR population toward the target antigen is identified, this population can further be optimized in terms of affinity and pH sensitivity upon conducting a CDR1-mediated affinity maturation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Doreen Könning
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
- Antibody-Drug Conjugates and Targeted NBE Therapeutics, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Steffen Hinz
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Julius Grzeschik
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Christian Schröter
- Antibody-Drug Conjugates and Targeted NBE Therapeutics, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Simon Krah
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Stefan Zielonka
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Harald Kolmar
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Grzeschik J, Könning D, Hinz SC, Krah S, Schröter C, Empting M, Kolmar H, Zielonka S. Generation of Semi-Synthetic Shark IgNAR Single-Domain Antibody Libraries. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1701:147-167. [PMID: 29116504 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7447-4_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Besides classical antibodies with the composition of heavy and light chains, sharks produce a unique heavy chain only isotype, termed Immunoglobulin New Antigen Receptor (IgNAR), in which antigen binding is solely mediated by a single domain, referred to as vNAR. Owing to their high affinity and specificity combined with their small size and high stability, vNAR domains emerged as promising target-binding scaffolds that can be tailor-made for biotechnological and biomedical applications. Herein, we describe protocols for the construction of semi-synthetic, CDR3-randomized vNAR libraries for the isolation of target-specific antibodies using yeast surface display or phage display as platform technology. Additionally, we provide information for affinity maturation of target-specific molecules through CDR1 diversification and sublibrary establishment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julius Grzeschik
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Strasse 4, D-64287, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Doreen Könning
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Strasse 4, D-64287, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Steffen C Hinz
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Strasse 4, D-64287, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Simon Krah
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Strasse 4, D-64287, Darmstadt, Germany.,Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck-Serono, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Straße 250, D-64293, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Christian Schröter
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Strasse 4, D-64287, Darmstadt, Germany.,Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck-Serono, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Straße 250, D-64293, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Martin Empting
- Department Drug Design and Optimization, Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Harald Kolmar
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Strasse 4, D-64287, Darmstadt, Germany.
| | - Stefan Zielonka
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Strasse 4, D-64287, Darmstadt, Germany. .,Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck-Serono, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Straße 250, D-64293, Darmstadt, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Krah S, Grzeschik J, Rosowski S, Gaa R, Willenbuecher I, Demir D, Toleikis L, Kolmar H, Becker S, Zielonka S. A Streamlined Approach for the Construction of Large Yeast Surface Display Fab Antibody Libraries. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1827:145-161. [PMID: 30196496 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8648-4_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Yeast surface display is a versatile platform technology for antibody discovery. Nevertheless, the construction of antibody Fab libraries typically is a tedious multistep process that involves the generation of heavy chain as well as light chain display plasmids in different haploid yeast strains followed by yeast mating. Here, we present a focused one-step Golden Gate cloning approach for the generation of yeast surface display Fab libraries that allows for simultaneous introduction of heavy-chain and light-chain variable regions into one single display vector. Thereby, the overall time as well as the materials needed for library generation can be reduced significantly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Krah
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany.,Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Julius Grzeschik
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Simon Rosowski
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Ramona Gaa
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Iris Willenbuecher
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Deniz Demir
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Lars Toleikis
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Harald Kolmar
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Stefan Becker
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Stefan Zielonka
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany. .,Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Semi-synthetic vNAR libraries screened against therapeutic antibodies primarily deliver anti-idiotypic binders. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9676. [PMID: 28852148 PMCID: PMC5575089 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-10513-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-idiotypic binders which specifically recognize the variable region of monoclonal antibodies have proven to be robust tools for pharmacokinetic studies of antibody therapeutics and for the development of cancer vaccines. In the present investigation, we focused on the identification of anti-idiotypic, shark-derived IgNAR antibody variable domains (vNARs) targeting the therapeutic antibodies matuzumab and cetuximab for the purpose of developing specific capturing ligands. Using yeast surface display and semi-synthetic, CDR3-randomized libraries, we identified several highly specific binders targeting both therapeutic antibodies in their corresponding variable region, without applying any counter selections during screening. Importantly, anti-idiotypic vNAR binders were not cross-reactive towards cetuximab or matuzumab, respectively, and comprised good target recognition in the presence of human and mouse serum. When coupled to magnetic beads, anti-idiotypic vNAR variants could be used as efficient capturing tools. Moreover, a two-step procedure involving vNAR-functionalized beads was employed for the enrichment of potentially bispecific cetuximab × matuzumab antibody constructs. In conclusion, semi-synthetic and CDR3-randomized vNAR libraries in combination with yeast display enable the fast and facile identification of anti-idiotypic vNAR domains targeting monoclonal antibodies primarily in an anti-idiotypic manner.
Collapse
|
23
|
Böldicke T. Single domain antibodies for the knockdown of cytosolic and nuclear proteins. Protein Sci 2017; 26:925-945. [PMID: 28271570 PMCID: PMC5405437 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Single domain antibodies (sdAbs) from camels or sharks comprise only the variable heavy chain domain. Human sdAbs comprise the variable domain of the heavy chain (VH) or light chain (VL) and can be selected from human antibodies. SdAbs are stable, nonaggregating molecules in vitro and in vivo compared to complete antibodies and scFv fragments. They are excellent novel inhibitors of cytosolic/nuclear proteins because they are correctly folded inside the cytosol in contrast to scFv fragments. SdAbs are unique because of their excellent specificity and possibility to target posttranslational modifications such as phosphorylation sites, conformers or interaction regions of proteins that cannot be targeted with genetic knockout techniques and are impossible to knockdown with RNAi. The number of inhibiting cytosolic/nuclear sdAbs is increasing and usage of synthetic single pot single domain antibody libraries will boost the generation of these fascinating molecules without the need of immunization. The most frequently selected antigenic epitopes belong to viral and oncogenic proteins, followed by toxins, proteins of the nervous system as well as plant- and drosophila proteins. It is now possible to select functional sdAbs against virtually every cytosolic/nuclear protein and desired epitope. The development of new endosomal escape protein domains and cell-penetrating peptides for efficient transfection broaden the application of inhibiting sdAbs. Last but not least, the generation of relatively new cell-specific nanoparticles such as polymersomes and polyplexes carrying cytosolic/nuclear sdAb-DNA or -protein will pave the way to apply cytosolic/nuclear sdAbs for inhibition of viral infection and cancer in the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Böldicke
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Structure and Function of ProteinsInhoffenstraße 7, D‐38124BraunschweigGermany
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Grzeschik J, Hinz SC, Könning D, Pirzer T, Becker S, Zielonka S, Kolmar H. A simplified procedure for antibody engineering by yeast surface display: Coupling display levels and target binding by ribosomal skipping. Biotechnol J 2016; 12. [DOI: 10.1002/biot.201600454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 11/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Julius Grzeschik
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry; Technische Universität Darmstadt; Darmstadt Germany
| | - Steffen C. Hinz
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry; Technische Universität Darmstadt; Darmstadt Germany
| | - Doreen Könning
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry; Technische Universität Darmstadt; Darmstadt Germany
| | - Thomas Pirzer
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry; Technische Universität Darmstadt; Darmstadt Germany
| | - Stefan Becker
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies; Merck Serono, Merck KGaA; Darmstadt Germany
| | - Stefan Zielonka
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry; Technische Universität Darmstadt; Darmstadt Germany
| | - Harald Kolmar
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry; Technische Universität Darmstadt; Darmstadt Germany
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Könning D, Zielonka S, Grzeschik J, Empting M, Valldorf B, Krah S, Schröter C, Sellmann C, Hock B, Kolmar H. Camelid and shark single domain antibodies: structural features and therapeutic potential. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2016; 45:10-16. [PMID: 27865111 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2016.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In addition to canonical antibodies composed of heavy and light chains, the adaptive immune systems of camelids and cartilaginous fish comprise heavy-chain only isotypes (HcAb) devoid of light chains, where antigen-binding is mediated exclusively by one variable domain. Due to their inherent favorable attributes, such as high affinity and specificity for their cognate antigen, extraordinary stability, small size and, most importantly, the possibility to complement classical antibodies in terms of 'drugable' target-space, HcAb-derived entities evolved as promising candidates for biomedical applications of which many have already proven to be successful in early stage clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Doreen Könning
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Strasse 4, D-64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Stefan Zielonka
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Strasse 4, D-64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Julius Grzeschik
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Strasse 4, D-64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Martin Empting
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Department Drug Design and Optimization, Saarland University, Campus C2.3, D-66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Bernhard Valldorf
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Strasse 4, D-64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Simon Krah
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, D-64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Christian Schröter
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, D-64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Carolin Sellmann
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, D-64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Björn Hock
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, D-64293 Darmstadt, Germany.
| | - Harald Kolmar
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Strasse 4, D-64287 Darmstadt, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|