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Masloh S, Culot M, Gosselet F, Chevrel A, Scapozza L, Zeisser Labouebe M. Challenges and Opportunities in the Oral Delivery of Recombinant Biologics. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15051415. [PMID: 37242657 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15051415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant biological molecules are at the cutting-edge of biomedical research thanks to the significant progress made in biotechnology and a better understanding of subcellular processes implicated in several diseases. Given their ability to induce a potent response, these molecules are becoming the drugs of choice for multiple pathologies. However, unlike conventional drugs which are mostly ingested, the majority of biologics are currently administered parenterally. Therefore, to improve their limited bioavailability when delivered orally, the scientific community has devoted tremendous efforts to develop accurate cell- and tissue-based models that allow for the determination of their capacity to cross the intestinal mucosa. Furthermore, several promising approaches have been imagined to enhance the intestinal permeability and stability of recombinant biological molecules. This review summarizes the main physiological barriers to the oral delivery of biologics. Several preclinical in vitro and ex vivo models currently used to assess permeability are also presented. Finally, the multiple strategies explored to address the challenges of administering biotherapeutics orally are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solene Masloh
- Laboratoire de la Barrière Hémato-Encéphalique (LBHE), Faculté des sciences Jean Perrin, University of Artois, UR 2465, Rue Jean Souvraz, 62300 Lens, France
- Affilogic, 24 Rue de la Rainière, 44300 Nantes, France
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1201 Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1201 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maxime Culot
- Laboratoire de la Barrière Hémato-Encéphalique (LBHE), Faculté des sciences Jean Perrin, University of Artois, UR 2465, Rue Jean Souvraz, 62300 Lens, France
| | - Fabien Gosselet
- Laboratoire de la Barrière Hémato-Encéphalique (LBHE), Faculté des sciences Jean Perrin, University of Artois, UR 2465, Rue Jean Souvraz, 62300 Lens, France
| | - Anne Chevrel
- Affilogic, 24 Rue de la Rainière, 44300 Nantes, France
| | - Leonardo Scapozza
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1201 Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1201 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Magali Zeisser Labouebe
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1201 Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1201 Geneva, Switzerland
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Low BE, Christianson GJ, Lowell E, Qin W, Wiles MV. Functional humanization of immunoglobulin heavy constant gamma 1 Fc domain human FCGRT transgenic mice. MAbs 2021; 12:1829334. [PMID: 33025844 PMCID: PMC7577234 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2020.1829334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
A major asset of many monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based biologics is their persistence in circulation. The MHC class I family Fc receptor, FCGRT, is primarily responsible for this extended pharmacokinetic behavior. Engagement of FCGRT with the crystallizable fragment (Fc) domain protects IgG from catabolic elimination, thereby extending the persistence and bioavailability of IgG and related Fc-based biologics. There is a need for reliable in vivo models to facilitate the preclinical development of novel IgG-based biologics. FcRn-humanized mice have been widely accepted as translationally relevant surrogates for IgG-based biologics evaluations. Although such FCGRT-humanized mice, especially the mouse strain, B6.Cg-Fcgrttm1Dcr Tg(FCGRT)32Dcr (abbreviated Tg32), have been substantially validated for modeling humanized IgG-based biologics, there is a recognized caveat – they lack an endogenous source of human IgG that typifies the human competitive condition. Here, we used CRISPR/Cas9-mediated homology-directed repair to equip the hFCGRT Tg32 strain with a human IGHG1 Fc domain. This replacement now results in mice that produce human IgG1 Fc-mouse IgG Fab2 chimeric antibodies at physiologically relevant levels, which can be further heightened by immunization. This endogenous chimeric IgG1 significantly dampens the serum half-life of administered humanized mAbs in an hFCGRT-dependent manner. Thus, such IgG1-Fc humanized mice may provide a more physiologically relevant competitive hFCGRT-humanized mouse model for the preclinical development of human IgG-based biologics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Emily Lowell
- Previously at the Jackson Laboratory , Bar Harbor, ME, USA
| | - Wenning Qin
- Previously at the Jackson Laboratory , Bar Harbor, ME, USA
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Patel DD, Bussel JB. Neonatal Fc receptor in human immunity: Function and role in therapeutic intervention. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2021; 146:467-478. [PMID: 32896307 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2020.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The humoral immune response provides specific, long-lived protection against invading pathogens, via immunoglobulin production and other memory functions. IgG, the most abundant immunoglobulin isotype, has the longest half-life and protects against bacterial and viral infections. The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) transports IgG across barriers, for example, the placenta, enhancing fetal humoral immunity to levels similar to their mothers'. Importantly, FcRn, by protecting IgG from intracellular degradation, results in an approximately 21-day circulating IgG half-life and high plasma levels; similarly, FcRn recycles albumin and is the portal of entry for enteric cytopathic human orphan (echo) virus infection. Dysregulated immune responses may lead to antibodies against self-antigens (autoantibodies), resulting in organ-specific or systemic autoimmune diseases. Autoantibody-mediated diseases have been treated by nonspecific immunoglobulin-lowering/modulating therapies, including immunoadsorption, plasma exchange, and high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin. However, targeting FcRn with specific inhibitors results in reduction in only IgG levels. The effectiveness of FcRn inhibitors in autoimmune diseases, including myasthenia gravis and immune thrombocytopenia, provides further evidence that IgG is a primary driver in these autoantibody-mediated diseases. We describe the role of FcRn in human biology, including insights that clinical testing of FcRn inhibitors have provided into FcRn biology and autoimmune disease mechanisms, allowing fact-based speculation on their therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhavalkumar D Patel
- UCB Pharma, Brussels, Belgium; University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC.
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Chiu ML, Goulet DR, Teplyakov A, Gilliland GL. Antibody Structure and Function: The Basis for Engineering Therapeutics. Antibodies (Basel) 2019; 8:antib8040055. [PMID: 31816964 PMCID: PMC6963682 DOI: 10.3390/antib8040055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibodies and antibody-derived macromolecules have established themselves as the mainstay in protein-based therapeutic molecules (biologics). Our knowledge of the structure–function relationships of antibodies provides a platform for protein engineering that has been exploited to generate a wide range of biologics for a host of therapeutic indications. In this review, our basic understanding of the antibody structure is described along with how that knowledge has leveraged the engineering of antibody and antibody-related therapeutics having the appropriate antigen affinity, effector function, and biophysical properties. The platforms examined include the development of antibodies, antibody fragments, bispecific antibody, and antibody fusion products, whose efficacy and manufacturability can be improved via humanization, affinity modulation, and stability enhancement. We also review the design and selection of binding arms, and avidity modulation. Different strategies of preparing bispecific and multispecific molecules for an array of therapeutic applications are included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark L. Chiu
- Drug Product Development Science, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Malvern, PA 19355, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Dennis R. Goulet
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Washington, P.O. Box 357610, Seattle, WA 98195-7610, USA;
| | - Alexey Teplyakov
- Biologics Research, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Spring House, PA 19477, USA; (A.T.); (G.L.G.)
| | - Gary L. Gilliland
- Biologics Research, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Spring House, PA 19477, USA; (A.T.); (G.L.G.)
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Laustsen AH, Johansen KH, Engmark M, Andersen MR. Recombinant snakebite antivenoms: A cost-competitive solution to a neglected tropical disease? PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005361. [PMID: 28158193 PMCID: PMC5310919 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming is a major public health burden in tropical parts of the developing world. In sub-Saharan Africa, neglect has led to a scarcity of antivenoms threatening the lives and limbs of snakebite victims. Technological advances within antivenom are warranted, but should be evaluated not only on their possible therapeutic impact, but also on their cost-competitiveness. Recombinant antivenoms based on oligoclonal mixtures of human IgG antibodies produced by CHO cell cultivation may be the key to obtaining better snakebite envenoming therapies. Based on industry data, the cost of treatment for a snakebite envenoming with a recombinant antivenom is estimated to be in the range USD 60–250 for the Final Drug Product. One of the effective antivenoms (SAIMR Snake Polyvalent Antivenom from the South African Vaccine Producers) currently on the market has been reported to have a wholesale price of USD 640 per treatment for an average snakebite. Recombinant antivenoms may therefore in the future be a cost-competitive alternative to existing serum-based antivenoms. Given the medical importance of snakebite envenoming and the current shortage of antivenoms in sub-Saharan Africa, technological advances in antivenom development and production are needed. One of the avenues that could be taken involves the use of recombinant antivenoms based on oligoclonal mixtures of human IgG antibodies, since these may have the benefits of being compatible with the human immune system and their production is independent on animal immune systems and venom procurement. However, an important aspect of introducing recombinant antivenoms to the clinic is their cost of production given that snakebite victims are often poor rural workers living in remote parts of the tropical parts of the developing world. Here, we aim to provide cost estimates of recombinant antivenom manufacture with special focus on snakebite envenoming in sub-Saharan Africa. Our results indicate that recombinant antivenoms in the future will indeed be cost-competitive compared to existing animal-derived serum-based antivenoms. Furthermore, we outline different manufacturing strategies and suggest the use of caprylic acid precipitation as a low cost purification method following cultivation of CHO cells for antibody expression due to its use in current antivenom manufacture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas H. Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Mikael Engmark
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Department of Bio and Health Informatics, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Mikael R. Andersen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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Blackburn TE, Santiago T, Burrows PD. FCRLA-A Resident Endoplasmic Reticulum Protein that Associates with Multiple Immunoglobulin Isotypes in B Lineage Cells. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2017; 408:47-65. [PMID: 28879521 DOI: 10.1007/82_2017_40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
FCRLA is homologous to receptors for the Fc portion of IgG (FcγR) and is located in the same region of human chromosome one, but has several unusual and unique features. It is a soluble resident ER protein retained in this organelle by unknown mechanisms involving the N-terminal domain, a disordered domain with three Cys residues in close proximity in the human protein. Unlike the FcγRs, FCRLA is not glycosylated and has no transmembrane region. FCRLA is included in this CTMI volume on IgM-binding proteins because it binds IgM in the ER, but quite surprisingly, given the isotype-restricted ligand specificity of the other FcRs, it also binds all other Ig isotypes so far tested, IgG and IgA. In the case of IgM, there is even preferential binding of the secretory and not the transmembrane form. Among B cells, FCRLA is most highly expressed in the germinal center and shows little expression in plasma cells. Based on these observations, we propose that one human FCRLA function is to stop GC B cells from secreting IgM, which would act as a decoy receptor, thus preventing the B cells from capturing antigen, processing it, and presenting the antigen-derived peptides to T follicular helper cells. Without help from these T cells, there would be limited B cell isotype switching, proliferation, and differentiation. On the other hand, FCRLA is downregulated in plasma cells, where IgM secretion is an essential function. FCRLA may also act as a chaperone involved by unknown mechanisms in the proper assembly of Ig molecules of all isotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa E Blackburn
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Teresa Santiago
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Peter D Burrows
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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Nauen DW. Extra-central nervous system target for assessment and treatment in refractory anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis. J Crit Care 2016; 37:234-236. [PMID: 27720246 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2016.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate-type glutamate receptor autoimmune encephalitis can arise in the setting of ovarian teratoma and often responds to resection. When it occurs in the absence of tumor, failure to respond to treatment may be more likely, and affected patients often require intensive care. To further understand the mechanisms and potential management, we present findings from an autopsy conducted on a young woman who died of refractory autoimmune encephalitis of this type. Rituximab was administered 70 days before death, and both 37 and 14 days before death, CD19+ lymphocytes were only 0.1% of blood cells. Ten sessions of plasmapheresis were performed after rituximab treatment. Nonetheless, the autoantibodies were present in serum 4 days before death, demonstrating ongoing antibody production. The hippocampus and medial temporal lobe demonstrated inflammation with T cell and prominent microglial involvement, but no plasma cells or plasmablasts were found there, or anywhere in the brain, despite an extensive search. Examination of lymph node tissue identified many plasma cells along sinusoids. These findings demonstrate that the antibody-producing cells are long-lived and can reside in lymphoid tissue. Awareness of continuing antibody production, the extra-central nervous system site, the indication for cytotoxic therapy, and the potential for biopsy assessment may lead to more effective treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Nauen
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Ross 512, 720 Rutland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21205.
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8
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Yapa SWS, Roth D, Gordon D, Struemper H. Comparison of intravenous and subcutaneous exposure supporting dose selection of subcutaneous belimumab systemic lupus erythematosus Phase 3 program. Lupus 2016; 25:1448-1455. [PMID: 27072354 PMCID: PMC5054300 DOI: 10.1177/0961203316642309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Background Belimumab is a recombinant, human, IgG1λ monoclonal antibody that targets B-lymphocyte stimulator. The intravenous formulation is indicated for the treatment of active, autoantibody-positive systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Belimumab has been formulated for subcutaneous (SC) administration to improve patient convenience. This post-hoc modeling and simulation analysis characterizes the population pharmacokinetics (PK) of SC belimumab, and compares the exposure profiles of the approved belimumab IV dose-10 mg/kg every four weeks-to the 200 mg SC weekly dose in SLE patients, highlighting key pharmacological differences relevant for clinicians. Methods Data from two Phase 1 studies in US American and Japanese healthy subjects were analyzed with a non-linear mixed effects modeling approach. The resulting SC population PK model and a previously developed IV population PK model were used to conduct simulation trials in a Phase 3 IV belimumab SLE patient population, comparing chronic exposure profiles and exposure ranges stratified by body weight tertiles for IV vs SC dosing. Results The PK of belimumab following SC administration was best described by a linear two-comment model. The estimates for clearance, steady-state volume of distribution, and bioavailability were 208 mL/day, 5250 mL, and 76%, respectively. After four weeks of SC dosing, simulated belimumab concentrations exceeded the steady-state trough concentrations of the IV dosing regimen. At steady state simulated serum profiles demonstrated comparable average belimumab concentrations (Cavg,ss) after IV and SC dosing. Simulated belimumab exposures demonstrated largely overlapping concentration ranges following 200 mg SC weekly and 10 mg/kg IV every four weeks dosing. Discussion The predicted Cavg,ss of belimumab in SLE patients was comparable following 200 mg SC weekly and 10 mg/kg IV every four weeks dosing. The simulated belimumab accumulation following SC weekly dosing indicated that administration of a loading dose was not required. Similar Cavg,ss ranges were predicted for fixed dose SC and weight-proportional IV regimens in the simulated SLE population, albeit with a reversed body-size-to-exposure relationship for the SC regimen. These findings provide rheumatologists with a better understanding of expected differences in belimumab exposure when comparing IV and SC dosing regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - D Roth
- 2 GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, USA
| | - D Gordon
- 2 GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, USA
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Steinmetz A, Vallée F, Beil C, Lange C, Baurin N, Beninga J, Capdevila C, Corvey C, Dupuy A, Ferrari P, Rak A, Wonerow P, Kruip J, Mikol V, Rao E. CODV-Ig, a universal bispecific tetravalent and multifunctional immunoglobulin format for medical applications. MAbs 2016; 8:867-78. [PMID: 26984268 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2016.1162932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bispecific immunoglobulins (Igs) typically contain at least two distinct variable domains (Fv) that bind to two different target proteins. They are conceived to facilitate clinical development of biotherapeutic agents for diseases where improved clinical outcome is obtained or expected by combination therapy compared to treatment by single agents. Almost all existing formats are linear in their concept and differ widely in drug-like and manufacture-related properties. To overcome their major limitations, we designed cross-over dual variable Ig-like proteins (CODV-Ig). Their design is akin to the design of circularly closed repeat architectures. Indeed, initial results showed that the traditional approach of utilizing (G4S)x linkers for biotherapeutics design does not identify functional CODV-Igs. Therefore, we applied an unprecedented molecular modeling strategy for linker design that consistently results in CODV-Igs with excellent biochemical and biophysical properties. CODV architecture results in a circular self-contained structure functioning as a self-supporting truss that maintains the parental antibody affinities for both antigens without positional effects. The format is universally suitable for therapeutic applications targeting both circulating and membrane-localized proteins. Due to the full functionality of the Fc domains, serum half-life extension as well as antibody- or complement-dependent cytotoxicity may support biological efficiency of CODV-Igs. We show that judicious choice in combination of epitopes and paratope orientations of bispecific biotherapeutics is anticipated to be critical for clinical outcome. Uniting the major advantages of alternative bispecific biotherapeutics, CODV-Igs are applicable in a wide range of disease areas for fast-track multi-parametric drug optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Steinmetz
- c Sanofi R&D, LGCR, Center de Recherche Vitry-sur-Seine , Vitry-sur-Seine Cedex , France
| | - François Vallée
- c Sanofi R&D, LGCR, Center de Recherche Vitry-sur-Seine , Vitry-sur-Seine Cedex , France
| | - Christian Beil
- a Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, R&D, Global Biotherapeutics, Industriepark Hoechst , Frankfurt am Main , Germany
| | - Christian Lange
- a Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, R&D, Global Biotherapeutics, Industriepark Hoechst , Frankfurt am Main , Germany
| | - Nicolas Baurin
- c Sanofi R&D, LGCR, Center de Recherche Vitry-sur-Seine , Vitry-sur-Seine Cedex , France
| | - Jochen Beninga
- a Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, R&D, Global Biotherapeutics, Industriepark Hoechst , Frankfurt am Main , Germany
| | - Cécile Capdevila
- b Sanofi R&D, Global Biotherapeutics, Center de Recherche Vitry-sur-Seine , Vitry-sur-Seine Cedex , France
| | - Carsten Corvey
- a Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, R&D, Global Biotherapeutics, Industriepark Hoechst , Frankfurt am Main , Germany
| | - Alain Dupuy
- c Sanofi R&D, LGCR, Center de Recherche Vitry-sur-Seine , Vitry-sur-Seine Cedex , France
| | - Paul Ferrari
- b Sanofi R&D, Global Biotherapeutics, Center de Recherche Vitry-sur-Seine , Vitry-sur-Seine Cedex , France
| | - Alexey Rak
- c Sanofi R&D, LGCR, Center de Recherche Vitry-sur-Seine , Vitry-sur-Seine Cedex , France
| | - Peter Wonerow
- a Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, R&D, Global Biotherapeutics, Industriepark Hoechst , Frankfurt am Main , Germany
| | - Jochen Kruip
- a Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, R&D, Global Biotherapeutics, Industriepark Hoechst , Frankfurt am Main , Germany
| | - Vincent Mikol
- c Sanofi R&D, LGCR, Center de Recherche Vitry-sur-Seine , Vitry-sur-Seine Cedex , France
| | - Ercole Rao
- a Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, R&D, Global Biotherapeutics, Industriepark Hoechst , Frankfurt am Main , Germany
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Cervenak J, Doleschall M, Bender B, Mayer B, Schneider Z, Doleschall Z, Zhao Y, Bősze Z, Hammarström L, Oster W, Kacskovics I. NFκB induces overexpression of bovine FcRn: a novel mechanism that further contributes to the enhanced immune response in genetically modified animals carrying extra copies of FcRn. MAbs 2015; 5:860-71. [PMID: 24492342 DOI: 10.4161/mabs.26507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the many functions of the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) for IgG, it binds to IgG-opsonized antigen complexes and propagates their traffic into lysosomes where antigen processing occurs. We previously reported that transgenic (Tg) mice and rabbits that carry multiple copies and overexpress FcRn have augmented humoral immune responses. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB) is a critical molecule in the signaling cascade in the immune response. NFκB induces human FcRn expression and our previous in silico analysis suggested NFκB binding sites in the promoter region of the bovine (b) FcRn α-chain gene (FCGRT). Here, we report the identification of three NFκB transcription binding sites in the promoter region of this gene using luciferase reporter gene technology, electromobility shift assay and supershift analysis. Stimulation of primary bovine endothelial cells with the Toll-like receptor-4 ligand lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which mediates its effect via NFκB, resulted in rapid upregulation of the bFcRn expression and a control gene, bovine E-selectin. This rapid bFcRn gene induction was also observed in the spleen of bFcRn Tg mice treated with intraperitoneally injected LPS, analyzed by northern blot analysis. Finally, NFκB-mediated bFcRn upregulation was confirmed at the protein level in macrophages isolated from the bFcRn Tg mice using flow cytometry with a newly developed FcRn specific monoclonal antibody that does not cross-react with the mouse FcRn. We conclude that NFκB regulates bFcRn expression and thus optimizes its functions, e.g., in the professional antigen presenting cells, and contributes to the much augmented humoral immune response in the bFcRn Tg mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Márton Doleschall
- Molecular Medicine Research Group; Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Semmelweis University; Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Balázs Mayer
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Dermatooncology; Semmelweis University; Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zita Schneider
- Department of Immunology; Eötvös Loránd University; Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Doleschall
- Department of Pathogenetics; National Institute of Oncology; Budapest, Hungary
| | - Yaofeng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology; China Agricultural University; Beijing, China
| | | | - Lennart Hammarström
- Division of Clinical Immunology; Department of Laboratory Medicine; Karolinska Institute at Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge; Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Imre Kacskovics
- ImmunoGenes Kft; Budakeszi, Hungary; Department of Immunology; Eötvös Loránd University; Budapest, Hungary
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12
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Maternal Genital Tract Infection. Mucosal Immunol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-415847-4.00113-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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14
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Avent ND. Prenatal testing for hemolytic disease of the newborn and fetal neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia – current status. Expert Rev Hematol 2014; 7:741-5. [DOI: 10.1586/17474086.2014.970160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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15
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Struemper H, Sale M, Patel BR, Østergaard M, Österborg A, Wierda WG, Hagenbeek A, Coiffier B, Jewell RC. Population pharmacokinetics of ofatumumab in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, follicular lymphoma, and rheumatoid arthritis. J Clin Pharmacol 2014; 54:818-27. [PMID: 24443277 DOI: 10.1002/jcph.268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2013] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Ofatumumab is a human monoclonal antibody directed at CD20 approved for treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The population pharmacokinetics of intravenous ofatumumab were characterized in patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia, relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma, and rheumatoid arthritis, diseases with widely varying CD20⁺ B-cell counts in blood. Serum concentration data from a total of 477 patients who received ofatumumab doses ranging from 100 mg to 2000 mg in different dosing regimens were analyzed to determine the pharmacokinetic characteristics of ofatumumab across different patient groups and to identify factors contributing to the pharmacokinetic variability. Ofatumumab pharmacokinetics were well described by a linear two-compartment model component to represent non-specific monoclonal antibody clearance from the central compartment interacting with a model component representing the target-mediated clearance of ofatumumab by binding to CD20 expressed on B cells. The clearance (7.5 mL/h) and steady-state volume of distribution (5.3 L) for the linear, non-specific component were consistent with results obtained for other monoclonal antibodies. The target-mediated clearance component was related to the disease-specific number of circulating B cells, which will allow simulation of the contribution of target-mediated clearance to ofatumumab pharmacokinetics in untested disease states with data on B-cell counts and turnover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herbert Struemper
- Clinical Pharmacology Modeling and Simulation, GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC
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16
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Azanza JR, Sádaba B, Gómez-Guiu A. Monoclonal antibodies: Pharmacokinetics as a basis for new dosage regimens? J Oncol Pharm Pract 2014; 21:370-6. [DOI: 10.1177/1078155214538085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Complete monoclonal IgG antibodies which are in use in clinical practice share some pharmacological properties resulting in high concentrations in plasma. This fact is reflected in their low volumes of distribution, which can also be correlated with a high molecular weight and water solubility. This feature allows a novel approach to be applied to the dosing schedule for this group of drugs with fixed doses being used instead of the initially developed weight- or body surface-adjusted dosing schedules. In addition, the development of a new formulation containing hyaluronidase allows a subcutaneous route of administration to be used, because hyaluronidase creates a space in the subcutaneous tissue that helps antibody absorption. This method requires higher doses, but has allowed testing the feasibility of administering a fixed dose, with no individual dose adjustments based on weight or body surface. Moreover, loading doses are not needed, because the first dose results, within 3 weeks, in minimum concentrations that are higher than effective concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- J-R Azanza
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - B Sádaba
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - A Gómez-Guiu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
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Uno Y, Utoh M, Iwasaki K. Polymorphisms of neonatal Fc receptor in cynomolgus and rhesus macaques. Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2014; 29:427-30. [PMID: 24806819 DOI: 10.2133/dmpk.dmpk-14-nt-033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), a heterodimer of MHC class I-like protein and β2-microglobulin, encoded by FCGRT and B2M, respectively, is important for recycling immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies by binding with the Fc region of IgG. Cynomolgus macaques are important animal species used in the evaluation of therapeutic antibodies, largely due to sequence similarities of target proteins to those of humans. Because the function of FcRn could be modified by mutations in FCGRT or B2M, 71 cynomolgus and 24 rhesus macaques were analyzed in the present study. A total of 21 variants were identified, of which 4 were non-synonymous in FCGRT. Fifteen variants were unique to cynomolgus macaques, of which 3, 2, and 5 were unique to cynomolgus macaques bred in China (MacfaCHN), Cambodia (MacfaCAM), and Indonesia (MacfaIDN), respectively. Five variants were shared by MacfaCHN and MacfaCAM, but not by MacfaIDN. In B2M, only 5 variants were found, including 2 non-synonymous variants. Tissue expression analysis showed that cynomolgus FCGRT and B2M were widely expressed in the 10 tissue types analyzed. None of the non-synonymous variants of FCGRT or B2M found changes in the amino acid residues known to be important for FcRn function, suggesting that substantial inter-animal variability of FcRn is not expected for the cynomolgus macaques analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Uno
- Pharmacokinetics and Bioanalysis Center, Shin Nippon Biomedical Laboratories, Ltd
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18
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Herzog E, Harris S, Henson C, McEwen A, Schenk S, Nolte MW, Pragst I, Dickneite G, Schulte S, Zollner S. Biodistribution of the recombinant fusion protein linking coagulation factor IX with albumin (rIX-FP) in rats. Thromb Res 2014; 133:900-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2014.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2013] [Revised: 01/22/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Gupta S, Gach JS, Becerra JC, Phan TB, Pudney J, Moldoveanu Z, Joseph SB, Landucci G, Supnet MJ, Ping LH, Corti D, Moldt B, Hel Z, Lanzavecchia A, Ruprecht RM, Burton DR, Mestecky J, Anderson DJ, Forthal DN. The Neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) enhances human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) transcytosis across epithelial cells. PLoS Pathog 2013; 9:e1003776. [PMID: 24278022 PMCID: PMC3836734 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms by which human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) crosses mucosal surfaces to establish infection are unknown. Acidic genital secretions of HIV-1-infected women contain HIV-1 likely coated by antibody. We found that the combination of acidic pH and Env-specific IgG, including that from cervicovaginal and seminal fluids of HIV-1-infected individuals, augmented transcytosis across epithelial cells as much as 20-fold compared with Env-specific IgG at neutral pH or non-specific IgG at either pH. Enhanced transcytosis was observed with clinical HIV-1 isolates, including transmitted/founder strains, and was eliminated in Fc neonatal receptor (FcRn)-knockdown epithelial cells. Non-neutralizing antibodies allowed similar or less transcytosis than neutralizing antibodies. However, the ratio of total:infectious virus was higher for neutralizing antibodies, indicating that they allowed transcytosis while blocking infectivity of transcytosed virus. Immunocytochemistry revealed abundant FcRn expression in columnar epithelia lining the human endocervix and penile urethra. Acidity and Env-specific IgG enhance transcytosis of virus across epithelial cells via FcRn and could facilitate translocation of virus to susceptible target cells following sexual exposure. HIV-1 causes a sexually transmitted disease. However, the mechanisms employed by the virus to cross genital tract tissue and establish infection are uncertain. Since cervicovaginal fluid is acidic and HIV-1 in cervicovaginal fluid is likely coated with antibodies, we explored the effect of low pH and HIV-1-specific antibodies on transcytosis, the movement of HIV-1 across tight-junctioned epithelial cells. We found that the combination of HIV-1-specific antibodies and low pH enhanced transcytosis as much as 20-fold. Virus that underwent transcytosis under these conditions was infectious, and infectivity was highly influenced by whether or not the antibody neutralized the virus. We observed enhanced transcytosis using antibody from cervicovaginal and seminal fluids and using transmitted/founder strains of HIV-1. We also found that the enhanced transcytosis was due to the Fc neonatal receptor (FcRn), which binds immune complexes at acidic pH and releases them at neutral pH. Finally, staining of human tissue revealed abundant FcRn expression on columnar epithelial cells of penile urethra and endocervix. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism wherein HIV-1 may facilitate its own transmission by usurping the antibody response directed against itself. These results have important implications for HIV vaccine development and for understanding the earliest events in HIV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Gupta
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Johannes S. Gach
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Juan C. Becerra
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Tran B. Phan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey Pudney
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Zina Moldoveanu
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Sarah B. Joseph
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Gary Landucci
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Medalyn Jude Supnet
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Li-Hua Ping
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Davide Corti
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Humabs BioMed SA, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Brian Moldt
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Science, International AIDS Vaccine Initiative Neutralizing Antibody Center and Center for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Immunology and Immunogen Discovery, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Zdenek Hel
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Antonio Lanzavecchia
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Institute of Microbiology, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ruth M. Ruprecht
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Dennis R. Burton
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Science, International AIDS Vaccine Initiative Neutralizing Antibody Center and Center for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Immunology and Immunogen Discovery, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jiri Mestecky
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, First School of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Deborah J. Anderson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Donald N. Forthal
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Proetzel G, Roopenian DC. Humanized FcRn mouse models for evaluating pharmacokinetics of human IgG antibodies. Methods 2013; 65:148-53. [PMID: 23867339 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2013.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2013] [Revised: 06/29/2013] [Accepted: 07/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A key element for the successful development of novel therapeutic antibodies is to fully understand their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic behavior before performing clinical trials. While many in vitro modeling approaches exist, these simply cannot substitute for data obtained from appropriate animal models. It was established quite early that the unusual long serum half-life of immunoglobulin G's (IgGs) and Fc domains are due to their rescue and recycling by the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn). The diverse roles of FcRn became apparent after isolation and cloning. Interesting are the significant species differences between rodent and human FcRn reactivity, rendering wild type rodents an inadequate model for studying IgG serum half-life. With the advance of genetic engineering mouse models have been established expressing human FcRn, and lacking mouse FcRn protein. These models have become highly relevant tools for serum half-life analysis of Fc-containing compounds.
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Struemper H, Chen C, Cai W. Population pharmacokinetics of belimumab following intravenous administration in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. J Clin Pharmacol 2013; 53:711-20. [PMID: 23681782 DOI: 10.1002/jcph.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2012] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The population pharmacokinetics (PK) of belimumab were characterized in 1,603 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus receiving belimumab 1, 4, 10, or 20 mg/kg doses in Phase 1-3 trials. Belimumab PK were well described with a linear two-compartment model, with clearance from the central compartment (CL). Belimumab exposure was approximately dose-proportional. The estimated population terminal half-life was 19.4 days and steady-state volume of distribution (Vss) was 5.29 L for the currently approved 10 mg/kg dose used in the Phase 3 trials, with an estimated CL of 215 mL/day. No effects of age, sex, race, disease activity, co-medications, or baseline characteristics on belimumab PK were found to alter exposure in a manner requiring dose adjustment. An association observed between increasing baseline proteinuria and increasing CL may be clinically relevant in nephropathy with very high proteinuria levels. No evidence of target-mediated clearance was observed. Clinically relevant effects of body size (increased CL and V1 with increased body weight, and reduced V1 with increased body mass index) have been accounted for in current weight-normalized belimumab dosing.
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Intestinal receptor targeting for peptide delivery: an expert's personal perspective on reasons for failure and new opportunities. Ther Deliv 2012; 2:1575-93. [PMID: 22833983 DOI: 10.4155/tde.11.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The technology has been available more than 25 years that would enable the oral delivery of vaccines, proteins and peptides, thus avoiding the need for injection. To this day, injection is still the mode of delivery, yet not the main mode of choice. This review focuses on several of the potential modes for oral delivery of peptides, proteins and vaccines. Additionally, the review will provide the reader with an insight into the problems and potential solutions for several of these modes of oral delivery of peptides and proteins.
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Vugmeyster Y, Harrold J, Xu X. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) studies of biotherapeutics for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. AAPS JOURNAL 2012; 14:714-27. [PMID: 22798020 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-012-9385-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2012] [Accepted: 06/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Biotherapeutics are becoming an increasingly common drug class used to treat autoimmune and other inflammatory conditions. Optimization of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) profiles of biotherapeutics is crucial for clinical, as well as commercial, success of these drugs. This review focuses on the common questions and challenges in ADME optimization of biotherapeutics for inflammatory conditions. For these immunomodulatory and/or immunosuppressive biotherapeutics, special consideration should be given to the assessment of the interdependency of ADME profiles, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) relationships, and immunogenicity profiles across various preclinical species and humans, including the interdependencies both in biology and in assay readouts. The context of usage, such as dosing regimens, extent of disease, concomitant medications, and drug product characteristics may have a direct or indirect (via modulation of immunogenicity) impact on ADME profiles of biotherapeutics. Along these lines, emerging topics include assessments of preexisting reactivity to a biotherapeutic agent, impact of immunogenicity on tissue exposure, and analysis of penetration to normal versus inflamed tissues. Because of the above complexities and interdependences, it is essential to interpret PK, PD, and anti-drug antibody results in an integrated manner. In addition, because of the competitive landscape in autoimmune and inflammatory markets, many pioneering ADME-centric protein engineering and subsequent in vivo testing (such as optimization of novel modalities to extend serum and tissue exposures and to improve bioavailability) are being conducted with biotherapeutics in this therapeutic area. However, the ultimate challenge is demonstration of the clinical relevance (or lack thereof) of modified ADME and immunogenicity profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Vugmeyster
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics, and Metabolism, Pfizer Inc., One Burtt Road, Andover, Massachusetts, USA.
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Vugmeyster Y, Xu X, Theil FP, Khawli LA, Leach MW. Pharmacokinetics and toxicology of therapeutic proteins: Advances and challenges. World J Biol Chem 2012; 3:73-92. [PMID: 22558487 PMCID: PMC3342576 DOI: 10.4331/wjbc.v3.i4.73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2011] [Revised: 01/18/2012] [Accepted: 01/25/2012] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Significant progress has been made in understanding pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), as well as toxicity profiles of therapeutic proteins in animals and humans, which have been in commercial development for more than three decades. However, in the PK arena, many fundamental questions remain to be resolved. Investigative and bioanalytical tools need to be established to improve the translation of PK data from animals to humans, and from in vitro assays to in vivo readouts, which would ultimately lead to a higher success rate in drug development. In toxicology, it is known, in general, what studies are needed to safely develop therapeutic proteins, and what studies do not provide relevant information. One of the major complicating factors in nonclinical and clinical programs for therapeutic proteins is the impact of immunogenicity. In this review, we will highlight the emerging science and technology, as well as the challenges around the pharmacokinetic- and safety-related issues in drug development of mAbs and other therapeutic proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Vugmeyster
- Yulia Vugmeyster, Department of Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics, and Metabolism, Pfizer Inc., Andover, MA 01810, United States
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Nilvebrant J, Alm T, Hober S, Löfblom J. Engineering bispecificity into a single albumin-binding domain. PLoS One 2011; 6:e25791. [PMID: 21991353 PMCID: PMC3185003 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0025791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2011] [Accepted: 09/11/2011] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies as well as non-immunoglobulin based bispecific affinity proteins are considered to have a very high potential in future biotherapeutic applications. In this study, we report on a novel approach for generation of extremely small bispecific proteins comprised of only a single structural domain. Binding to tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was engineered into an albumin-binding domain while still retaining the original affinity for albumin, resulting in a bispecific protein composed of merely 46 amino acids. By diversification of the non albumin-binding side of the three-helix bundle domain, followed by display of the resulting library on phage particles, bispecific single-domain proteins were isolated using selections with TNF-α as target. Moreover, based on the obtained sequences from the phage selection, a second-generation library was designed in order to further increase the affinity of the bispecific candidates. Staphylococcal surface display was employed for the affinity maturation, enabling efficient isolation of improved binders as well as multiparameter-based sortings with both TNF-α and albumin as targets in the same selection cycle. Isolated variants were sequenced and the binding to albumin and TNF-α was analyzed. This analysis revealed an affinity for TNF-α below 5 nM for the strongest binders. From the multiparameter sorting that simultaneously targeted TNF-α and albumin, several bispecific candidates were isolated with high affinity to both antigens, suggesting that cell display in combination with fluorescence activated cell sorting is a suitable technology for engineering of bispecificity. To our knowledge, the new binders represent the smallest engineered bispecific proteins reported so far. Possibilities and challenges as well as potential future applications of this novel strategy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Nilvebrant
- Department of Proteomics, School of Biotechnology, Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Center, Stockholm, Sweden
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Kacskovics I, Cervenak J, Erdei A, Goldsby RA, Butler JE. Recent advances using FcRn overexpression in transgenic animals to overcome impediments of standard antibody technologies to improve the generation of specific antibodies. MAbs 2011; 3:431-9. [PMID: 22048692 DOI: 10.4161/mabs.3.5.17023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This review illustrates the salutary effects of neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) overexpression in significantly improving humoral immune responses in the generation of antibodies for immunotherapy and diagnostics. These include: (1) improved IgG protection; (2) augmented antigen-specific humoral immune response with larger numbers of antigen specific B cells, thus offering a wider spectrum of clones; (3) generation of antibodies against weakly immunogenic antigens; (4) significant improvements in the number and substantial developments in the diversity of hybridomas. FcRn transgenesis thus confers a number of practical benefits, including faster antibody production, higher antibody yields and improved generation of hybridomas for monoclonal antibody production. Notably, these efficiencies in polyclonal antibody production were also demonstrated in FcRn transgenic rabbits. Overall, FcRn transgenic animals yield more antibodies and provide a route to the generation of antibodies against antigens of low immunogenicity that are difficult to obtain using currently available methods.
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