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Tungekar AA, Ruddock LW. Design of an alternate antibody fragment format that can be produced in the cytoplasm of Escherichia coli. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14188. [PMID: 37648872 PMCID: PMC10469194 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41525-3] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
With increased accessibility and tissue penetration, smaller antibody formats such as antibody fragments (Fab) and single chain variable fragments (scFv) show potential as effective and low-cost choices to full-length antibodies. These formats derived from the modular architecture of antibodies could prove to be game changers for certain therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Microbial hosts have shown tremendous promise as production hosts for antibody fragment formats. However, low target protein yields coupled with the complexity of protein folding result in production limitations. Here, we report an alternative antibody fragment format 'FabH3' designed to overcome some key bottlenecks associated with the folding and production of Fabs. The FabH3 molecule is based on the Fab format with the constant domains replaced by engineered immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) CH3 domains capable of heterodimerization based on the electrostatic steering approach. We show that this alternative antibody fragment format can be efficiently produced in the cytoplasm of E. coli using the catalyzed disulfide-bond formation system (CyDisCo) in a natively folded state with higher soluble yields than its Fab counterpart and a comparable binding affinity against the target antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aatir A Tungekar
- Protein and Structural Biology Research Unit, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, 90220, Oulu, Finland
| | - Lloyd W Ruddock
- Protein and Structural Biology Research Unit, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, 90220, Oulu, Finland.
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Kim D, Lee S, Cho YH, Kang MJ, Ku CR, Chi H, Ahn J, Lee K, Han J, Chi S, Song MY, Cha SH, Lee EJ. Long-acting recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (SAFA-FSH) enhances spermatogenesis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1132172. [PMID: 36909328 PMCID: PMC9996080 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1132172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Administration of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) has been recommended to stimulate spermatogenesis in infertile men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, whose sperm counts do not respond to human chorionic gonadotropin alone. However, FSH has a short serum half-life requiring frequent administration to maintain its therapeutic efficacy. To improve its pharmacokinetic properties, we developed a unique albumin-binder technology, termed "anti-serum albumin Fab-associated" (SAFA) technology. We tested the feasibility of applying SAFA technology to create long-acting FSH as a therapeutic candidate for patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. METHODS SAFA-FSH was produced using a Chinese hamster ovary expression system. To confirm the biological function, the production of cyclic AMP and phosphorylation of ERK and CREB were measured in TM4-FSHR cells. The effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists on spermatogenesis in a hypogonadal rat model was investigated. RESULTS In in vitro experiments, SAFA-FSH treatment increased the production of cyclic AMP and increased the phosphorylation of ERK and CREB in a dose-dependent manner. In animal experiments, sperm production was not restored by human chorionic gonadotropin treatment alone, but was restored after additional recombinant FSH treatment thrice per week or once every 5 days. Sperm production was restored even after additional SAFA-FSH treatment at intervals of once every 5 or 10 days. DISCUSSION Long-acting FSH with bioactivity was successfully created using SAFA technology. These data support further development of SAFA-FSH in a clinical setting, potentially representing an important advancement in the treatment of patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daham Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Endocrine Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soohyun Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Endocrine Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Hee Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Endocrine Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Jeong Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Endocrine Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheol Ryong Ku
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Endocrine Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunjin Chi
- AprilBio Co., Ltd., Rm 602, Biomedical Science Building, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungsuk Ahn
- AprilBio Co., Ltd., Rm 602, Biomedical Science Building, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungsun Lee
- AprilBio Co., Ltd., Rm 602, Biomedical Science Building, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaekyu Han
- AprilBio Co., Ltd., Rm 602, Biomedical Science Building, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Susan Chi
- AprilBio Co., Ltd., Rm 602, Biomedical Science Building, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Moo Young Song
- AprilBio Co., Ltd., Rm 602, Biomedical Science Building, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hoon Cha
- AprilBio Co., Ltd., Rm 602, Biomedical Science Building, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Jig Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Endocrine Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- *Correspondence: Eun Jig Lee,
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Kim S, Min G, Kim B, Lee D, Lee M, Ko JH, Kwon HS. Novel Dual-Targeting Antibody Fragment IDB0062 Overcomes Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Drug Limitations in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:35. [PMID: 34967833 PMCID: PMC8727311 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.14.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Repeated administration of anti–vascular endothelial growth factor drugs to treat age-related macular degeneration leads to resistance. To overcome this drawback, we developed the novel recombinant dual-targeting antibody fragment IDB0062, which is comprised of the anti–vascular endothelial growth factor A Fab and neuropilin 1-targeting peptide, and we assessed its properties. Methods We compared the in vitro activity of IDB0062 and conventional drugs using cell proliferation, wound healing, and Transwell assays. The in vivo efficacy of IDB0062 was determined using mouse choroidal neovascularization and oxygen-induced retinopathy models. To evaluate the ocular distribution of IDB0062, we intravitreally administered IDB0062 and ranibizumab to cynomolgus monkeys and measured the retinal drug levels. Results IDB0062 effectively inhibited not only vascular endothelial growth factor A in vitro but also placenta growth factor 2, vascular endothelial growth factor B, and platelet-derived growth factor BB, which induce vascular endothelial growth factor A–independent angiogenesis. In addition, IDB0062 showed non-inferior efficacy compared with aflibercept in vivo despite the low selectivity for mouse vascular endothelial growth factor A. In the monkey intravitreal pharmacokinetic study, IDB0062 improved drug distribution in the retina compared with ranibizumab, confirming the accelerated onset of pharmacological action when IDB0062 is injected in the vitreous humor. Conclusions Through neuropilin 1 binding, IDB0062 can improve the efficacy and accelerate the onset of pharmacological action in the posterior segment, which is targeted for macular degeneration, thereby improving drug responsiveness in drug-resistant patients. Translational Relevance Considering its novel mechanism of action, IDB0062 may help in controlling resistance to conventional anti–vascular endothelial growth factor drugs in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seongbeom Kim
- Research Laboratory, ILDONG Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hwaseong-si, Korea
| | - Gihong Min
- Research Laboratory, ILDONG Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hwaseong-si, Korea
| | - Bomin Kim
- Research Laboratory, ILDONG Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hwaseong-si, Korea
| | - Doseop Lee
- Research Laboratory, ILDONG Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hwaseong-si, Korea
| | - Myongjae Lee
- Research Laboratory, ILDONG Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hwaseong-si, Korea
| | - Jong-Hee Ko
- Research Laboratory, ILDONG Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hwaseong-si, Korea
| | - Hyuk-Sang Kwon
- Research Laboratory, ILDONG Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hwaseong-si, Korea
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Chi HJ, Park M, Han JK, Kim SM, Kang S, Yang JH, Cha SH. APB-F1, a long-acting feline granulocyte colony-stimulating factor fusion protein, created by exploiting FL335, a chimeric Fab specific for feline serum albumin. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2021; 240:110322. [PMID: 34509747 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2021.110322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Off-label use of a human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (hG-CSF) has been allowed to treat dogs and cats with neutropenia. However, repeated administration of hG-CSF induces undesirable anti-drug antibody (ADA) responses, implying the necessity of animal-derived G-CSF as a therapeutic reagent, preferably with a long-acting capability. Herein, we generated a recombinant fusion protein by genetically combining FL335, a chimeric Fab specific for feline serum albumin (FSA), and feline G-CSF (fG-CSF), with the ultimate goal of developing a long-acting therapeutic fG-CSF for cats. The resulting FL335-fG-CSF fusion protein, referred to as APB-F1, was produced well as a functional form in a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) expression system. In in vitro analyses, APB-F1 bound to FSA at high affinity (KD = 400 pM) and possessed 0.78 × 107 U/mg G-CSF biological activity, clearly proving its biological functionality. Pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) studies using healthy cats revealed that the serum half-life (t1/2) of APB-F1 was increased five times compared with that of fG-CSF (t1/2 = 13.3 h vs. 2.7 h) in subcutaneous (SC) injections. Additionally, APB-F1 induced a profound and sustained increase in white blood cell (WBC) and actual neutrophil count (ANC) up to 10 days, which was far superior to other G-CSF preparations, including filgrastim (Neupogen™) and even pegfilgrastim (Neulasta™). Conclusively, a long-acting fG-CSF with potent in vivo bioactivity was successfully created by using FL335; thus, we provided evidence that our "anti-serum albumin Fab-associated" (SAFA) technology can be applied reliably in developing valuable long-acting biologics in veterinary medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Jin Chi
- Aprilbio Co., Rm 602, Biomedical Science Building, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea; Department of Systems Immunology, Division of Biomedical Convergence, College of Biomedical Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Mihyun Park
- Aprilbio Co., Rm 602, Biomedical Science Building, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea; Department of Systems Immunology, Division of Biomedical Convergence, College of Biomedical Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Kyu Han
- Aprilbio Co., Rm 602, Biomedical Science Building, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Mi Kim
- Aprilbio Co., Rm 602, Biomedical Science Building, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - SeungGoo Kang
- Department of Systems Immunology, Division of Biomedical Convergence, College of Biomedical Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Hyuk Yang
- Aprilbio Co., Rm 602, Biomedical Science Building, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea; Department of Systems Immunology, Division of Biomedical Convergence, College of Biomedical Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hoon Cha
- Aprilbio Co., Rm 602, Biomedical Science Building, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea; Department of Systems Immunology, Division of Biomedical Convergence, College of Biomedical Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea.
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Chen H, Chen JS, Paerhati P, Jakos T, Bai SY, Zhu JW, Yuan YS. Strategies and Applications of Antigen-Binding Fragment (Fab) Production in Escherichia coli. PHARMACEUTICAL FRONTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1735145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractWith the advancement of genetic engineering, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have made far-reaching progress in the treatment of various human diseases. However, due to the high cost of production, the increasing demands for antibody-based therapies have not been fully met. Currently, mAb-derived alternatives, such as antigen-binding fragments (Fab), single-chain variable fragments, bispecifics, nanobodies, and conjugated mAbs have emerged as promising new therapeutic modalities. They can be readily prepared in bacterial systems with well-established fermentation technology and ease of manipulation, leading to the reduction of overall cost. This review aims to shed light on the strategies to improve the expression, purification, and yield of Fab fragments in Escherichia coli expression systems, as well as current advances in the applications of Fab fragments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Chen
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Shanghai Jiao Tong University College of Pharmacy, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Sheng Chen
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Shanghai Jiao Tong University College of Pharmacy, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Pameila Paerhati
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Shanghai Jiao Tong University College of Pharmacy, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Tanja Jakos
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Shanghai Jiao Tong University College of Pharmacy, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Si-Yi Bai
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Shanghai Jiao Tong University College of Pharmacy, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Wei Zhu
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Shanghai Jiao Tong University College of Pharmacy, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun-Sheng Yuan
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Shanghai Jiao Tong University College of Pharmacy, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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Farajnia S, Ghorbanzadeh V, Dariushnejad H. Effect of Molecular Chaperone on the Soluble Expression of Recombinant Fab Fragment in E. coli. Int J Pept Res Ther 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-019-09833-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Effect of DnaK/DnaJ/GrpE and DsbC Chaperons on Periplasmic Expression of Fab Antibody by E. coli SEC Pathway. Int J Pept Res Ther 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-017-9637-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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