1
|
Millán-Martín S, Jakes C, Carillo S, Bones J. Multi-Attribute Method (MAM) Analytical Workflow for Biotherapeutic Protein Characterization from Process Development to QC. Curr Protoc 2023; 3:e927. [PMID: 37929772 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.927] [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: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
The multi-attribute method (MAM) has emerged significantly in recent years to support biotherapeutic protein characterization from process development to the QC environment. MAM is a liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) based peptide mapping approach, which combines the benefits from liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution accurate mass mass spectrometry (LC-HRAM MS), enabling direct assessment of protein sequence and product quality attributes with site specificity. These product quality attributes may impact efficacy, safety, stability, and process robustness. MAM is intended to replace conventional analytical approaches as it offers a more streamlined strategy for parallel monitoring of multiple attributes in a single analysis with high sensitivity and confidence, and ultimately supports more robust Quality by Design (QbD) approaches and faster decision cycles for biotherapeutic development. MAM consists of three main stages. The first stage is sample digestion, which typically entails proteolytic digestion of the protein. The second stage is reversed-phase chromatographic separation of the generated peptides and detection by HRAM MS in two phases. During MAM Phase I (discovery phase), data-dependent acquisition (DDA) MS/MS is performed to enable confident identification of peaks and development of a peptide workbook. During MAM Phase II (monitoring phase), full MS acquisition is only carried out for the monitoring of predefined product quality attributes (PQAs). The third stage is data processing, which entails analysis and reporting for each of the two phases including evaluation of sequence coverage, assessment of PQAs and peptide workbook creation during phase I, and targeted monitoring of predefined product attributes and new peak detection (NPD) during phase II. The latter is a comparative analysis that uses a base peak alignment algorithm to determine any non-monitored differences between the LC-MS chromatograms of a test sample and a reference standard. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: In-solution sample digestion Alternate Protocol: Automated sample digestion Basic Protocol 2: Reversed-phase chromatographic separation and detection by HRAM-MS (RPLC-HRAM MS) Basic Protocol 3: Data processing and reporting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Craig Jakes
- National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sara Carillo
- National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jonathan Bones
- National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mass spectrometry-based multi-attribute method for mutation analysis in the early development of therapeutic proteins. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2022; 220:115018. [PMID: 36030755 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2022.115018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The early intervention is essential, and later development cannot compensate for this initial generation of an antibody drug. Especially for sequence variants (SVs), should cause concern during the early bioprocess development. The advancement of bioprocess development is paralleled by development of state-of-the-art analytical methods that will provide further information. In the present study, a mass spectrometry (MS)-based multi-attribute method (MAM) was used to simultaneously monitor the SVs and other quality attributes in the early bioprocess development of ofatumumab, and a sequence variant (SV) was detected by a subunit-based MAM. Subsequently, the variant was further identified by MS/MS and confirmed by adding a synthetic peptide. Furthermore, the content of the SV was detected via DNA sequencing. The levels of the variant (T175A mutant) in the light chain were demonstrate to be nearly consistent at the DNA and protein levels, suggesting that the mutation may have negligible effect on both the transcriptional and translational levels. Collectively, these results indicate that broad-spectrum, rapid, and accurate platform such as MS-based MAM should be implemented to quality control for the early development of therapeutic proteins, it will also be important to establish an effective and integrated MAM to control SVs during therapeutic proteins development.
Collapse
|
3
|
Chen Z, Qian Y, Song Y, Xu X, Tao L, Mussa N, Ghose S, Li ZJ. Design of next-generation therapeutic IgG4 with improved manufacturability and bioanalytical characteristics. MAbs 2021; 12:1829338. [PMID: 33044887 PMCID: PMC7577236 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2020.1829338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Manufacturability of immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) antibodies from the Chemistry, Manufacture, and Controls (CMC) perspective has received little attention during early drug discovery. Despite the success of protein engineering in improving antibody biophysical properties, a clear gap still exists between rational design of IgG4 candidates and their manufacturing suitability. Here, we illustrate that undesirable two-peak elution profiles in cation-exchange chromatography are attributed to the S228P mutation (in IgG4 core-hinge region) intentionally designed to prevent Fab-arm exchange. A new scaffolding platform for engineering IgG4 antibodies amenable to bioprocessing and bioanalysis is proposed by introducing an “IgG1-like” single-point mutation in the hinge or CH1 region of IgG4S228P. This work offers insight into the design, discovery, and development of innovative therapeutic antibodies that are well suited for robust biomanufacturing and quality control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Chen
- Biologics Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb Company , Devens, MA, USA
| | - Yueming Qian
- Biologics Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb Company , Devens, MA, USA
| | - Yuanli Song
- Biologics Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb Company , Devens, MA, USA
| | - Xuankuo Xu
- Biologics Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb Company , Devens, MA, USA
| | - Li Tao
- Biophysical Characterization, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb Company , New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Nesredin Mussa
- Biologics Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb Company , Devens, MA, USA
| | - Sanchayita Ghose
- Biologics Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb Company , Devens, MA, USA
| | - Zheng Jian Li
- Biologics Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb Company , Devens, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang A, Chen Z, Li M, Qiu H, Lawrence S, Bak H, Li N. A general evidence-based sequence variant control limit for recombinant therapeutic protein development. MAbs 2021; 12:1791399. [PMID: 32744138 PMCID: PMC7531532 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2020.1791399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Sequence variants (SVs) resulting from unintended amino acid substitutions in recombinant therapeutic proteins have increasingly gained attention from both regulatory agencies and the biopharmaceutical industry given their potential impact on efficacy and safety. With well-optimized production systems, such sequence variants usually exist at very low levels in the final protein products due to the high fidelity of DNA replication and protein biosynthesis process in mammalian expression systems such as Chinese hamster ovary cell lines. However, their levels can be significantly elevated in cases where the selected production cell line has unexpected DNA mutations or the manufacturing process is not fully optimized, for example, if depletion of certain amino acids occurs in the cell culture media in bioreactors. Therefore, it is important to design and implement an effective monitoring and control strategy to prevent or minimize the possible risks of SVs during the early stage of product and process development. However, there is no well-established guidance from the regulatory agencies or consensus across the industry to assess and manage SV risks. A question frequently asked is: What levels of SVs can be considered acceptable during product and process development, but also have no negative effects on drug safety and efficacy in patients? To address this critical question, we have taken a holistic approach and conducted a comprehensive sequence variant analysis. To guide biologic development, a general SV control limit of 0.1% at individual amino acid sites was proposed and properly justified based on extensive literature review, SV benchmark survey of approved therapeutic proteins, and accumulated experience on SV control practice at Regeneron.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aming Zhang
- Analytical Chemistry, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc ., Tarrytown, New York, USA
| | - Zhengwei Chen
- Analytical Chemistry, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc ., Tarrytown, New York, USA
| | - Meinuo Li
- Analytical Chemistry, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc ., Tarrytown, New York, USA
| | - Haibo Qiu
- Analytical Chemistry, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc ., Tarrytown, New York, USA
| | - Shawn Lawrence
- Preclinical Manufacturing and Process Development , Tarrytown, New York, USA
| | - Hanne Bak
- Analytical Chemistry, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc ., Tarrytown, New York, USA
| | - Ning Li
- Analytical Chemistry, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc ., Tarrytown, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Identification, characterization and control of a sequence variant in monoclonal antibody drug product: a case study. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13233. [PMID: 34168178 PMCID: PMC8225904 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92338-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sequence variants (SV) in protein bio therapeutics can be categorized as unwanted impurities and may raise serious concerns in efficacy and safety of the product. Early detection of specific sequence modifications, that can result in altered physicochemical and or biological properties, is therefore desirable in product manufacturing. Because of their low abundance, and finite resolving power of conventional analytical techniques, they are often overlooked in early drug development. Here, we present a case study where trace amount of a sequence variant is identified in a monoclonal antibody (mAb) based therapeutic protein by LC-MS/MS and the structural and functional features of the SV containing mAb is assessed using appropriate analytical techniques. Further, a very sensitive selected reaction monitoring (SRM) technique is developed to quantify the SV which revealed both prominent and inconspicuous nature of the variant in process chromatography. We present the extensive characterization of a sequence variant in protein biopharmaceutical and first report on control of sequence variants to < 0.05% in final drug product by utilizing SRM based mass spectrometry method during the purification steps.
Collapse
|
6
|
Song Y, Qian Y, Huang Z, Khattak SF, Li ZJ. Computational insights into O-glycosylation in a CTLA4 Fc-fusion protein linker and its impact on protein quality attributes. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2020; 18:3925-3935. [PMID: 33335689 PMCID: PMC7734232 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2020.11.037] [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: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The hinge region of immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) is used as a common linker for Fc-fusion therapeutic proteins. With the advances of high-resolution mass spectrometry and sample treatment strategies, unexpected O-linked glycosylation has been observed in the linker. However, the molecular mechanism involved in this unusual posttranslational modification is unknown. In this study, we applied site-direct mutagenesis, mass spectrometry, analytical chromatography, and computational modeling to investigate O-glycosylation processes in a clinically used CTLA4 Fc-fusion protein and its impacts on protein quality attributes. Surprisingly, O-glycans could be formed at new sites when an initial O-glycosylation site was eliminated, and continued to occur until all potential O-glycosylation sites were nulled. Site-preference of O-glycosylation initiation was attributed to the complex formation between the linker peptide and glycan transferase whereas the O-glycosylating efficiency and the linker flexibility were correlated using molecular modeling and simulations. As predicted, O-glycan-free CTLA4 Fc-fusion proteins were more homogenous for sialylation, and interestingly less prone to protein aggregation. Attenuating protein aggregation was a desirable effect, and could be related to the reduced presence of linker O-glycans that hindered inter-chain disulfide bond reformation. Findings from this study shed light on new therapeutic protein design and development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanli Song
- Biologics Development, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, 38 Jackson Road, Devens, MA 01434, USA
| | - Yueming Qian
- Biologics Development, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, 38 Jackson Road, Devens, MA 01434, USA
| | - Zhe Huang
- Biologics Development, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, 38 Jackson Road, Devens, MA 01434, USA
| | - Sarwat F Khattak
- Biologics Development, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, 38 Jackson Road, Devens, MA 01434, USA
| | - Zheng Jian Li
- Biologics Development, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, 38 Jackson Road, Devens, MA 01434, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Beck A, Liu H. Macro- and Micro-Heterogeneity of Natural and Recombinant IgG Antibodies. Antibodies (Basel) 2019; 8:antib8010018. [PMID: 31544824 PMCID: PMC6640695 DOI: 10.3390/antib8010018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2018] [Revised: 01/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) intended for therapeutic usage are required to be thoroughly characterized, which has promoted an extensive effort towards the understanding of the structures and heterogeneity of this major class of molecules. Batch consistency and comparability are highly relevant to the successful pharmaceutical development of mAbs and related products. Small structural modifications that contribute to molecule variants (or proteoforms) differing in size, charge or hydrophobicity have been identified. These modifications may impact (or not) the stability, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of mAbs. The presence of the same type of modifications as found in endogenous immunoglobulin G (IgG) can substantially lower the safety risks of mAbs. The knowledge of modifications is also critical to the ranking of critical quality attributes (CQAs) of the drug and define the Quality Target Product Profile (QTPP). This review provides a summary of the current understanding of post-translational and physico-chemical modifications identified in recombinant mAbs and endogenous IgGs at physiological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alain Beck
- Biologics CMC and developability, IRPF, Center d'immunologie Pierre Fabre, St Julien-en-Genevois CEDEX, 74160 Saint-Julien en Genevois, France.
| | - Hongcheng Liu
- Anokion, 50 Hampshire Street, Suite 402, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rehder DS, Wisniewski CJ, Liu D, Ren D, Farnan D, Schenauer MR. Expression vector-derived heterogeneity in a therapeutic IgG4 monoclonal antibody. MAbs 2018; 11:145-152. [PMID: 30365358 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2018.1540254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
While characterizing a therapeutic IgG4 monoclonal antibody (mAb), we observed a variant with a mass 1177 Da larger than the predominant mAb form that could not be ascribed to previously described modifications. Through successive rounds of experimentation, we localized the mass addition to the C-terminus of the heavy chain (HC). During this process we observed that when the mAb was broken down into separate domains, the Fc and the 1177 Da-modified Fc could be chromatographically separated. Separation allowed collection of native and modified Fc fractions for LC/MS peptide mapping. A unique peptide present in the modified fraction was de novo sequenced and demonstrated to be a modified form of the HC C-terminus lacking two native residues (GK) and gaining twelve additional non-native residues (EAEAASASELFQ). Aware of other mAb variants with genetic origins, we sought to understand whether this modification too had a genetic basis. In silico translation of the expression vector encoding the mAb demonstrated that a normally non-coding section of nucleotides in the + 1 reading frame relative to the HC C-terminal coding region could have led to a transcript with the non-native C-terminal extension. Two potential mechanisms for how this nucleotide sequence might have fused to the native HC coding region and led to expression of the extension product are presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Douglas S Rehder
- a Biologics Analytical Operations , Gilead Sciences , Oceanside , CA , USA
| | - Chris J Wisniewski
- a Biologics Analytical Operations , Gilead Sciences , Oceanside , CA , USA
| | - Denfeng Liu
- a Biologics Analytical Operations , Gilead Sciences , Oceanside , CA , USA
| | - Diya Ren
- a Biologics Analytical Operations , Gilead Sciences , Oceanside , CA , USA
| | - Dell Farnan
- a Biologics Analytical Operations , Gilead Sciences , Oceanside , CA , USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lin TJ, Beal KM, Brown PW, DeGruttola HS, Ly M, Wang W, Chu CH, Dufield RL, Casperson GF, Carroll JA, Friese OV, Figueroa B, Marzilli LA, Anderson K, Rouse JC. Evolution of a comprehensive, orthogonal approach to sequence variant analysis for biotherapeutics. MAbs 2018; 11:1-12. [PMID: 30303443 PMCID: PMC6343769 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2018.1531965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Amino acid sequence variation in protein therapeutics requires close monitoring during cell line and cell culture process development. A cross-functional team of Pfizer colleagues from the Analytical and Bioprocess Development departments worked closely together for over 6 years to formulate and communicate a practical, reliable sequence variant (SV) testing strategy with state-of-the-art techniques that did not necessitate more resources or lengthen project timelines. The final Pfizer SV screening strategy relies on next-generation sequencing (NGS) and amino acid analysis (AAA) as frontline techniques to identify mammalian cell clones with genetic mutations and recognize cell culture process media/feed conditions that induce misincorporations, respectively. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based techniques had previously been used to monitor secreted therapeutic products for SVs, but we found NGS and AAA to be equally informative, faster, less cumbersome screening approaches. MS resources could then be used for other purposes, such as the in-depth characterization of product quality in the final stages of commercial-ready cell line and culture process development. Once an industry-wide challenge, sequence variation is now routinely monitored and controlled at Pfizer (and other biopharmaceutical companies) through increased awareness, dedicated cross-line efforts, smart comprehensive strategies, and advances in instrumentation/software, resulting in even higher product quality standards for biopharmaceutical products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Jennifer Lin
- a Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences , Pfizer, Inc , Andover , MA , USA
| | - Kathryn M Beal
- a Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences , Pfizer, Inc , Andover , MA , USA
| | - Paul W Brown
- b Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences , Pfizer, Inc , Chesterfield , MO , USA
| | | | - Mellisa Ly
- a Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences , Pfizer, Inc , Andover , MA , USA
| | - Wenge Wang
- a Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences , Pfizer, Inc , Andover , MA , USA
| | - Chia H Chu
- b Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences , Pfizer, Inc , Chesterfield , MO , USA
| | - Robert L Dufield
- b Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences , Pfizer, Inc , Chesterfield , MO , USA
| | - Gerald F Casperson
- b Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences , Pfizer, Inc , Chesterfield , MO , USA
| | - James A Carroll
- b Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences , Pfizer, Inc , Chesterfield , MO , USA
| | - Olga V Friese
- b Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences , Pfizer, Inc , Chesterfield , MO , USA
| | - Bruno Figueroa
- a Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences , Pfizer, Inc , Andover , MA , USA
| | - Lisa A Marzilli
- a Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences , Pfizer, Inc , Andover , MA , USA
| | - Karin Anderson
- a Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences , Pfizer, Inc , Andover , MA , USA
| | - Jason C Rouse
- a Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences , Pfizer, Inc , Andover , MA , USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Qian Y, Chen Z, Huang X, Wang X, Xu X, Kirov S, Ludwig R, Qian NX, Ravi K, Tao L, Borys MC, Li ZJ. Early identification of unusually clustered mutations and root causes in therapeutic antibody development. Biotechnol Bioeng 2018; 115:2377-2382. [PMID: 29777592 DOI: 10.1002/bit.26728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2018] [Revised: 04/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
This study reports findings of an unusual cluster of mutations spanning 22 bp (base pairs) in a monoclonal antibody expression vector. It was identified by two orthogonal methods: mass spectrometry on expressed protein and next-generation sequencing (NGS) on the plasmid DNA. While the initial NGS analysis confirmed the designed sequence modification, intact mass analysis detected an additional mass of the antibody molecule expressed in CHO cells. The extra mass was eventually found to be associated with unmatched nucleotides in a distal region by checking full-length sequence alignment plots. Interestingly, the complementary sequence of the mutated sequence was a reverse sequence of the original sequence and flanked by two 10-bp reverse-complementary sequences, leading to an undesirable DNA recombination. The finding highlights the necessity of rigorous examination of expression vector design and early monitoring of molecule integrity at both DNA and protein levels to prevent clones from having sequence variants during cell line development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yueming Qian
- Product Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Devens, Massachusetts
| | - Zhiqiang Chen
- Product Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Devens, Massachusetts
| | - Xin Huang
- Research and Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Pennington, New Jersey
| | - Xuning Wang
- Research and Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Pennington, New Jersey
| | - Xuankuo Xu
- Product Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Devens, Massachusetts
| | - Stefan Kirov
- Research and Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Pennington, New Jersey
| | - Richard Ludwig
- Product Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Pennington, New Jersey
| | - Nan-Xin Qian
- Product Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Devens, Massachusetts
| | - Kandasamy Ravi
- Research and Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Pennington, New Jersey
| | - Li Tao
- Product Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Pennington, New Jersey
| | - Michael C Borys
- Product Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Devens, Massachusetts
| | - Zheng Jian Li
- Product Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Devens, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Mouchahoir T, Schiel JE. Development of an LC-MS/MS peptide mapping protocol for the NISTmAb. Anal Bioanal Chem 2018; 410:2111-2126. [PMID: 29411091 PMCID: PMC5830484 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-018-0848-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Peptide mapping is a component of the analytical toolbox used within the biopharmaceutical industry to aid in the identity confirmation of a protein therapeutic and to monitor degradative events such as oxidation or deamidation. These methods offer the advantage of providing site-specific information regarding post-translational and chemical modifications that may arise during production, processing or storage. A number of such variations may also be induced by the sample preparation methods themselves which may confound the ability to accurately evaluate the true modification levels. One important focus when developing a peptide mapping method should therefore be the use of sample preparation conditions that will minimize the degree of artificial modifications induced. Unfortunately, the conditions that are amenable to effective reduction, alkylation and digestion are often the same conditions that promote unwanted modifications. Here we describe the optimization of a tryptic digestion protocol used for peptide mapping of the NISTmAb IgG1κ which addresses the challenge of balancing maximum digestion efficiency with minimum artificial modifications. The parameters on which we focused include buffer concentration, digestion time and temperature, as well as the source and type of trypsin (recombinant vs. pancreatic; bovine vs porcine) used. Using the optimized protocol we generated a peptide map of the NISTmAb which allowed us to confirm its identity at the level of primary structure. Graphical abstract Peptide map of the NISTmAb RM 8671 monoclonal antibody. Tryptic digestion was performed using an optimized protocol and followed by LC-UV-MS analysis. The trace represents the total ion chromatogram. Each peak was mapped to peptides identified using mass spectrometry data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Trina Mouchahoir
- Biomolecular Measurement Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, MD, 20899, USA.
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, 9600 Gudelsky Drive, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA.
| | - John E Schiel
- Biomolecular Measurement Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, MD, 20899, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, 9600 Gudelsky Drive, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Li Y, Fu T, Liu T, Guo H, Guo Q, Xu J, Zhang D, Qian W, Dai J, Li B, Guo Y, Hou S, Wang H. Characterization of alanine to valine sequence variants in the Fc region of nivolumab biosimilar produced in Chinese hamster ovary cells. MAbs 2016; 8:951-60. [PMID: 27050807 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2016.1172150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Nivolumab is a therapeutic fully human IgG4 antibody to programmed death 1 (PD-1). In this study, a nivolumab biosimilar, which was produced in our laboratory, was analyzed and characterized. Sequence variants that contain undesired amino acid sequences may cause concern during biosimilar bioprocess development. We found that low levels of sequence variants were detected in the heavy chain of the nivolumab biosimilar by ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and tandem mass spectrometry. It was further identified with UPLC-MS/MS by IdeS or trypsin digestion. The sequence variant was confirmed through addition of synthetic mutant peptide. Subsequently, the mixing base signal of normal and mutant sequence was detected through DNA sequencing. The relative levels of mutant A424V in the Fc region of the heavy chain have been detected and demonstrated to be 12.25% and 13.54%, via base peak intensity (BPI) and UV chromatography of the tryptic peptide mapping, respectively. A424V variant was also quantified by real-time PCR (RT-PCR) at the DNA and RNA level, which was 19.2% and 16.8%, respectively. The relative content of the mutant was consistent at the DNA, RNA and protein level, indicating that the A424V mutation may have little influence at transcriptional or translational levels. These results demonstrate that orthogonal state-of-the-art techniques such as LC- UV- MS and RT-PCR should be implemented to characterize recombinant proteins and cell lines for development of biosimilars. Our study suggests that it is important to establish an integrated and effective analytical method to monitor and characterize sequence variants during antibody drug development, especially for antibody biosimilar products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yantao Li
- a International Joint Cancer Institute, Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China.,b State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy , Shanghai , China
| | - Tuo Fu
- a International Joint Cancer Institute, Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China.,b State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy , Shanghai , China
| | - Tao Liu
- a International Joint Cancer Institute, Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China.,b State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy , Shanghai , China
| | - Huaizu Guo
- b State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy , Shanghai , China.,c Shanghai Zhangjiang Biotechnology Co
| | - Qingcheng Guo
- a International Joint Cancer Institute, Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China.,b State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy , Shanghai , China
| | - Jin Xu
- b State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy , Shanghai , China.,c Shanghai Zhangjiang Biotechnology Co
| | - Dapeng Zhang
- a International Joint Cancer Institute, Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China.,b State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy , Shanghai , China
| | - Weizhu Qian
- b State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy , Shanghai , China.,c Shanghai Zhangjiang Biotechnology Co
| | - Jianxin Dai
- a International Joint Cancer Institute, Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China.,b State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy , Shanghai , China
| | - Bohua Li
- a International Joint Cancer Institute, Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China.,b State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy , Shanghai , China
| | - Yajun Guo
- b State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy , Shanghai , China.,d School of Pharmacy, Liaocheng University , Liaocheng , China.,e School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology , Guangzhou , China
| | - Sheng Hou
- a International Joint Cancer Institute, Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China.,b State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy , Shanghai , China
| | - Hao Wang
- a International Joint Cancer Institute, Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China.,b State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy , Shanghai , China.,d School of Pharmacy, Liaocheng University , Liaocheng , China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Fekete S, Guillarme D, Sandra P, Sandra K. Chromatographic, Electrophoretic, and Mass Spectrometric Methods for the Analytical Characterization of Protein Biopharmaceuticals. Anal Chem 2015; 88:480-507. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.5b04561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Szabolcs Fekete
- School
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, Boulevard d’Yvoy 20, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Davy Guillarme
- School
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, Boulevard d’Yvoy 20, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Pat Sandra
- Research Institute for Chromatography (RIC), President Kennedypark 26, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Koen Sandra
- Research Institute for Chromatography (RIC), President Kennedypark 26, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lian Z, Wu Q, Wang T. Identification and characterization of a -1 reading frameshift in the heavy chain constant region of an IgG1 recombinant monoclonal antibody produced in CHO cells. MAbs 2015; 8:358-70. [PMID: 26652198 PMCID: PMC4966638 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2015.1116658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Revised: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 11/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Frameshifts lead to complete alteration of the intended amino acid sequences, and therefore may affect the biological activities of protein therapeutics and pose potential immunogenicity risks. We report here the identification and characterization of a novel -1 frameshift variant in a recombinant IgG1 therapeutic monoclonal antibody (mAb) produced in Chinese hamster ovary cells during the cell line selection studies. The variant was initially observed as an atypical post-monomer fragment peak in size exclusion chromatography. Characterization of the fragment peak using intact and reduced liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analyses determined that the fragment consisted of a normal light chain disulfide-linked to an aberrant 26 kDa fragment that could not be assigned to any HC fragment even after considering common modifications. Further analysis using LC-MS/MS peptide mapping revealed that the aberrant fragment contained the expected HC amino acid sequence (1-232) followed by a 20-mer novel sequence corresponding to expression of heavy chain DNA sequence in the -1 reading frame. Examination of the DNA sequence around the frameshift initiation site revealed that a mononucleotide repeat GGGGGG located in the IgG1 HC constant region was most likely the structural root cause of the frameshift. Rapid identification of the frameshift allowed us to avoid use of a problematic cell line containing the frameshift as the production cell line. The frameshift reported here may be observed in other mAb products and the hypothesis-driven analytical approaches employed here may be valuable for rapid identification and characterization of frameshift variants in other recombinant proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhirui Lian
- Bioproduct Research and Development, Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA
| | - Qindong Wu
- Bioproduct Research and Development, Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA
| | - Tongtong Wang
- Bioproduct Research and Development, Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Design, synthesis, and characterization of BRC4 mutants based on the crystal structure of BRC4-RAD51(191–220). J Mol Model 2015; 21:299. [DOI: 10.1007/s00894-015-2831-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
|
16
|
Zhang S, Bartkowiak L, Nabiswa B, Mishra P, Fann J, Ouellette D, Correia I, Regier D, Liu J. Identifying low-level sequence variants via next generation sequencing to aid stable CHO cell line screening. Biotechnol Prog 2015; 31:1077-85. [DOI: 10.1002/btpr.2119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Revised: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Zhang
- Process Sciences Cell Culture, Abbvie Bioresearch Center; 100 Research Drive Worcester MA 01605
| | - Lisa Bartkowiak
- Process Sciences Cell Culture, Abbvie Bioresearch Center; 100 Research Drive Worcester MA 01605
| | - Bernard Nabiswa
- Process Sciences Cell Culture, Abbvie Bioresearch Center; 100 Research Drive Worcester MA 01605
| | - Pratibha Mishra
- Process Sciences Cell Culture, Abbvie Bioresearch Center; 100 Research Drive Worcester MA 01605
| | - John Fann
- Process Sciences Cell Culture, Abbvie Bioresearch Center; 100 Research Drive Worcester MA 01605
| | - David Ouellette
- Process Sciences Analytics, Abbvie Bioresearch Center; 100 Research Drive Worcester MA 01605
| | - Ivan Correia
- Process Sciences Analytics, Abbvie Bioresearch Center; 100 Research Drive Worcester MA 01605
| | - Dean Regier
- Protein Science, Abbvie Bioresearch Center; 100 Research Drive Worcester MA 01605
| | - Junjian Liu
- Protein Science, Abbvie Bioresearch Center; 100 Research Drive Worcester MA 01605
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Borisov OV, Alvarez M, Carroll JA, Brown PW. Sequence Variants and Sequence Variant Analysis in Biotherapeutic Proteins. ACS SYMPOSIUM SERIES 2015. [DOI: 10.1021/bk-2015-1201.ch002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Oleg V. Borisov
- Novavax, Inc., Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878, United States
- Roche Group Member, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
- Pfizer Worldwide Research & Development, Chesterfield, Missouri 63017, United States
| | - Melissa Alvarez
- Novavax, Inc., Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878, United States
- Roche Group Member, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
- Pfizer Worldwide Research & Development, Chesterfield, Missouri 63017, United States
| | - James A. Carroll
- Novavax, Inc., Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878, United States
- Roche Group Member, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
- Pfizer Worldwide Research & Development, Chesterfield, Missouri 63017, United States
| | - Paul W. Brown
- Novavax, Inc., Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878, United States
- Roche Group Member, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
- Pfizer Worldwide Research & Development, Chesterfield, Missouri 63017, United States
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Fekete S, Guillarme D. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography for the characterization of therapeutic proteins. Trends Analyt Chem 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2014.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|
19
|
Liu H, Ponniah G, Zhang HM, Nowak C, Neill A, Gonzalez-Lopez N, Patel R, Cheng G, Kita AZ, Andrien B. In vitro and in vivo modifications of recombinant and human IgG antibodies. MAbs 2014; 6:1145-54. [PMID: 25517300 DOI: 10.4161/mabs.29883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tremendous knowledge has been gained in the understanding of various modifications of IgG antibodies, driven mainly by the fact that antibodies are one of the most important groups of therapeutic molecules and because of the development of advanced analytical techniques. Recombinant monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapeutics expressed in mammalian cell lines and endogenous IgG molecules secreted by B cells in the human body share some modifications, but each have some unique modifications. Modifications that are common to recombinant mAb and endogenous IgG molecules are considered to pose a lower risk of immunogenicity. On the other hand, modifications that are unique to recombinant mAbs could potentially pose higher risk. The focus of this review is the comparison of frequently observed modifications of recombinant monoclonal antibodies to those of endogenous IgG molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongcheng Liu
- a Protein Characterization; Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc .; Cheshire , CT USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
High-resolution MS for structural characterization of protein therapeutics: advances and future directions. Bioanalysis 2013; 5:1299-313. [DOI: 10.4155/bio.13.80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
High-resolution MS (HRMS) is a central analytical technique for the study of biomolecules and is widely used in the biopharmaceutical industry. This paper reviews recent advances in commonly used HRMS instrumentation and experimental strategies for HRMS-based structural characterization of protein therapeutics. An overview of protein higher order structural characterization using HRMS-based technologies is presented, including the use of hydrogen/deuterium exchange and hydroxyl radical footprinting methods for probing protein conformational dynamics and interactions in solution. Future directions in application of HRMS for characterizing protein therapeutics are also described.
Collapse
|