1
|
Yang CH, Li HC, Lo SY. Enhancing recombinant antibody yield in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Tzu Chi Med J 2024; 36:240-250. [PMID: 38993821 PMCID: PMC11236083 DOI: 10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_315_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
A range of recombinant monoclonal antibodies (rMAbs) have found application in treating diverse diseases, spanning various cancers and immune system disorders. Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells have emerged as the predominant choice for producing these rMAbs due to their robustness, ease of transfection, and capacity for posttranslational modifications akin to those in human cells. Transient transfection and/or stable expression could be conducted to express rMAbs in CHO cells. To bolster the yield of rMAbs in CHO cells, a multitude of approaches have been developed, encompassing vector optimization, medium formulation, cultivation parameters, and cell engineering. This review succinctly outlines these methodologies when also addressing challenges encountered in the production process, such as issues with aggregation and fucosylation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chee-Hing Yang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Chun Li
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Yen Lo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical, Hualien, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Majumdar S, Desai R, Hans A, Dandekar P, Jain R. From Efficiency to Yield: Exploring Recent Advances in CHO Cell Line Development for Monoclonal Antibodies. Mol Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12033-024-01060-6. [PMID: 38363529 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-024-01060-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The increasing demand for biosimilar monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has prompted the development of stable high-producing cell lines while simultaneously decreasing the time required for screening. Existing platforms have proven inefficient, resulting in inconsistencies in yields, growth characteristics, and quality features in the final mAb products. Selecting a suitable expression host, designing an effective gene expression system, developing a streamlined cell line generation approach, optimizing culture conditions, and defining scaling-up and purification strategies are all critical steps in the production of recombinant proteins, particularly monoclonal antibodies, in mammalian cells. As a result, an active area of study is dedicated to expression and optimizing recombinant protein production. This review explores recent breakthroughs and approaches targeted at accelerating cell line development to attain efficiency and consistency in the synthesis of therapeutic proteins, specifically monoclonal antibodies. The primary goal is to bridge the gap between rising demand and consistent, high-quality mAb production, thereby benefiting the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarmishta Majumdar
- Department of Biological Science and Biotechnology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, 400019, India
| | - Ranjeet Desai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, 400019, India
| | - Aakarsh Hans
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, 400019, India
| | - Prajakta Dandekar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, 400019, India.
| | - Ratnesh Jain
- Department of Biological Science and Biotechnology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, 400019, India.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang XY, Zhang WL, Zhang X, Fu YS, Wang HM, Sun QL, Li Q, Jia YL, Zhang JH, Wang TY. Combination of MAR and intron increase transgene expression of episomal vectors in CHO cells. Biotechnol J 2023; 18:e2200643. [PMID: 37551822 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202200643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Previous work has shown that the EF-1α promoter of episomal vectors maintains high-level transgene expression in stably transfected Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. However, the transgene expression levels need to be further increased. Here, we first incorporated matrix attachment regions (MARs), ubiquitous chromatin opening element (UCOE), stabilizing anti repressor elements 40 (STAR 40) elements into episomal vector at different sites and orientations, and systemically assessed their effects on transgene expression in transfected CHO-K1 cells. Results showed that enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) expression levels increased remarkably when MAR X-29 was inserted upstream of the promoter, followed by the insertion of MAR1 downstream of the poly A, and the orientation had no significant effect. Moreover, MAR X-29 combined with human cytomegalovirus intron (hCMVI) yielded the highest transgene expression levels (4.52-fold). Transgene expression levels were not exclusively dependent on transgene copy numbers and were not related to the mRNA expression level. In addition, vector with MAR X-29+hCMVI can induce herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) protein expression, and the HSV-TK protein showed a cell-killing effect and an obvious bystander effect on HCT116 cells. In conclusion, the combination of MAR X-29 and hCMV intron can achieve high efficiency transgene expression mediated by episomal vectors in CHO-K1 cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yin Wang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombinant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Wei-Li Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Center for Medical Genetics, Nanyang Second General Hospital, Nanyang, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yu-Shun Fu
- School of Basic Medical Science, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Hao-Min Wang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Qiu-Li Sun
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombinant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Qin Li
- School of Basic Medical Science, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yan-Long Jia
- College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Jun-He Zhang
- Institutes of Health Central Plains, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Tian-Yun Wang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombinant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bachhav B, de Rossi J, Llanos CD, Segatori L. Cell factory engineering: Challenges and opportunities for synthetic biology applications. Biotechnol Bioeng 2023; 120:2441-2459. [PMID: 36859509 PMCID: PMC10440303 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
The production of high-quality recombinant proteins is critical to maintaining a continuous supply of biopharmaceuticals, such as therapeutic antibodies. Engineering mammalian cell factories presents a number of limitations typically associated with the proteotoxic stress induced upon aberrant accumulation of off-pathway protein folding intermediates, which eventually culminate in the induction of apoptosis. In this review, we will discuss advances in cell engineering and their applications at different hierarchical levels of control of the expression of recombinant proteins, from transcription and translational to posttranslational modifications and subcellular trafficking. We also highlight challenges and unique opportunities to apply modern synthetic biology tools to the design of programmable cell factories for improved biomanufacturing of therapeutic proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bhagyashree Bachhav
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Rice University, Houston, United States
| | - Jacopo de Rossi
- Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology, Rice University, Houston, United States
| | - Carlos D. Llanos
- Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology, Rice University, Houston, United States
| | - Laura Segatori
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Rice University, Houston, United States
- Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology, Rice University, Houston, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, United States
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gödecke N, Herrmann S, Weichelt V, Wirth D. A Ubiquitous Chromatin Opening Element and DNA Demethylation Facilitate Doxycycline-Controlled Expression during Differentiation and in Transgenic Mice. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:482-491. [PMID: 36755406 PMCID: PMC9942253 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic expression cassettes provide the ability to control transgene expression in experimental animal models through external triggers, enabling the study of gene function and the modulation of endogenous regulatory networks in vivo. The performance of synthetic expression cassettes in transgenic animals critically depends on the regulatory properties of the respective chromosomal integration sites, which are affected by the remodeling of the chromatin structure during development. The epigenetic status may affect the transcriptional activity of the synthetic cassettes and even lead to transcriptional silencing, depending on the chromosomal sites and the tissue. In this study, we investigated the influence of the ubiquitous chromosome opening element (UCOE) HNRPA2B1-CBX3 and its subfragments A2UCOE and CBX3 on doxycycline-controlled expression modules within the chromosomal Rosa26 locus. While HNRPA2B1-CBX3 and A2UCOE reduced the expression of the synthetic cassettes in mouse embryonic stem cells, CBX3 stabilized the expression and facilitated doxycycline-controlled expression after in vitro differentiation. In transgenic mice, the CBX3 element protected the cassettes from overt silencing although the expression was moderate and only partially controlled by doxycycline. We demonstrate that CBX3-flanked synthetic cassettes can be activated by decitabine-mediated blockade of DNA methylation or by specific recruitment of the catalytic demethylation domain of the ten-eleven translocation protein TET1 to the synthetic promoter. This suggests that CBX3 renders the synthetic cassettes permissive for subsequent epigenetic activation, thereby supporting doxycycline-controlled expression. Together, this study reveals a strategy for overcoming epigenetic constraints of synthetic expression cassettes, facilitating externally controlled transgene expression in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natascha Gödecke
- RG
Model Systems for Infection and Immunity, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Sabrina Herrmann
- RG
Model Systems for Infection and Immunity, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Viola Weichelt
- RG
Model Systems for Infection and Immunity, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Dagmar Wirth
- RG
Model Systems for Infection and Immunity, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany,Institute
of Experimental Hematology, Medical University
Hannover (MHH), 30625 Hannover, Germany,
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Use of ubiquitous chromatin opening elements (UCOE) as tools to maintain transgene expression in biotechnology. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 21:275-283. [PMID: 36582439 PMCID: PMC9764128 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.11.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amongst the most important outputs of the biopharmaceutical industry are recombinant proteins, many of which are produced by integrating transgenes into the genomes of mammalian cells. However, expression is highly variable and can be unstable during prolonged culture. This is often due to epigenetic mechanisms silencing the transgenes. To combat this problem, vectors have been engineered to include ubiquitous chromatin opening elements (UCOEs) that protect against silencing. Here, we recount the evidence that UCOEs can modify chromatin environments and benefit biomanufacturing.
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang JH, Shan LL, Liang F, Du CY, Li JJ. Strategies and Considerations for Improving Recombinant Antibody Production and Quality in Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:856049. [PMID: 35316944 PMCID: PMC8934426 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.856049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant antibodies are rapidly developing therapeutic agents; approximately 40 novel antibody molecules enter clinical trials each year, most of which are produced from Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. However, one of the major bottlenecks restricting the development of antibody drugs is how to perform high-level expression and production of recombinant antibodies. The high-efficiency expression and quality of recombinant antibodies in CHO cells is determined by multiple factors. This review provides a comprehensive overview of several state-of-the-art approaches, such as optimization of gene sequence of antibody, construction and optimization of high-efficiency expression vector, using antibody expression system, transformation of host cell lines, and glycosylation modification. Finally, the authors discuss the potential of large-scale production of recombinant antibodies and development of culture processes for biopharmaceutical manufacturing in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun-He Zhang
- Institutes of Health Central Plains, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Recombinant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- *Correspondence: Jun-He Zhang,
| | - Lin-Lin Shan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Fan Liang
- Institutes of Health Central Plains, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Chen-Yang Du
- Institutes of Health Central Plains, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Jing-Jing Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gödecke N, Herrmann S, Hauser H, Mayer-Bartschmid A, Trautwein M, Wirth D. Rational Design of Single Copy Expression Cassettes in Defined Chromosomal Sites Overcomes Intraclonal Cell-to-Cell Expression Heterogeneity and Ensures Robust Antibody Production. ACS Synth Biol 2021; 10:145-157. [PMID: 33382574 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.0c00519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The expression of endogenous genes as well as transgenes depends on regulatory elements within and surrounding genes as well as their epigenetic modifications. Members of a cloned cell population often show pronounced cell-to-cell heterogeneity with respect to the expression of a certain gene. To investigate the heterogeneity of recombinant protein expression we targeted cassettes into two preselected chromosomal hot-spots in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Depending on the gene of interest and the design of the expression cassette, we found strong expression variability that could be reduced by epigenetic modifiers, but not by site-specific recruitment of the modulator dCas9-VPR. In particular, the implementation of ubiquitous chromatin opening elements (UCOEs) reduced cell-to-cell heterogeneity and concomitantly increased expression. The application of this method to recombinant antibody expression confirmed that rational design of cell lines for production of transgenes with predictable and high titers is a promising approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natascha Gödecke
- RG Model Systems for Infection and Immunity, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig 38124, Germany
| | - Sabrina Herrmann
- RG Model Systems for Infection and Immunity, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig 38124, Germany
| | - Hansjörg Hauser
- Staff Unit Scientific Strategy, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig 38124, Germany
| | | | | | - Dagmar Wirth
- RG Model Systems for Infection and Immunity, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig 38124, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Medical University Hannover, Hannover 30625, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Guo X, Wang C, Wang TY. Chromatin-modifying elements for recombinant protein production in mammalian cell systems. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2020; 40:1035-1043. [PMID: 32777953 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2020.1805401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian cells are the preferred choice system for the production of complex molecules, such as recombinant therapeutic proteins. Although the technology for increasing the yield of proteins has improved rapidly, the process of selecting, identifying as well as maintaining high-yield cell clones is still troublesome, time-consuming and usually uncertain. Optimization of expression vectors is one of the most effective methods for enhancing protein expression levels. Several commonly used chromatin-modifying elements, including the matrix attachment region, ubiquitous chromatin opening elements, insulators, stabilizing anti-repressor elements can be used to increase the expression level and stability of recombinant proteins. In this review, these chromatin-modifying elements used for the expression vector optimization in mammalian cells are summarized, and future strategies for the utilization of expression cassettes are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Guo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.,Perildicals Publishing House, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Chong Wang
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Tian-Yun Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.,Perildicals Publishing House, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gupta K, Parasnis M, Jain R, Dandekar P. Vector-related stratagems for enhanced monoclonal antibody production in mammalian cells. Biotechnol Adv 2019; 37:107415. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2019.107415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
|
11
|
Hunter M, Yuan P, Vavilala D, Fox M. Optimization of Protein Expression in Mammalian Cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 95:e77. [DOI: 10.1002/cpps.77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
12
|
Romanova N, Noll T. Engineered and Natural Promoters and Chromatin-Modifying Elements for Recombinant Protein Expression in CHO Cells. Biotechnol J 2017; 13:e1700232. [DOI: 10.1002/biot.201700232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nadiya Romanova
- Cell Culture Technology; Faculty of Technology; Bielefeld University; Germany
| | - Thomas Noll
- Cell Culture Technology; Faculty of Technology; Bielefeld University; Germany
- Bielefeld University; Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec); Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Neville JJ, Orlando J, Mann K, McCloskey B, Antoniou MN. Ubiquitous Chromatin-opening Elements (UCOEs): Applications in biomanufacturing and gene therapy. Biotechnol Adv 2017; 35:557-564. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2017.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Revised: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
|