1
|
Han Q, Veríssimo NVP, Bryant SJ, Martin AV, Huang Y, Pereira JFB, Santos-Ebinuma VC, Zhai J, Bryant G, Drummond CJ, Greaves TL. Scattering approaches to unravel protein solution behaviors in ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents: From basic principles to recent developments. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 331:103242. [PMID: 38964196 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2024.103242] [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] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Proteins in ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have gained significant attention due to their potential applications in various fields, including biocatalysis, bioseparation, biomolecular delivery, and structural biology. Scattering approaches including dynamic light scattering (DLS) and small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering (SAXS and SANS) have been used to understand the solution behavior of proteins at the nanoscale and microscale. This review provides a thorough exploration of the application of these scattering techniques to elucidate protein properties in ILs and DESs. Specifically, the review begins with the theoretical foundations of the relevant scattering approaches and describes the essential solvent properties of ILs and DESs linked to scattering such as refractive index, scattering length density, ion-pairs, liquid nanostructure, solvent aggregation, and specific ion effects. Next, a detailed introduction is provided on protein properties such as type, concentration, size, flexibility and structure as observed through scattering methodologies. This is followed by a review of the literature on the use of scattering for proteins in ILs and DESs. It is highlighted that enhanced data analysis and modeling tools are necessary for assessing protein flexibility and structure, and for understanding protein hydration, aggregation and specific ion effects. It is also noted that complementary approaches are recommended for comprehensively understanding the behavior of proteins in solution due to the complex interplay of factors, including ion-binding, dynamic hydration, intermolecular interactions, and specific ion effects. Finally, the challenges and potential research directions for this field are proposed, including experimental design, data analysis approaches, and supporting methods to obtain fundamental understandings of complex protein behavior and protein systems in solution. We envisage that this review will support further studies of protein interface science, and in particular studies on solvent and ion effects on proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Han
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.
| | - Nathalia V P Veríssimo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-020, Brazil
| | - Saffron J Bryant
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Andrew V Martin
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Yuhong Huang
- Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Jorge F B Pereira
- Univ Coimbra, CERES, Department of Chemical Engineering, Pólo II - Pinhal de Marrocos, Coimbra 3030-790, Portugal
| | - Valéria C Santos-Ebinuma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-020, Brazil
| | - Jiali Zhai
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Gary Bryant
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Calum J Drummond
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Tamar L Greaves
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Islam SN, Arif Z, Badar A, Moinuddin, Khan MA, Alam K. Glycoxidation of mammalian whole histone generates highly immunogenic aggregates: Sera of SLE patients contain autoantibodies against aggregates. Scand J Immunol 2024; 100:e13389. [PMID: 38816907 DOI: 10.1111/sji.13389] [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] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Non-enzymatic glycation and oxidation of self-proteins, causing formation and accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), have been reported in an array of pathologies, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Such modifications may generate neo-epitopes, break immunological tolerance, and induce antibody response. In this study, we have first analysed the structural modifications of whole histone in the presence of deoxyribose followed by oxidation with hydroxyl radicals. Changes in the secondary and tertiary structure of the whole histone were determined by spectroscopic techniques and biochemical assays. Fluorescence spectroscopy and UPLC-MS showed the generation of AGEs such as carboxymethyl lysine and pentosidine, while DLS and TEM indicated the presence of amorphous AGE-aggregates. Moreover, rabbits immunized with these histone-AGEs exhibited enhanced immunogenicity and ELISA and western immunoblot of IgG antibodies from SLE patients' sera showed a significantly higher specificity towards modified histone-AGEs than the native histone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shireen Naaz Islam
- Department of Biochemistry, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Faculty of Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP, India
| | - Zarina Arif
- Department of Biochemistry, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Faculty of Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP, India
| | - Asim Badar
- Department of Biochemistry, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Faculty of Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP, India
| | - Moinuddin
- Department of Biochemistry, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Faculty of Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP, India
| | - Md Asad Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Khursheed Alam
- Department of Biochemistry, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Faculty of Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jun T, Shin SH, Won YY. Engineered polymeric excipients for enhancing the stability of protein biologics: Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PNIPAM-PEG) block copolymers. Int J Pharm 2024; 664:124636. [PMID: 39197798 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124636] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024]
Abstract
Protein therapeutics, particularly antibodies, depend on maintaining their native structures for optimal function. Hydrophobic interfaces, such as the air-water interface, can trigger protein aggregation and denaturation. While completely avoiding such interfacial exposures during manufacturing and storage is impractical, minimizing them is crucial for enhancing protein drug stability and extending shelf life. In the biologics industry, surfactants like polysorbates are commonly used as additives (excipients) to mitigate these undesirable interfacial exposures. However, polysorbates, the most prevalent choice, have recognized limitations in terms of polydispersity, purity, and stability, prompting the exploration of alternative excipients. The present study identifies poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PNIPAM-PEG) block copolymers as a promising alternative to polysorbates. Due to its stronger affinity for the air-water interface, PNIPAM-PEG significantly outperforms polysorbates in enhancing protein stability. This claim is supported by results from multiple tests. Accelerated dynamic light scattering (DLS) experiments demonstrate PNIPAM-PEG's exceptional efficacy in preserving IgG stability against surface-induced aggregation, surpassing conventional polysorbate excipients (Tween 80 and Tween 20) under high-temperature conditions. Additionally, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy results reveal conformational alterations associated with aggregation, with PNIPAM-PEG consistently demonstrates a greater protective effect by mitigating negative shifts at λ ≅ 220 nm, indicative of changes in secondary structure. Overall, this study positions PNIPAM-PEG as a promising excipient for antibody therapeutics, facilitating the development of more stable and effective biopharmaceuticals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taesuk Jun
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Sung-Ho Shin
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - You-Yeon Won
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Purdue University Institute for Cancer Research, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kamelnia R, Ahmadi-Hamedani M, Darroudi M, Kamelnia E. Improving the stability of insulin through effective chemical modifications: A Comprehensive review. Int J Pharm 2024; 661:124399. [PMID: 38944170 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124399] [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] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Insulin, an essential peptide hormone, conjointly regulates blood glucose levels by its receptor and it is used as vital drug to treat diabetes. This therapeutic hormone may undergo different chemical modifications during industrial processes, pharmaceutical formulation, and through its endogenous storage in the pancreatic β-cells. Insulin is highly sensitive to environmental stresses and readily undergoes structural changes, being also able to unfold and aggregate in physiological conditions. Even; small changes altering the structural integrity of insulin may have significant impacts on its biological efficacy to its physiological and pharmacological activities. Insulin analogs have been engineered to achieve modified properties, such as improved stability, solubility, and pharmacokinetics, while preserving the molecular pharmacology of insulin. The casually or purposively strategies of chemical modifications of insulin occurred to improve its therapeutic and pharmaceutical properties. Knowing the effects of chemical modification, formation of aggregates, and nanoparticles on protein can be a new look at the production of protein analogues drugs and its application in living system. The project focused on effects of chemical modifications and nanoparticles on the structure, stability, aggregation and their results in effective drug delivery system, biological activity, and pharmacological properties of insulin. The future challenge in biotechnology and pharmacokinetic arises from the complexity of biopharmaceuticals, which are often molecular structures that require formulation and delivery strategies to ensure their efficacy and safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reyhane Kamelnia
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran
| | - Mahmood Ahmadi-Hamedani
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran.
| | - Majid Darroudi
- Nuclear Medicine Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Elahe Kamelnia
- Department of biology, Faculty of sciences, Mashhad branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rembert KB, Gokarn YR, Saluja A. Designing Robust Monoclonal Antibody Drug Products: Pitfalls of Simplistic Approaches for Stability Prediction. J Pharm Sci 2024; 113:2296-2304. [PMID: 38556000 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2024.03.019] [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] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Thermal stability attributes including unfolding onset (Tonset) and mid-point (Tm) are often utilized for efficient development of monoclonal antibody (mAb) products during lead selection and formulation screening workflows. An assumption of direct correlation between thermal and kinetic physical stability underpins this basic approach. While literature reports have substantiated this general approach under specific conditions, clear exceptions have been highlighted alongside. Herein, a set of mAbs formulated under diverse solution conditions to generate a broad array of thermal and kinetic stability profiles were systematically analyzed. Sequence modifications in the Fc region were purposefully engineered to generate a set of low-melting mAbs. A diverse set of excipients were subsequently utilized and shown to modulate the Tm over a wide range. While a general correlation between high Tm and low aggregation rate was observed under accelerated conditions, the predictive utility of Tm under relevant product storage conditions was inadequate at best. Critically, Tm data did not correlate with long-term aggregation rates under refrigerated or room temperature conditions. Even under accelerated conditions, Tm appeared to be a poor predictor of aggregation once it exceeded the solution storage temperature (40°C) by ∼15°C, similar to conditions routinely encountered in the development of canonical mAbs (Tm > 60°C). Pitfalls of simplistic correlative approaches are discussed in the context of practical biologics product development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelvin B Rembert
- Biologics Drug Product Development & Manufacturing, Global CMC, Sanofi, One Mountain Road, Framingham, MA 01701, USA
| | - Yatin R Gokarn
- Biologics Drug Product Development & Manufacturing, Global CMC, Sanofi, One Mountain Road, Framingham, MA 01701, USA
| | - Atul Saluja
- Biologics Drug Product Development & Manufacturing, Global CMC, Sanofi, One Mountain Road, Framingham, MA 01701, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Manning MC, Holcomb RE, Payne RW, Stillahn JM, Connolly BD, Katayama DS, Liu H, Matsuura JE, Murphy BM, Henry CS, Crommelin DJA. Stability of Protein Pharmaceuticals: Recent Advances. Pharm Res 2024; 41:1301-1367. [PMID: 38937372 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-024-03726-x] [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] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
There have been significant advances in the formulation and stabilization of proteins in the liquid state over the past years since our previous review. Our mechanistic understanding of protein-excipient interactions has increased, allowing one to develop formulations in a more rational fashion. The field has moved towards more complex and challenging formulations, such as high concentration formulations to allow for subcutaneous administration and co-formulation. While much of the published work has focused on mAbs, the principles appear to apply to any therapeutic protein, although mAbs clearly have some distinctive features. In this review, we first discuss chemical degradation reactions. This is followed by a section on physical instability issues. Then, more specific topics are addressed: instability induced by interactions with interfaces, predictive methods for physical stability and interplay between chemical and physical instability. The final parts are devoted to discussions how all the above impacts (co-)formulation strategies, in particular for high protein concentration solutions.'
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Cornell Manning
- Legacy BioDesign LLC, Johnstown, CO, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
| | - Ryan E Holcomb
- Legacy BioDesign LLC, Johnstown, CO, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Robert W Payne
- Legacy BioDesign LLC, Johnstown, CO, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Joshua M Stillahn
- Legacy BioDesign LLC, Johnstown, CO, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Charles S Henry
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liu F, Hutchinson R. Visible particles in parenteral drug products: A review of current safety assessment practice. Curr Res Toxicol 2024; 7:100175. [PMID: 38975062 PMCID: PMC11223083 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2024.100175] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Parenteral drug products (PDPs) are administered extensively to treat various diseases. Product quality plays a critical role in ensuring patient safety and product efficacy. One important quality challenge is the contamination of particles in PDPs. Particle presence in PDPs represents potential safety risk to patients. Differential guidance and practice have been in place for visible (VPs) and subvisible particles (SVPs) in PDPs. For SVPs, the amount limits have been harmonized in multiple Pharmacopeias. The pharmaceutical industry follows the guided limits for regulatory and quality compliance. However, for VPs, no such acceptable limit has been set. This results in not only quality but also safety challenges for manufacturers and drug developers in managing and evaluating VPs. It is important to understand the potential safety risk of VPs so these can be weighed against the benefit of the PDPs. To evaluate their potential risk(s), it is necessary to understand their nature, origin, frequency of their occurrence, safety risk, the risk mitigation measures, and the method to evaluate their safety. The current paper reviews the critical literature on these aspects and provides insight into considerations when performing safety assessment and managing the risk(s) for VPs in PDPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frank Liu
- Safe Product Services LLC, Pittsfield, MA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kumar G, Ardekani AM. Concentration-Dependent Diffusion of Monoclonal Antibodies: Underlying Mechanisms of Anomalous Diffusion. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:2212-2222. [PMID: 38572979 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00973] [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: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
The development, storage, transport, and subcutaneous delivery of highly concentrated monoclonal antibody formulations pose significant challenges due to the high solution viscosity and low diffusion of the antibody molecules in crowded environments. These issues often stem from the self-associating behavior of the antibody molecules, potentially leading to aggregation. In this work, we used a dissipative particle dynamics-based coarse-grained model to investigate the diffusion behavior of IgG1 antibody molecules in aqueous solutions with 15 and 32 mM NaCl and antibody concentrations ranging from 10 to 400 mg/mL. We determined the coarse-grained interaction parameters by matching the calculated structure factor with the computational and experimental data from the literature. Our results indicate Fickian diffusion for antibody concentrations of 10 and 25 mg/mL and anomalous diffusion for concentrations exceeding 50 mg/mL. The anomalous diffusion was observed for ∼0.33 to 0.4 μs, followed by Fickian diffusion for all antibody concentrations. We observed a strong linear correlation between the diffusion behavior of the antibody molecules (diffusion coefficient D and anomalous diffusion exponent α) and the amount of aggregates present in the solution and between the amount of aggregates and the Coulomb interaction energy. The investigation of underlying mechanisms for anomalous diffusion revealed that in crowded environments at high antibody concentrations, the attractive interaction between electrostatically complementary regions of the antibody molecules could further bring the neighboring molecules closer to one another, ultimately resulting in aggregate formation. Further, the Coulomb attraction can continue to draw more molecules together, forming larger aggregates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Kumar
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Arezoo M Ardekani
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Renawala HK, Chandrababu KB, Smith KJ, D'Addio SM, Topp EM. A Model Study to Assess Fibrillation and Product Stability to Support Peptide Drug Design. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:2223-2237. [PMID: 38552144 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00996] [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: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
The fibrillation of therapeutic peptides can present significant quality concerns and poses challenges for manufacturing and storage. A fundamental understanding of the mechanisms of fibrillation is critical for the rational design of fibrillation-resistant peptide drugs and can accelerate product development by guiding the selection of solution-stable candidates and formulations. The studies reported here investigated the effects of structural modifications on the fibrillation of a 29-residue peptide (PepA) and two sequence modified variants (PepB, PepC). The C-terminus of PepA was amidated, whereas both PepB and PepC retained the carboxylate, and Ser16 in PepA and PepB was substituted with a helix-stabilizing residue, α-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib), in PepC. In thermal denaturation studies by far-UV CD spectroscopy and fibrillation kinetic studies by fluorescence and turbidity measurements, PepA and PepB showed heat-induced conformational changes and were found to form fibrils, whereas PepC did not fibrillate and showed only minor changes in the CD signal. Pulsed hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) showed a high degree of protection from HD exchange in mature PepA fibrils and its proteolytic fragments, indicating that most of the sequence had been incorporated into the fibril structure and occurred nearly simultaneously throughout the sequence. The effects of the net peptide charge and formulation pH on fibrillation kinetics were investigated. In real-time stability studies of two formulations of PepA at pH's 7.4 and 8.0, analytical methods detected significant changes in the stability of the formulations at different time points during the study, which were not observed during accelerated studies. Additionally, PepA samples were withdrawn from real-time stability and subjected to additional stress (40 °C, continuous shaking) to induce fibrillation; an approach that successfully amplified oligomers or prefibrillar species previously undetected in a thioflavin T assay. Taken together, these studies present an approach to differentiate and characterize fibrillation risk in structurally related peptides under accelerated and real-time conditions, providing a model for rapid, iterative structural design to optimize the stability of therapeutic peptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harshil K Renawala
- Department of Industrial and Molecular Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Karthik B Chandrababu
- Department of Industrial and Molecular Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Katelyn J Smith
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Supply, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Suzanne M D'Addio
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Supply, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Elizabeth M Topp
- Department of Industrial and Molecular Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, Belfield, Blackrock, Co. Dublin A94 X099, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Du Y, Song J, Lu L, Yeung E, Givand J, Procopio A, Su Y, Hu G. Design of a Reciprocal Injection Device for Stability Studies of Parenteral Biological Drug Products. J Pharm Sci 2024; 113:1330-1338. [PMID: 38113997 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.12.014] [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] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Formulation screening, essential for assessing the impact of physical, chemical, and mechanical stresses on protein stability, plays a critical role in biologics drug product development. This research introduces a Reciprocal Injection Device (RID) designed to accelerate formulation screening by probing protein stability under intensified stress conditions within prefilled syringes. This versatile device is designed to accommodate a broad spectrum of injection parameters and diverse syringe dimensions. A commercial drug product was employed as a model monoclonal antibody formulation. Our findings effectively highlight the efficacy of the RID in assessing concentration-dependent protein stability. This device exhibits significant potential to amplify the influences of interfacial interactions, such as those with buffer salts, excipients, air, metals, and silicone oils, commonly found in combination drug products, and to evaluate the protein stability under varied stresses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Du
- Analytical Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, United States
| | - Jing Song
- Analytical Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, United States
| | - Lynn Lu
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Supply, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, United States
| | - Edward Yeung
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Supply, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, United States
| | - Jeffrey Givand
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Supply, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, United States
| | - Adam Procopio
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Supply, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, United States
| | - Yongchao Su
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Supply, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, United States.
| | - Guangli Hu
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Supply, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Martins-Ribeiro A, Kizhedath A, Ahmed SS, Glassey J, Ishaq A, Freer M, Dickinson AM. A Human Skin Explant Test as a Novel In Vitro Assay for the Detection of Skin Sensitization to Aggregated Monoclonal Antibodies. TOXICS 2024; 12:332. [PMID: 38787111 PMCID: PMC11125788 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12050332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Introduction: Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are important therapeutics. However, the enhanced potential for aggregation has become a critical quality parameter during the production of mAbs. Furthermore, mAb aggregation may also present a potential health risk in a clinical setting during the administration of mAb therapeutics to patients. While the extent of immunotoxicity in patient populations is uncertain, reports show it can lead to immune responses via cell activation and cytokine release. In this study, an autologous in vitro skin test designed to predict adverse immune events, including skin sensitization, was used as a novel assay for the assessment of immunotoxicity caused by mAb aggregation. Material and Methods: Aggregation of mAbs was induced by a heat stress protocol, followed by characterization of protein content by analytical ultra-centrifugation and transmission electron microscopy, revealing a 4% aggregation level of total protein content. Immunotoxicity and potential skin sensitization caused by the aggregates, were then tested in a skin explant assay. Results: Aggregated Herceptin and Rituximab caused skin sensitization, as shown by histopathological damage (grade II-III positive response) together with positive staining for Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP70). Changes in T cell proliferation were not observed. Cytokine analysis revealed a significant increase of IL-10 for the most extreme condition of aggregation (65 °C at pH3) and a trend for an overall increase of IFN-γ, especially in response to Rituximab. Conclusions: The skin explant assay demonstrated that aggregated mAbs showed adverse immune reactions, as demonstrated as skin sensitization, with histopathological grades II-III. The assay may, therefore, be a novel tool for assessing immunotoxicity and skin sensitization caused by mAb aggregation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Martins-Ribeiro
- Alcyomics Ltd., The Biosphere, Draymans Way, Newcastle Helix, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE4 5BX, UK; (A.M.-R.); (M.F.)
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Arathi Kizhedath
- Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Shaheda Sameena Ahmed
- Alcyomics Ltd., The Biosphere, Draymans Way, Newcastle Helix, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE4 5BX, UK; (A.M.-R.); (M.F.)
| | - Jarka Glassey
- Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Abbas Ishaq
- Alcyomics Ltd., The Biosphere, Draymans Way, Newcastle Helix, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE4 5BX, UK; (A.M.-R.); (M.F.)
| | - Matthew Freer
- Alcyomics Ltd., The Biosphere, Draymans Way, Newcastle Helix, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE4 5BX, UK; (A.M.-R.); (M.F.)
| | - Anne Mary Dickinson
- Alcyomics Ltd., The Biosphere, Draymans Way, Newcastle Helix, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE4 5BX, UK; (A.M.-R.); (M.F.)
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Cohen JR, Brych SR, Prabhu S, Bi V, Elbaradei A, Tokuda JM, Xiang C, Hokom M, Cui X, Ly C, Amos N, Sun J, Calamba D, Herskovitz J, Capili A, Nourbakhsh K, Merlo A, Carreon J, Wypych J, Narhi LO, Jawa V, Joubert MK. A High Threshold of Biotherapeutic Aggregate Numbers is Needed to Induce an Immunogenic Response In Vitro, In Vivo, and in the Clinic. Pharm Res 2024; 41:651-672. [PMID: 38519817 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-024-03678-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE There is concern that subvisible aggregates in biotherapeutic drug products pose a risk to patient safety. We investigated the threshold of biotherapeutic aggregates needed to induce immunogenic responses. METHODS AND RESULTS Highly aggregated samples were tested in cell-based assays and induced cellular responses in a manner that depended on the number of particles. The threshold of immune activation varied by disease state (cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, allergy), concomitant therapies, and particle number. Compared to healthy donors, disease state patients showed an equal or lower response at the late phase (7 days), suggesting they may not have a higher risk of responding to aggregates. Xeno-het mice were used to assess the threshold of immune activation in vivo. Although highly aggregated samples (~ 1,600,000 particles/mL) induced a weak and transient immunogenic response in mice, a 100-fold dilution of this sample (~ 16,000 particles/mL) did not induce immunogenicity. To confirm this result, subvisible particles (up to ~ 18,000 particles/mL, containing aggregates and silicone oil droplets) produced under representative administration practices (created upon infusion of a drug product through an IV catheter) did not induce a response in cell-based assays or appear to increase the rate of adverse events or immunogenicity during phase 3 clinical trials. CONCLUSION The ability of biotherapeutic aggregates to elicit an immune response in vitro, in vivo, and in the clinic depends on high numbers of particles. This suggests that there is a high threshold for aggregates to induce an immunogenic response which is well beyond that seen in standard biotherapeutic drug products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph R Cohen
- The Department of Process Development, Amgen Inc, One Amgen Center Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA.
| | - Stephen R Brych
- The Department of Process Development, Amgen Inc, One Amgen Center Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Siddharth Prabhu
- The Department of Process Development, Amgen Inc, One Amgen Center Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Vivian Bi
- The Department of Biosimilars, Amgen Inc, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Ahmed Elbaradei
- The Department of Process Development, Amgen Inc, One Amgen Center Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Joshua M Tokuda
- The Department of Process Development, Amgen Inc, One Amgen Center Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Cathie Xiang
- The Department of Process Development, Amgen Inc, One Amgen Center Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Martha Hokom
- The Department of Clinical Immunology, Amgen Inc, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
- Department of BioAnalytical Sciences, Genentech, Inc, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Xiaohong Cui
- The Department of Process Development, Amgen Inc, One Amgen Center Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Claudia Ly
- The Department of Process Development, Amgen Inc, One Amgen Center Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Nathan Amos
- The Department of Process Development, Amgen Inc, One Amgen Center Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Jilin Sun
- Translational Safety and Bioanalytical Sciences, Amgen Inc, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Dominador Calamba
- Translational Safety and Bioanalytical Sciences, Amgen Inc, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Jonathan Herskovitz
- The Department of Clinical Immunology, Amgen Inc, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Allyson Capili
- The Department of Process Development, Amgen Inc, One Amgen Center Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Kimya Nourbakhsh
- The Department of Process Development, Amgen Inc, One Amgen Center Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Anthony Merlo
- The Department of Process Development, Amgen Inc, One Amgen Center Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Julia Carreon
- The Department of Process Development, Amgen Inc, One Amgen Center Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Jette Wypych
- The Department of Process Development, Amgen Inc, One Amgen Center Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Linda O Narhi
- The Department of Process Development, Amgen Inc, One Amgen Center Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Vibha Jawa
- The Department of Clinical Immunology, Amgen Inc, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
- Department of Pharmacometrics, Disposition & Bioanalysis, Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ, 08543, USA
| | - Marisa K Joubert
- The Department of Process Development, Amgen Inc, One Amgen Center Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Janke JJ, Starr CG, Kingsbury JS, Furtmann N, Roberts CJ, Calero-Rubio C. Computational Screening for mAb Colloidal Stability with Coarse-Grained, Molecular-Scale Simulations. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:1515-1526. [PMID: 38315822 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c05303] [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: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are an important modality of protein therapeutics with broad applications for numerous diseases. However, colloidal instabilities occurring at high protein concentrations can limit the ability to develop stable, high-concentration liquid dosage forms that are required for patient-centric, device-mediated products. Therefore, it is advantageous to identify colloidally stable mAbs early in the discovery process to ensure that they are selected for development. Experimental screening for colloidal stability can be time- and resource-consuming and is most feasible at the later stages of drug development due to material requirements. Alternatively, computational approaches have emerging potential to provide efficient screening and focus developmental efforts on mAbs with the greatest developability potential, while providing mechanistic relationships for colloidal instability. In this work, coarse-grained, molecular-scale models were fine-tuned to screen for colloidal stability at amino-acid resolution. This model parameterization provides a framework to screen for mAb self-interactions and extrapolate to bulk solution behavior. This approach was applied to a wide array of mAbs under multiple buffer conditions, demonstrating the utility of the presented computational approach to augment early candidate screening and later formulation strategies for protein therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Joel Janke
- Biologics Drug Product Development and Manufacturing, Sanofi, Framingham, Massachusetts 01701, United States
| | - Charles G Starr
- Biologics Drug Product Development and Manufacturing, Sanofi, Framingham, Massachusetts 01701, United States
| | - Jonathan S Kingsbury
- Biologics Drug Product Development and Manufacturing, Sanofi, Framingham, Massachusetts 01701, United States
| | - Norbert Furtmann
- Large Molecules Research Platform, Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, Frankfurt 65926, Germany
| | - Christopher J Roberts
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Cesar Calero-Rubio
- Biologics Drug Product Development and Manufacturing, Sanofi, Framingham, Massachusetts 01701, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Reinert T, Houzé P, Francois YN, Gahoual R. Enhancing affinity purification of monoclonal antibodies from human serum for subsequent CZE-MS analysis. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2024; 1234:123974. [PMID: 38271747 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2023.123974] [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] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Due to the separation technique employed, capillary electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry (CE-MS) analysis performances are significantly influenced by the chemical composition and the complexity of the sample. In various applications, that impact has prevented the use of CE-MS for the characterization and quantification of proteins in biological samples. Here we present the development and evaluation and a sample preparation procedure, based on affinity purification, for the specific extraction of the monoclonal antibody (mAbs) infliximab from human serum in order to perform subsequent proteolytic digestion and CE-MS/MS analysis. Three distinctive sample preparation strategies were envisaged. In each case, the different steps composing the protocol were thoroughly optimized and evaluated in order to provide a sample preparation addressing the important complexity of serums samples while providing an optimal compatibility with CE-MS/MS analysis. The different sample preparation strategies were assessed concerning the possibility to achieve an appropriate absolute quantification of the mAbs using CE-MS/MS for samples mimicking patient serum samples. Also, the possibility to perform the characterization of several types of post-translational modifications (PTMs) was evaluated. The sample preparation protocols allowed the quantification of the mAbs in serums samples for concentration as low as 0.2 µg·mL-1 (2.03 nM) using CE-MS/MS analysis, also the possibility to characterize and estimate the modification level of PTMs hotspots in a consistent manner. Results allowed to attribute the effect on the electrophoretic separation of the different steps composing sample preparation. Finally, they demonstrated that sample preparation for CE-MS/MS analysis could benefit greatly for the extended applicability of this type of analysis for complex biological matrices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Reinert
- Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse des Interactions et des Systèmes (LSMIS) UMR 7140 (Unistra-CNRS), Université de Strasbourg, France; Université Paris Cité, Unité de Technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé (UTCBS), CNRS, Inserm, Faculté de sciences pharmaceutiques et biologiques, Paris, France.
| | - Pascal Houzé
- Université Paris Cité, Unité de Technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé (UTCBS), CNRS, Inserm, Faculté de sciences pharmaceutiques et biologiques, Paris, France; Laboratoire de Toxicologie Biologique, Hôpital Lariboisière, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Yannis-Nicolas Francois
- Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse des Interactions et des Systèmes (LSMIS) UMR 7140 (Unistra-CNRS), Université de Strasbourg, France
| | - Rabah Gahoual
- Université Paris Cité, Unité de Technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé (UTCBS), CNRS, Inserm, Faculté de sciences pharmaceutiques et biologiques, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Gallo E. Revolutionizing Synthetic Antibody Design: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence and Deep Sequencing Big Data for Unprecedented Advances. Mol Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12033-024-01064-2. [PMID: 38308755 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-024-01064-2] [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: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic antibodies (Abs) represent a category of engineered proteins meticulously crafted to replicate the functions of their natural counterparts. Such Abs are generated in vitro, enabling advanced molecular alterations associated with antigen recognition, paratope site engineering, and biochemical refinements. In a parallel realm, deep sequencing has brought about a paradigm shift in molecular biology. It facilitates the prompt and cost-effective high-throughput sequencing of DNA and RNA molecules, enabling the comprehensive big data analysis of Ab transcriptomes, including specific regions of interest. Significantly, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), based on machine- and deep- learning approaches, has fundamentally transformed our capacity to discern patterns hidden within deep sequencing big data, including distinctive Ab features and protein folding free energy landscapes. Ultimately, current AI advances can generate approximations of the most stable Ab structural configurations, enabling the prediction of de novo synthetic Abs. As a result, this manuscript comprehensively examines the latest and relevant literature concerning the intersection of deep sequencing big data and AI methodologies for the design and development of synthetic Abs. Together, these advancements have accelerated the exploration of antibody repertoires, contributing to the refinement of synthetic Ab engineering and optimizations, and facilitating advancements in the lead identification process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eugenio Gallo
- Avance Biologicals, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, 950 Dupont Street, Toronto, ON, M6H 1Z2, Canada.
- RevivAb, Department of Protein Engineering, Av. Ipiranga, 6681, Partenon, Porto Alegre, RS, 90619-900, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abdelghaffar SH, Hegazy MA, Eltanany BM. Stability and Biosimilarity Assessment of Bevacizumab Monoclonal Antibody; Orthogonal Testing Protocol Coupled With Peptide Mapping-Principal Component Analysis. J AOAC Int 2024; 107:177-188. [PMID: 37606972 DOI: 10.1093/jaoacint/qsad094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biologics are essential in cancer treatment because they stimulate the body's natural response to fight cancer, but they are expensive. Biosimilars are more affordable compared to patent biologicals, but it must be verified that they are as effective as their innovators. Characterization of biosimilars and assessment of interchangeability requires many data points for verification. OBJECTIVE The proposed study provides a quality assessment of two new bevacizumab (BVZ) biosimilars, produced by Amgen and Biocad, Inc., through the development and greenness assessment of an orthogonal testing protocol and purity indicating assay, including size-exclusion (SE-HPLC), reversed-phase (RP-HPLC), and cation exchange chromatography (CEX-HPLC) in addition to dynamic light scattering (DLS) and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). METHODS SE-HPLC method was performed and validated to screen the BVZ monomer and its aggregates and/or fragments. Peak purity and system suitability parameters were calculated. Results indicate that the orthogonal protocol is a useful tool for assessing monoclonal antibody stability. It is a key criterion for biosimilarity assessment. DLS and SDS-PAGE results were compared to each other to reveal close retention times and banding patterns between BVZ innovator and its biosimilars. These results showed that Avastin® and the investigated biosimilars have the same profile in terms of peak area of related compounds within the acceptance limit and apparent molecular weight, and the SDS-PAGE technique was found to be the most eco-friendly technique among others. CONCLUSIONS The results obtained highlighted the importance of assessing similarities and differences in ensuring the biosimilarity and interchangeability of the studied products. HIGHLIGHTS BVZ is one of the essential monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). BVZ biosimilars were evaluated by developing an orthogonal testing protocol and a purity-indicating assay. The size-exclusion (SE)-HPLC method was applied and validated to monitor the BVZ monomer and its aggregates. The results demonstrated the importance of assessing the stability and biosimilarity of BVZ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara H Abdelghaffar
- Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA), 51 Ministry of Agriculture, Agouza District, Giza, Egypt
| | - Maha A Hegazy
- Cairo University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry Department, Kasr El-Aini Street, Cairo, 11562, Egypt
| | - Basma M Eltanany
- Cairo University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry Department, Kasr El-Aini Street, Cairo, 11562, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Rahban M, Ahmad F, Piatyszek MA, Haertlé T, Saso L, Saboury AA. Stabilization challenges and aggregation in protein-based therapeutics in the pharmaceutical industry. RSC Adv 2023; 13:35947-35963. [PMID: 38090079 PMCID: PMC10711991 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra06476j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein-based therapeutics have revolutionized the pharmaceutical industry and become vital components in the development of future therapeutics. They offer several advantages over traditional small molecule drugs, including high affinity, potency and specificity, while demonstrating low toxicity and minimal adverse effects. However, the development and manufacturing processes of protein-based therapeutics presents challenges related to protein folding, purification, stability and immunogenicity that should be addressed. These proteins, like other biological molecules, are prone to chemical and physical instabilities. The stability of protein-based drugs throughout the entire manufacturing, storage and delivery process is essential. The occurrence of structural instability resulting from misfolding, unfolding, and modifications, as well as aggregation, poses a significant risk to the efficacy of these drugs, overshadowing their promising attributes. Gaining insight into structural alterations caused by aggregation and their impact on immunogenicity is vital for the advancement and refinement of protein therapeutics. Hence, in this review, we have discussed some features of protein aggregation during production, formulation and storage as well as stabilization strategies in protein engineering and computational methods to prevent aggregation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahdie Rahban
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences Kerman Iran
| | - Faizan Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Chemical & Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard New Delhi-110062 India
| | | | | | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University Rome Italy
| | - Ali Akbar Saboury
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran Tehran 1417614335 Iran +9821 66404680 +9821 66956984
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Vlachy V, Kalyuzhnyi YV, Hribar-Lee B, Dill KA. Protein Association in Solution: Statistical Mechanical Modeling. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1703. [PMID: 38136574 PMCID: PMC10742237 DOI: 10.3390/biom13121703] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein molecules associate in solution, often in clusters beyond pairwise, leading to liquid phase separations and high viscosities. It is often impractical to study these multi-protein systems by atomistic computer simulations, particularly in multi-component solvents. Instead, their forces and states can be studied by liquid state statistical mechanics. However, past such approaches, such as the Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory, were limited to modeling proteins as spheres, and contained no microscopic structure-property relations. Recently, this limitation has been partly overcome by bringing the powerful Wertheim theory of associating molecules to bear on protein association equilibria. Here, we review these developments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vojko Vlachy
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | | | - Barbara Hribar-Lee
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Ken A. Dill
- Laufer Center for Physical and Quantitative Biology, Stony Brook University, New York, NY 11794, USA;
- Department of Chemistry, Physics and Astronomy, Stony Brook University, New York, NY 11790, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Pham KG, Thompson BR, Wang T, Samaddar S, Qian KK, Liu Y, Wagner NJ. Interfacial Pressure and Viscoelasticity of Antibodies and Their Correlation to Long-Term Stability in Formulation. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:9724-9733. [PMID: 37917554 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c05900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) form viscoelastic gel-like layers at the air-water interface due to their amphiphilic nature, and this same protein characteristic can lead to undesired aggregation of proteins in therapeutic formulations. We hypothesize that the interfacial viscoelasticity and surface pressure of mAbs at the air-water interface will correlate with their long-term stability. To test this hypothesis, the interfacial viscoelastic rheology and surface pressure of five different antibodies with varying visible particle counts from a three-year stability study were measured. We find that both the surface pressures and interfacial elastic moduli correlate well with the long-time mAb solution stability within a class of mAbs with the interfacial elastic moduli being particularly sensitive to discriminate between stable and unstable mAbs across a range of formulations. Furthermore, X-ray reflectivity was used to gain insight into the interfacial structure of mAbs at the air-water interface, providing a possible molecular mechanism to explain the relationship between interfacial elastic moduli and the long-term stability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiet G Pham
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Center for Neutron Science, University of Delaware, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Benjamin R Thompson
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Center for Neutron Science, University of Delaware, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Tingting Wang
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana 46225, United States
| | - Shayak Samaddar
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana 46225, United States
| | - Ken K Qian
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana 46225, United States
| | - Yun Liu
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Center for Neutron Science, University of Delaware, Delaware 19716, United States
- NIST Center for Neutron Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Norman J Wagner
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Center for Neutron Science, University of Delaware, Delaware 19716, United States
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Nagatoishi S, Toyoshima T, Furukawa K, Tsumoto K. Quantitative analysis of antibody aggregates by combination of pinched-flow fractionation and coulter method. Anal Biochem 2023; 681:115331. [PMID: 37774997 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2023.115331] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
For the pharmaceutical development of proteins, multiple methods of analysis are recommended for evaluating aggregation, and the development of more quantitative and simpler analytical techniques for subvisible particles is expected. This study introduces the Pinched-Flow Fractionation (PFF)-Coulter method, which combines the Pinched-flow fractionation (PFF) and Coulter methods to analyze the concentration of submicron-sized particles. The PFF method separates the particles by size. Separated particles were individually detected using the Coulter method. We have utilized the PFF-Coulter method to quantitatively analyze particle concentrations using standard particles, evaluate detection limits, variability, and correlation between theoretical and measured values, and analyze mixtures of different particle sizes. The PFF-Coulter method allows for quantitatively analyzing of particle sizes from 0.2 to 2.0 μm. The quantifiable weight concentration range was 2.5 × 10-2 - 50 μg/mL, and the number concentration range was 104-1010 particles/mL. The sample volume was small (<10 μL). The PFF-Coulter method is capable of quantitative analysis that complements data from conventional measurement techniques, and when used in conjunction with existing submicron-size particle analysis techniques, will enable more accurate particle analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Nagatoishi
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1, Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan; School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan.
| | - Toshinobu Toyoshima
- No.2 R&D / Bioscience Division, Tosoh Corporation, 2743-1, Hayakawa, Ayase, Kanagawa, 253-1123, Japan
| | - Kotohiro Furukawa
- Life Science Research Laboratory, Tosoh Corporation, 2743-1, Hayakawa, Ayase, Kanagawa, 253-1123, Japan
| | - Kouhei Tsumoto
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1, Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan; School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Rauch-Wirth L, Renner A, Kaygisiz K, Weil T, Zimmermann L, Rodriguez-Alfonso AA, Schütz D, Wiese S, Ständker L, Weil T, Schmiedel D, Münch J. Optimized peptide nanofibrils as efficient transduction enhancers for in vitro and ex vivo gene transfer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1270243. [PMID: 38022685 PMCID: PMC10666768 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1270243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy is a groundbreaking immunotherapy for cancer. However, the intricate and costly manufacturing process remains a hurdle. Improving the transduction rate is a potential avenue to cut down costs and boost therapeutic efficiency. Peptide nanofibrils (PNFs) serve as one such class of transduction enhancers. PNFs bind to negatively charged virions, facilitating their active engagement by cellular protrusions, which enhances virion attachment to cells, leading to increased cellular entry and gene transfer rates. While first-generation PNFs had issues with aggregate formation and potential immunogenicity, our study utilized in silico screening to identify short, endogenous, and non-immunogenic peptides capable of enhancing transduction. This led to the discovery of an 8-mer peptide, RM-8, which forms PNFs that effectively boost T cell transduction rates by various retroviral vectors. A subsequent structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis refined RM-8, resulting in the D4 derivative. D4 peptide is stable and assembles into smaller PNFs, avoiding large aggregate formation, and demonstrates superior transduction rates in primary T and NK cells. In essence, D4 PNFs present an economical and straightforward nanotechnological tool, ideal for refining ex vivo gene transfer in CAR-T cell production and potentially other advanced therapeutic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lena Rauch-Wirth
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Alexander Renner
- Department for Cell and Gene Therapy Development, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kübra Kaygisiz
- Department Synthesis of Macromolecules, Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Mainz, Germany
| | - Tatjana Weil
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Laura Zimmermann
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Armando A. Rodriguez-Alfonso
- Core Facility Functional Peptidomics, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
- Core Unit of Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Desiree Schütz
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Sebastian Wiese
- Core Unit of Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Ludger Ständker
- Core Facility Functional Peptidomics, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tanja Weil
- Department Synthesis of Macromolecules, Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Mainz, Germany
| | - Dominik Schmiedel
- Department for Cell and Gene Therapy Development, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jan Münch
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
- Core Facility Functional Peptidomics, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Larson NR, Bou-Assaf GM. Increasing the Resolution of Field-Flow Fractionation with Increasing Crossflow Gradients. Anal Chem 2023; 95:16138-16143. [PMID: 37874938 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c02570] [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: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
The resolution of flow field-flow fractionation (flow FFF) depends primarily on the crossflow rate and its change over time. In this work, we demonstrate a method for modulation of the crossflow rate during separation that increases the peak-to-peak resolution of the resulting fractograms. In classical FFF methods, the crossflow rate is either maintained constant or decreased during the separation of the different species. In this work, higher resolution between peaks was achieved by a novel gradient method in which the crossflow is increased briefly during separation to allow stronger retention of the later eluting peaks. We first outline the theoretical basis by which improved separation is achieved. We confirm our hypothesis by quantifying the impact of increasing crossflow on the resolution between a monoclonal antibody monomer and its high-molecular-weight aggregate. We then demonstrate that this method is applicable to two different FFF methods (AF4 and HF5) and various pharmaceutically relevant samples (monoclonal antibodies and adeno-associated viruses). Finally, we hypothesize that increasing the force perpendicular to the laminar flow as described here is broadly applicable to all FFF methods and improves the quality of FFF-based separations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas R Larson
- Pharmaceutical Operations & Technology, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - George M Bou-Assaf
- Pharmaceutical Operations & Technology, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Waigh TA, Korabel N. Heterogeneous anomalous transport in cellular and molecular biology. REPORTS ON PROGRESS IN PHYSICS. PHYSICAL SOCIETY (GREAT BRITAIN) 2023; 86:126601. [PMID: 37863075 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6633/ad058f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
It is well established that a wide variety of phenomena in cellular and molecular biology involve anomalous transport e.g. the statistics for the motility of cells and molecules are fractional and do not conform to the archetypes of simple diffusion or ballistic transport. Recent research demonstrates that anomalous transport is in many cases heterogeneous in both time and space. Thus single anomalous exponents and single generalised diffusion coefficients are unable to satisfactorily describe many crucial phenomena in cellular and molecular biology. We consider advances in the field ofheterogeneous anomalous transport(HAT) highlighting: experimental techniques (single molecule methods, microscopy, image analysis, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, inelastic neutron scattering, and nuclear magnetic resonance), theoretical tools for data analysis (robust statistical methods such as first passage probabilities, survival analysis, different varieties of mean square displacements, etc), analytic theory and generative theoretical models based on simulations. Special emphasis is made on high throughput analysis techniques based on machine learning and neural networks. Furthermore, we consider anomalous transport in the context of microrheology and the heterogeneous viscoelasticity of complex fluids. HAT in the wavefronts of reaction-diffusion systems is also considered since it plays an important role in morphogenesis and signalling. In addition, we present specific examples from cellular biology including embryonic cells, leucocytes, cancer cells, bacterial cells, bacterial biofilms, and eukaryotic microorganisms. Case studies from molecular biology include DNA, membranes, endosomal transport, endoplasmic reticula, mucins, globular proteins, and amyloids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Andrew Waigh
- Biological Physics, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Nickolay Korabel
- Department of Mathematics, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Wu KW, Chen TH, Yang TC, Wang SC, Shameem M, Graham KS. Continuous monitoring of a monoclonal antibody by size exclusion chromatography reveals a correlation between system suitability parameters and column aging. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2023; 235:115622. [PMID: 37540994 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2023.115622] [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] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) is a foundational analytical method to assess product purity of biological molecules. To ensure accurate and reproducible data that meet regulatory agency standards, it is critical to monitor the chromatographic column with efficient and continuous approaches. In this study, 19 SEC columns (Waters Acquity BEH200) were evaluated using an in-house monoclonal antibody made at Regeneron. System suitability parameters (SSPs) were used to monitor the performance of the SEC assay, including USP resolution, USP plate count, USP tailing factor, asymmetry factor, elution time, peak width, and peak height. A general linear model was built and revealed that elution time, peak width, asymmetry factor, and tailing factor increased with injection number, while peak height, resolution, and plate count decreased. After 1000 injections, tailing factor and peak width increased by more than 10%, while resolution and plate count decreased by more than 10% from their respective starting values.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Wei Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, The University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Tse-Hong Chen
- Formulation Development Group, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Rd, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA.
| | - Teng-Chieh Yang
- Formulation Development Group, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Rd, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | - Shao-Chun Wang
- Formulation Development Group, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Rd, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | - Mohammed Shameem
- Formulation Development Group, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Rd, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | - Kenneth S Graham
- Formulation Development Group, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Rd, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Xu AY, Blanco MA, Castellanos MM, Meuse CW, Mattison K, Karageorgos I, Hatch HW, Shen VK, Curtis JE. Role of Domain-Domain Interactions on the Self-Association and Physical Stability of Monoclonal Antibodies: Effect of pH and Salt. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:8344-8357. [PMID: 37751332 PMCID: PMC10561141 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c03928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) make up a major class of biotherapeutics with a wide range of clinical applications. Their physical stability can be affected by various environmental factors. For instance, an acidic pH can be encountered during different stages of the mAb manufacturing process, including purification and storage. Therefore, understanding the behavior of flexible mAb molecules in acidic solution environments will benefit the development of stable mAb products. This study used small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and complementary biophysical characterization techniques to investigate the conformational flexibility and protein-protein interactions (PPI) of a model mAb molecule under near-neutral and acidic conditions. The study also characterized the interactions between Fab and Fc fragments under the same buffer conditions to identify domain-domain interactions. The results suggest that solution pH significantly influences mAb flexibility and thus could help mAbs remain physically stable by maximizing local electrostatic repulsions when mAbs become crowded in solution. Under acidic buffer conditions, both Fab and Fc contribute to the repulsive PPI observed among the full mAb at a low ionic strength. However, as ionic strength increases, hydrophobic interactions lead to the self-association of Fc fragments and, subsequently, could affect the aggregation state of the mAb.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Y. Xu
- Department
of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Marco A. Blanco
- Discovery
Pharmaceutical Sciences, Merck Research
Laboratories, Merck & Co., Inc, West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Maria Monica Castellanos
- Institute
for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
- NIST
Center for Neutron Research, National Institute
of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Curtis W. Meuse
- Institute
for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
- Biomolecular
Measurement Division, National Institute
of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Kevin Mattison
- Malvern
Panalytical, Westborough, Massachusetts 01581, United States
| | - Ioannis Karageorgos
- Institute
for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
- Biomolecular
Measurement Division, National Institute
of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Harold W. Hatch
- Chemical
Sciences Division, Material Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Vincent K. Shen
- Chemical
Sciences Division, Material Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Joseph E. Curtis
- NIST
Center for Neutron Research, National Institute
of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Pang KT, Yang YS, Zhang W, Ho YS, Sormanni P, Michaels TCT, Walsh I, Chia S. Understanding and controlling the molecular mechanisms of protein aggregation in mAb therapeutics. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 67:108192. [PMID: 37290583 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108192] [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] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In antibody development and manufacturing, protein aggregation is a common challenge that can lead to serious efficacy and safety issues. To mitigate this problem, it is important to investigate its molecular origins. This review discusses (1) our current molecular understanding and theoretical models of antibody aggregation, (2) how various stress conditions related to antibody upstream and downstream bioprocesses can trigger aggregation, and (3) current mitigation strategies employed towards inhibiting aggregation. We discuss the relevance of the aggregation phenomenon in the context of novel antibody modalities and highlight how in silico approaches can be exploited to mitigate it.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kuin Tian Pang
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore; School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technology University, Singapore
| | - Yuan Sheng Yang
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Wei Zhang
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Ying Swan Ho
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Pietro Sormanni
- Chemistry of Health, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas C T Michaels
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, Otto-Stern-Weg 3, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland; Bringing Materials to Life Initiative, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ian Walsh
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore.
| | - Sean Chia
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Wu D, Li Y, Zheng L, Xiao H, Ouyang L, Wang G, Sun Q. Small molecules targeting protein-protein interactions for cancer therapy. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:4060-4088. [PMID: 37799384 PMCID: PMC10547922 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are fundamental to many biological processes that play an important role in the occurrence and development of a variety of diseases. Targeting the interaction between tumour-related proteins with emerging small molecule drugs has become an attractive approach for treatment of human diseases, especially tumours. Encouragingly, selective PPI-based therapeutic agents have been rapidly advancing over the past decade, providing promising perspectives for novel therapies for patients with cancer. In this review we comprehensively clarify the discovery and development of small molecule modulators of PPIs from multiple aspects, focusing on PPIs in disease, drug design and discovery strategies, structure-activity relationships, inherent dilemmas, and future directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Defa Wu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, West China Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, West China Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lang Zheng
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, West China Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Huan Xiao
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, West China Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Liang Ouyang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, West China Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Guan Wang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, West China Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qiu Sun
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, West China Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- West China Medical Publishers, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Tao Y, Chen Y, Howard W, Ibrahim M, Patel SM, McMahon WP, Kim YJ, Delmar JA, Davis D. Mechanism of Insoluble Aggregate Formation in a Reconstituted Solution of Spray-Dried Protein Powder. Pharm Res 2023; 40:2355-2370. [PMID: 37131104 PMCID: PMC10661820 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-023-03524-x] [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: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spray-drying is considered a promising alternative drying method to lyophilization (freeze-drying) for therapeutic proteins. Particle counts in reconstituted solutions of dried solid dosage forms of biologic drug products are closely monitored to ensure product quality. We found that high levels of particles formed after reconstitution of protein powders that had been spray-dried under suboptimal conditions. METHODS Visible and subvisible particles were evaluated. Soluble proteins in solution before spray-drying and in the reconstituted solution of spray-dried powder were analyzed for their monomer content levels and melting temperatures. Insoluble particles were collected and analyzed by Fourier transform infrared microscopy (FTIR), and further analyzed with hydrogen-deuterium exchange (HDX). RESULTS Particles observed after reconstitution were shown not to be undissolved excipients. FTIR confirmed their identity as proteinaceous in nature. These particles were therefore considered to be insoluble protein aggregates, and HDX was applied to investigate the mechanism underlying aggregate formation. Heavy-chain complementarity-determining region 1 (CDR-1) in the aggregates showed significant protection by HDX, suggesting CDR-1 was critical for aggregate formation. In contrast, various regions became more conformationally dynamic globally, suggesting the aggregates have lost protein structural integrity and partially unfolded after spray-drying. DISCUSSION The spray-drying process could have disrupted the higher-order structure of proteins and exposed the hydrophobic residues in CDR-1 of the heavy chain, contributing to the formation of aggregate through hydrophobic interactions upon reconstitution of spray-dried powder. These results can contribute to efforts to design spray-dry resilient protein constructs and improve the robustness of the spray-drying process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yeqing Tao
- Process and Analytical Sciences, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, 20787, USA.
| | - Yuan Chen
- Dosage Form Design & Development, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Wesley Howard
- Process and Analytical Sciences, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, 20787, USA
| | - Mariam Ibrahim
- Dosage Form Design & Development, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Sajal M Patel
- Dosage Form Design & Development, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - William P McMahon
- Process and Analytical Sciences, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, 20787, USA
| | - Yoen Joo Kim
- Process and Analytical Sciences, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, 20787, USA
| | - Jared A Delmar
- Process and Analytical Sciences, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, 20787, USA
| | - Darryl Davis
- Process and Analytical Sciences, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, 20787, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Overby C, Park S, Summers A, Benoit DS. Zwitterionic peptides: Tunable next-generation stealth nanoparticle modifications. Bioact Mater 2023; 27:113-124. [PMID: 37006823 PMCID: PMC10063383 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Adsorption of proteins to nanoparticles (NPs), a complex process that results in a protein corona, is controlled by NP surface properties that define NP interactions in vivo. Efforts to control adsorbed protein quantity through surface modification have led to improvements in circulation time or biodistribution. Still, current approaches have yet to be identified to control adsorbed protein identities within the corona. Here, we report the development and characterization of diverse zwitterionic peptides (ZIPs) for NP anti-fouling surface functionalization with specific and controllable affinity for protein adsorption profiles defined by ZIP sequence. Through serum exposure of ZIP-conjugated NPs and proteomics analysis of the resulting corona, we determined that protein adsorption profiles depend not on the exact composition of the ZIPs but on the sequence and order of charges along the sequence (charge motif). These findings pave the way for developing tunable ZIPs to orchestrate specific ZIP-NP protein adsorption profiles as a function of ZIP charge motif to better control cell and tissue specificity and pharmacokinetics and provide new tools for investigating relationships between protein corona and biological function. Furthermore, overall ZIP diversity enabled by the diversity of amino acids may ameliorate adaptive immune responses.
Collapse
|
30
|
Wong B, Zhao X, Su Y, Ouyang H, Rhodes T, Xu W, Xi H, Fu D. Characterizing Silicone Oil-Induced Protein Aggregation with Stimulated Raman Scattering Imaging. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:4268-4276. [PMID: 37382286 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Particles in biopharmaceutical products present high risks due to their detrimental impacts on product quality and safety. Identification and quantification of particles in drug products are important to understand particle formation mechanisms, which can help develop control strategies for particle formation during the formulation development and manufacturing process. However, existing analytical techniques such as microflow imaging and light obscuration measurement lack the sensitivity and resolution to detect particles with sizes smaller than 2 μm. More importantly, these techniques are not able to provide chemical information to determine particle composition. In this work, we overcome these challenges by applying the stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy technique to monitor the C-H Raman stretching modes of the proteinaceous particles and silicone oil droplets formed in the prefilled syringe barrel. By comparing the relative signal intensity and spectral features of each component, most particles can be classified as protein-silicone oil aggregates. We further show that morphological features are poor indicators of particle composition. Our method has the capability to quantify aggregation in protein therapeutics with chemical and spatial information in a label-free manner, potentially allowing high throughput screening or investigation of aggregation mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian Wong
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Xi Zhao
- Analytical Enabling Capabilities, Analytical Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
- Sterile and Specialty Products, Pharmaceutical Sciences & Clinical Supply, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Yongchao Su
- Analytical Enabling Capabilities, Analytical Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Hanlin Ouyang
- Analytical Enabling Capabilities, Analytical Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Timothy Rhodes
- Analytical Enabling Capabilities, Analytical Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Wei Xu
- Analytical Enabling Capabilities, Analytical Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Hanmi Xi
- Analytical Enabling Capabilities, Analytical Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Dan Fu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Barros CHN, Alfaro M, Costello C, Wang F, Sapre K, Rastogi S, Chiruvolu S, Connolly J, Topp EM. Effect of Atomic Layer Coating on the Stability of Solid Myoglobin Formulations. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:4086-4099. [PMID: 37466053 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00229] [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: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
The effects of atomic layer (ALC) coating on physical properties and storage stability were examined in solid powders containing myoglobin, a model protein. Powders containing myoglobin and mannitol (1:1 w/w) were prepared by lyophilization or spray drying and subjected to aluminum oxide or silicon oxide ALC coating. Uncoated samples of these powders as well as coated and uncoated samples of myoglobin as received served as controls. After preparation (t0), samples were analyzed for moisture content, reconstitution time, myoglobin secondary structure, crystallinity, and protein aggregate content. Samples were stored for 3 months (t3) under controlled conditions (53% RH, 40 °C) in both open and closed vials and then analyzed as above. At t3, the recovery of soluble native (i.e., monomeric) protein depended on formulation, coating type, and drying method and was up to 2-fold greater in coated samples than in uncoated controls. Promisingly, some samples with high recovery also showed low soluble aggregate content (<10%) at t3 and low total monomer loss; the latter was correlated to sample moisture content. Overall, the results demonstrate that ALC coatings can stabilize solid protein formulations during storage, providing benefits over uncoated controls.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caio H N Barros
- National Institution for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT), Dublin A94 X099, Ireland
| | - Manuel Alfaro
- National Institution for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT), Dublin A94 X099, Ireland
| | - Cormac Costello
- National Institution for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT), Dublin A94 X099, Ireland
| | - Fei Wang
- Applied Materials, Inc., Santa Clara, California 58039, United States
| | - Kedar Sapre
- Applied Materials, Inc., Santa Clara, California 58039, United States
| | - Suneel Rastogi
- Applied Materials, Inc., Santa Clara, California 58039, United States
| | | | - James Connolly
- Applied Materials, Inc., Santa Clara, California 58039, United States
| | - Elizabeth M Topp
- National Institution for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT), Dublin A94 X099, Ireland
- Department of Industrial and Physical Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Shi M, McHugh KJ. Strategies for overcoming protein and peptide instability in biodegradable drug delivery systems. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 199:114904. [PMID: 37263542 PMCID: PMC10526705 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The global pharmaceutical market has recently shifted its focus from small molecule drugs to peptide, protein, and nucleic acid drugs, which now comprise a majority of the top-selling pharmaceutical products on the market. Although these biologics often offer improved drug specificity, new mechanisms of action, and/or enhanced efficacy, they also present new challenges, including an increased potential for degradation and a need for frequent administration via more invasive administration routes, which can limit patient access, patient adherence, and ultimately the clinical impact of these drugs. Controlled-release systems have the potential to mitigate these challenges by offering superior control over in vivo drug levels, localizing these drugs to tissues of interest (e.g., tumors), and reducing administration frequency. Unfortunately, adapting controlled-release devices to release biologics has proven difficult due to the poor stability of biologics. In this review, we summarize the current state of controlled-release peptides and proteins, discuss existing techniques used to stabilize these drugs through encapsulation, storage, and in vivo release, and provide perspective on the most promising opportunities for the clinical translation of controlled-release peptides and proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miusi Shi
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030, USA; The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine, Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Kevin J McHugh
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Pastorin G, Benetti C, Wacker MG. From in vitro to in vivo: A comprehensive guide to IVIVC development for long-acting therapeutics. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 199:114906. [PMID: 37286087 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Pastorin
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Camillo Benetti
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Matthias G Wacker
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Mills BJ, Godamudunage MP, Ren S, Laha M. Predictive Nature of High-Throughput Assays in ADC Formulation Screening. J Pharm Sci 2023; 112:1821-1831. [PMID: 37037342 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.03.021] [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] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Utilization of high-throughput biophysical screening techniques during early screening studies is warranted due to the limited amount of material and large number of samples. But the predictability of the data to longer-term storage stability is critical as the high-throughput methods assist in defining the design space for the longer-term studies. In this study, the biophysical properties of two ADCs in 16 formulation conditions were evaluated using high-throughput techniques. Conformational stability and colloidal stability were evaluated by determining Tm values, kD, B22, and Tagg. In addition, the samples were placed on stability and the extent of aggregate formation over the 8-week interval was determined. The rank order of the 16 different formulations in the high-throughput assays was compared to the rank order observed during the stability studies to assess the predictive capabilities of the screening methods. It was demonstrated that similar rank orders can be expected between high-throughput physical stability indicating assays such as Tagg and B22 and traditional aggregation by SEC data, whereas conformational stability read-outs (Tm) are less predictive. In addition, the high-throughput assays appropriately identified the poor performing formulation conditions, which is ultimately what is desired of screening assays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brittney J Mills
- Biologics CMC Drug Product Development, AbbVie Inc., 1 N Waukegan Road, North Chicago, IL 60064, United States.
| | - Malika P Godamudunage
- Biologics CMC Drug Product Development, AbbVie Inc., 1 N Waukegan Road, North Chicago, IL 60064, United States
| | - Siyuan Ren
- Biologics CMC Drug Product Development, AbbVie Inc., 1 N Waukegan Road, North Chicago, IL 60064, United States
| | - Malabika Laha
- Biologics CMC Drug Product Development, AbbVie Inc., 1 N Waukegan Road, North Chicago, IL 60064, United States
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Chang KH, Park BJ, Nam KC. Aerosolization Performance of Immunoglobulin G by Jet and Mesh Nebulizers. AAPS PharmSciTech 2023; 24:125. [PMID: 37225929 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-023-02579-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, many preclinical and clinical studies have been conducted on the delivery of therapeutic antibodies to the lungs using nebulizers, but standard treatment guidelines have not yet been established. Our objective was to compare nebulization performance according to the low temperature and concentration of immunoglobulin G (IgG) solutions in different types of nebulizers, and to evaluate the stability of IgG aerosols and the amount delivered to the lungs. The output rate of the mesh nebulizers decreased according to the low temperature and high concentration of IgG solution, whereas the jet nebulizer was unaffected by the temperature and concentration of IgG. An impedance change of the piezoelectric vibrating element in the mesh nebulizers was observed because of the lower temperature and higher viscosity of IgG solution. This affected the resonance frequency of the piezoelectric element and lowered the output rate of the mesh nebulizers. Aggregation assays using a fluorescent probe revealed aggregates in IgG aerosols from all nebulizers. The delivered dose of IgG to the lungs in mice was highest at 95 ng/mL in the jet nebulizer with the smallest droplet size. Evaluation of the performance of IgG solution delivered to the lungs by three types of nebulizers could provide valuable parameter information for determination on dose of therapeutic antibody by nebulizers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Hwa Chang
- Department of Medical Engineering, Dongguk University College of Medicine, 32 Dongguk-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, 10326, South Korea
| | - Bong Joo Park
- Department of Electrical & Biological Physics and Institute of Biomaterials, Kwangwoon University, Seoul, 01897, South Korea
| | - Ki Chang Nam
- Department of Medical Engineering, Dongguk University College of Medicine, 32 Dongguk-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, 10326, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Kulakova A, Augustijn D, El Bialy I, Gentiluomo L, Greco ML, Hervø-Hansen S, Indrakumar S, Mahapatra S, Martinez Morales M, Pohl C, Polimeni M, Roche A, Svilenov HL, Tosstorff A, Zalar M, Curtis R, Derrick JP, Frieß W, Golovanov AP, Lund M, Nørgaard A, Khan TA, Peters GHJ, Pluen A, Roessner D, Streicher WW, van der Walle CF, Warwicker J, Uddin S, Winter G, Bukrinski JT, Rinnan Å, Harris P. Chemometrics in Protein Formulation: Stability Governed by Repulsion and Protein Unfolding. Mol Pharm 2023. [PMID: 37146162 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic proteins can be challenging to develop due to their complexity and the requirement of an acceptable formulation to ensure patient safety and efficacy. To date, there is no universal formulation development strategy that can identify optimal formulation conditions for all types of proteins in a fast and reliable manner. In this work, high-throughput characterization, employing a toolbox of five techniques, was performed on 14 structurally different proteins formulated in 6 different buffer conditions and in the presence of 4 different excipients. Multivariate data analysis and chemometrics were used to analyze the data in an unbiased way. First, observed changes in stability were primarily determined by the individual protein. Second, pH and ionic strength are the two most important factors determining the physical stability of proteins, where there exists a significant statistical interaction between protein and pH/ionic strength. Additionally, we developed prediction methods by partial least-squares regression. Colloidal stability indicators are important for prediction of real-time stability, while conformational stability indicators are important for prediction of stability under accelerated stress conditions at 40 °C. In order to predict real-time storage stability, protein-protein repulsion and the initial monomer fraction are the most important properties to monitor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alina Kulakova
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 207, Kongens, Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| | - Dillen Augustijn
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 26, Frederiksberg 1958, Denmark
| | - Inas El Bialy
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen, Butenandtstrasse 5, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Lorenzo Gentiluomo
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen, Butenandtstrasse 5, Munich 81377, Germany
- Wyatt Technology Europe GmbH, Hochstrasse 18, Dernbach 56307, Germany
| | - Maria Laura Greco
- Dosage Form Design and Development, AstraZeneca, Sir Aaron Klug Building, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GH, U.K
| | - Stefan Hervø-Hansen
- Division of Theoretical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, P.O. Box 124, Lund 22100, Sweden
| | - Sowmya Indrakumar
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 207, Kongens, Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| | | | - Marcello Martinez Morales
- Dosage Form Design and Development, AstraZeneca, Sir Aaron Klug Building, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GH, U.K
| | - Christin Pohl
- Novozymes A/S, Krogshoejvej 36, Bagsvaerd 2880, Denmark
| | - Marco Polimeni
- Division of Theoretical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, P.O. Box 124, Lund 22100, Sweden
| | - Aisling Roche
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, U.K
| | - Hristo L Svilenov
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen, Butenandtstrasse 5, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Andreas Tosstorff
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen, Butenandtstrasse 5, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Matja Zalar
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, and Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K
| | - Robin Curtis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, U.K
| | - Jeremy P Derrick
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
| | - Wolfgang Frieß
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen, Butenandtstrasse 5, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Alexander P Golovanov
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, and Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K
| | - Mikael Lund
- Division of Theoretical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, P.O. Box 124, Lund 22100, Sweden
| | | | - Tarik A Khan
- Pharmaceutical Development & Supplies, Pharma Technical Development Biologics Europe, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, Basel 4070, Switzerland
| | - Günther H J Peters
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 207, Kongens, Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| | - Alain Pluen
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K
| | - Dierk Roessner
- Wyatt Technology Europe GmbH, Hochstrasse 18, Dernbach 56307, Germany
| | | | - Christopher F van der Walle
- Dosage Form Design and Development, AstraZeneca, Sir Aaron Klug Building, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GH, U.K
| | - Jim Warwicker
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
| | - Shahid Uddin
- Dosage Form Design and Development, AstraZeneca, Sir Aaron Klug Building, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GH, U.K
| | - Gerhard Winter
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen, Butenandtstrasse 5, Munich 81377, Germany
| | | | - Åsmund Rinnan
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 26, Frederiksberg 1958, Denmark
| | - Pernille Harris
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 207, Kongens, Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Villafuerte-Vega RC, Li HW, Slaney TR, Chennamsetty N, Chen G, Tao L, Ruotolo BT. Ion Mobility-Mass Spectrometry and Collision-Induced Unfolding of Designed Bispecific Antibody Therapeutics. Anal Chem 2023; 95:6962-6970. [PMID: 37067470 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c00344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) represent a critically important class of emerging therapeutics capable of targeting two different antigens simultaneously. As such, bsAbs have been developed as effective treatment agents for diseases that remain challenging for conventional monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapeutics to access. Despite these advantages, bsAbs are intricate molecules, requiring both the appropriate engineering and pairing of heavy and light chains derived from separate parent mAbs. Current analytical tools for tracking the bsAb construction process have demonstrated a limited ability to robustly probe the higher-order structure (HOS) of bsAbs. Native ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IM-MS) and collision-induced unfolding (CIU) have proven to be useful tools in probing the HOS of mAb therapeutics. In this report, we describe a series of detailed and quantitative IM-MS and CIU data sets that reveal HOS details associated with a knob-into-hole (KiH) bsAb model system and its corresponding parent mAbs. We find that quantitative analysis of CIU data indicates that global KiH bsAb stability occupies an intermediate space between the stabilities recorded for its parent mAbs. Furthermore, our CIU data identify the hole-containing half of the KiH bsAb construct to be the least stable, thus driving much of the overall stability of the KiH bsAb. An analysis of both intact bsAb and enzymatic fragments allows us to associate the first and second CIU transitions observed for the intact KiH bsAb to the unfolding Fab and Fc domains, respectively. This result is likely general for CIU data collected for low charge state mAb ions and is supported by data acquired for deglycosylated KiH bsAb and mAb constructs, each of which indicates greater destabilization of the second CIU transition observed in our data. When integrated, our CIU analysis allows us to link changes in the first CIU transition primarily to the Fab region of the hole-containing halfmer, while the second CIU transition is likely strongly connected to the Fc region of the knob-containing halfmer. Taken together, our results provide an unprecedented road map for evaluating the domain-level stabilities and HOS of both KiH bsAb and mAb constructs using CIU.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Henry W Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Thomas R Slaney
- Analytical Development and Attribute Sciences, Biologics Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08903, United States
| | - Naresh Chennamsetty
- Analytical Development and Attribute Sciences, Biologics Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08903, United States
| | - Guodong Chen
- Analytical Development and Attribute Sciences, Biologics Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08903, United States
| | - Li Tao
- Analytical Development and Attribute Sciences, Biologics Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08903, United States
| | - Brandon T Ruotolo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Chen Z, Wang X, Chen X, Huang J, Wang C, Wang J, Wang Z. Accelerating therapeutic protein design with computational approaches toward the clinical stage. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:2909-2926. [PMID: 38213894 PMCID: PMC10781723 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic protein, represented by antibodies, is of increasing interest in human medicine. However, clinical translation of therapeutic protein is still largely hindered by different aspects of developability, including affinity and selectivity, stability and aggregation prevention, solubility and viscosity reduction, and deimmunization. Conventional optimization of the developability with widely used methods, like display technologies and library screening approaches, is a time and cost-intensive endeavor, and the efficiency in finding suitable solutions is still not enough to meet clinical needs. In recent years, the accelerated advancement of computational methodologies has ushered in a transformative era in the field of therapeutic protein design. Owing to their remarkable capabilities in feature extraction and modeling, the integration of cutting-edge computational strategies with conventional techniques presents a promising avenue to accelerate the progression of therapeutic protein design and optimization toward clinical implementation. Here, we compared the differences between therapeutic protein and small molecules in developability and provided an overview of the computational approaches applicable to the design or optimization of therapeutic protein in several developability issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhidong Chen
- Department of Pathology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Xinpei Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Xu Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Juyang Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Chenglin Wang
- Shenzhen Qiyu Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Junqing Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Christofi E, Barran P. Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry (IM-MS) for Structural Biology: Insights Gained by Measuring Mass, Charge, and Collision Cross Section. Chem Rev 2023; 123:2902-2949. [PMID: 36827511 PMCID: PMC10037255 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
The investigation of macromolecular biomolecules with ion mobility mass spectrometry (IM-MS) techniques has provided substantial insights into the field of structural biology over the past two decades. An IM-MS workflow applied to a given target analyte provides mass, charge, and conformation, and all three of these can be used to discern structural information. While mass and charge are determined in mass spectrometry (MS), it is the addition of ion mobility that enables the separation of isomeric and isobaric ions and the direct elucidation of conformation, which has reaped huge benefits for structural biology. In this review, where we focus on the analysis of proteins and their complexes, we outline the typical features of an IM-MS experiment from the preparation of samples, the creation of ions, and their separation in different mobility and mass spectrometers. We describe the interpretation of ion mobility data in terms of protein conformation and how the data can be compared with data from other sources with the use of computational tools. The benefit of coupling mobility analysis to activation via collisions with gas or surfaces or photons photoactivation is detailed with reference to recent examples. And finally, we focus on insights afforded by IM-MS experiments when applied to the study of conformationally dynamic and intrinsically disordered proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Christofi
- Michael Barber Centre for Collaborative Mass Spectrometry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, United Kingdom
| | - Perdita Barran
- Michael Barber Centre for Collaborative Mass Spectrometry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Västberg A, Bolinsson H, Leeman M, Nilsson L, Nylander T, Sejwal K, Sintorn IM, Lidayova K, Sjögren H, Wahlgren M, Elofsson U. Investigating Thermally Induced Aggregation of Somatropin- New Insights Using Orthogonal Techniques. Int J Pharm 2023; 637:122829. [PMID: 36948472 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.122829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Three orthogonal techniques were used to provide new insights into thermally induced aggregation of the therapeutic protein Somatropin at pH 5.8 and 7.0. The techniques were Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Asymmetric Flow-Field Flow-Fractionation (AF4), and the TEM-based analysis system MiniTEM™. In addition, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was used to study the thermal unfolding and stability. DSC and DLS were used to explain the initial aggregation process and aggregation rate at the two pH values. The results suggest that electrostatic stabilization seems to be the main reason for the faster initial aggregation at pH 5.8, i.e., closer to the isoelectric point of Somatropin. AF4 and MiniTEM were used to investigate the aggregation pathway further. Combining the results allowed us to demonstrate Somatropin's thermal aggregation pathway at pH 7.0. The growth of the aggregates appears to follow two steps. Smaller elongated aggregates are formed in the first step, possibly initiated by partly unfolded species. In the second step, occurring during longer heating, the smaller aggregates assemble into larger aggregates with more complex structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Västberg
- Research Institutes of Sweden, Drottning Kristinas väg 61B, 11428 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Food Technology, Engineering and Nutrition, Faculty of Engineering LTH, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Hans Bolinsson
- Department of Food Technology, Engineering and Nutrition, Faculty of Engineering LTH, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Lars Nilsson
- Department of Food Technology, Engineering and Nutrition, Faculty of Engineering LTH, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Tommy Nylander
- Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | | - Marie Wahlgren
- Department of Food Technology, Engineering and Nutrition, Faculty of Engineering LTH, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ulla Elofsson
- Research Institutes of Sweden, Drottning Kristinas väg 61B, 11428 Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Rajan R, Matsumura K. Design of self-assembled glycopolymeric zwitterionic micelles as removable protein stabilizing agents. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2023; 5:1767-1775. [PMID: 36926568 PMCID: PMC10012880 DOI: 10.1039/d3na00002h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Developing stabilizers that protect proteins from denaturation under stress, and are easy to remove from solutions, is a challenge in protein therapeutics. In this study, micelles made of trehalose, a zwitterionic polymer (poly-sulfobetaine; poly-SPB), and polycaprolactone (PCL) were synthesized by a one-pot reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization reaction. The micelles protect lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and human insulin from denaturation due to stresses like thermal incubation and freezing, and help them retain higher-order structures. Importantly, the protected proteins are readily isolated from the micelles by ultracentrifugation, with over 90% recovery, and almost all enzymatic activity is retained. This suggests the great potential of poly-SPB-based micelles for use in applications requiring protection and removal as required. The micelles may also be used to effectively stabilize protein-based vaccines and drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robin Rajan
- School of Materials Science, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology 1-1 Asahidai Nomi Ishikawa 923-1292 Japan
| | - Kazuaki Matsumura
- School of Materials Science, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology 1-1 Asahidai Nomi Ishikawa 923-1292 Japan
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Larson NR, Wei Y, Cruz TA, Esfandiary R, Kalonia CK, Forrest ML, Middaugh CR. Conformational Changes and Drivers of Monoclonal Antibody Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation. J Pharm Sci 2023; 112:680-690. [PMID: 36306862 PMCID: PMC9974558 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2022.10.017] [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: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation is a phenomenon within biology whereby proteins can separate into dense and more dilute phases with distinct properties. Three antibodies that undergo liquid-liquid phase separation were characterized in the protein-rich and protein-poor phases. In comparison to the protein-poor phase, the protein-rich phase demonstrates more blue-shift tryptophan emissions and red-shifted amide I absorbances. Large changes involving conformational isomerization around disulfide bonds were observed using Raman spectroscopy. Amide I and protein fluorescence differences between the phases persisted to temperatures above the critical temperature but ceased at the temperature at which aggregation occurred. In addition, large changes occurred in the structural organization of water molecules within the protein-rich phase for all three antibodies. It is hypothesized that as the proteins have the same chemical potential in both phases, the protein viscosity is higher in the protein-rich phase resulting in slowed diffusion dependent protein aggregation in this phase. For all three antibodies we performed accelerated stability studies and found that the protein-rich phase aggregated at the same rate or slower than the protein-poor phase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas R Larson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, 2093 Constant Ave, Lawrence, KS 66047; Macromolecule and Vaccine Stabilization Center, University of Kansas, 2030 Becker Driver, Lawrence, KS 66047
| | - Yangjie Wei
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, 2093 Constant Ave, Lawrence, KS 66047; Macromolecule and Vaccine Stabilization Center, University of Kansas, 2030 Becker Driver, Lawrence, KS 66047
| | - Thayana Araújo Cruz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, 2093 Constant Ave, Lawrence, KS 66047; Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), IQ, Biochemistry Program, Ilha do Fundao, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-909, Brazil
| | - Reza Esfandiary
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, 2093 Constant Ave, Lawrence, KS 66047; Macromolecule and Vaccine Stabilization Center, University of Kansas, 2030 Becker Driver, Lawrence, KS 66047
| | - Cavan K Kalonia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, 2093 Constant Ave, Lawrence, KS 66047; Macromolecule and Vaccine Stabilization Center, University of Kansas, 2030 Becker Driver, Lawrence, KS 66047
| | - M Laird Forrest
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, 2093 Constant Ave, Lawrence, KS 66047
| | - C Russell Middaugh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, 2093 Constant Ave, Lawrence, KS 66047.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Ibrahim M, Wallace I, Ghazvini S, Manetz S, Cordoba-Rodriguez R, Patel SM. Protein Aggregates in Inhaled Biologics: Challenges and Considerations. J Pharm Sci 2023; 112:1341-1344. [PMID: 36796636 PMCID: PMC9927828 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary delivery is the main route of administration for treatment of local lung diseases. Recently, the interest in delivery of proteins through the pulmonary route for treatment of lung diseases has significantly increased, especially after Covid-19 pandemic. The development of an inhalable protein combines the challenges of inhaled as well as biologic products since protein stability may be compromised during manufacture or delivery. For instance, spray drying is the most common technology for manufacture of inhalable biological particles, however, it imposes shear and thermal stresses which may cause protein unfolding and aggregation post drying. Therefore, protein aggregation should be evaluated for inhaled biologics as it could impact the safety and/or efficacy of the product. While there is extensive knowledge and regulatory guidance on acceptable limits of particles, which inherently include insoluble protein aggregates, in injectable proteins, there is no comparable knowledge for inhaled ones. Moreover, the poor correlation between in vitro setup for analytical testing and the in vivo lung environment limits the predictability of protein aggregation post inhalation. Thus, the purpose of this article is to highlight the major challenges facing the development of inhaled proteins compared to parenteral ones, and to share future thoughts to resolve them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Ibrahim
- Dosage Form Design & Development, Early-Stage Formulation Sciences, Biopharmaceuticals Development, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, USA
| | - Ian Wallace
- Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, Respiratory & Immunology, Neuroscience, Vaccines & Immune Therapies Safety, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Saba Ghazvini
- Dosage Form Design & Development, Early-Stage Formulation Sciences, Biopharmaceuticals Development, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, USA
| | - Scott Manetz
- Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, Respiratory & Immunology, Neuroscience, Vaccines & Immune Therapies Safety, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, USA
| | - Ruth Cordoba-Rodriguez
- Regulatory Affairs, Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls Regulatory Affairs, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, USA
| | - Sajal M. Patel
- Dosage Form Design & Development, Early-Stage Formulation Sciences, Biopharmaceuticals Development, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, USA,Corresponding author
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Insights into the Stabilization of Interferon Alpha by Two Surfactants Revealed by STD-NMR Spectroscopy. J Pharm Sci 2023; 112:404-410. [PMID: 36257338 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2022.10.013] [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: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Surfactants are commonly used in biopharmaceutical formulations to stabilize proteins against aggregation. However, the choice of a suitable surfactant for a particular protein is decided mostly empirically, and their mechanism of action on molecular level is largely unknown. Here we show that a straightforward label-free method, saturation transfer difference (STD) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, can be used to detect protein-surfactant interactions in formulations of a model protein, interferon alpha. We find that polysorbate 20 binds with its fatty acid to interferon, and that the binding is stronger at pH closer to the isoelectric point of the protein. In contrast, we did not detect interactions between poloxamer 407 and interferon alpha. Neither of the two surfactants affected the tertiary structure and the thermal stability of the protein as evident from circular dichroism and nanoDSF measurements. Interestingly, both surfactants inhibited the formation of subvisible particles during long-term storage, but only polysorbate 20 reduced the amount of small soluble aggregates detected by size-exclusion chromatography. This proof-of-principle study demonstrates how STD-NMR can be employed to quickly assess surfactant-protein interactions and support the choice of surfactant in protein formulation.
Collapse
|
45
|
Mass spectrometric insights into protein aggregation. Essays Biochem 2023; 67:243-253. [PMID: 36636963 PMCID: PMC10070474 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20220103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Protein aggregation is now recognized as a generic and significant component of the protein energy landscape. Occurring through a complex and dynamic pathway of structural interconversion, the assembly of misfolded proteins to form soluble oligomers and insoluble aggregates remains a challenging topic of study, both in vitro and in vivo. Since the etiology of numerous human diseases has been associated with protein aggregation, and it has become a field of increasing importance in the biopharmaceutical industry, the biophysical characterization of protein misfolded states and their aggregation mechanisms continues to receive increased attention. Mass spectrometry (MS) has firmly established itself as a powerful analytical tool capable of both detection and characterization of proteins at all levels of structure. Given inherent advantages of biological MS, including high sensitivity, rapid timescales of analysis, and the ability to distinguish individual components from complex mixtures with unrivalled specificity, it has found widespread use in the study of protein aggregation, importantly, where traditional structural biology approaches are often not amenable. The present review aims to provide a brief overview of selected MS-based approaches that can provide a range of biophysical descriptors associated with protein conformation and the aggregation pathway. Recent examples highlight where this technology has provided unique structural and mechanistic understanding of protein aggregation.
Collapse
|
46
|
Clauss ZS, Meudom R, Su B, VandenBerg MA, Saini SS, Webber MJ, Chou DHC, Kramer JR. Supramolecular Protein Stabilization with Zwitterionic Polypeptide-Cucurbit[7]uril Conjugates. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:481-488. [PMID: 36512327 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c01319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Protein aggregation is an obstacle for the development of new biopharmaceuticals, presenting challenges in shipping and storage of vital therapies. Though a variety of materials and methods have been explored, the need remains for a simple material that is biodegradable, nontoxic, and highly efficient at stabilizing protein therapeutics. In this work, we investigated zwitterionic polypeptides prepared using a rapid and scalable polymerization technique and conjugated to a supramolecular macrocycle host, cucurbit[7]uril, for the ability to inhibit aggregation of model protein therapeutics insulin and calcitonin. The polypeptides are based on the natural amino acid methionine, and zwitterion sulfonium modifications were compared to analogous cationic and neutral structures. Each polymer was end-modified with a single cucurbit[7]uril macrocycle to afford supramolecular recognition and binding to terminal aromatic amino acids on proteins. Only conjugates prepared from zwitterionic structures of sufficient chain lengths were efficient inhibitors of insulin aggregation and could also inhibit aggregation of calcitonin. This polypeptide exhibited no cytotoxicity in human cells even at concentrations that were five-fold of the intended therapeutic regime. We explored treatment of the zwitterionic polypeptides with a panel of natural proteases and found steady biodegradation as expected, supporting eventual clearance when used as a protein formulation additive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zachary S Clauss
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Rolande Meudom
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California 94304, United States
| | - Bo Su
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Michael A VandenBerg
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Simranpreet S Saini
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Matthew J Webber
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Danny Hung-Chieh Chou
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California 94304, United States
| | - Jessica R Kramer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Larivière L, Krüger JE, von Hirschheydt T, Schlothauer T, Bray-French K, Bader M, Runza V. End-to-end approach for the characterization and control of product-related impurities in T cell bispecific antibody preparations. Int J Pharm X 2023; 5:100157. [PMID: 36687375 PMCID: PMC9850176 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpx.2023.100157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-based T cell-activating biologics are promising therapeutic medicines being developed for a number of indications, mainly in the oncology field. Among those, T cell bispecific antibodies are designed to bind one tumor-specific antigen and the T cell receptor at the same time, leading to a robust T cell response against the tumor. Although their unique format and the versatility of the CrossMab technology allows for the generation of safer molecules in an efficient manner, product-related variants cannot be completely avoided. Therefore, it is of extreme importance that both a manufacturing process that limits or depletes product-related impurities, as well as a thorough analytical characterization are in place, starting from the development of the manufacturing cell line until the assessment of potential toxicities. Here, we describe such an end-to-end approach to minimize, quantify and control impurities and -upon their functional characterization- derive specifications that allow for the release of clinical material.
Collapse
Key Words
- Antibody manufacturing process
- CE-SDS, capillary electrophoresis‑sodium dodecyl sulfate
- CRS, cytokine release syndrome
- ELISA, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
- End-to-end approach
- Fc, fragment crystallizable
- Functional characterization
- GMP, good manufacturing process
- HIC, hydrophobic interaction chromatography
- HMW, high molecular weight (species)
- IEX, ion exchange chromatography
- PBS, phosphate buffer saline
- Product-related impurities control
- SEC, size-exclusion chromatography
- SPR, surface plasmon resonance
- TAA, tumor-associated antigen
- TCB, T cell bispecific
- TCR, T cell receptor
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Larivière
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg 82377, Germany
| | - Julia Eva Krüger
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg 82377, Germany
| | - Thomas von Hirschheydt
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg 82377, Germany
| | - Tilman Schlothauer
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg 82377, Germany
| | - Katharine Bray-French
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel 4058, Switzerland
| | - Martin Bader
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg 82377, Germany
| | - Valeria Runza
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg 82377, Germany,Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Svilenov HL, Arosio P, Menzen T, Tessier P, Sormanni P. Approaches to expand the conventional toolbox for discovery and selection of antibodies with drug-like physicochemical properties. MAbs 2023; 15:2164459. [PMID: 36629855 PMCID: PMC9839375 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2022.2164459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody drugs should exhibit not only high-binding affinity for their target antigens but also favorable physicochemical drug-like properties. Such drug-like biophysical properties are essential for the successful development of antibody drug products. The traditional approaches used in antibody drug development require significant experimentation to produce, optimize, and characterize many candidates. Therefore, it is attractive to integrate new methods that can optimize the process of selecting antibodies with both desired target-binding and drug-like biophysical properties. Here, we summarize a selection of techniques that can complement the conventional toolbox used to de-risk antibody drug development. These techniques can be integrated at different stages of the antibody development process to reduce the frequency of physicochemical liabilities in antibody libraries during initial discovery and to co-optimize multiple antibody features during early-stage antibody engineering and affinity maturation. Moreover, we highlight biophysical and computational approaches that can be used to predict physical degradation pathways relevant for long-term storage and in-use stability to reduce the need for extensive experimentation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hristo L. Svilenov
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Paolo Arosio
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Tim Menzen
- Coriolis Pharma Research GmbH, Martinsried, 82152, Germany
| | - Peter Tessier
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Pietro Sormanni
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Zhang C, Dalby PA. Assessing and Engineering Antibody Stability Using Experimental and Computational Methods. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2552:165-197. [PMID: 36346592 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2609-2_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Engineering increased stability into antibodies can improve their developability. While a range of properties need to be optimized, thermal stability and aggregation are two key factors that affect the antibody yield, purity, and specificity throughout the development and manufacturing pipeline. Therefore, an ideal goal would be to apply protein engineering methods early-on, such as in parallel to affinity maturation, to screen out potential drug molecules with the desired conformational and colloidal stability. This chapter introduces our methods to computationally characterize an antibody Fab fragment, propose stabilizing variants, and then experimentally verify these predictions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhang
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Paul Anthony Dalby
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Ukidve A, Rembert KB, Vanipenta R, Dorion P, Lafarguette P, McCoy T, Saluja A, Suryanarayanan R, Patke S. Succinate Buffer in Biologics Products: Real-world Formulation Considerations, Processing Risks and Mitigation Strategies. J Pharm Sci 2023; 112:138-147. [PMID: 35667631 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2022.05.026] [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: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The succinic acid/succinate system has an excellent buffering capacity at acidic pH values (4.5-6.0), promising to be a buffer of choice for biologics having slightly acidic to basic isoelectric points (pI 6 - 9). However, its prevalence in drug products is limited due to the propensity (risk) of its components to crystallize during freezing and the consequent shift in the pH which might affect the product stability. Most of these previous assessments have been performed under operational conditions that do not simulate typical drug product processing conditions. In this work, we have characterized the physicochemical behavior of succinate formulations under representative pharmaceutical conditions. Our results indicate that the pH increases by ∼ 1.2 units in 25 mM and 250 mM succinate buffers at pharmaceutically relevant freezing conditions. X-ray diffractometry studies revealed selective crystallization of monosodium succinate, which is posed as the causative mechanism. This salt crystallization was not observed in the presence of 2% w/v sucrose, suggesting that this pH shift can be mitigated by including sucrose in the formulation. Additionally, three monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that represent different IgG subtypes and span a range of pIs (5.9 - 8.8) were formulated with succinate and sucrose and subjected to freeze-thaw, frozen storage and lyophilization. No detrimental impact on quality attributes (QA) such as high molecular weight (HMW) species, turbidity, alteration in protein concentration and sub-visible particles, was observed of any of the mAbs tested. Lastly, drug formulations lyophilized in succinate buffer with sucrose demonstrated acceptable QA profiles upon accelerated kinetic storage stability, supporting the use of succinate buffers in mAb drug products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anvay Ukidve
- Biologics Drug Product Development, Sanofi, One Mountain Road, Framingham, MA, 01701, USA
| | - Kelvin B Rembert
- Biologics Drug Product Development, Sanofi, One Mountain Road, Framingham, MA, 01701, USA
| | - Ragaleena Vanipenta
- Biologics Drug Product Development, Sanofi, One Mountain Road, Framingham, MA, 01701, USA
| | - Patrick Dorion
- Biologics Drug Product Development, Sanofi, One Mountain Road, Framingham, MA, 01701, USA
| | - Pierre Lafarguette
- Physical Characterization, Analytics, Sanofi, 94400, Vitry-Sur-Seine, France
| | - Timothy McCoy
- Biologics Drug Product Development, Sanofi, One Mountain Road, Framingham, MA, 01701, USA
| | - Atul Saluja
- Biologics Drug Product Development, Sanofi, One Mountain Road, Framingham, MA, 01701, USA
| | - Raj Suryanarayanan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Sanket Patke
- Biologics Drug Product Development, Sanofi, One Mountain Road, Framingham, MA, 01701, USA.
| |
Collapse
|