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Schön A, Kwon YD, Bender MF, Freire E. Extrapolating differential scanning calorimetry data for monoclonal antibodies to low temperatures. Anal Biochem 2024; 691:115533. [PMID: 38642818 PMCID: PMC11268162 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2024.115533] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
For irreversible denaturation transitions such as those exhibited by monoclonal antibodies, differential scanning calorimetry provides the denaturation temperature, Tm, the rate of denaturation at Tm, and the activation energy at Tm. These three quantities are essential but not sufficient for an accurate extrapolation of the rate of denaturation to temperatures of 25 °C and below. We have observed that the activation energy is not constant but temperature dependent due to the existence of an activation heat capacity, Cp,a. It is shown in this paper that a model that incorporates Cp,a is able to account for previous observations like, for example, that increasing the Tm does not always improve the stability at low temperatures; that some antibodies exhibit lower stabilities at 5 °C than at 25 °C; or that low temperature stabilities do not follow the rank order derived from Tm values. Most importantly, the activation heat capacity model is able to reproduce time dependent stabilities measured by size exclusion chromatography at low temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne Schön
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Young Do Kwon
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Michael F Bender
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Ernesto Freire
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA.
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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.'
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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
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Arakawa T, Akuta T. Mechanistic Insight into Poly-Reactivity of Immune Antibodies upon Acid Denaturation or Arginine Mutation in Antigen-Binding Regions. Antibodies (Basel) 2023; 12:64. [PMID: 37873861 PMCID: PMC10594486 DOI: 10.3390/antib12040064] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The poly-reactivity of antibodies is defined as their binding to specific antigens as well as to related proteins and also to unrelated targets. Poly-reactivity can occur in individual molecules of natural serum antibodies, likely due to their conformation flexibility, and, for therapeutic antibodies, it plays a critical role in their clinical development. On the one hand, it can enhance their binding to target antigens and cognate receptors, but, on the other hand, it may lead to a loss of antibody function by binding to off-target proteins. Notably, poly-reactivity has been observed in antibodies subjected to treatments with dissociating, destabilizing or denaturing agents, in particular acidic pH, a common step in the therapeutic antibody production process involving the elution of Protein-A bound antibodies and viral clearance using low pH buffers. Additionally, poly-reactivity can emerge during the affinity maturation in the immune system, such as the germinal center. This review delves into the underlying potential causes of poly-reactivity, highlighting the importance of conformational flexibility, which can be further augmented by the acid denaturation of antibodies and the introduction of arginine mutations into the complementary regions of antibody-variable domains. The focus is placed on a particular antibody's acid conformation, meticulously characterized through circular dichroism, differential scanning calorimetry, and sedimentation velocity analyses. By gaining a deeper understanding of these mechanisms, we aim to shed light on the complexities of antibody poly-reactivity and its implications for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsutomu Arakawa
- Alliance Protein Laboratories, 13380 Pantera Road, San Diego, CA 92130, USA
| | - Teruo Akuta
- Research and Development Division, Kyokuto Pharmaceutical Industrial Co., Ltd., 3333-26 Aza-Asayama, Kamitezuna, Takahagi-shi 318-0004, Ibaraki, Japan;
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Sato Y, Nagatoishi S, Noguchi S, Tsumoto K. Raman Spectroscopic Analysis of Highly-Concentrated Antibodies under the Acid-Treated Conditions. Pharm Res 2023; 40:1853-1864. [PMID: 37160850 PMCID: PMC10421790 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-023-03526-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Antibody drugs are usually formulated as highly-concentrated solutions, which would easily generate aggregates, resulting in loss of efficacy. Although low pH increases the colloidal dispersion of antibodies, acid denaturation can be an issue. Therefore, knowing the physical properties at low pH under high concentration conditions is important. METHODS Raman spectroscopy was used to investigate pH-induced conformational changes of antibodies at 50 mg/ml. Experiments in pH 3 to 7 were performed for human serum IgG and recombinant rituximab. RESULTS We detected the evident changes at pH 3 in Tyr and Trp bands, which are the sensitive markers of intermolecular interactions. Thermal transition analysis over the pH range demonstrated that the thermal transition temperature (Tm) was highest at pH 3. Acid-treated and neutralized one showed higher Tm than that of pH 7, indicating that their extent of intermolecular interactions correlated with the Tm values. Onset temperature was clearly different between concentrated and diluted samples. Colloidal analyses confirmed the findings of the Raman analysis. CONCLUSION Our studies demonstrated the positive correlation between Raman analysis and colloidal information, validating as a method for evaluating antibody conformation associated with aggregation propensities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusui Sato
- Analytical Instruments R&D Division, HORIBA, Ltd., Kanda Awaji-cho 2-6, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0063, Japan
| | - Satoru Nagatoishi
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1, Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan.
- Center for Drug Design Research, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, 7-6-8 Saito-Asagi, Ibaraki City, Osaka, 567-0085, Japan.
| | - Shintaro Noguchi
- Bio·Life Science Center, HORIBA, Ltd., 2 Miyanohigashi, Kisshoin, Minami-ku, Kyoto, 601-8510, Japan
| | - Kouhei Tsumoto
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1, Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan.
- Center for Drug Design Research, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, 7-6-8 Saito-Asagi, Ibaraki City, Osaka, 567-0085, Japan.
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan.
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Schön A, Freire E. Reversibility and irreversibility in the temperature denaturation of monoclonal antibodies. Anal Biochem 2021; 626:114240. [PMID: 33964250 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2021.114240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
There have been numerous studies of the temperature denaturation of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In general, mAbs are characterized by complex temperature denaturation transitions in which the various domains (CH2, CH3, Fab) give rise to different peaks in the heat capacity function. The complexity and overall irreversibility of the temperature denaturation transition is well known and has limited the number of publications with an in-depth analysis of the data. Here we report that the temperature denaturation of the CH2 domain is reversible and only becomes irreversible after denaturation of the Fab domain, which is intrinsically irreversible. For these studies we have used the HIV neutralizing monoclonal antibody 17b. To account for the experimental heat capacity function, a mixed denaturation model that combines multiple reversible and irreversible transitions has been developed. This model accounts well for the DSC data and for the pH dependence of the heat capacity function of 17b and other monoclonal antibodies for which data is available in the literature. It is expected that a more detailed analysis of the stability of monoclonal antibodies will contribute to the development of better approaches to understand and optimize the structural viability of these therapeutic macromolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne Schön
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Ernesto Freire
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA.
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Kosuge H, Nagatoishi S, Kiyoshi M, Ishii-Watabe A, Tanaka T, Terao Y, Oe S, Ide T, Tsumoto K. Highly sensitive HPLC analysis and biophysical characterization of N-glycans of IgG-Fc domain in comparison between CHO and 293 cells using FcγRIIIa ligand. Biotechnol Prog 2020; 36:e3016. [PMID: 32390308 PMCID: PMC7757244 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.3016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Quality control of monoclonal antibodies is challenging due in part to the diversity of post‐translational modifications present. The regulation of the N‐glycans of IgG‐Fc domain is one of the key factors to maintain the safety and efficacy of antibody drugs. The FcγRIIIa affinity column is an attractive tool for the precise analysis of the N‐glycans in IgG‐Fc domain. We used the mutant FcγRIIIa, which is produced in Escherichia coli and is therefore not glycosylated, as an affinity reagent to analyze the N‐glycans of monoclonal antibodies expressed in Expi293 and ExpiCHO cells. The monoclonal antibodies expressed in these cells showed very different chromatograms, because of differences in terminal galactose residues on the IgG‐Fc domains. We also carried out kinetic and thermodynamic analyses to understand the interaction between monoclonal antibodies and the mutant FcγRIIIa. Expi293 cell‐derived monoclonal antibodies had higher affinity for the mutant FcγRIIIa than those derived from ExpiCHO cells, due to slower off rates and lower binding entropy loss. Collectively, our results suggest that the FcγRIIIa column can be used to analyze the glycosylation of antibodies rapidly and specifically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirofumi Kosuge
- School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoru Nagatoishi
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masato Kiyoshi
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Biologicals, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Akiko Ishii-Watabe
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Biologicals, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kanagawa, Japan
| | | | | | - Seigo Oe
- Tosoh Corporation, Kanagawa, Japan
| | | | - Kouhei Tsumoto
- School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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