1
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Ghosh D, Biswas A, Radhakrishna M. Advanced computational approaches to understand protein aggregation. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2024; 5:021302. [PMID: 38681860 PMCID: PMC11045254 DOI: 10.1063/5.0180691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Protein aggregation is a widespread phenomenon implicated in debilitating diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and cataracts, presenting complex hurdles for the field of molecular biology. In this review, we explore the evolving realm of computational methods and bioinformatics tools that have revolutionized our comprehension of protein aggregation. Beginning with a discussion of the multifaceted challenges associated with understanding this process and emphasizing the critical need for precise predictive tools, we highlight how computational techniques have become indispensable for understanding protein aggregation. We focus on molecular simulations, notably molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, spanning from atomistic to coarse-grained levels, which have emerged as pivotal tools in unraveling the complex dynamics governing protein aggregation in diseases such as cataracts, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's. MD simulations provide microscopic insights into protein interactions and the subtleties of aggregation pathways, with advanced techniques like replica exchange molecular dynamics, Metadynamics (MetaD), and umbrella sampling enhancing our understanding by probing intricate energy landscapes and transition states. We delve into specific applications of MD simulations, elucidating the chaperone mechanism underlying cataract formation using Markov state modeling and the intricate pathways and interactions driving the toxic aggregate formation in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Transitioning we highlight how computational techniques, including bioinformatics, sequence analysis, structural data, machine learning algorithms, and artificial intelligence have become indispensable for predicting protein aggregation propensity and locating aggregation-prone regions within protein sequences. Throughout our exploration, we underscore the symbiotic relationship between computational approaches and empirical data, which has paved the way for potential therapeutic strategies against protein aggregation-related diseases. In conclusion, this review offers a comprehensive overview of advanced computational methodologies and bioinformatics tools that have catalyzed breakthroughs in unraveling the molecular basis of protein aggregation, with significant implications for clinical interventions, standing at the intersection of computational biology and experimental research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepshikha Ghosh
- Department of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhinagar, Palaj, Gujarat 382355, India
| | - Anushka Biswas
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhinagar, Palaj, Gujarat 382355, India
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2
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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.
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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
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3
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Malani H, Shrivastava A, Nupur N, Rathore AS. LC-MS Characterization and Stability Assessment Elucidate Correlation Between Charge Variant Composition and Degradation of Monoclonal Antibody Therapeutics. AAPS J 2024; 26:42. [PMID: 38570351 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-024-00915-9] [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] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Aggregation stability of monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapeutics is influenced by many critical quality attributes (CQA) such as charge and hydrophobic variants in addition to environmental factors. In this study, correlation between charge heterogeneity and stability of mAbs for bevacizumab and trastuzumab has been investigated under a variety of stresses including thermal stress at 40 °C, thermal stress at 55 °C, shaking (mechanical), and low pH. Size- and charge-based heterogeneities were monitored using analytical size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and cation exchange chromatography (CEX), respectively, while dynamic light scattering was used to assess changes in hydrodynamic size. CEX analysis revealed an increase in cumulative acidic content for all variants of both mAbs post-stress treatment attributed to increased deamidation. Higher charge heterogeneity was observed in variants eluting close to the main peak than the ones eluting further away (25-fold and 42-fold increase in acidic content for main and B1 of bevacizumab and 19-fold for main of trastuzumab, respectively, under thermal stress; 50-fold increase in acidic for main and B1 of bevacizumab and 10% rise in basic content of main of trastuzumab under pH stress). Conversely, variants eluting far away from main exhibit greater aggregation as compared to close-eluting ones. Aggregation kinetics of variants followed different order for the different stresses for both mAbs (2nd order for thermal and pH stresses and 0th order for shaking stress). Half-life of terminal charge variants of both mAbs was 2- to 8-fold less than main indicating increased degradation propensity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himanshu Malani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Anuj Shrivastava
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Neh Nupur
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Anurag S Rathore
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110016, India.
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4
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Rembert KB, Gokarn YR, Saluja A. Designing Robust Monoclonal Antibody Drug Products: Pitfalls of Simplistic Approaches for Stability Prediction. J Pharm Sci 2024:S0022-3549(24)00104-7. [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] [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.
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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.
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5
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Floyd JA, Gillespie AJ, Nightlinger NS, Siska C, Kerwin BA. The Development of a Novel Aflibercept Formulation for Ocular Delivery. J Pharm Sci 2024; 113:366-376. [PMID: 38042344 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.11.022] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Aflibercept is a recombinant fusion protein that is commercially available for several ocular diseases impacting millions of people worldwide. Here, we use a case study approach to examine alternative liquid formulations for aflibercept for ocular delivery, utilizing different stabilizers, buffering agents, and surfactants with the goal of improving the thermostability to allow for limited storage outside the cold chain. The formulations were developed by studying the effects of pH changes, substituting amino acids for sucrose and salt, and using polysorbate 80 or poloxamer 188 instead of polysorbate 20. A formulation containing acetate, proline, and poloxamer 188 had lower rates of aggregate formation at 4, 30, and 40°C when compared to the marketed commercial formulation containing phosphate, sucrose, sodium chloride, and polysorbate 20. Further studies examining subvisible particles after exposure to a transport stress and long-term stability at 4°C, post-translational modifications by multi-attribute method, purity by reduced and non-reduced capillary electrophoresis, and potency by cell proliferation also demonstrated a comparable or improved stability for the enhanced formulation of acetate, proline, and poloxamer 188. This enhanced stability could enable limited storage outside of the cold chain, allowing for easier distribution in low to middle income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Alaina Floyd
- Just- Evotec Biologics, 401 Terry Ave N., Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
| | | | | | - Christine Siska
- Just- Evotec Biologics, 401 Terry Ave N., Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Bruce A Kerwin
- Just- Evotec Biologics, 401 Terry Ave N., Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
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6
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Torrente-López A, Hermosilla J, Salmerón-García A, Cabeza J, Ruiz-Martínez A, Navas N. Comprehensive physicochemical and functional analysis of pembrolizumab based on controlled degradation studies: Impact on antigen-antibody binding. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 194:131-147. [PMID: 38101489 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2023.12.005] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies-based medicines are widely used in the treatment of different diseases. These medicines are very sensitive to exposure to different environmental conditions and their handling in hospitals may affect their safety and efficacy. This is the case for pembrolizumab (Keytruda®, 25 mg/mL), for which there is not yet much information on its risk behaviour associated with routine handling or unintentional mishandling. Here we performed a wider physicochemical and functional analysis of pembrolizumab medicine including controlled degradation studies: heat, freeze/thaw, agitation, accelerated light exposure and high hypertonic solution. After that, the samples were analysed by a set of analytical techniques to evaluated critical quality attributes: Far-UV CD, IT-FS, DLS, RP/UHPLC(UV)-MS, SE/UHPLC(UV), RP/UHPLC(UV)-MS/MS and ELISA. The results provide an in-depth understanding of the biochemical and biophysical properties of pembrolizumab, showing that the medicine is affected by accelerated light exposure and temperature of 60 °C, demonstrated by the detection of non-natural dimers and HMWS. Light exposure also revealed different isoform profile and increase in oxidations. Regarding functionality by means of the interaction antigen-antibody binding, all the stressors promoted a decrease in pembrolizumab capacity to bind to PD-1 receptor, although the biological activity remained still high for all of them, being 60 °C and accelerated light exposure the most affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anabel Torrente-López
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Science Faculty, Biohealth Research Institute (ibs.GRANADA), University of Granada, E-18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Jesús Hermosilla
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Science Faculty, Biohealth Research Institute (ibs.GRANADA), University of Granada, E-18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Antonio Salmerón-García
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Biohealth Research Institute (ibs.GRANADA), San Cecilio University Hospital, E-18012 Granada, Spain
| | - José Cabeza
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Biohealth Research Institute (ibs.GRANADA), San Cecilio University Hospital, E-18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Adolfina Ruiz-Martínez
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharmacy Faculty, University of Granada, E-18011 Granada, Spain
| | - Natalia Navas
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Science Faculty, Biohealth Research Institute (ibs.GRANADA), University of Granada, E-18071 Granada, Spain.
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7
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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.
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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
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8
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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.
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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.
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9
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Hobson AD, Xu J, Welch DS, Marvin CC, McPherson MJ, Gates B, Liao X, Hollmann M, Gattner MJ, Dzeyk K, Sarvaiya H, Shenoy VM, Fettis MM, Bischoff AK, Wang L, Santora LC, Wang L, Fitzgibbons J, Salomon P, Hernandez A, Jia Y, Goess CA, Mathieu SL, Bryant SH, Larsen ME, Cui B, Tian Y. Discovery of ABBV-154, an anti-TNF Glucocorticoid Receptor Modulator Immunology Antibody-Drug Conjugate (iADC). J Med Chem 2023; 66:12544-12558. [PMID: 37656698 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Stable attachment of drug-linkers to the antibody is a critical requirement, and for maleimide conjugation to cysteine, it is achieved by ring hydrolysis of the succinimide ring. During ADC profiling in our in-house property screening funnel, we discovered that the succinimide ring open form is in equilibrium with the ring closed succinimide. Bromoacetamide (BrAc) was identified as the optimal replacement, as it affords stable attachment of the drug-linker to the antibody while completely removing the undesired ring open-closed equilibrium. Additionally, BrAc also offers multiple benefits over maleimide, especially with respect to homogeneity of the ADC structure. In combination with a short, hydrophilic linker and phosphate prodrug on the payload, this afforded a stable ADC (ABBV-154) with the desired properties to enable long-term stability to facilitate subcutaneous self-administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian D Hobson
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Jianwen Xu
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Dennie S Welch
- AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | | | - Michael J McPherson
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Bradley Gates
- AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Xiaoli Liao
- AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Markus Hollmann
- AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co KG, Knollstrasse 50, 67061 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Michael J Gattner
- AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co KG, Knollstrasse 50, 67061 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Kristina Dzeyk
- AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co KG, Knollstrasse 50, 67061 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Hetal Sarvaiya
- AbbVie Inc., 1000 Gateway Blvd, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Vikram M Shenoy
- AbbVie Inc., 1000 Gateway Blvd, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Margaret M Fettis
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Agnieszka K Bischoff
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Lu Wang
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Ling C Santora
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Lu Wang
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Julia Fitzgibbons
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Paulin Salomon
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Axel Hernandez
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Ying Jia
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Christian A Goess
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Suzanne L Mathieu
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Shaughn H Bryant
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Mary E Larsen
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Baoliang Cui
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Yu Tian
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
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10
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Hobson AD, Xu J, Marvin CC, McPherson MJ, Hollmann M, Gattner M, Dzeyk K, Fettis MM, Bischoff AK, Wang L, Fitzgibbons J, Wang L, Salomon P, Hernandez A, Jia Y, Sarvaiya H, Goess CA, Mathieu SL, Santora LC. Optimization of Drug-Linker to Enable Long-term Storage of Antibody-Drug Conjugate for Subcutaneous Dosing. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37379257 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
To facilitate subcutaneous dosing, biotherapeutics need to exhibit properties that enable high-concentration formulation and long-term stability in the formulation buffer. For antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), the introduction of drug-linkers can lead to increased hydrophobicity and higher levels of aggregation, which are both detrimental to the properties required for subcutaneous dosing. Herein we show how the physicochemical properties of ADCs could be controlled through the drug-linker chemistry in combination with prodrug chemistry of the payload, and how optimization of these combinations could afford ADCs with significantly improved solution stability. Key to achieving this optimization is the use of an accelerated stress test performed in a minimal formulation buffer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian D Hobson
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Jianwen Xu
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Christopher C Marvin
- AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Michael J McPherson
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Markus Hollmann
- AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co KG, Knollstrasse 50, 67061 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Michael Gattner
- AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co KG, Knollstrasse 50, 67061 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Kristina Dzeyk
- AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co KG, Knollstrasse 50, 67061 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Margaret M Fettis
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Agnieszka K Bischoff
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Lu Wang
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Julia Fitzgibbons
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Lu Wang
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Paulin Salomon
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Axel Hernandez
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Ying Jia
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Hetal Sarvaiya
- AbbVie Inc., 1000 Gateway Blvd., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Christian A Goess
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Suzanne L Mathieu
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Ling C Santora
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
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11
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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.
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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
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12
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In vitro and in vivo immunogenicity assessment of protein aggregate characteristics. Int J Pharm 2023; 631:122490. [PMID: 36521637 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.122490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The immunogenicity risk of therapeutic protein aggregates has been extensively investigated over the past decades. While it is established that not all aggregates are equally immunogenic, the specific aggregate characteristics, which are most likely to induce an immune response, remain ambiguous. The aim of this study was to perform comprehensive in vitro and in vivo immunogenicity assessment of human insulin aggregates varying in size, structure and chemical modifications, while keeping other morphological characteristics constant. We found that flexible aggregates with highly altered secondary structure were most immunogenic in all setups, while compact aggregates with native-like structure were found to be immunogenic primarily in vivo. Moreover, sub-visible (1-100 µm) aggregates were found to be more immunogenic than sub-micron (0.1-1 µm) aggregates, while chemical modifications (deamidation, ethylation and covalent dimers) were not found to have any measurable impact on immunogenicity. The findings highlight the importance of utilizing aggregates varying in few characteristics for assessment of immunogenicity risk of specific morphological features and may provide a workflow for reliable particle analysis in biotherapeutics.
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13
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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.
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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
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14
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Thorlaksen C, Neergaard MB, Groenning M, Foderà V. Reproducible Formation of Insulin Superstructures: Amyloid-Like Fibrils, Spherulites, and Particulates. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2551:297-309. [PMID: 36310211 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2597-2_20] [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
Inducing protein aggregation in vitro under various formulation and stress conditions may lead to an increased understanding of the different association routes a protein can undergo. However, a range of factors can affect the aggregation process, often leading to heterogenous samples and experimental irreproducibility between labs. Here, we present detailed methods to reproducibly form homogenous samples of superstructures: amyloid-like fibrils, spherulites, and particulates from human insulin. We discuss pitfalls and good practice in the lab, with the aim of creating awareness on the potential sources of artefacts for protein stability and aggregation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Thorlaksen
- Biophysical analysis, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, Denmark.
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | | | - Vito Foderà
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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15
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Shahfar H, O'Brien CJ, Budyak IL, Roberts CJ. Predicting Experimental B22 Values and the Effects of Histidine Charge States for Monoclonal Antibodies Using Coarse-Grained Molecular Simulations. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:3820-3830. [PMID: 36194430 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Static light scattering (SLS) was used to characterize five monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) as a function of total ionic strength (TIS) at pH values between 5.5 and 7.0. Second osmotic virial coefficient (B22) values were determined experimentally for each MAb as a function of TIS using low protein concentration SLS data. Coarse-grained molecular simulations were performed to predict the B22 values for each MAb at a given pH and TIS. To include the effect of charge fluctuations of titratable residues in the B22 calculations, a statistical approach was introduced in the Monte Carlo algorithm based on the protonation probability based on a given pH value and the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation. The charged residues were allowed to fluctuate individually, based on the sampled microstates and the influence of electrostatic interactions on net protein-protein interactions during the simulations. Compared to static charge simulations, the new approach provided improved results compared to experimental B22 values at pH conditions near the pKa of titratable residues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Shahfar
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware19716, United States
| | - Christopher J O'Brien
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware19716, United States
| | - Ivan L Budyak
- Bioproduct Research and Development, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana46285, United States
| | - Christopher J Roberts
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware19716, United States
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16
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Berger JE, Teixeira SCM, Reed K, Razinkov VI, Sloey CJ, Qi W, Roberts CJ. High-Pressure, Low-Temperature Induced Unfolding and Aggregation of Monoclonal Antibodies: Role of the Fc and Fab Fragments. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:4431-4441. [PMID: 35675067 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c10528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The effects of high pressure and low temperature on the stability of two different monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were examined in this work. Fluorescence and small-angle neutron scattering were used to monitor the in situ effects of pressure to infer shifts in tertiary structure and characterize aggregation prone intermediates. Partial unfolding was observed for both MAbs, to different extents, under a range of pressure/temperature conditions. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was also used to monitor ex situ changes in secondary structure. Preservation of native secondary structure after incubation at elevated pressures and subzero ° C temperatures was independent of the extent of tertiary unfolding and reversibility. Several combinations of pressure and temperature were also used to discern the respective contributions of the isolated Ab fragments (Fab and Fc) to unfolding and aggregation. The fragments for each antibody showed significantly different partial unfolding profiles and reversibility. There was not a simple correlation between stability of the full MAb and either the Fc or Fab fragment stabilities across all cases, demonstrating a complex relationship to full MAb unfolding and aggregation behavior. That notwithstanding, the combined use of spectroscopic and scattering techniques provides insights into MAb conformational stability and hysteresis in high-pressure, low-temperature environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan E Berger
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Susana C M Teixeira
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States.,NIST Center for Neutron Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Kaelan Reed
- PharmBIO Products, W. L. Gore & Associates, Elkton, Maryland 21921, United States
| | - Vladimir I Razinkov
- Drug Product Technologies, Amgen, Thousand Oaks, California 91320, United States
| | - Christopher J Sloey
- Drug Product Technologies, Amgen, Thousand Oaks, California 91320, United States
| | - Wei Qi
- Drug Product Technologies, Amgen, Thousand Oaks, California 91320, United States
| | - Christopher J Roberts
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
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17
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Zhang YY, Li LH, Wang Y, Wang H, Xu ZL, Tian YX, Sun YM, Yang JY, Shen YD. Ultrasensitive and rapid colorimetric detection of paraquat via a high specific VHH nanobody. Biosens Bioelectron 2022; 205:114089. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2022.114089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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18
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Xu T, Zhang J, Wang T, Wang X. Recombinant antibodies aggregation and overcoming strategies in CHO cells. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:3913-3922. [PMID: 35608667 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-11977-0] [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: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian cell lines are frequently used as the preferred host cells for producing recombinant therapeutic proteins (RTPs) having post-translational modified modifications similar to those observed in proteins produced by human cells. Nowadays, most RTPs approved for marketing are produced in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Recombinant therapeutic antibodies (RTAs) are among the most important and promising RTPs for biomedical applications. A major limitation associated with the use of RTAs is their aggregation, which can be caused by a variety of factors; this results in a reduction of quality. RTA aggregations are especially concerning as they can trigger human immune responses in humans and may be fatal. Therefore, the mechanisms underlying RTA aggregation and measures for avoiding aggregation are interesting topics in RTAs research. In this review, we discuss recent progress in the field of RTAs aggregation, with a focus on factors that cause aggregation during RTA production and the development of strategies for overcoming RTA aggregation. KEY POINTS: • The recombinant antibody aggregation in mammalian cell systems is reviewed. • Intracellular environment and extracellular parameters influence recombinant antibody aggregation. • Reducing the aggregations can improve the quality of recombinant antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Xu
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombinant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China.,The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453002, Henan, China
| | - Jihong Zhang
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombinant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China
| | - Tianyun Wang
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombinant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China. .,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China.
| | - Xiaoyin Wang
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombinant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China. .,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China.
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19
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Bunc M, Hadži S, Graf C, Bončina M, Lah J. Aggregation Time Machine: A Platform for the Prediction and Optimization of Long-Term Antibody Stability Using Short-Term Kinetic Analysis. J Med Chem 2022; 65:2623-2632. [PMID: 35090111 PMCID: PMC8842250 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c02010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Monoclonal antibodies
are the fastest growing class of therapeutics.
However, aggregation limits their shelf life and can lead to adverse
immune responses. Assessment and optimization of the long-term antibody
stability are therefore key challenges in the biologic drug development.
Here, we present a platform based on the analysis of temperature-dependent
aggregation data that can dramatically shorten the assessment of the
long-term aggregation stability and thus accelerate the optimization
of antibody formulations. For a set of antibodies used in the therapeutic
areas from oncology to rheumatology and osteoporosis, we obtain an
accurate prediction of aggregate fractions for up to three years using
the data obtained on a much shorter time scale. Significantly, the
strategy combining kinetic and thermodynamic analysis not only contributes
to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of antibody
aggregation but has already proven to be very effective in the development
and production of biological therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Bunc
- Technical Research and Development, Global Drug Development, Novartis, Lek d.d., 1234 Mengeš, Slovenia.,Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - San Hadži
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Christian Graf
- Technical Research and Development, Global Drug Development, Novartis, Hexal AG, 82041 Oberhaching, Germany
| | - Matjaž Bončina
- Technical Research and Development, Global Drug Development, Novartis, Lek d.d., 1234 Mengeš, Slovenia
| | - Jurij Lah
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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20
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Das TK, Chou DK, Jiskoot W, Arosio P. Nucleation in protein aggregation in biotherapeutic development: a look into the heart of the event. J Pharm Sci 2022; 111:951-959. [DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2022.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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21
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Long-term stability predictions of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies in solution using Arrhenius-based kinetics. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20534. [PMID: 34654882 PMCID: PMC8519954 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99875-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term stability of monoclonal antibodies to be used as biologics is a key aspect in their development. Therefore, its possible early prediction from accelerated stability studies is of major interest, despite currently being regarded as not sufficiently robust. In this work, using a combination of accelerated stability studies (up to 6 months) and first order degradation kinetic model, we are able to predict the long-term stability (up to 3 years) of multiple monoclonal antibody formulations. More specifically, we can robustly predict the long-term stability behaviour of a protein at the intended storage condition (5 °C), based on up to six months of data obtained for multiple quality attributes from different temperatures, usually from intended (5 °C), accelerated (25 °C) and stress conditions (40 °C). We have performed stability studies and evaluated the stability data of several mAbs including IgG1, IgG2, and fusion proteins, and validated our model by overlaying the 95% prediction interval and experimental stability data from up to 36 months. We demonstrated improved robustness, speed and accuracy of kinetic long-term stability prediction as compared to classical linear extrapolation used today, which justifies long-term stability prediction and shelf-life extrapolation for some biologics such as monoclonal antibodies. This work aims to contribute towards further development and refinement of the regulatory landscape that could steer toward allowing extrapolation for biologics during the developmental phase, clinical phase, and also in marketing authorisation applications, as already established today for small molecules.
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22
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Kopp MRG, Wolf Pérez AM, Zucca MV, Capasso Palmiero U, Friedrichsen B, Lorenzen N, Arosio P. An accelerated surface-mediated stress assay of antibody instability for developability studies. MAbs 2021; 12:1815995. [PMID: 32954930 PMCID: PMC7577746 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2020.1815995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
High physical stability is required for the development of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) into successful therapeutic products. Developability assays are used to predict physical stability issues such as high viscosity and poor conformational stability, but protein aggregation remains a challenging property to predict. Among different types of stresses, air–water and solid–liquid interfaces are well known to potentially trigger protein instability and induce aggregation. Yet, in contrast to the increasing number of developability assays to evaluate bulk properties, there is still a lack of experimental methods to evaluate antibody stability against interfaces. Here, we investigate the potential of a hydrophobic nanoparticle surface-mediated stress assay to assess the stability of mAbs during the early stages of development. We evaluate this surface-mediated accelerated stability assay on a rationally designed library of 14 variants of a humanized IgG4, featuring a broad span of solubility values and other developability properties. The assay could identify variants characterized by high instability against agitation in the presence of air–water interfaces. Remarkably, for the set of investigated molecules, we observe strong correlations between the extent of aggregation induced by the surface-mediated stress assay and other developability properties of the molecules, such as aggregation upon storage at 45°C, self-association (evaluated by affinity-capture self-interaction nanoparticle spectroscopy) and nonspecific interactions (estimated by cross-interaction chromatography, stand-up monolayer chromatography (SMAC), SMAC*). This highly controlled surface-mediated stress assay has the potential to complement and increase the ability of the current set of screening techniques to assess protein aggregation and developability potential of mAbs during the early stages of drug development. Abbreviations:AC-SINS: Affinity-Capture Self-Interaction Nanoparticle Spectroscopy; AMS: Ammonium sulfate precipitation; ANS: 1-anilinonaphtalene-8-sulfonate; CIC: Cross-interaction chromatography; DLS: Dynamic light scattering; HIC: Hydrophobic interaction chromatography; HNSSA: Hydrophobic nanoparticles surface-stress assay; mAb: Monoclonal antibody; NP: Nanoparticle; SEC: Size exclusion chromatography; SMAC: Stand-up monolayer chromatography; WT: Wild type
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie R G Kopp
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology , Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Adriana-Michelle Wolf Pérez
- Department of Biophysics, Biophysics and Injectable Formulation, Novo Nordisk , Måløv, Denmark.,Aarhus University, iNANO , Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Marta Virginia Zucca
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology , Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Umberto Capasso Palmiero
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology , Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Nikolai Lorenzen
- Department of Biophysics, Biophysics and Injectable Formulation, Novo Nordisk , Måløv, Denmark
| | - Paolo Arosio
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology , Zurich, Switzerland
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23
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Lundahl MLE, Fogli S, Colavita PE, Scanlan EM. Aggregation of protein therapeutics enhances their immunogenicity: causes and mitigation strategies. RSC Chem Biol 2021; 2:1004-1020. [PMID: 34458822 PMCID: PMC8341748 DOI: 10.1039/d1cb00067e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein aggregation in biotherapeutics has been identified to increase immunogenicity, leading to immune-mediated adverse effects, such as severe allergic responses including anaphylaxis. The induction of anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) moreover enhances drug clearance rates, and can directly block therapeutic function. In this review, identified immune activation mechanisms triggered by protein aggregates are discussed, as well as physicochemical properties of aggregates, such as size and shape, which contribute to immunogenicity. Furthermore, factors which contribute to protein stability and aggregation are considered. Lastly, with these factors in mind, we encourage an innovative and multidisciplinary approach with regard to further research in the field, with the overall aim to avoid immunogenic aggregation in future drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimmi L E Lundahl
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin Dublin 2 Ireland
| | - Silvia Fogli
- Glycome Biopharma, Unit 4, Joyce House, Barrack Square, Ballincollig Co Cork P31 HW35 Ireland
| | - Paula E Colavita
- School of Chemistry and Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin Dublin 2 Ireland
| | - Eoin M Scanlan
- School of Chemistry and Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin Dublin 2 Ireland
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Bansal R, Jha SK, Jha NK. Size-based Degradation of Therapeutic Proteins - Mechanisms, Modelling and Control. Biomol Concepts 2021; 12:68-84. [PMID: 34146465 DOI: 10.1515/bmc-2021-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein therapeutics are in great demand due to their effectiveness towards hard-to-treat diseases. Despite their high demand, these bio-therapeutics are very susceptible to degradation via aggregation, fragmentation, oxidation, and reduction, all of which are very likely to affect the quality and efficacy of the product. Mechanisms and modelling of these degradation (aggregation and fragmentation) pathways is critical for gaining a deeper understanding of stability of these products. This review aims to provide a summary of major developments that have occurred towards unravelling the mechanisms of size-based protein degradation (particularly aggregation and fragmentation), modelling of these size-based degradation pathways, and their control. Major caveats that remain in our understanding and control of size-based protein degradation have also been presented and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Bansal
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Saurabh Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Berner C, Menzen T, Winter G, Svilenov HL. Combining Unfolding Reversibility Studies and Molecular Dynamics Simulations to Select Aggregation-Resistant Antibodies. Mol Pharm 2021; 18:2242-2253. [PMID: 33928776 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.1c00017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The efficient development of new therapeutic antibodies relies on developability assessment with biophysical and computational methods to find molecules with drug-like properties such as resistance to aggregation. Despite the many novel approaches to select well-behaved proteins, antibody aggregation during storage is still challenging to predict. For this reason, there is a high demand for methods that can identify aggregation-resistant antibodies. Here, we show that three straightforward techniques can select the aggregation-resistant antibodies from a dataset with 13 molecules. The ReFOLD assay provided information about the ability of the antibodies to refold to monomers after unfolding with chemical denaturants. Modulated scanning fluorimetry (MSF) yielded the temperatures that start causing irreversible unfolding of the proteins. Aggregation was the main reason for poor unfolding reversibility in both ReFOLD and MSF experiments. We therefore performed temperature ramps in molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to obtain partially unfolded antibody domains in silico and used CamSol to assess their aggregation potential. We compared the information from ReFOLD, MSF, and MD to size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) data that shows whether the antibodies aggregated during storage at 4, 25, and 40 °C. Contrary to the aggregation-prone molecules, the antibodies that were resistant to aggregation during storage at 40 °C shared three common features: (i) higher tendency to refold to monomers after unfolding with chemical denaturants, (ii) higher onset temperature of nonreversible unfolding, and (iii) unfolding of regions containing aggregation-prone sequences at higher temperatures in MD simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Berner
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstr. 5, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Tim Menzen
- Coriolis Pharma Research GmbH, Fraunhoferstr. 18 b, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Gerhard Winter
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstr. 5, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Hristo L Svilenov
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstr. 5, 81377 Munich, Germany
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Svilenov HL, Winter G. Formulations That Suppress Aggregation During Long-Term Storage of a Bispecific Antibody are Characterized by High Refoldability and Colloidal Stability. J Pharm Sci 2020; 109:2048-2058. [DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2020.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Willis LF, Kumar A, Jain T, Caffry I, Xu Y, Radford SE, Kapur N, Vásquez M, Brockwell DJ. The uniqueness of flow in probing the aggregation behavior of clinically relevant antibodies. ENGINEERING REPORTS : OPEN ACCESS 2020; 2:e12147. [PMID: 34901768 PMCID: PMC8638667 DOI: 10.1002/eng2.12147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The development of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) can be hindered by their tendency to aggregate throughout their lifetime, which can illicit immunogenic responses and render mAb manufacturing unfeasible. Consequently, there is a need to identify mAbs with desirable thermodynamic stability, solubility, and lack of self-association. These behaviors are assessed using an array of in silico and in vitro assays, as no single assay can predict aggregation and developability. We have developed an extensional and shear flow device (EFD), which subjects proteins to defined hydrodynamic forces which mimic those experienced in bioprocessing. Here, we utilize the EFD to explore the aggregation propensity of 33 IgG1 mAbs, whose variable domains are derived from clinical antibodies. Using submilligram quantities of material per replicate, wide-ranging EFD-induced aggregation (9-81% protein in pellet) was observed for these mAbs, highlighting the EFD as a sensitive method to assess aggregation propensity. By comparing the EFD-induced aggregation data to those obtained previously from 12 other biophysical assays, we show that the EFD provides distinct information compared with current measures of adverse biophysical behavior. Assessing a candidate's liability to hydrodynamic force thus adds novel insight into the rational selection of developable mAbs that complements other assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon F. Willis
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological SciencesUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologyUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
| | - Amit Kumar
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological SciencesUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologyUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
- Department of Life SciencesImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | | | - Isabelle Caffry
- Adimab LLCLebanonNew HampshireUSA
- Cornell Johnson Graduate School of ManagementIthacaNew YorkUSA
| | - Yingda Xu
- Adimab LLCLebanonNew HampshireUSA
- Biotheus Inc.ZhuhaiGuangdong ProvinceChina
| | - Sheena E. Radford
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological SciencesUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologyUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
| | - Nikil Kapur
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of EngineeringUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
| | | | - David J. Brockwell
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological SciencesUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologyUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
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