1
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Lu F, Wu X, Zhang F, Wu J, Yuan Z, Wang B, Tan G, Guo S. Comparison of single-chain variable fragments and monoclonal antibody against dihydroartemisinin. J Immunol Methods 2024; 532:113728. [PMID: 39059746 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2024.113728] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Immunoassay relies on antibodies, but traditional antibodies such as monoclonal antibody (mAb) require animal immunization and complex procedures. Single-chain variable fragment (scFv) becomes a potential alternative to mAb with advantages of the low cost, rapid and easy prepared. In the present study, we prepared scFvs against dihydroartemisinin (DHA) based on E. coli and HEK293T cell expression system, named MBP-scFv and scFv-Fc, respectively. Their properties were compared with the parent mAb. The calculated affinity constants of mAb, MBP-scFv and scFv-Fc were 2.1 × 108 L mol-1, 2.2 × 107 L mol-1 and 1.6 × 108 L mol-1, respectively. The half inhibitory concentration (IC50) of mAb, MBP-scFv and scFv-Fc were 1.16 ng mL-1, 2.15 ng mL-1 and 6.57 ng mL-1, respectively. Both the scFv showed less sensitive than the mAb based on the IC50. The cross-reactivities of MBP-scFv for artemisinin and artesunate exhibited similarities to the mAb, yet the cross-reactivities of scFv-Fc for these compounds exceeded those of the mAb significantly. The stability of the scFvs was ascertained to be maintained for over 5 days at room temperature, and for more than a month at both 4 °C and - 20 °C. After that, the indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (icELISAs) based on the scFv from E. coli were used to detect the DHA content in eight drug samples, and the result was consistent with ultra-performance liquid chromatography simultaneously. Although scFv can be used for quantitative determination of drugs, but it still cannot completely replace mAb in immunoassay without evolution and modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Lu
- School of Pharmacy and Food Engineering, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, Guangdong 529020, China
| | - Xiqun Wu
- School of Pharmacy and Food Engineering, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, Guangdong 529020, China
| | - Fa Zhang
- School of Pharmacy and Food Engineering, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, Guangdong 529020, China; Key Laboratory of High-Quality Formation and Utilization of Dao-Di Herbs, Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, Nanning 530023, China
| | - Jiaqiang Wu
- School of Pharmacy and Food Engineering, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, Guangdong 529020, China
| | - Zhaodong Yuan
- School of Pharmacy and Food Engineering, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, Guangdong 529020, China
| | - Baomin Wang
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, 100193 Beijing, China
| | - Guiyu Tan
- Key Laboratory of High-Quality Formation and Utilization of Dao-Di Herbs, Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, Nanning 530023, China.
| | - Suqin Guo
- School of Pharmacy and Food Engineering, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, Guangdong 529020, China.
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2
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Stamm SM, Wagner R, Lang DA, Skerra A, Gebauer M. Development of a Clonal and High-Yield Mammalian Cell Line for the Manufacturing of a Hyperactive Human DNase I with Extended Plasma Half-Life Using PASylation ® Technology. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:967. [PMID: 39065664 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16070967] [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: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cumulative evidence from several pre-clinical studies suggests that restoration of plasma DNase activity in a thrombo-inflammatory state may improve clinical outcomes. Following injury, hyperactivated immune cells release large amounts of granular proteins together with DNA, which often accumulate in the surrounding environment in so-called neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Degradation of excess NETs by systemic DNase administration offers a promising therapeutic approach to ameliorate inflammation and dissolve intravascular clots. In order to expand the therapeutic utility of human DNase I, a variant of the enzyme was developed that has both a prolonged systemic half-life and a higher catalytic activity compared to Dornase alfa (Pulmozyme®), the recombinant form of DNase I approved for inhaled therapy of cystic fibrosis. The hyperactive enzyme was "PASylated" by genetic fusion with a strongly hydrophilic and biodegradable PAS-polypeptide to increase its hydrodynamic volume and retard kidney filtration. A stable TurboCell™ CHO-K1-based cell line was generated which is suitable for the future production of PASylated DNase I according to good manufacturing practice (GMP). Furthermore, a robust bioprocess strategy was devised and an effective downstream process was developed. The final protein product is characterized by excellent purity, favorable physicochemical properties, a 14-fold higher DNA-degrading activity than Dornase alfa and a sustained pharmacokinetic profile, with a 22-fold slower clearance in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serge M Stamm
- Rentschler Biopharma SE, Erwin-Rentschler-Str. 21, 88471 Laupheim, Germany
| | - Roland Wagner
- Rentschler Biopharma SE, Erwin-Rentschler-Str. 21, 88471 Laupheim, Germany
| | - Dietmar A Lang
- Rentschler Biopharma SE, Erwin-Rentschler-Str. 21, 88471 Laupheim, Germany
| | - Arne Skerra
- XL-Protein GmbH, Lise-Meitner-Str. 30, 85354 Freising, Germany
- Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354 Freising, Germany
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3
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Huang L, Chen G, Zhang G, Fang Y, Zhu W, Xin Y. Construction of a highly efficient adsorbent for one-step purification of recombinant proteins: Functionalized cellulose-based monolith fabricated via phase separation method. Carbohydr Polym 2024; 335:122046. [PMID: 38616085 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122046] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Currently, purification step in the recombinant protein manufacture is still a great challenge and its cost far outweighs those of the upstream process. In this study, a functionalized cellulose-based monolith was constructed as an efficient affinity adsorbent for one-step purification of recombinant proteins. Firstly, the fundamental cellulose monolith (CE monolith) was fabricated based on thermally induced phase separation, followed by being modified with nitrilotriacetic acid anhydride through esterification to give NCE monolith. After chelating with Ni2+, the affinity adsorbent NCE-Ni2+ monolith was obtained, which was demonstrated to possess a hierarchically porous morphology with a relatively high surface area, porosity and compressive strength. The adsorption behavior of NCE-Ni2+ monolith towards β2-microglobulin with 6 N-terminus His-tag (His-β2M) was evaluated through batch and fixed-bed column experiments. The results revealed that NCE-Ni2+ monolith exhibited a relatively fast His-β2M adsorption rate with a maximum adsorption capacity of 329.2 mg/g. The fixed-bed column adsorption implied that NCE-Ni2+ monolith showed high efficiency for His-β2M adsorption. Finally, NCE-Ni2+ monolith was demonstrated to have an excellent His-β2M purification ability from E. coli lysate with exceptional reusability. Therefore, the resultant NCE-Ni2+ monolith had large potential to be used as an efficient adsorbent for recombinant protein purification in practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanlan Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Guronghua Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Guozhi Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Yue Fang
- Department of Geriatrics, Jiangsu University Affiliated People's Hospital, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Wenjie Zhu
- Department of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Yuanrong Xin
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China.
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4
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So̷rensen H, Krcic N, George I, Kocherbitov V. A Structural Study on Absorption of Lysozyme in Amorphous Starch Microspheres. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:3416-3424. [PMID: 38739906 PMCID: PMC11220755 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.4c00135] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The potential of using proteins as drugs is held back by their low stability in the human body and challenge of delivering them to the site of function. Extensive research is focused on drug delivery systems that can protect, carry, and release proteins in a controlled manner. Of high potential are cross-linked degradable starch microspheres (DSMs), as production of these is low-cost and environmentally friendly, and the products are degradable by the human body. Here, we demonstrate that DSMs can absorb the model protein lysozyme from an aqueous solution. At low amounts of lysozyme, its concentration in starch microspheres strongly exceeds the bulk concentration in water. However, at higher protein contents, the difference between concentrations in the two phases becomes small. This indicates that, at lower lysozyme contents, the absorption is driven by protein-starch interactions, which are counteracted by protein-protein electrostatic repulsion at high concentrations. By applying small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) to the DSM-lysozyme system, we show that lysozyme molecules are largely unaltered by the absorption in DSM. In the same process, the starch network is slightly perturbed, as demonstrated by a decrease in the characteristic chain to chain distance. The SAXS data modeling suggests an uneven distribution of the protein within the DSM particles, which can be dependent on the internal DSM structure and on the physical interactions between the components. The results presented here show that lysozyme can be incorporated into degradable starch microspheres without any dependence on electrostatic or specific interactions, suggesting that similar absorption would be possible for pharmaceutical proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik
Vinther So̷rensen
- Department
of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö 20506, Sweden
- Biofilms
Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö
University, Malmö 20506, Sweden
| | - Nedim Krcic
- Magle
Chemoswed AB, Agneslundsvägen
27, Malmö 21215, Sweden
| | - Ian George
- Magle
Chemoswed AB, Agneslundsvägen
27, Malmö 21215, Sweden
| | - Vitaly Kocherbitov
- Department
of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö 20506, Sweden
- Biofilms
Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö
University, Malmö 20506, Sweden
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5
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Villafuerte-Vega RC, Li HW, Bergman AE, Slaney TR, Chennamsetty N, Chen G, Tao L, Ruotolo BT. Ion Mobility-Mass Spectrometry and Collision-Induced Unfolding Rapidly Characterize the Structural Polydispersity and Stability of an Fc-Fusion Protein. Anal Chem 2024; 96:10003-10012. [PMID: 38853531 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c01408] [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: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Fc-fusion proteins are an emerging class of protein therapeutics that combine the properties of biological ligands with the unique properties of the fragment crystallizable (Fc) domain of an immunoglobulin G (IgG). Due to their diverse higher-order structures (HOSs), Fc-fusion proteins remain challenging characterization targets within biopharmaceutical pipelines. While high-resolution biophysical tools are available for HOS characterization, they frequently demand extended time frames and substantial quantities of purified samples, rendering them impractical for swiftly screening candidate molecules. Herein, we describe the development of ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IM-MS) and collision-induced unfolding (CIU) workflows that aim to fill this technology gap, where we focus on probing the HOS of a model Fc-Interleukin-10 (Fc-IL-10) fusion protein engineered using flexible glycine-serine linkers. We evaluate the ability of these techniques to probe the flexibility of Fc-IL-10 in the absence of bulk solvent relative to other proteins of similar size, as well as localize structural changes of low charge state Fc-IL-10 ions to specific Fc and IL-10 unfolding events during CIU. We subsequently apply these tools to probe the local effects of glycine-serine linkers on the HOS and stability of IL-10 homodimer, which is the biologically active form of IL-10. Our data reveals that Fc-IL-10 produces significantly more structural transitions during CIU and broader IM profiles when compared to a wide range of model proteins, indicative of its exceptional structural dynamism. Furthermore, we use a combination of enzymatic approaches to annotate these intricate CIU data and localize specific transitions to the unfolding of domains within Fc-IL-10. Finally, we detect a strong positive, quadratic relationship between average linker mass and fusion protein stability, suggesting a cooperative influence between glycine-serine linkers and overall fusion protein stability. This is the first reported study on the use of IM-MS and CIU to characterize HOS of Fc-fusion proteins, illustrating the practical applicability of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Henry W Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Addison E Bergman
- 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
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6
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Cao Z, Liu C, Wen J, Lu Y. Innovative Formulation Platform: Paving the Way for Superior Protein Therapeutics with Enhanced Efficacy and Broadened Applications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2403116. [PMID: 38819929 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202403116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Protein therapeutics offer high therapeutic potency and specificity; the broader adoptions and development of protein therapeutics, however, have been constricted by their intrinsic limitations such as inadequate stability, immunogenicity, suboptimal pharmacokinetics and biodistribution, and off-target effects. This review describes a platform technology that formulates individual protein molecules with a thin formulation layer of crosslinked polymers, which confers the protein therapeutics with high activity, enhanced stability, controlled release capability, reduced immunogenicity, improved pharmacokinetics and biodistribution, and ability to cross the blood brain barriers. Based on currently approved protein therapeutics, this formulating platform affords the development of a vast family of superior protein therapeutics with improved efficacy and broadened indications at significantly reduced cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Cao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Chaoyong Liu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China
| | - Jing Wen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA AIDS Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90066, USA
| | - Yunfeng Lu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
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7
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Kim H, Taslakjian B, Kim S, Tirrell MV, Guler MO. Therapeutic Peptides, Proteins and their Nanostructures for Drug Delivery and Precision Medicine. Chembiochem 2024; 25:e202300831. [PMID: 38408302 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300831] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Peptide and protein nanostructures with tunable structural features, multifunctionality, biocompatibility and biomolecular recognition capacity enable development of efficient targeted drug delivery tools for precision medicine applications. In this review article, we present various techniques employed for the synthesis and self-assembly of peptides and proteins into nanostructures. We discuss design strategies utilized to enhance their stability, drug-loading capacity, and controlled release properties, in addition to the mechanisms by which peptide nanostructures interact with target cells, including receptor-mediated endocytosis and cell-penetrating capabilities. We also explore the potential of peptide and protein nanostructures for precision medicine, focusing on applications in personalized therapies and disease-specific targeting for diagnostics and therapeutics in diseases such as cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- HaRam Kim
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, 5640 S. Ellis Ave., Chicago, 60637, IL, USA
| | - Boghos Taslakjian
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, 5640 S. Ellis Ave., Chicago, 60637, IL, USA
| | - Sarah Kim
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, 5640 S. Ellis Ave., Chicago, 60637, IL, USA
| | - Matthew V Tirrell
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, 5640 S. Ellis Ave., Chicago, 60637, IL, USA
| | - Mustafa O Guler
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, 5640 S. Ellis Ave., Chicago, 60637, IL, USA
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8
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Wang J, Chen S, Yuan Q, Chen J, Li D, Wang L, Yang Y. Predicting the effects of mutations on protein solubility using graph convolution network and protein language model representation. J Comput Chem 2024; 45:436-445. [PMID: 37933773 DOI: 10.1002/jcc.27249] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Solubility is one of the most important properties of protein. Protein solubility can be greatly changed by single amino acid mutations and the reduced protein solubility could lead to diseases. Since experimental methods to determine solubility are time-consuming and expensive, in-silico methods have been developed to predict the protein solubility changes caused by mutations mostly through protein evolution information. However, these methods are slow since it takes long time to obtain evolution information through multiple sequence alignment. In addition, these methods are of low performance because they do not fully utilize protein 3D structures due to a lack of experimental structures for most proteins. Here, we proposed a sequence-based method DeepMutSol to predict solubility change from residual mutations based on the Graph Convolutional Neural Network (GCN), where the protein graph was initiated according to predicted protein structure from Alphafold2, and the nodes (residues) were represented by protein language embeddings. To circumvent the small data of solubility changes, we further pretrained the model over absolute protein solubility. DeepMutSol was shown to outperform state-of-the-art methods in benchmark tests. In addition, we applied the method to clinically relevant genes from the ClinVar database and the predicted solubility changes were shown able to separate pathogenic mutations. All of the data sets and the source code are available at https://github.com/biomed-AI/DeepMutSol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Guangzhou institute of technology, Xidian University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sheng Chen
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qianmu Yuan
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianwen Chen
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Danping Li
- School of Telecommunications Engineering, Xidian University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Electronic Engineering, Xidian University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuedong Yang
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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9
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Cook KD, Tran T, Thomas VA, Devanaboyina SC, Rock DA, Pearson JT. Correlation of In Vitro Kinetic Stability to Preclinical In Vivo Pharmacokinetics for a Panel of Anti-PD-1 Monoclonal Antibody Interleukin 21 Mutein Immunocytokines. Drug Metab Dispos 2024; 52:228-235. [PMID: 38135505 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.123.001555] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of therapeutic fusion protein drugs is often impeded by the unintended consequences that occur from fusing together domains from independent naturally occurring proteins, consequences such as altered biodistribution, tissue uptake, or rapid clearance and potential immunogenicity. For therapeutic fusion proteins containing globular domains, we hypothesized that aberrant in vivo behavior could be related to low kinetic stability of these domains leading to local unfolding and susceptibility to partial proteolysis and/or salvage and uptake. Herein we describe an assay to measure kinetic stability of therapeutic fusion proteins by way of their sensitivity to the protease thermolysin. The results indicate that in vivo pharmacokinetics of a panel of anti-programmed cell death protein 1 monocolonal antibody:interleukin 21 immunocytokines in both mice and nonhuman primates are highly correlated with their in vitro susceptibility to thermolysin-mediated proteolysis. This assay can be used as a tool to quickly identify in vivo liabilities of globular domains of therapeutic proteins, thus aiding in the optimization and development of new multispecific drug candidates. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This work describes a novel assay utilizing protein kinetic stability to identify preclinical in vivo pharmacokinetic liabilities of multispecific therapeutic fusion proteins. This provides an efficient, inexpensive method to ascertain inherent protein stability in vitro before conducting in vivo studies, which can rapidly increase the speed of preclinical drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin D Cook
- Amgen Research, Pharmacokinetics & Drug Metabolism, South San Francisco, California
| | - Thuy Tran
- Amgen Research, Pharmacokinetics & Drug Metabolism, South San Francisco, California
| | - Veena A Thomas
- Amgen Research, Pharmacokinetics & Drug Metabolism, South San Francisco, California
| | | | - Dan A Rock
- Amgen Research, Pharmacokinetics & Drug Metabolism, South San Francisco, California
| | - Josh T Pearson
- Amgen Research, Pharmacokinetics & Drug Metabolism, South San Francisco, California
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10
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Gooran N, Kopra K. Fluorescence-Based Protein Stability Monitoring-A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1764. [PMID: 38339045 PMCID: PMC10855643 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031764] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteins are large biomolecules with a specific structure that is composed of one or more long amino acid chains. Correct protein structures are directly linked to their correct function, and many environmental factors can have either positive or negative effects on this structure. Thus, there is a clear need for methods enabling the study of proteins, their correct folding, and components affecting protein stability. There is a significant number of label-free methods to study protein stability. In this review, we provide a general overview of these methods, but the main focus is on fluorescence-based low-instrument and -expertise-demand techniques. Different aspects related to thermal shift assays (TSAs), also called differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) or ThermoFluor, are introduced and compared to isothermal chemical denaturation (ICD). Finally, we discuss the challenges and comparative aspects related to these methods, as well as future opportunities and assay development directions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kari Kopra
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, Henrikinkatu 2, 20500 Turku, Finland;
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11
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Wu J, Roesger S, Jones N, Hu CMJ, Li SD. Cell-penetrating peptides for transmucosal delivery of proteins. J Control Release 2024; 366:864-878. [PMID: 38272399 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.01.038] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Enabling non-invasive delivery of proteins across the mucosal barriers promises improved patient compliance and therapeutic efficacies. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are emerging as a promising and versatile tool to enhance protein and peptide permeation across various mucosal barriers. This review examines the structural and physicochemical attributes of the nasal, buccal, sublingual, and oral mucosa that hamper macromolecular delivery. Recent development of CPPs for overcoming those mucosal barriers for protein delivery is summarized and analyzed. Perspectives regarding current challenges and future research directions towards improving non-invasive transmucosal delivery of macromolecules for ultimate clinical translation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiamin Wu
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Sophie Roesger
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Natalie Jones
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Che-Ming J Hu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Shyh-Dar Li
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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12
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Kulshrestha S, Goel A. Protein therapeutics as an emerging strategy to deal with skin cancer: A short review. Exp Dermatol 2024; 33:e14981. [PMID: 37983960 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14981] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Cancer has turned into a global menace with an exponential increase in the rate of death every year. Amongst all forms of cancers, skin cancer is the one becoming more common day by day because of the increased exposure to ultraviolet rays, chemicals, pollutants, etc. Skin cancer is of three types namely basal cell, squamous cell and melanoma which is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer with a low survival rate and easy relapse. Melanoma is also notorious for being multi-drug resistant which accounts for its low survival rates in it. Many kinds of therapeutics are been practiced in the contemporary world, but among them, protein therapeutics is been emerging as a promising field with multiple molecular pathway targets that have revolutionized the science of oncology. Proteins acts as small-molecule targets for cancer cells by binding to the cell surface receptors. Proteins including bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) and some toxin proteins are been tried on for dealing with melanoma targeting the major pathways including MAPK, NF-κB and PI3K/AKT. The protein therapeutics also targets the tumour microenvironment including myofibrils, lymphatic vessels etc., thus inducing tumour cell death. In the review, several kinds of proteins and their function toward cell death will be highlighted in the context of skin cancer. In addition to this, the review will look into the inhibition of the function of other inflammatory pathways by inflammasomes and cytokines, both of which have a role in preventing cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anjana Goel
- Department of Biotechnology, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
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13
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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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14
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Frisby TS, Langmead CJ. Identifying promising sequences for protein engineering using a deep transformer protein language model. Proteins 2023; 91:1471-1486. [PMID: 37337902 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26536] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Protein engineers aim to discover and design novel sequences with targeted, desirable properties. Given the near limitless size of the protein sequence landscape, it is no surprise that these desirable sequences are often a relative rarity. This makes identifying such sequences a costly and time-consuming endeavor. In this work, we show how to use a deep transformer protein language model to identify sequences that have the most promise. Specifically, we use the model's self-attention map to calculate a Promise Score that weights the relative importance of a given sequence according to predicted interactions with a specified binding partner. This Promise Score can then be used to identify strong binders worthy of further study and experimentation. We use the Promise Score within two protein engineering contexts-Nanobody (Nb) discovery and protein optimization. With Nb discovery, we show how the Promise Score provides an effective way to select lead sequences from Nb repertoires. With protein optimization, we show how to use the Promise Score to select site-specific mutagenesis experiments that identify a high percentage of improved sequences. In both cases, we also show how the self-attention map used to calculate the Promise Score can indicate which regions of a protein are involved in intermolecular interactions that drive the targeted property. Finally, we describe how to fine-tune the transformer protein language model to learn a predictive model for the targeted property, and discuss the capabilities and limitations of fine-tuning with and without knowledge transfer within the context of protein engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor S Frisby
- Computational Biology Department, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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15
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Nguyen TTK, Pham KY, Yook S. Engineered therapeutic proteins for sustained-release drug delivery systems. Acta Biomater 2023; 171:131-154. [PMID: 37717712 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.09.018] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Proteins play a vital role in diverse biological processes in the human body, and protein therapeutics have been applied to treat different diseases such as cancers, genetic disorders, autoimmunity, and inflammation. Protein therapeutics have demonstrated their advantages, such as specific pharmaceutical effects, low toxicity, and strong solubility. However, several disadvantages arise in clinical applications, including short half-life, immunogenicity, and low permeation, leading to reduced drug effectiveness. The structure of protein therapeutics can be modified to increase molecular size, leading to prolonged stability and increased plasma half-life. Notably, the controlled-release delivery systems for the sustained release of protein drugs and preserving the stability of cargo proteins are envisioned as a potential approach to overcome these challenges. In this review, we summarize recent research progress related to structural modifications (PEGylation, glycosylation, poly amino acid modification, and molecular biology-based strategies) and promising long-term delivery systems, such as polymer-based systems (injectable gel/implants, microparticles, nanoparticles, micro/nanogels, functional polymers), lipid-based systems (liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers), and inorganic nanoparticles exploited for protein therapeutics. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In this review, we highlight recent advances concerning modifying proteins directly to enhance their stability and functionality and discuss state-of-the-art methods for the delivery and controlled long-term release of active protein therapeutics to their target site. In terms of drug modifications, four widely used strategies, including PEGylation, poly amino acid modification, glycosylation, and genetic, are discussed. As for drug delivery systems, we emphasize recent progress relating to polymer-based systems, lipid-based systems developed, and inorganic nanoparticles for protein sustained-release delivery. This review points out the areas requiring focused research attention before the full potential of protein therapeutics for human health and disease can be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thoa Thi Kim Nguyen
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeol-daero, Dalseo-Gu, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea
| | - Khang-Yen Pham
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeol-daero, Dalseo-Gu, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea.
| | - Simmyung Yook
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeol-daero, Dalseo-Gu, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea; School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; Department of Biopharmaceutical Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.
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16
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Malta R, Marques AC, da Costa PC, Amaral MH. Stimuli-Responsive Hydrogels for Protein Delivery. Gels 2023; 9:802. [PMID: 37888375 PMCID: PMC10606693 DOI: 10.3390/gels9100802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteins and peptides are potential therapeutic agents, but their physiochemical properties make their use as drug substances challenging. Hydrogels are hydrophilic polymeric networks that can swell and retain high amounts of water or biological fluids without being dissolved. Due to their biocompatibility, their porous structure, which enables the transport of various peptides and proteins, and their protective effect against degradation, hydrogels have gained prominence as ideal carriers for these molecules' delivery. Particularly, stimuli-responsive hydrogels exhibit physicochemical transitions in response to subtle modifications in the surrounding environment, leading to the controlled release of entrapped proteins or peptides. This review is focused on the application of these hydrogels in protein and peptide delivery, including a brief overview of therapeutic proteins and types of stimuli-responsive polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Malta
- CeNTI—Centre for Nanotechnology and Smart Materials, Rua Fernando Mesquita, 2785, 4760-034 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal;
| | - Ana Camila Marques
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, MEDTECH, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, R. Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, R. Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paulo Cardoso da Costa
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, MEDTECH, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, R. Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, R. Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Helena Amaral
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, MEDTECH, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, R. Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, R. Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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17
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Rosace A, Bennett A, Oeller M, Mortensen MM, Sakhnini L, Lorenzen N, Poulsen C, Sormanni P. Automated optimisation of solubility and conformational stability of antibodies and proteins. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1937. [PMID: 37024501 PMCID: PMC10079162 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37668-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Biologics, such as antibodies and enzymes, are crucial in research, biotechnology, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Often, biologics with suitable functionality are discovered, but their development is impeded by developability issues. Stability and solubility are key biophysical traits underpinning developability potential, as they determine aggregation, correlate with production yield and poly-specificity, and are essential to access parenteral and oral delivery. While advances for the optimisation of individual traits have been made, the co-optimization of multiple traits remains highly problematic and time-consuming, as mutations that improve one property often negatively impact others. In this work, we introduce a fully automated computational strategy for the simultaneous optimisation of conformational stability and solubility, which we experimentally validate on six antibodies, including two approved therapeutics. Our results on 42 designs demonstrate that the computational procedure is highly effective at improving developability potential, while not affecting antigen-binding. We make the method available as a webserver at www-cohsoftware.ch.cam.ac.uk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Rosace
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield road, CB2 1EW, Cambridge, UK
- Master in Bioinformatics for Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Anja Bennett
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield road, CB2 1EW, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Mammalian Expression, Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Nordisk Park 1, 2760, Måløv, Denmark
- BRIC, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marc Oeller
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield road, CB2 1EW, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mie M Mortensen
- Department of Purification Technologies, Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Nordisk Park 1, 2760, Måløv, Denmark
- Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, University of Aalborg, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Laila Sakhnini
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield road, CB2 1EW, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Biophysics and Injectable Formulation 2, Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, 2760, Denmark
| | - Nikolai Lorenzen
- Department of Biophysics and Injectable Formulation 2, Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, 2760, Denmark
| | - Christian Poulsen
- Department of Mammalian Expression, Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Nordisk Park 1, 2760, Måløv, Denmark
| | - Pietro Sormanni
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield road, CB2 1EW, Cambridge, UK.
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18
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Menon D, Singh R, Joshi KB, Gupta S, Bhatia D. Designer, Programmable DNA-peptide hybrid materials with emergent properties to probe and modulate biological systems. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202200580. [PMID: 36468492 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200580] [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: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
The chemistry of DNA endows it with certain functional properties that facilitate the generation of self-assembled nanostructures, offering precise control over their geometry and morphology, that can be exploited for advanced biological applications. Despite the structural promise of these materials, their applications are limited owing to lack of functional capability to interact favourably with biological systems, which has been achieved by functional proteins or peptides. Herein, we outline a strategy for functionalizing DNA structures with short-peptides, leading to the formation of DNA-peptide hybrid materials. This proposition offers the opportunity to leverage the unique advantages of each of these bio-molecules, that have far reaching emergent properties in terms of better cellular interactions and uptake, better stability in biological media, an acceptable and programmable immune response and high bioactive molecule loading capacities. We discuss the synthetic strategies for the formation of these materials, namely, solid-phase functionalization and solution-coupling functionalization. We then proceed to highlight selected biological applications of these materials in the domains of cell instruction & molecular recognition, gene delivery, drug delivery and bone & tissue regeneration. We conclude with discussions shedding light on the challenges that these materials pose and offer our insights on future directions of peptide-DNA research for targeted biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhruv Menon
- Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Ramesh Singh
- Biological Engineering Discipline, Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar, 382355, India
| | - Kashti B Joshi
- Department of Chemistry, Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Sharad Gupta
- Biological Engineering Discipline, Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar, 382355, India
| | - Dhiraj Bhatia
- Biological Engineering Discipline, Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar, 382355, India
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19
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Wong KH, Guo Z, Law MK, Chen M. Functionalized PAMAM constructed nanosystems for biomacromolecule delivery. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:1589-1606. [PMID: 36692071 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm01677j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Polyamidoamines (PAMAMs) are a class of dendrimer with monodispersity and controlled topology, which can deliver biologically active macromolecules (e.g., genes and proteins) to specific regions with high efficiency and minimum side effects. In detail, PAMAMs can be functionalized easily by core modification or surface amendment to encapsulate a wide range of biomacromolecules. Besides, self-assembled, cross-linked and hybrid PAMAMs with customized therapeutic purposes are developed as delivery vehicles, which makes PAMAMs promising for biomacromolecule therapy. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the application of PAMAMs in biomacromolecule delivery from the synthesis of functionalized PAMAM carriers to the development of PAMAM-based drug delivery systems. The underlying strategies for PAMAM functionalization and assembly are first systematically discussed, and then the current applications of PAMAMs for biomacromolecule delivery are reviewed. Finally, a brief perspective on the further applications of PAMAMs concludes, aiming to provide insights into developing PAMAM-based biomacromolecule delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Hong Wong
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China.
| | - Zhaopei Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China.
| | - Man-Kay Law
- State Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI, IME and FST-ECE, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Meiwan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China.
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20
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Lihan M, Lupyan D, Oehme D. Target-template relationships in protein structure prediction and their effect on the accuracy of thermostability calculations. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4557. [PMID: 36573828 PMCID: PMC9878467 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4557] [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: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Improving protein thermostability has been a labor- and time-consuming process in industrial applications of protein engineering. Advances in computational approaches have facilitated the development of more efficient strategies to allow the prioritization of stabilizing mutants. Among these is FEP+, a free energy perturbation implementation that uses a thoroughly tested physics-based method to achieve unparalleled accuracy in predicting changes in protein thermostability. To gauge the applicability of FEP+ to situations where crystal structures are unavailable, here we have applied the FEP+ approach to homology models of 12 different proteins covering 316 mutations. By comparing predictions obtained with homology models to those obtained using crystal structures, we have identified that local rather than global sequence conservation between target and template sequence is a determining factor in the accuracy of predictions. By excluding mutation sites with low local sequence identity (<40%) to a template structure, we have obtained predictions with comparable performance to crystal structures (R2 of 0.67 and 0.63 and an RMSE of 1.20 and 1.16 kcal/mol for crystal structure and homology model predictions, respectively) for identifying stabilizing mutations when incorporating residue scanning into a cascade screening strategy. Additionally, we identify and discuss inherent limitations in sequence alignments and homology modeling protocols that translate into the poor FEP+ performance of a few select examples. Overall, our retrospective study provides detailed guidelines for the application of the FEP+ approach using homology models for protein thermostability predictions, which will greatly extend this approach to studies that were previously limited by structure availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muyun Lihan
- NIH Center for Macromolecular Modeling and Bioinformatics, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, and Center for Biophysics and Quantitative BiologyUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
- Schrödinger Inc.CambridgeMassachusettsUSA
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21
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Jagrosse M, Agredo P, Abraham BL, Toriki ES, Nilsson BL. Supramolecular Phenylalanine-Derived Hydrogels for the Sustained Release of Functional Proteins. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:784-796. [PMID: 36693219 PMCID: PMC9930093 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c01299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Protein-based therapeutics have emerged as next-generation pharmaceutical agents for oncology, bone regeneration, autoimmune disorders, viral infections, and other diseases. The clinical application of protein therapeutics has been impeded by pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic challenges including off-target toxicity, rapid clearance, and drug stability. Strategies for the localized and sustained delivery of protein therapeutics have shown promise in addressing these challenges. Hydrogels are critical materials that enable these delivery strategies. Supramolecular hydrogels composed of self-assembled materials have demonstrated biocompatibility advantages over polymer hydrogels, with peptide and protein-based gels showing strong potential. However, cost is a significant drawback of peptide-based supramolecular hydrogels. Supramolecular hydrogels composed of inexpensive low-molecular-weight (LMW) gelators, including modified amino acid derivatives, have been reported as viable alternatives to peptide-based materials. Herein, we report the encapsulation and release of proteins from supramolecular hydrogels composed of perfluorinated fluorenylmethyloxcarbonyl-modified phenylalanine (Fmoc-F5-Phe-DAP). Specifically, we demonstrate release of four model proteins (ribonuclease A (RNase A), trypsin inhibitor (TI), bovine serum albumin (BSA), and human immunoglobulin G (IgG)) from these hydrogels. The emergent viscoelastic properties of these materials are characterized, and the functional and time-dependent release of proteins from the hydrogels is demonstrated. In addition, it is shown that the properties of the aqueous solution used for hydrogel formulation have a significant influence on the in vitro release profiles, as a function of the isoelectric point and molecular weight of the protein payloads. These studies collectively validate that this class of supramolecular LMW hydrogel possesses the requisite properties for the sustained and localized release of protein therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa
L. Jagrosse
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York14627, United States
| | - Pamela Agredo
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York14627, United States
| | - Brittany L. Abraham
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York14627, United States
| | - Ethan S. Toriki
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York14627, United States
| | - Bradley L. Nilsson
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York14627, United States,Materials
Science Program, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York14627, United States,. Tel: +1 585 276-3053
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22
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Kovalenko A, Ryabchevskaya E, Evtushenko E, Nikitin N, Karpova O. Recombinant Protein Vaccines against Human Betacoronaviruses: Strategies, Approaches and Progress. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:1701. [PMID: 36675218 PMCID: PMC9863728 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Betacoronaviruses have already troubled humanity more than once. In 2002-2003 and 2012, the SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, respectively, caused outbreaks of respiratory syndromes with a fatal outcome. The spread of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has become a pandemic. These three coronaviruses belong to the genus Betacoronavirus and have a zoonotic origin. The emergence of new coronavirus infections in the future cannot be ruled out, and vaccination is the main way to prevent the spread of the infection. Previous experience in the development of vaccines against SARS and MERS has helped to develop a number of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 in a fairly short time. Among them, there are quite a few recombinant protein vaccines, which seem to be very promising in terms of safety, minimization of side effects, storage and transportation conditions. The problem of developing a universal betacoronavirus vaccine is also still relevant. Here, we summarize the information on the designing of vaccines based on recombinant proteins against highly pathogenic human betacoronaviruses SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nikolai Nikitin
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
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23
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Kalaninová Z, Fojtík L, Chmelík J, Novák P, Volný M, Man P. Probing Antibody Structures by Hydrogen/Deuterium Exchange Mass Spectrometry. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2718:303-334. [PMID: 37665467 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3457-8_17] [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: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogen/deuterium exchange (HDX) followed by mass spectrometry detection (MS) provides a fast, reliable, and detailed solution for the assessment of a protein structure. It has been widely recognized as an indispensable tool and already approved by several regulatory agencies as a structural technique for the validation of protein biopharmaceuticals, including antibody-based drugs. Antibodies are of a key importance in life and medical sciences but considered to be challenging analytical targets because of their compact structure stabilized by disulfide bonds and due to the presence of glycosylation. Despite these difficulties, there are already numerous excellent studies describing MS-based antibody structure characterization. In this chapter, we describe a universal HDX-MS workflow. Deeper attention is paid to sample handling, optimization procedures, and feasibility stages, as these elements of the HDX experiment are crucial for obtaining reliable detailed and spatially well-resolved information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Kalaninová
- BioCeV - Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czech Republic
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lukáš Fojtík
- BioCeV - Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czech Republic
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Chmelík
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Novák
- BioCeV - Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Michael Volný
- BioCeV - Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Man
- BioCeV - Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czech Republic.
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24
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Misini G, Dashor N, Petkovska R, Nakov N. Fc-fusion proteins: therapeutic relevance and quality assessment. MAKEDONSKO FARMACEVTSKI BILTEN 2022. [DOI: 10.33320/maced.pharm.bull.2022.68.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gent Misini
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University Ss Cyril and Methodius in Skopje, 1000 Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia
| | - Nebija Dashor
- Faculty of Medicine, University Clinical Center n.n. 10000 Pristina, Kosovo
| | - Rumenka Petkovska
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University Ss Cyril and Methodius in Skopje, 1000 Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia
| | - Natalija Nakov
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University Ss Cyril and Methodius in Skopje, 1000 Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia
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25
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Xu Z, Zhang L, Sun T, Zhou C, Xiao S, Yin H, Gong M, Zhang D, Liu Y. GSH‐Responsive Dnase‐I‐Loaded MnO
x
Nanoplatforms for Combined Protein‐Chemodynamic Therapy. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202200120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zhongsheng Xu
- Department of Radiology Xinqiao Hospital Army Medical University Chongqing 400037 P.R. China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Radiology Xinqiao Hospital Army Medical University Chongqing 400037 P.R. China
| | - Tao Sun
- Department of Radiology Xinqiao Hospital Army Medical University Chongqing 400037 P.R. China
| | - Chunyu Zhou
- Department of Radiology Xinqiao Hospital Army Medical University Chongqing 400037 P.R. China
| | - Shilin Xiao
- Department of Radiology Xinqiao Hospital Army Medical University Chongqing 400037 P.R. China
| | - Hong Yin
- Department of Orthopedics Xinqiao Hospital Army Medical University Chongqing 400037 P.R. China
| | - Mingfu Gong
- Department of Radiology Xinqiao Hospital Army Medical University Chongqing 400037 P.R. China
| | - Dong Zhang
- Department of Radiology Xinqiao Hospital Army Medical University Chongqing 400037 P.R. China
| | - Yun Liu
- Department of Radiology Xinqiao Hospital Army Medical University Chongqing 400037 P.R. China
- Department of Radiology Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing 400010 P.R. China
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26
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Abstract
The homeostasis of cellular activities is essential for the normal functioning of living organisms. Hence, the ability to regulate the fates of cells is of great significance for both fundamental chemical biology studies and therapeutic development. Despite the notable success of small-molecule drugs that normally act on cellular protein functions, current clinical challenges have highlighted the use of macromolecules to tune cell function for improved therapeutic outcomes. As a class of hybrid biomacromolecules gaining rapidly increasing attention, protein conjugates have exhibited great potential as versatile tools to manipulate cell function for therapeutic applications, including cancer treatment, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. Therefore, recent progress in the design and assembly of protein conjugates used to regulate cell function is discussed in this review. The protein conjugates covered here are classified into three different categories based on their mechanisms of action and relevant applications: (1) regulation of intercellular interactions; (2) intervention in intracellular biological pathways; (3) termination of cell proliferation. Within each genre, a variety of protein conjugate scaffolds are discussed, which contain a diverse array of grafted molecules, such as lipids, oligonucleotides, synthetic polymers, and small molecules, with an emphasis on their conjugation methodologies and potential biomedical applications. While the current generation of protein conjugates is focused largely on delivery, the next generation is expected to address issues of site-specific conjugation, in vivo stability, controllability, target selectivity, and biocompatibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiao Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Carston R Wagner
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Mark D Distefano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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Generation of a recombinant version of a biologically active cell-permeant human HAND2 transcription factor from E. coli. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16129. [PMID: 36167810 PMCID: PMC9515176 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19745-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factor HAND2 has a significant role in vascularization, angiogenesis, and cardiac neural crest development. It is one of the key cardiac factors crucial for the enhanced derivation of functional and mature myocytes from non-myocyte cells. Here, we report the generation of the recombinant human HAND2 fusion protein from the heterologous system. First, we cloned the full-length human HAND2 gene (only protein-coding sequence) after codon optimization along with the fusion tags (for cell penetration, nuclear translocation, and affinity purification) into the expression vector. We then transformed and expressed it in Escherichia coli strain, BL21(DE3). Next, the effect (in terms of expression) of tagging fusion tags with this recombinant protein at two different terminals was also investigated. Using affinity chromatography, we established the one-step homogeneous purification of recombinant human HAND2 fusion protein; and through circular dichroism spectroscopy, we established that this purified protein had retained its secondary structure. We then showed that this purified human protein could transduce the human cells and translocate to its nucleus. The generated recombinant HAND2 fusion protein showed angiogenic potential in the ex vivo chicken embryo model. Following transduction in MEF2C overexpressing cardiomyoblast cells, this purified recombinant protein synergistically activated the α-MHC promoter and induced GFP expression in the α-MHC-eGFP reporter assay. Prospectively, the purified bioactive recombinant HAND2 protein can potentially be a safe and effective molecular tool in the direct cardiac reprogramming process and other biological applications.
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28
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Moertel C, Martinez-Puerta F, Elizabeth Pluhar GG, Castro MG, Olin M. CD200AR-L: mechanism of action and preclinical and clinical insights for treating high-grade brain tumors. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:875-879. [PMID: 35920338 PMCID: PMC9997597 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2108588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Grace G. Elizabeth Pluhar
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Maria Graciela Castro
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Michael Olin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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29
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An insight on lipid nanoparticles for therapeutic proteins delivery. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2022.103839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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30
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Thu MM, Takheaw N, Laopajon W, Pata S. Optimization of culture conditions for stable expression of recombinant fc-fused human extracellular CD99 in HEK293T cells. Protein Expr Purif 2022; 200:106151. [PMID: 35988884 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2022.106151] [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: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
CD99 has been demonstrated to play a key role in several biological processes, including the regulation of T-cell activation, cell adhesion, and cell migration. We have also demonstrated that CD99 and its ligands regulate proinflammatory cytokines in NK cells, monocytes and activated T cells. These data suggest CD99 as a potential therapeutic target in cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms by which CD99 and CD99 counter receptors participate in such processes are unclear. High-quality CD99 recombinant proteins produced in large amounts are essential for biological studies and clinical research. In this study, we optimized the various culture conditions for increasing amounts of recombinant protein production with good biological activity. Intracellular immunofluorescence staining was performed to identify the highly expressing CD99HIgG cells. We further investigated the culture conditions for recombinant protein production. A double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to determine the level of secreted CD99HIgG proteins in the culture supernatant of various culture conditions. Later, affinity chromatography using protein G was used to purify CD99HIgG proteins from the culture supernatant of three proper culture conditions. According to our previous report, which utilized Western blotting, the purified CD99HIgG obtained from all tested culture conditions is composed of the CD99 extracellular part fused with the human IgG Fc part in dimer form. For biological activity, the obtained CD99HIgG proteins showed the ability to ligate with the CD99 counter receptor, resulting in the induction of cytokine production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myint Myat Thu
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand; Biomedical Technology Research Center, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency at the Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Nuchjira Takheaw
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand; Biomedical Technology Research Center, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency at the Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Witida Laopajon
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand; Biomedical Technology Research Center, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency at the Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Supansa Pata
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand; Biomedical Technology Research Center, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency at the Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
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31
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Conner CG, McAndrew J, Menegatti S, Velev OD. An accelerated antibody aggregation test based on time sequenced dynamic light scattering. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2022.129833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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32
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Wu HH, Crames M, Wei Y, Liu D, Gueneva-Boucheva K, Son I, Frego L, Han F, Kroe-Barrett R, Nixon A, Michael M. Effect of the ADCC-modulating mutations and the selection of human IgG isotypes on physicochemical properties of Fc. J Pharm Sci 2022; 111:2411-2421. [PMID: 35760121 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2022.06.014] [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: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies, particularly IgGs and Ig-based molecules, are a well-established and growing class of biotherapeutic drugs. In order to improve efficacy, potency and pharmacokinetics of these therapeutic drugs, pharmaceutical industries have investigated significantly in engineering fragment crystallizable (Fc) domain of these drugs to optimize the interactions of these drugs and Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs) in recent ten years. The biological function of the therapeutics with the antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) enhanced double mutation (S239D/I332E) of isotype IgG1, the ADCC reduced double mutation (L234A/L235A) of isotype IgG1, and ADCC reduced isotype IgG4 has been well understood. However, limited information regarding the effect of these mutations or isotype difference on physicochemical properties (PCP), developability, and manufacturability of therapeutics bearing these different Fc regions is available. In this report, we systematically characterize the effects of the mutations and IgG4 isotype on conformation stability, colloidal stability, solubility, and storage stability at accelerated conditions in two buffer systems using six Fc variants. Our results provide a basis for selecting appropriate Fc region during development of IgG or Ig-based therapeutics and predicting effect of the mutations on CMC development process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Haixia Wu
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., Innovation Unit, Biotherapeutics Discovery, Ridgefield, Connecticut, USA.
| | - Maureen Crames
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., Innovation Unit, Biotherapeutics Discovery, Ridgefield, Connecticut, USA
| | - Yangjie Wei
- Amgen Inc., Drug Product Technologies, Thousand Oaks, California, USA
| | - Dongmei Liu
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., Innovation Unit, Biotherapeutics Discovery, Ridgefield, Connecticut, USA
| | - Kristina Gueneva-Boucheva
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., Innovation Unit, Biotherapeutics Discovery, Ridgefield, Connecticut, USA
| | - Ikbae Son
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., Innovation Unit, Biotherapeutics Discovery, Ridgefield, Connecticut, USA
| | - Lee Frego
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., Innovation Unit, Biotherapeutics Discovery, Ridgefield, Connecticut, USA
| | - Fei Han
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., Innovation Unit, Biotherapeutics Discovery, Ridgefield, Connecticut, USA
| | - Rachel Kroe-Barrett
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., Innovation Unit, Biotherapeutics Discovery, Ridgefield, Connecticut, USA
| | - Andrew Nixon
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., Innovation Unit, Biotherapeutics Discovery, Ridgefield, Connecticut, USA
| | - Marlow Michael
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., Innovation Unit, Biotherapeutics Discovery, Ridgefield, Connecticut, USA
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33
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Advances in engineering the production of the natural red pigment lycopene: A systematic review from a biotechnology perspective. J Adv Res 2022; 46:31-47. [PMID: 35753652 PMCID: PMC10105081 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2022.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lycopene is a natural red compound with potent antioxidant activity that can be utilized both as pigment and as a raw material in functional food, and so possesses good commercial prospects. The biosynthetic pathway has already been documented, which provides the foundation for lycopene production using biotechnology. AIM OF REVIEW Although lycopene production has begun to take shape, there is still an urgent need to alleviate the yield of lycopene. Progress in this area can provide useful reference for metabolic engineering of lycopene production utilizing multiple approaches. Key scientific concepts of review Using conventional microbial fermentation approaches, biotechnologists have enhanced the yield of lycopene by selecting suitable host strains, utilizing various additives, and optimizing culture conditions. With the development of modern biotechnology, genetic engineering, protein engineering, and metabolic engineering have been applied for lycopene production. Extraction from natural plants is the main way for lycopene production at present. Based on the molecular mechanism of lycopene accumulation, the production of lycopene by plant bioreactor through genetic engineering has a good prospect. Here we summarized common strategies for optimizing lycopene production engineering from a biotechnology perspective, which are mainly carried out by microbial cultivation. We reviewed the challenges and limitations of this approach, summarized the critical aspects, and provided suggestions with the aim of potential future breakthroughs for lycopene production in plants.
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34
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Guncheva M. Role of ionic liquids on stabilization of therapeutic proteins and model proteins. Protein J 2022; 41:369-380. [PMID: 35661292 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-022-10058-5] [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] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Ionic liquids (ILs) exhibit potential as excipients to stabilize proteins in solutions. This mini-review is not a detailed reference book on ILs, rather a brief overview of the main achievements published in the literature on their effect on protein aggregation, unfolding, structural and thermal stability, and activity. The main focus of the manuscript is three widely studied groups of ionic liquids: imidazolium-, cholinium- and alkylammonium-based and their effect on the model and therapeutic proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Guncheva
- Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str. 9, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria.
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35
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Advances of research of Fc-fusion protein that activate NK cells for tumor immunotherapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 109:108783. [PMID: 35561479 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The rapid development of bioengineering technology has introduced Fc-fusion proteins, representing a novel kind of recombinant protein, as promising biopharmaceutical products in tumor therapy. Numerous related anti-tumor Fc-fusion proteins have been investigated and are in different stages of development. Fc-fusion proteins are constructed by fusing the Fc-region of the antibody with functional proteins or peptides. They retain the bioactivity of the latter and partial properties of the former. This structural and functional advantage makes Fc-fusion proteins an effective tool in tumor immunotherapy, especially for the recruitment and activation of natural killer (NK) cells, which play a critical role in tumor immunotherapy. Even though tumor cells have developed mechanisms to circumvent the cytotoxic effect of NK cells or induce defective NK cells, Fc-fusion proteins have been proven to effectively activate NK cells to kill tumor cells in different ways, such as antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), activate NK cells in different ways in order to promote killing of tumor cells. In this review, we focus on NK cell-based immunity for cancers and current research progress of the Fc-fusion proteins for anti-tumor therapy by activating NK cells.
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36
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Takematsu E, Massidda M, Auster J, Chen PC, Im B, Srinath S, Canga S, Singh A, Majid M, Sherman M, Dunn A, Graham A, Martin P, Baker AB. Transmembrane stem cell factor protein therapeutics enhance revascularization in ischemia without mast cell activation. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2497. [PMID: 35523773 PMCID: PMC9076913 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30103-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell factor (SCF) is a cytokine that regulates hematopoiesis and other biological processes. While clinical treatments using SCF would be highly beneficial, these have been limited by toxicity related to mast cell activation. Transmembrane SCF (tmSCF) has differential activity from soluble SCF and has not been explored as a therapeutic agent. We created novel therapeutics using tmSCF embedded in proteoliposomes or lipid nanodiscs. Mouse models of anaphylaxis and ischemia revealed the tmSCF-based therapies did not activate mast cells and improved the revascularization in the ischemic hind limb. Proteoliposomal tmSCF preferentially acted on endothelial cells to induce angiogenesis while tmSCF nanodiscs had greater activity in inducing stem cell mobilization and recruitment to the site of injury. The type of lipid nanocarrier used altered the relative cellular uptake pathways and signaling in a cell type dependent manner. Overall, we found that tmSCF-based therapies can provide therapeutic benefits without off target effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eri Takematsu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Miles Massidda
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Jeff Auster
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Po-Chih Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - ByungGee Im
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Sanjana Srinath
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Sophia Canga
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Aditya Singh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Marjan Majid
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Michael Sherman
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Andrew Dunn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Annette Graham
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, G4 0BA, Scotland, UK
| | - Patricia Martin
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, G4 0BA, Scotland, UK
| | - Aaron B Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
- The Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
- Institute for Biomaterials, Drug Delivery and Regenerative Medicine, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
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37
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Jarosinski MA, Chen YS, Varas N, Dhayalan B, Chatterjee D, Weiss MA. New Horizons: Next-Generation Insulin Analogues: Structural Principles and Clinical Goals. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:909-928. [PMID: 34850005 PMCID: PMC8947325 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Design of "first-generation" insulin analogues over the past 3 decades has provided pharmaceutical formulations with tailored pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) properties. Application of a molecular tool kit-integrating protein sequence, chemical modification, and formulation-has thus led to improved prandial and basal formulations for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Although PK/PD changes were modest in relation to prior formulations of human and animal insulins, significant clinical advantages in efficacy (mean glycemia) and safety (rates of hypoglycemia) were obtained. Continuing innovation is providing further improvements to achieve ultrarapid and ultrabasal analogue formulations in an effort to reduce glycemic variability and optimize time in range. Beyond such PK/PD metrics, next-generation insulin analogues seek to exploit therapeutic mechanisms: glucose-responsive ("smart") analogues, pathway-specific ("biased") analogues, and organ-targeted analogues. Smart insulin analogues and delivery systems promise to mitigate hypoglycemic risk, a critical barrier to glycemic control, whereas biased and organ-targeted insulin analogues may better recapitulate physiologic hormonal regulation. In each therapeutic class considerations of cost and stability will affect use and global distribution. This review highlights structural principles underlying next-generation design efforts, their respective biological rationale, and potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Jarosinski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Yen-Shan Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Nicolás Varas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Balamurugan Dhayalan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Deepak Chatterjee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Michael A Weiss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Correspondence: Michael A. Weiss, MD, PhD, Dept of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive, MS 4053, Indianapolis, IN 46202-3082 USA.
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38
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Allouche EMD, Simonet‐Davin R, Waser J. N
‐Terminal Selective C−H Azidation of Proline‐Containing Peptides: a Platform for Late‐Stage Diversification. Chemistry 2022; 28:e202200368. [PMID: 35137991 PMCID: PMC9306896 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202200368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
A methodology for the C−H azidation of N‐terminal proline‐containing peptides was developed employing only commercially available reagents. Peptides bearing a broad range of functionalities and containing up to 6 amino acids were selectively azidated at the carbamate‐protected N‐terminal residue in presence of the numerous other functional groups present on the molecules. Post‐functionalizations of the obtained aminal compounds were achieved: cycloaddition reactions or C−C bond formations via a sequence of imine formation/nucleophilic addition were performed, offering an easy access to diversified peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle M. D. Allouche
- Laboratory of Catalysis and Organic Synthesis Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne EPFL, SB ISIC LCSO, BCH 4306 1015 Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Raphaël Simonet‐Davin
- Laboratory of Catalysis and Organic Synthesis Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne EPFL, SB ISIC LCSO, BCH 4306 1015 Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Jerome Waser
- Laboratory of Catalysis and Organic Synthesis Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne EPFL, SB ISIC LCSO, BCH 4306 1015 Lausanne Switzerland
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39
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Zhan QW, Gao J, Li D, Huang Y. High throughput onion-like liposome formation with efficient protein encapsulation under flash antisolvent mixing. J Colloid Interface Sci 2022; 618:185-195. [PMID: 35338925 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2022.03.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Achieving a high encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of proteins in lecithin-based liposomes has always been a challenge. Here, we use Flash Nano-Precipitation (FNP) to produce liposomes and investigated the encapsulation of model protein (Bovine Serum Albumin, BSA). Through rapid turbulent mixing, we obtained liposomes with small size, low polydispersity, and good batch repeatability at a high production rate. We demonstrated that the bilayer of liposomes prepared solely using lecithin was defective, which led to the fusion, and increased size and polydispersity. When cholesterol was added to reach a lecithin-to-cholesterol molar ratio of 5:3, a compact bilayer formed to effectively inhibit liposome fusion. The encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of BSA was as high as ∼ 68% and ∼ 6% in lecithin-cholesterol liposome, respectively, far exceeding the values reported in the literature. Further study by Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation (QCM-D) revealed that the highly effective encapsulation was due to the rapid mutual adsorption between BSA and defective/curved lecithin double layers during the liposome formation. Such rapid mutual adsorption leads to the layer-by-layer assembly and formation of onion-like compact liposome structure as revealed by Cryo-TEM. This simple FNP method provides a scalable manufacturing approach for liposomes with efficient protein encapsulation. The revealed adsorption mechanism between protein and lecithin bilayers could also serve as a guide for similar studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang-Wei Zhan
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Jun Gao
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Dongcui Li
- InCipirit Tech (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan Huang
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China.
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40
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Allouche EMD, Grinhagena E, Waser J. Hypervalent Iodine‐Mediated Late‐Stage Peptide and Protein Functionalization. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202112287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle M. D. Allouche
- Laboratory of Catalysis and Organic Synthesis Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, EPFL, SB ISIC, LCSO, BCH 1402 1015 Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Elija Grinhagena
- Laboratory of Catalysis and Organic Synthesis Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, EPFL, SB ISIC, LCSO, BCH 1402 1015 Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Jerome Waser
- Laboratory of Catalysis and Organic Synthesis Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, EPFL, SB ISIC, LCSO, BCH 1402 1015 Lausanne Switzerland
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41
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Negi S, Hamori M, Kawahara-Nakagawa Y, Imanishi M, Kurehara M, Kitada C, Kawahito Y, Kishi K, Manabe T, Kawamura N, Kitagishi H, Mashimo M, Shibata N, Sugiura Y. Importance of two-dimensional cation clusters induced by protein folding in intrinsic intracellular membrane permeability. RSC Chem Biol 2022; 3:1076-1084. [PMID: 35975000 PMCID: PMC9347356 DOI: 10.1039/d2cb00098a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Two-dimensional cation clusters formed on the surface of proteins play an important role in their intracellular translocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeru Negi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Doshisha Women's University, Koudo, Kyotanabe, Kyoto 610-0395, Japan
| | - Mami Hamori
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Doshisha Women's University, Koudo, Kyotanabe, Kyoto 610-0395, Japan
| | - Yuka Kawahara-Nakagawa
- Graduate School of Life Science, University of Hyogo, 3-2-1 Kouto, Kamigori-cho, Ako-gun, Hyogo, 678-1297, Japan
| | - Miki Imanishi
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
| | - Miku Kurehara
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Doshisha Women's University, Koudo, Kyotanabe, Kyoto 610-0395, Japan
| | - Chieri Kitada
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Doshisha Women's University, Koudo, Kyotanabe, Kyoto 610-0395, Japan
| | - Yuri Kawahito
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Doshisha Women's University, Koudo, Kyotanabe, Kyoto 610-0395, Japan
| | - Kanae Kishi
- Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Takayuki Manabe
- Clinical Research Support Center, Asahikawa Medical University Hospital, 2-1-1-1 Midorigaokahigashi, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Kawamura
- Education Center for Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Niigata University of Pharmacy and Applied Life Sciences, 265-1 Higashijima, Akiha-ku, Niigata City, Niigata 956-8603, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kitagishi
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Doshisha University, Kyotanabe, Kyoto 610-0321, Japan
| | - Masato Mashimo
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Doshisha Women's University, Koudo, Kyotanabe, Kyoto 610-0395, Japan
| | - Nobuhito Shibata
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Doshisha Women's University, Koudo, Kyotanabe, Kyoto 610-0395, Japan
| | - Yukio Sugiura
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Doshisha Women's University, Koudo, Kyotanabe, Kyoto 610-0395, Japan
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Izadi S, Jalali Javaran M, Rashidi Monfared S, Castilho A. Reteplase Fc-fusions produced in N. benthamiana are able to dissolve blood clots ex vivo. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260796. [PMID: 34847186 PMCID: PMC8631678 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Thrombolytic and fibrinolytic therapies are effective treatments to dissolve blood clots in stroke therapy. Thrombolytic drugs activate plasminogen to its cleaved form plasmin, a proteolytic enzyme that breaks the crosslinks between fibrin molecules. The FDA-approved human tissue plasminogen activator Reteplase (rPA) is a non-glycosylated protein produced in E. coli. rPA is a deletion mutant of the wild-type Alteplase that benefits from an extended plasma half-life, reduced fibrin specificity and the ability to better penetrate into blood clots. Different methods have been proposed to improve the production of rPA. Here we show for the first time the transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana of rPA fused to the immunoglobulin fragment crystallizable (Fc) domain on an IgG1, a strategy commonly used to improve the stability of therapeutic proteins. Despite our success on the expression and purification of dimeric rPA-Fc fusions, protein instability results in high amounts of Fc-derived degradation products. We hypothesize that the "Y"- shape of dimeric Fc fusions cause steric hindrance between protein domains and leads to physical instability. Indeed, mutations of critical residues in the Fc dimerization interface allowed the expression of fully stable rPA monomeric Fc-fusions. The ability of rPA-Fc to convert plasminogen into plasmin was demonstrated by plasminogen zymography and clot lysis assay shows that rPA-Fc is able to dissolve blood clots ex vivo. Finally, we addressed concerns with the plant-specific glycosylation by modulating rPA-Fc glycosylation towards serum-like structures including α2,6-sialylated and α1,6-core fucosylated N-glycans completely devoid of plant core fucose and xylose residues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Izadi
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mokhtar Jalali Javaran
- Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sajad Rashidi Monfared
- Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alexandra Castilho
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
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Al-Mansoori L, Al Qahtani AD, Elsinga P, Goda SK. Production of Long-Acting CNGRC-CPG2 Fusion Proteins: New Derivatives to Overcome Drug Immunogenicity of Ligand-Directed Enzyme Prodrug Therapy for Targeted Cancer Treatment. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2021; 20:15330338211057371. [PMID: 34802309 PMCID: PMC8606725 DOI: 10.1177/15330338211057371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Aminopeptidase N (APN) is an enzyme highly expressed in metastatic cancers and could be used in targeted cancer therapy. Our previous work showed the successful construction of CNGRC–carboxypeptidase G2 (CPG2) and CNGRC–CPG2–CNGRC fusion proteins. Our conjugates and prodrugs were effective in targeting high APN-expressing cancer cells. In the present study, we aim to produce long-acting fusion proteins to overcome 2 of the main drawbacks of antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy. Methods: N-terminal and N-, C-terminal fusion CPG2, CNGRC–CPG2, and CNGRC–CPG2–CNGRC, respectively, were PEGylated using polyethylene glycol (PEG) maleimide (40K). We examined the effect of PEGylation on the therapeutic efficacy of the new products. The resulting PEGylated fusion proteins were tested for their stability, ex vivo immunotoxicity, binding capacity to their target on high HT1080, and low A549 APN-expressing cells. The catalytic activity of the resulting PEGylated fusion CPG2 proteins was investigated. Pro-drug “ZD2767P” cytotoxic effect in association with PEG CPG2–CNGRC fusion proteins on cancer cells was studied. Results: Our work demonstrated that the properties of the PEGylated single-fused proteins were significantly improved over that of un-PEGylated fused CPG2, and its kinetic activity and APN-binding affinity were not negatively affected by the PEGylation. Significantly, The PEGylated single-fused CPG2 had lower immunogenicity than the un-PEGylated CPG2. Our results, however, were different in the case of the PEGylated double-fused CPG2. Although its stability in human serum under physiological conditions was not significantly affected, the kinetic activity and its binding affinity to their cellular marker (APN) were substantially reduced. When the study was performed with high and low APN-expressing cancer cell lines, using the prodrug ZD2767p, the PEGylated fusion CPG2 demonstrated cancer cell killing effects. Conclusion: We have successfully produced PEGylated-CNGRC–CPG2, which is bioactive and with lower immunogenicity in ligand-directed enzyme prodrug therapy for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Philip Elsinga
- University of Groningen, 10173University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Sayed K Goda
- Chemistry Department, Cairo University, Faculty of Science, Giza, Egypt.,2939University of Derby, College of Science and Engineering, Derby, UK
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Lu H, Xu S, Guo Z, Zhao M, Liu Z. Redox-Responsive Molecularly Imprinted Nanoparticles for Targeted Intracellular Delivery of Protein toward Cancer Therapy. ACS NANO 2021; 15:18214-18225. [PMID: 34664930 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c07166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Although protein therapeutics is of significance in therapeutic intervention of cancers, controlled delivery of therapeutic proteins still faces substantial challenges including susceptibility to degradation and denaturation and poor membrane permeability. Herein, we report a sialic acid (SA)-imprinted biodegradable silica nanoparticles (BS-NPs)-based protein delivery strategy for targeted cancer therapy. Cytotoxic ribonuclease A (RNase A) was effectively caged in the matrix of disulfide-hybridized silica NPs (encapsulation efficiency of ∼64%), which were further functionalized with cancer targeting capability via surface imprinting with SA as imprinting template. Such nanovectors could not only maintain high stability in physiological conditions but also permit redox-triggered biodegradation for both concomitant release of the loaded therapeutic cargo and in vivo clearance. In vitro experiments confirmed that the SA-imprinted RNase A@BS-NPs could selectively target SA-overexpressed tumor cells, promote cells uptake, and subsequently be cleaved by intracellular glutathione (GSH), resulting in rapid release kinetics and enhanced cell cytotoxicity. In vivo experiments further confirmed that the SA-imprinted RNase A@BS-NPs had specific tumor-targeting ability and high therapeutic efficacy of RNase A in xenograft tumor model. Due to the specific targeting and traceless GSH-stimulated intracellular protein release, the SA-imprinted BS-NPs provided a promising platform for the delivery of biomacromolecules in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haifeng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shuxin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhanchen Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Menghuan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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45
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Allouche EMD, Grinhagena E, Waser J. Hypervalent Iodine-Mediated Late-Stage Peptide and Protein Functionalization. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 61:e202112287. [PMID: 34674359 PMCID: PMC9299824 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202112287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Hypervalent iodine compounds are powerful reagents for the development of novel transformations. As they exhibit low toxicity, high functional group tolerance, and stability in biocompatible media, they have been used for the functionalization of biomolecules. Herein, we report recent advances up to June 2021 in peptide and protein modification using hypervalent iodine reagents. Their use as group transfer or oxidizing reagents is discussed in this Minireview, including methods targeting polar, aromatic, or aliphatic amino acids and peptide termini.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle M D Allouche
- Laboratory of Catalysis and Organic Synthesis, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, EPFL, SB ISIC, LCSO, BCH 1402, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Elija Grinhagena
- Laboratory of Catalysis and Organic Synthesis, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, EPFL, SB ISIC, LCSO, BCH 1402, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jerome Waser
- Laboratory of Catalysis and Organic Synthesis, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, EPFL, SB ISIC, LCSO, BCH 1402, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Jarosinski MA, Dhayalan B, Chen YS, Chatterjee D, Varas N, Weiss MA. Structural principles of insulin formulation and analog design: A century of innovation. Mol Metab 2021; 52:101325. [PMID: 34428558 PMCID: PMC8513154 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2021.101325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The discovery of insulin in 1921 and its near-immediate clinical use initiated a century of innovation. Advances extended across a broad front, from the stabilization of animal insulin formulations to the frontiers of synthetic peptide chemistry, and in turn, from the advent of recombinant DNA manufacturing to structure-based protein analog design. In each case, a creative interplay was observed between pharmaceutical applications and then-emerging principles of protein science; indeed, translational objectives contributed to a growing molecular understanding of protein structure, aggregation and misfolding. SCOPE OF REVIEW Pioneering crystallographic analyses-beginning with Hodgkin's solving of the 2-Zn insulin hexamer-elucidated general features of protein self-assembly, including zinc coordination and the allosteric transmission of conformational change. Crystallization of insulin was exploited both as a step in manufacturing and as a means of obtaining protracted action. Forty years ago, the confluence of recombinant human insulin with techniques for site-directed mutagenesis initiated the present era of insulin analogs. Variant or modified insulins were developed that exhibit improved prandial or basal pharmacokinetic (PK) properties. Encouraged by clinical trials demonstrating the long-term importance of glycemic control, regimens based on such analogs sought to resemble daily patterns of endogenous β-cell secretion more closely, ideally with reduced risk of hypoglycemia. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS Next-generation insulin analog design seeks to explore new frontiers, including glucose-responsive insulins, organ-selective analogs and biased agonists tailored to address yet-unmet clinical needs. In the coming decade, we envision ever more powerful scientific synergies at the interface of structural biology, molecular physiology and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Jarosinski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, 46202, IN, USA
| | - Balamurugan Dhayalan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, 46202, IN, USA
| | - Yen-Shan Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, 46202, IN, USA
| | - Deepak Chatterjee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, 46202, IN, USA
| | - Nicolás Varas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, 46202, IN, USA
| | - Michael A Weiss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, 46202, IN, USA; Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, 47405, IN, USA; Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, 47907, IN, USA.
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47
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Bertolio MS, La Colla A, Carrea A, Romo A, Canziani G, Echarte SM, Campisano S, Barletta GP, Monzon AM, Rodríguez TM, Chisari AN, Dewey RA. A Novel Splice Variant of Human TGF-β Type II Receptor Encodes a Soluble Protein and Its Fc-Tagged Version Prevents Liver Fibrosis in vivo. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:690397. [PMID: 34568316 PMCID: PMC8461249 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.690397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe, for the first time, a new splice variant of the human TGF-β type II receptor (TβRII). The new transcript lacks 149 nucleotides, resulting in a frameshift and the emergence of an early stop codon, rendering a truncated mature protein of 57 amino acids. The predicted protein, lacking the transmembrane domain and with a distinctive 13-amino-acid stretch at its C-terminus, was named TβRII-Soluble Endogenous (TβRII-SE). Binding predictions indicate that the novel 13-amino-acid stretch interacts with all three TGF-β cognate ligands and generates a more extensive protein–protein interface than TβRII. TβRII-SE and human IgG1 Fc domain were fused in frame in a lentiviral vector (Lv) for further characterization. With this vector, we transduced 293T cells and purified TβRII-SE/Fc by A/G protein chromatography from conditioned medium. Immunoblotting revealed homogeneous bands of approximately 37 kDa (reduced) and 75 kDa (non-reduced), indicating that TβRII-SE/Fc is secreted as a disulfide-linked homodimer. Moreover, high-affinity binding of TβRII-SE to the three TGF-β isoforms was confirmed by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis. Also, intrahepatic delivery of Lv.TβRII-SE/Fc in a carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis model revealed amelioration of liver injury and fibrosis. Our results indicate that TβRII-SE is a novel member of the TGF-β signaling pathway with distinctive characteristics. This novel protein offers an alternative for the prevention and treatment of pathologies caused by the overproduction of TGF-β ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Soledad Bertolio
- Laboratorio de Terapia Génica y Células Madre, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (INTECH), CONICET-UNSAM, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Anabela La Colla
- Departamento de Química y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandra Carrea
- Laboratorio de Terapia Génica y Células Madre, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (INTECH), CONICET-UNSAM, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana Romo
- Laboratorio de Terapia Génica y Células Madre, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (INTECH), CONICET-UNSAM, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gabriela Canziani
- Drexel U-Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson U S200 Biosensor Shared Resource, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Stella Maris Echarte
- Departamento de Química y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sabrina Campisano
- Departamento de Química y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - German Patricio Barletta
- Molecular Physics and Biophysics Group, Department of Science and Technology, National University of Quilmes, CONICET, Bernal, Argentina
| | | | - Tania Melina Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de Terapia Génica y Células Madre, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (INTECH), CONICET-UNSAM, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrea Nancy Chisari
- Departamento de Química y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ricardo Alfredo Dewey
- Laboratorio de Terapia Génica y Células Madre, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (INTECH), CONICET-UNSAM, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Feng H, Yang J, Zhi H, Hu X, Yang Y, Zhang L, Liu Q, Feng Y, Wu D, Li H. Eucommia ulmoides Leaf Polysaccharide in Conjugation with Ovalbumin Act as Delivery System Can Improve Immune Response. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13091384. [PMID: 34575460 PMCID: PMC8471226 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13091384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
In this investigation, to maximize the desired immunoenhancement effects of PsEUL and stimulate an efficient humoral and cellular immune response against an antigen, PsEUL and the model antigen ovalbumin (OVA) were coupled using the N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N′-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) reaction to yield a novel delivery system (PsEUL-OVA). The physicochemical characteristics and immune regulation effects of this new system were investigated. We found the yield of this EDC method to be 46.25%. In vitro, PsEUL-OVA (200 μg mL−1) could enhance macrophage proliferation and increase their phagocytic efficiency. In vivo, PsEUL-OVA could significantly increase the levels of OVA-specific antibody (IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b) titers and cytokine (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IFN-γ) levels. Additionally, it could activate T lymphocytes and facilitate the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs). These findings collectively suggested that PsEUL-OVA induced humoral and cellular immune responses by promoting the phagocytic activity of macrophages and DCs. Taken together, these results revealed that PsEUL-OVA had the potential to improve immune responses and provide a promising theoretical basis for the design of a novel delivery system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibo Feng
- College of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (L.Z.); (Q.L.); (Y.F.); (D.W.); (H.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education and Sichuan Province for Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Chengdu 610041, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +86-28-85522310
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China; (J.Y.); (H.Z.); (X.H.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Hui Zhi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China; (J.Y.); (H.Z.); (X.H.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Xin Hu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China; (J.Y.); (H.Z.); (X.H.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China; (J.Y.); (H.Z.); (X.H.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Linzi Zhang
- College of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (L.Z.); (Q.L.); (Y.F.); (D.W.); (H.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education and Sichuan Province for Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qianqian Liu
- College of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (L.Z.); (Q.L.); (Y.F.); (D.W.); (H.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education and Sichuan Province for Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yangyang Feng
- College of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (L.Z.); (Q.L.); (Y.F.); (D.W.); (H.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education and Sichuan Province for Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Daiyan Wu
- College of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (L.Z.); (Q.L.); (Y.F.); (D.W.); (H.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education and Sichuan Province for Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hangyu Li
- College of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (L.Z.); (Q.L.); (Y.F.); (D.W.); (H.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education and Sichuan Province for Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Chengdu 610041, China
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Shin HJ, Ku KB, Kim HS, Moon HW, Jeong GU, Hwang I, Yoon GY, Lee S, Lee S, Ahn DG, Kim KD, Kwon YC, Kim BT, Kim SJ, Kim C. Receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein efficiently inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection and attachment to mouse lung. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:3786-3794. [PMID: 34671199 PMCID: PMC8495392 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.61320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19, caused by a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, poses a serious global threat. It was first reported in 2019 in China and has now dramatically spread across the world. It is crucial to develop therapeutics to mitigate severe disease and viral spread. The receptor-binding domains (RBDs) in the spike protein of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV have shown anti-viral activity in previous reports suggesting that this domain has high potential for development as therapeutics. To evaluate the potential antiviral activity of recombinant SARS-CoV-2 RBD proteins, we determined the RBD residues of SARS-CoV-2 using a homology search with RBD of SARS-CoV. For efficient expression and purification, the signal peptide of spike protein was identified and used to generate constructs expressing recombinant RBD proteins. Highly purified RBD protein fused with the Fc domain of human IgG showed potent anti-viral efficacy, which was better than that of a protein fused with a histidine tag. Intranasally pre-administrated RBD protein also inhibited the attachment of SARS-COV-2 to mouse lungs. These findings indicate that RBD protein could be used for the prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Seong-Jun Kim
- Center for Convergent Research of Emerging Virus Infection, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, South Korea
| | - Chonsaeng Kim
- Center for Convergent Research of Emerging Virus Infection, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, South Korea
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50
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Hui JO, Flick T, Loo JA, Campuzano IDG. Unequivocal Identification of Aspartic Acid and isoAspartic Acid by MALDI-TOF/TOF: From Peptide Standards to a Therapeutic Antibody. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2021; 32:1901-1909. [PMID: 33390012 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.0c00370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Aspartic acid (Asp) to isoaspartic acid (isoAsp) isomerization in therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and other biotherapeutics is a critical quality attribute (CQA) that requires careful control and monitoring during the drug discovery and production processes. The unwanted formation of isoAsp within biotherapeutics and resultant structural changes in the peptide backbone may negatively impact the efficacy, potency, and safety of the molecule or become immunogenic, especially if the isomerization occurs within the mAb complementarity determining region (CDR). Herein we describe a MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry method that affords unequivocal identification of the presence and the exact position of the isoAsp residue(s) in peptide standards ranging in size from a tripeptide to a docosapeptide (22 residues). In general, the peptide bond immediately N-terminal to the isoAsp residue is more susceptible to MALDI-TOF/TOF fragmentation than its unmodified counterpart. In some of the peptides evaluated in this study, fragmentation of the peptide bond C-terminal to the isoAsp residue (the aspartate effect) is also enhanced when compared to the control. Relative quantification by MALDI-TOF/TOF of this chemical modification is dependent upon a successful reversed-phase HPLC (rpHPLC) separation of the control and modified peptides. This method has also been validated on a therapeutic mAb that contains a well-documented isoAsp residue in the heavy chain CDR3 after forced degradation. Moreover, we also demonstrate that higher energy C-trap dissociation of only the singly charged species, and not the multiply charged form, of the isoAsp containing peptide, separated by rpHPLC, results in LC-MS/MS fragmentation that is highly consistent to that of MALDI-TOF/TOF.
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Affiliation(s)
- John O Hui
- Amgen Research, Discovery Attribute Sciences, Amgen, Inc., Thousand Oaks, California 91320, United States
| | - Tawnya Flick
- Attribute Sciences, Pivotal, Amgen, Inc., Thousand Oaks, California 91320, United States
| | - Joseph A Loo
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Iain D G Campuzano
- Amgen Research, Discovery Attribute Sciences, Amgen, Inc., Thousand Oaks, California 91320, United States
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