1
|
Tulika T, Ruso-Julve F, Ahmadi S, Ljungars A, Rivera-de-Torre E, Wade J, Fernández-Quintero ML, Jenkins TP, Belfakir SB, Ross GMS, Boyens-Thiele L, Buell AK, Sakya SA, Sørensen CV, Bohn MF, Ledsgaard L, Voldborg BG, Francavilla C, Schlothauer T, Lomonte B, Andersen JT, Laustsen AH. Engineering of pH-dependent antigen binding properties for toxin-targeting IgG1 antibodies using light-chain shuffling. Structure 2024; 32:1404-1418.e7. [PMID: 39146931 PMCID: PMC11385703 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2024.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies that bind their cognate antigen in a pH-dependent manner (acid-switched antibodies) can release their bound antigen for degradation in the acidic environment of endosomes, while the IgGs are rescued by the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn). Thus, such IgGs can neutralize multiple antigens over time and therefore be used at lower doses than their non-pH-responsive counterparts. Here, we show that light-chain shuffling combined with phage display technology can be used to discover IgG1 antibodies with increased pH-dependent antigen binding properties, using the snake venom toxins, myotoxin II and α-cobratoxin, as examples. We reveal differences in how the selected IgG1s engage their antigens and human FcRn and show how these differences translate into distinct cellular handling properties related to their pH-dependent antigen binding phenotypes and Fc-engineering for improved FcRn binding. Our study showcases the complexity of engineering pH-dependent antigen binding IgG1s and demonstrates the effects on cellular antibody-antigen recycling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tulika Tulika
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Fulgencio Ruso-Julve
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway; Precision Immunotherapy Alliance (PRIMA), University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Shirin Ahmadi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anne Ljungars
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Jack Wade
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Timothy P Jenkins
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Selma B Belfakir
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark; VenomAid Diagnostics ApS, Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Lars Boyens-Thiele
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Alexander K Buell
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Siri A Sakya
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway; Precision Immunotherapy Alliance (PRIMA), University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christoffer V Sørensen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Markus-Frederik Bohn
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Line Ledsgaard
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Bjørn G Voldborg
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Chiara Francavilla
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Tilman Schlothauer
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiologia, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica
| | - Jan Terje Andersen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway; Precision Immunotherapy Alliance (PRIMA), University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bryniarski MA, Tuhin MTH, Acker TM, Wakefield DL, Sethaputra PG, Cook KD, Soto M, Ponce M, Primack R, Jagarapu A, LaGory EL, Conner KP. Cellular Neonatal Fc Receptor Recycling Efficiencies can Differentiate Target-Independent Clearance Mechanisms of Monoclonal Antibodies. J Pharm Sci 2024; 113:2879-2894. [PMID: 38906252 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2024.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
In vivo clearance mechanisms of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) encompass both target-mediated and target-independent processes. Two distinct determinants of overall mAb clearance largely separate of target-mediated influences are non-specific cellular endocytosis and subsequent pH-dependent mAb recycling mediated by the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), where inter-mAb variability in the efficiency of both processes is observed. Here, we implemented a functional cell-based FcRn recycling assay via Madin-Darby canine kidney type II cells stably co-transfected with human FcRn and its light chain β2-microglobulin. Next, a series of pH-dependent internalization studies using a model antibody demonstrated proper function of the human FcRn complex. We then applied our cellular assays to assess the contribution of both FcRn and non-specific interactions in the cellular turnover for a panel of 8 clinically relevant mAbs exhibiting variable human pharmacokinetic behavior. Our results demonstrate that the interplay of non-specific endocytosis rates, pH-dependent non-specific interactions, and engagement with FcRn all contribute to the overall recycling efficiency of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. The predictive capacity of our assay approach was highlighted by successful identification of all mAbs within our panel possessing clearance in humans greater than 5 mL/day/kg. These results demonstrate that a combination of cell-based in vitro assays can properly resolve individual mechanisms underlying the overall in vivo recycling efficiency and non-target mediated clearance of therapeutic mAbs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Bryniarski
- Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Amgen Research, 750 Gateway Blvd, Suite 100, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
| | - Md Tariqul Haque Tuhin
- Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Amgen Research, 750 Gateway Blvd, Suite 100, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Timothy M Acker
- Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Amgen Research, 750 Gateway Blvd, Suite 100, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Devin L Wakefield
- Research Biomics, Amgen Research, 750 Gateway Blvd, Suite 100, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Panijaya Gemy Sethaputra
- Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Amgen Research, 750 Gateway Blvd, Suite 100, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Kevin D Cook
- Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Amgen Research, 750 Gateway Blvd, Suite 100, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Marcus Soto
- Pharmacokinetics & Drug Metabolism, Amgen Research, One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA
| | - Manuel Ponce
- Pharmacokinetics & Drug Metabolism, Amgen Research, One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA
| | - Ronya Primack
- Pharmacokinetics & Drug Metabolism, Amgen Research, One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA
| | - Aditya Jagarapu
- Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Amgen Research, 750 Gateway Blvd, Suite 100, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Edward L LaGory
- Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Amgen Research, 750 Gateway Blvd, Suite 100, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Kip P Conner
- Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Amgen Research, 750 Gateway Blvd, Suite 100, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ma G, Crowley AR, Heyndrickx L, Rogiers I, Parthoens E, Van Santbergen J, Ober RJ, Bobkov V, de Haard H, Ulrichts P, Hofman E, Louagie E, Balbino B, Ward ES. Differential effects of FcRn antagonists on the subcellular trafficking of FcRn and albumin. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e176166. [PMID: 38713534 PMCID: PMC11141909 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.176166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The homeostasis of IgG is maintained by the neonatal Fc receptor, FcRn. Consequently, antagonism of FcRn to reduce endogenous IgG levels is an emerging strategy for treating antibody-mediated autoimmune disorders using either FcRn-specific antibodies or an engineered Fc fragment. For certain FcRn-specific antibodies, this approach has resulted in reductions in the levels of serum albumin, the other major ligand transported by FcRn. Cellular and molecular analyses of a panel of FcRn antagonists have been carried out to elucidate the mechanisms leading to their differential effects on albumin homeostasis. These analyses have identified 2 processes underlying decreases in albumin levels during FcRn blockade: increased degradation of FcRn and competition between antagonist and albumin for FcRn binding. These findings have potential implications for the design of drugs to modulate FcRn function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guanglong Ma
- Centre for Cancer Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew R. Crowley
- Centre for Cancer Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Eef Parthoens
- VIB BioImaging Core, Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Raimund J. Ober
- Centre for Cancer Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - E. Sally Ward
- Centre for Cancer Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Foss S, Sakya SA, Aguinagalde L, Lustig M, Shaughnessy J, Cruz AR, Scheepmaker L, Mathiesen L, Ruso-Julve F, Anthi AK, Gjølberg TT, Mester S, Bern M, Evers M, Bratlie DB, Michaelsen TE, Schlothauer T, Sok D, Bhattacharya J, Leusen J, Valerius T, Ram S, Rooijakkers SHM, Sandlie I, Andersen JT. Human IgG Fc-engineering for enhanced plasma half-life, mucosal distribution and killing of cancer cells and bacteria. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2007. [PMID: 38453922 PMCID: PMC10920689 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46321-9] [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: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal IgG antibodies constitute the fastest growing class of therapeutics. Thus, there is an intense interest to design more potent antibody formats, where long plasma half-life is a commercially competitive differentiator affecting dosing, frequency of administration and thereby potentially patient compliance. Here, we report on an Fc-engineered variant with three amino acid substitutions Q311R/M428E/N434W (REW), that enhances plasma half-life and mucosal distribution, as well as allows for needle-free delivery across respiratory epithelial barriers in human FcRn transgenic mice. In addition, the Fc-engineered variant improves on-target complement-mediated killing of cancer cells as well as both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Hence, this versatile Fc technology should be broadly applicable in antibody design aiming for long-acting prophylactic or therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stian Foss
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance (PRIMA), University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Siri A Sakya
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance (PRIMA), University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Leire Aguinagalde
- Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marta Lustig
- Section for Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Christian-Albrechts University Kiel and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jutamas Shaughnessy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ana Rita Cruz
- Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lisette Scheepmaker
- Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Line Mathiesen
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Fulgencio Ruso-Julve
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance (PRIMA), University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Aina Karen Anthi
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance (PRIMA), University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Torleif Tollefsrud Gjølberg
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance (PRIMA), University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Simone Mester
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance (PRIMA), University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Malin Bern
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance (PRIMA), University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mitchell Evers
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Diane B Bratlie
- Infection Immunology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Terje E Michaelsen
- Infection Immunology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Chemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tilman Schlothauer
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Devin Sok
- International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), New York, NY, USA
| | - Jayanta Bhattacharya
- Antibody Translational Research Program, Translational Health Science & Technology Institute, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, India
| | - Jeanette Leusen
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Thomas Valerius
- Section for Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Christian-Albrechts University Kiel and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Sanjay Ram
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Suzan H M Rooijakkers
- Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Inger Sandlie
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jan Terje Andersen
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance (PRIMA), University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mock M, Langmead CJ, Grandsard P, Edavettal S, Russell A. Recent advances in generative biology for biotherapeutic discovery. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:255-267. [PMID: 38378385 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2024.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Generative biology combines artificial intelligence (AI), advanced life sciences technologies, and automation to revolutionize the process of designing novel biomolecules with prescribed properties, giving drug discoverers the ability to escape the limitations of biology during the design of next-generation protein therapeutics. Significant hurdles remain, namely: (i) the inherently complex nature of drug discovery, (ii) the bewildering number of promising computational and experimental techniques that have emerged in the past several years, and (iii) the limited availability of relevant protein sequence-function data for drug-like molecules. There is a need to focus on computational methods that will be most practically effective for protein drug discovery and on building experimental platforms to generate the data most appropriate for these methods. Here, we discuss recent advances in computational and experimental life sciences that are most crucial for impacting the pace and success of protein drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marissa Mock
- Amgen Research, Amgen Inc., One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA
| | | | - Peter Grandsard
- Amgen Research, Amgen Inc., One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA
| | - Suzanne Edavettal
- Amgen Research, Amgen Inc., One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA
| | - Alan Russell
- Amgen Research, Amgen Inc., One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Damelang T, Brinkhaus M, van Osch TLJ, Schuurman J, Labrijn AF, Rispens T, Vidarsson G. Impact of structural modifications of IgG antibodies on effector functions. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1304365. [PMID: 38259472 PMCID: PMC10800522 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1304365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies are a critical component of the adaptive immune system, binding to and neutralizing pathogens and other foreign substances. Recent advances in molecular antibody biology and structural protein engineering enabled the modification of IgG antibodies to enhance their therapeutic potential. This review summarizes recent progress in both natural and engineered structural modifications of IgG antibodies, including allotypic variation, glycosylation, Fc engineering, and Fc gamma receptor binding optimization. We discuss the functional consequences of these modifications to highlight their potential for therapeutical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timon Damelang
- Sanquin Research, Department of Experimental Immunohematology and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Sanquin Research, Department of Immunopathology, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Antibody Research & Technologies’, Genmab, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Maximilian Brinkhaus
- Sanquin Research, Department of Experimental Immunohematology and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Thijs L. J. van Osch
- Sanquin Research, Department of Experimental Immunohematology and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Janine Schuurman
- Department of Antibody Research & Technologies’, Genmab, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Aran F. Labrijn
- Department of Antibody Research & Technologies’, Genmab, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Theo Rispens
- Sanquin Research, Department of Immunopathology, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Gestur Vidarsson
- Sanquin Research, Department of Experimental Immunohematology and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jain T, Prinz B, Marker A, Michel A, Reichel K, Czepczor V, Klieber S, Sun W, Kathuria S, Oezguer Bruederle S, Lange C, Wahl L, Starr C, Masiero A, Avery L. Assessment and incorporation of in vitro correlates to pharmacokinetic outcomes in antibody developability workflows. MAbs 2024; 16:2384104. [PMID: 39083118 PMCID: PMC11296533 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2024.2384104] [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: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
In vitro assessments for the prediction of pharmacokinetic (PK) behavior of biotherapeutics can help identify corresponding liabilities significantly earlier in the discovery timeline. This can minimize the need for extensive early in vivo PK characterization, thereby reducing animal usage and optimizing resources. In this study, we recommend bolstering classical developability workflows with in vitro measures correlated with PK. In agreement with current literature, in vitro measures assessing nonspecific interactions, self-interaction, and FcRn interaction are demonstrated to have the highest correlations to clearance in hFcRn Tg32 mice. Crucially, the dataset used in this study has broad sequence diversity and a range of physicochemical properties, adding robustness to our recommendations. Finally, we demonstrate a computational approach that combines multiple in vitro measurements with a multivariate regression model to improve the correlation to PK compared to any individual assessment. Our work demonstrates that a judicious choice of high throughput in vitro measurements and computational predictions enables the prioritization of candidate molecules with desired PK properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tushar Jain
- Department of Computational Biology, Adimab LLC, Mountain View, CA, USA
| | - Bianka Prinz
- Department of Antibody Discovery, Adimab LLC, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Alexander Marker
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Sanofi, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Alexander Michel
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Sanofi, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Katrin Reichel
- Department of Large Molecule Research, Sanofi, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Valerie Czepczor
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Sanofi, Paris, France
| | - Sylvie Klieber
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Sanofi, Paris, France
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Sanofi, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sagar Kathuria
- Department of Large Molecule Research, Sanofi, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Christian Lange
- Department of Large Molecule Research, Sanofi, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Lena Wahl
- Department of Large Molecule Research, Sanofi, Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | | | - Lindsay Avery
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Sanofi, Cambridge, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Reusch J, Andersen JT, Rant U, Schlothauer T. Insight into the avidity-affinity relationship of the bivalent, pH-dependent interaction between IgG and FcRn. MAbs 2024; 16:2361585. [PMID: 38849969 PMCID: PMC11164218 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2024.2361585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) as therapeutics necessitate favorable pharmacokinetic properties, including extended serum half-life, achieved through pH-dependent binding to the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn). While prior research has mainly investigated IgG-FcRn binding kinetics with a focus on single affinity values, it has been shown that each IgG molecule can engage two FcRn molecules throughout an endosomal pH gradient. As such, we present here a more comprehensive analysis of these interactions with an emphasis on both affinity and avidity by taking advantage of switchSENSE technology, a surface-based biosensor where recombinant FcRn was immobilized via short DNA nanolevers, mimicking the membranous orientation of the receptor. The results revealed insight into the avidity-to-affinity relationship, where assessing binding through a pH gradient ranging from pH 5.8 to 7.4 showed that the half-life extended IgG1-YTE has an affinity inflection point at pH 7.2, reflecting its engineering for improved FcRn binding compared with the wild-type counterpart. Furthermore, IgG1-YTE displayed a pH switch for the avidity enhancement factor at pH 6.2, reflecting strong receptor binding to both sides of the YTE-containing Fc, while avidity was abolished at pH 7.4. When compared with classical surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology and complementary methods, the use of switchSENSE demonstrated superior capabilities in differentiating affinity from avidity within a single measurement. Thus, the methodology provides reliable kinetic rate parameters for both binding modes and their direct relationship as a function of pH. Also, it deciphers the potential effect of the variable Fab arms on FcRn binding, in which SPR has limitations. Our study offers guidance for how FcRn binding properties can be studied for IgG engineering strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Reusch
- Dynamic Biosensors GmbH, Munich, Germany
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Jan Terje Andersen
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance (PRIMA), University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Tilman Schlothauer
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Benjakul S, Anthi AK, Kolderup A, Vaysburd M, Lode HE, Mallery D, Fossum E, Vikse EL, Albecka A, Ianevski A, Kainov D, Karlsen KF, Sakya SA, Nyquist-Andersen M, Gjølberg TT, Moe MC, Bjørås M, Sandlie I, James LC, Andersen JT. A pan-SARS-CoV-2-specific soluble angiotensin-converting enzyme 2-albumin fusion engineered for enhanced plasma half-life and needle-free mucosal delivery. PNAS NEXUS 2023; 2:pgad403. [PMID: 38077689 PMCID: PMC10703496 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Immunocompromised patients often fail to raise protective vaccine-induced immunity against the global emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants. Although monoclonal antibodies have been authorized for clinical use, most have lost their ability to potently neutralize the evolving Omicron subvariants. Thus, there is an urgent need for treatment strategies that can provide protection against these and emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants to prevent the development of severe coronavirus disease 2019. Here, we report on the design and characterization of a long-acting viral entry-blocking angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) dimeric fusion molecule. Specifically, a soluble truncated human dimeric ACE2 variant, engineered for improved binding to the receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2, was fused with human albumin tailored for favorable engagement of the neonatal fragment crystallizable receptor (FcRn), which resulted in enhanced plasma half-life and allowed for needle-free transmucosal delivery upon nasal administration in human FcRn-expressing transgenic mice. Importantly, the dimeric ACE2-fused albumin demonstrated potent neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 immune escape variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sopisa Benjakul
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo 0372, Norway
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo 0372, Norway
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance (PRIMA), University of Oslo, Oslo 0372, Norway
| | - Aina Karen Anthi
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo 0372, Norway
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo 0372, Norway
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance (PRIMA), University of Oslo, Oslo 0372, Norway
| | - Anette Kolderup
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo 0372, Norway
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo 0372, Norway
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance (PRIMA), University of Oslo, Oslo 0372, Norway
| | - Marina Vaysburd
- Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry Division, Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Heidrun Elisabeth Lode
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo 0372, Norway
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo 0372, Norway
- Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo 0450, Norway
| | - Donna Mallery
- Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry Division, Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Even Fossum
- Department of Virology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo 0213, Norway
| | - Elisabeth Lea Vikse
- Department of Virology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo 0213, Norway
| | - Anna Albecka
- Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry Division, Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Aleksandr Ianevski
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim 7491, Norway
| | - Denis Kainov
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim 7491, Norway
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu 50411, Estonia
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Karine Flem Karlsen
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo 0372, Norway
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo 0372, Norway
| | - Siri Aastedatter Sakya
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo 0372, Norway
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo 0372, Norway
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance (PRIMA), University of Oslo, Oslo 0372, Norway
| | - Mari Nyquist-Andersen
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo 0372, Norway
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo 0372, Norway
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance (PRIMA), University of Oslo, Oslo 0372, Norway
| | - Torleif Tollefsrud Gjølberg
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo 0372, Norway
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo 0372, Norway
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance (PRIMA), University of Oslo, Oslo 0372, Norway
- Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo 0450, Norway
| | - Morten C Moe
- Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo 0450, Norway
| | - Magnar Bjørås
- Department of Virology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo 0213, Norway
| | - Inger Sandlie
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo 0371, Norway
| | - Leo C James
- Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry Division, Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Jan Terje Andersen
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo 0372, Norway
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo 0372, Norway
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance (PRIMA), University of Oslo, Oslo 0372, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
An N, Wang X, He A, Chen W. Current Status of Weekly Insulin Analogs and Their Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Evaluation by the Euglycemic Clamp Technique. Clin Pharmacol Drug Dev 2023; 12:849-855. [PMID: 37439495 DOI: 10.1002/cpdd.1296] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus represents a significant global health threat characterized by hyperglycemia caused by inadequate insulin secretion and/or insulin resistance. Exogenous insulin supplements had been recognized as a crucial treatment for achieving successful glycemic control in patients with Type 1 and most patients with Type 2 diabetes. Over the past century, substantial progress has been made in the development of novel insulin formulations, including the super-fast-acting and long-acting basal insulin analogs, of which the latter is indispensable for the management of nocturnal fasting and intraprandial blood glucose within the normal physiological range. Recently, combining chemical and genetic engineering with drug optimization have resulted in a formidable evolution in ultra-long-acting weekly insulin. Here, the current state of once-weekly insulin analogs and the euglycemic clamp technique used in the early clinical development to elucidate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of this type of novel weekly insulin analogs were systematically overviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Na An
- Beijing Jingmei Group General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xuhong Wang
- Beijing Luhe Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Anshun He
- Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Pannek A, Becker-Gotot J, Dower SK, Verhagen AM, Gleeson PA. The endosomal system of primary human vascular endothelial cells and albumin-FcRn trafficking. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:jcs260912. [PMID: 37565427 PMCID: PMC10445748 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260912] [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: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Human serum albumin (HSA) has a long circulatory half-life owing, in part, to interaction with the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn or FCGRT) in acidic endosomes and recycling of internalised albumin. Vascular endothelial and innate immune cells are considered the most relevant cells for FcRn-mediated albumin homeostasis in vivo. However, little is known about endocytic trafficking of FcRn-albumin complexes in primary human endothelial cells. To investigate FcRn-albumin trafficking in physiologically relevant endothelial cells, we generated primary human vascular endothelial cell lines from blood endothelial precursors, known as blood outgrowth endothelial cells (BOECs). We mapped the endosomal system in BOECs and showed that BOECs efficiently internalise fluorescently labelled HSA predominantly by fluid-phase macropinocytosis. Pulse-chase studies revealed that intracellular HSA molecules co-localised with FcRn in acidic endosomal structures and that the wildtype HSA, but not the non-FcRn-binding HSAH464Q mutant, was excluded from late endosomes and/or lysosomes. Live imaging revealed that HSA is partitioned into FcRn-positive tubules derived from maturing macropinosomes, which are then transported towards the plasma membrane. These findings identify the FcRn-albumin trafficking pathway in primary vascular endothelial cells, relevant to albumin homeostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Pannek
- The Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology and Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Experimental Immunology (IMMEI), University Clinic Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Janine Becker-Gotot
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Experimental Immunology (IMMEI), University Clinic Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Steven K. Dower
- CSL Limited, Research, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Anne M. Verhagen
- CSL Limited, Research, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Paul A. Gleeson
- The Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology and Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Gjølberg TT, Wik JA, Johannessen H, Krüger S, Bassi N, Christopoulos PF, Bern M, Foss S, Petrovski G, Moe MC, Haraldsen G, Fosse JH, Skålhegg BS, Andersen JT, Sundlisæter E. Antibody blockade of Jagged1 attenuates choroidal neovascularization. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3109. [PMID: 37253747 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38563-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-based blocking of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) reduces choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and retinal edema, rescuing vision in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). However, poor response and resistance to anti-VEGF treatment occurs. We report that targeting the Notch ligand Jagged1 by a monoclonal antibody reduces neovascular lesion size, number of activated phagocytes and inflammatory markers and vascular leakage in an experimental CNV mouse model. Additionally, we demonstrate that Jagged1 is expressed in mouse and human eyes, and that Jagged1 expression is independent of VEGF signaling in human endothelial cells. When anti-Jagged1 was combined with anti-VEGF in mice, the decrease in lesion size exceeded that of either antibody alone. The therapeutic effect was solely dependent on blocking, as engineering antibodies to abolish effector functions did not impair the therapeutic effect. Targeting of Jagged1 alone or in combination with anti-VEGF may thus be an attractive strategy to attenuate CNV-bearing diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Torleif Tollefsrud Gjølberg
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0372, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0372, Oslo, Norway
- Center of Eye Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, 0450, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jonas Aakre Wik
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0372, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Nutrition, Division of Molecular Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, 0372, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hanna Johannessen
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0372, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0372, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stig Krüger
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0372, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nicola Bassi
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0372, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Malin Bern
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0372, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0372, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stian Foss
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0372, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0372, Oslo, Norway
| | - Goran Petrovski
- Center of Eye Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, 0450, Oslo, Norway
| | - Morten C Moe
- Center of Eye Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, 0450, Oslo, Norway
| | - Guttorm Haraldsen
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0372, Oslo, Norway
| | - Johanna Hol Fosse
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0372, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bjørn Steen Skålhegg
- Department of Nutrition, Division of Molecular Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, 0372, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jan Terje Andersen
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0372, Oslo, Norway.
- Institute of Clinical Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0372, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Eirik Sundlisæter
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0372, Oslo, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Toshkova N, Zhelyazkova V, Justesen S, Dimitrov JD. Conservative pattern of interaction of bat and human IgG antibodies with FcRn. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 139:104579. [PMID: 36272453 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2022.104579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Recently, numerous studies report bats as reservoirs of emerging pathogens with little to no signs of infections. This is thought to be connected to the unique immune system of bats, which remains poorly characterized. Despite the physiological importance of the Neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) in the homeostasis of IgG antibodies, it is unclear how its functional activity is evolutionary conservative among mammals, and so is the case for bats. Using surface plasmon resonance-based technology, we tested the interactions of IgG antibodies isolated from three bat species with recombinant human and mouse FcRn. Our data show that IgG from the studied bat species binds to both human and mouse FcRn, albeit with distinct affinities. Importantly, the binding pattern of bat IgG is similar to human IgG. This confirms the conservative nature of IgG-FcRn interaction and highlights the importance of FcRn IgG salvaging system in bats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nia Toshkova
- National Museum of Natural History, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd., 1000, Sofia, Bulgaria; Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd., 1000, Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Violeta Zhelyazkova
- National Museum of Natural History, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd., 1000, Sofia, Bulgaria; Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Sune Justesen
- Immunitrack Aps, Lersoe Park Alle 42, 2100, Copenhagen East, Denmark
| | - Jordan D Dimitrov
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 75006, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Fernández-Quintero ML, Ljungars A, Waibl F, Greiff V, Andersen JT, Gjølberg TT, Jenkins TP, Voldborg BG, Grav LM, Kumar S, Georges G, Kettenberger H, Liedl KR, Tessier PM, McCafferty J, Laustsen AH. Assessing developability early in the discovery process for novel biologics. MAbs 2023; 15:2171248. [PMID: 36823021 PMCID: PMC9980699 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2023.2171248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Beyond potency, a good developability profile is a key attribute of a biological drug. Selecting and screening for such attributes early in the drug development process can save resources and avoid costly late-stage failures. Here, we review some of the most important developability properties that can be assessed early on for biologics. These include the influence of the source of the biologic, its biophysical and pharmacokinetic properties, and how well it can be expressed recombinantly. We furthermore present in silico, in vitro, and in vivo methods and techniques that can be exploited at different stages of the discovery process to identify molecules with liabilities and thereby facilitate the selection of the most optimal drug leads. Finally, we reflect on the most relevant developability parameters for injectable versus orally delivered biologics and provide an outlook toward what general trends are expected to rise in the development of biologics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica L. Fernández-Quintero
- Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), Department of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Anne Ljungars
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Franz Waibl
- Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), Department of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Victor Greiff
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jan Terje Andersen
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Timothy P. Jenkins
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Bjørn Gunnar Voldborg
- National Biologics Facility, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Lise Marie Grav
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Biotherapeutics Discovery, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc, Ridgefield, CT, USA
| | - Guy Georges
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Hubert Kettenberger
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Klaus R. Liedl
- Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), Department of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Peter M. Tessier
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - John McCafferty
- Department of Medicine, Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Maxion Therapeutics, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andreas H. Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Xu Y, He Y, Momben-Abolfath S, Vertrees D, Li X, Norton MG, Struble EB. Zika Virus Infection and Antibody Neutralization in FcRn Expressing Placenta and Engineered Cell Lines. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10122059. [PMID: 36560469 PMCID: PMC9781090 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10122059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
As a developmental toxicant, Zika virus (ZIKV) attacks both the growing nervous system, causing congenital Zika syndrome, and the placenta, resulting in pathological changes and associated adverse fetal outcomes. There are no vaccines, antibodies, or other treatments for ZIKV, despite the potential for its re-emergence. Multiple studies have highlighted the risk of antibodies for enhancing ZIKV infection, including during pregnancy, but the mechanisms for such effects are not fully understood. We have focused on the ability of the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) to interact with ZIKV in the presence and absence of relevant antibodies. We found that ZIKV replication was higher in Marvin Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells that overexpress FcRn compared to those that do not, and knocking down FcRn decreased ZIKV RNA production. In the placenta trophoblast BeWo cell line, ZIKV infection itself downregulated FcRn at the mRNA and protein levels. Addition of anti-ZIKV antibodies to MDCK/FcRn cells resulted in non-monotonous neutralization curves with neutralization attenuation and even enhancement of infection at higher concentrations. Non-monotonous neutralization was also seen in BeWo cells at intermediate antibody concentrations. Our studies highlight the underappreciated role FcRn plays in ZIKV infection and may have implications for anti-ZIKV prophylaxis and therapy in pregnant women.
Collapse
|
16
|
An Fc variant with two mutations confers prolonged serum half-life and enhanced effector functions on IgG antibodies. Exp Mol Med 2022; 54:1850-1861. [PMID: 36319752 PMCID: PMC9628495 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00870-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The pH-selective interaction between the immunoglobulin G (IgG) fragment crystallizable region (Fc region) and the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) is critical for prolonging the circulating half-lives of IgG molecules through intracellular trafficking and recycling. By using directed evolution, we successfully identified Fc mutations that improve the pH-dependent binding of human FcRn and prolong the serum persistence of a model IgG antibody and an Fc-fusion protein. Strikingly, trastuzumab-PFc29 and aflibercept-PFc29, a model therapeutic IgG antibody and an Fc-fusion protein, respectively, when combined with our engineered Fc (Q311R/M428L), both exhibited significantly higher serum half-lives in human FcRn transgenic mice than their counterparts with wild-type Fc. Moreover, in a cynomolgus monkey model, trastuzumab-PFc29 displayed a superior pharmacokinetic profile to that of both trastuzumab-YTE and trastuzumab-LS, which contain the well-validated serum half-life extension Fcs YTE (M252Y/S254T/T256E) and LS (M428L/N434S), respectively. Furthermore, the introduction of two identified mutations of PFc29 (Q311R/M428L) into the model antibodies enhanced both complement-dependent cytotoxicity and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity activity, which are triggered by the association between IgG Fc and Fc binding ligands and are critical for clearing cancer cells. In addition, the effector functions could be turned off by combining the two mutations of PFc29 with effector function-silencing mutations, but the antibodies maintained their excellent pH-dependent human FcRn binding profile. We expect our Fc variants to be an excellent tool for enhancing the pharmacokinetic profiles and potencies of various therapeutic antibodies and Fc-fusion proteins.
Collapse
|
17
|
Roy S, Curry SD, Bagot CC, Mueller EN, Mansouri AM, Park W, Cha JN, Goodwin AP. Enzyme Prodrug Therapy with Photo-Cross-Linkable Anti-EGFR Affibodies Conjugated to Upconverting Nanoparticles. ACS NANO 2022; 16:15873-15883. [PMID: 36129781 PMCID: PMC10197967 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c02558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
In this work, we demonstrate that a photo-cross-linkable conjugate of upconverting nanoparticles and cytosine deaminase can catalyze prodrug conversion specifically at tumor sites in vivo. Non-covalent association of proteins and peptides with cellular surfaces leads to receptor-mediated endocytosis and catabolic degradation. Recently, we showed that covalent attachment of proteins such as affibodies to cell receptors yields extended expression on cell surfaces with preservation of protein function. To adapt this technology for in vivo applications, conjugates were prepared from upconverting nanoparticles and fusion proteins of affibody and cytosine deaminase enzyme (UC-ACD). The affibody allows covalent photo-cross-linking to epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs) overexpressed on Caco-2 human colorectal cancer cells under near-infrared (NIR) light. Once bound, the cytosine deaminase portion of the fusion protein converts the prodrug 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) to the anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). NIR covalent photoconjugation of UC-ACD to Caco-2 cells showed 4-fold higher retention than observed with cells that were not irradiated in vitro. Next, athymic mice expressing Caco-2 tumors showed 5-fold greater UC-ACD accumulation in the tumors than either conjugates without the CD enzyme or UC-ACDs in the absence of NIR excitation. With oral administration of 5-FC prodrug, tumors with photoconjugated UC-ACD yielded 2-fold slower growth than control groups, and median mouse survival increased from 28 days to 35 days. These experiments demonstrate that enzyme-decorated nanoparticles can remain viable after a single covalent photoconjugation in vivo, which can in turn localize prodrug conversion to tumor sites for multiple weeks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shambojit Roy
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, 596 UCB, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| | - Shane D. Curry
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, 596 UCB, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| | - Conrad Corbella Bagot
- Department of Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering, University of Colorado, 596 UCB, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| | - Evan N. Mueller
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, 596 UCB, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| | - Abdulrahman M. Mansouri
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, 596 UCB, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| | - Wounjhang Park
- Department of Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering, University of Colorado, 596 UCB, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| | - Jennifer N. Cha
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, 596 UCB, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado, 596 UCB, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| | - Andrew P. Goodwin
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, 596 UCB, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado, 596 UCB, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Guptill JT, Sleasman JW, Steeland S, Sips M, Gelinas D, de Haard H, Azar A, Winthrop KL. Effect of FcRn antagonism on protective antibodies and to vaccines in IgG-mediated autoimmune diseases pemphigus and generalised myasthenia gravis. Autoimmunity 2022; 55:620-631. [PMID: 36036539 DOI: 10.1080/08916934.2022.2104261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Antagonism of the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) by efgartigimod has been studied in several autoimmune diseases mediated by immunoglobulin G (IgG) as a therapeutic approach to remove pathogenic IgGs. Whereas reduction of pathogenic titres has demonstrated efficacy in multiple autoimmune diseases, reducing total IgG could potentially increase infection risk in patients receiving FcRn antagonists. The objective of this study was to analyse the effect of FcRn antagonism with efgartigimod on existing protective antibody titres and the ability to mount an immune response after vaccine challenge. Serum levels of total IgG and protective antibodies against tetanus toxoid (TT), varicella zoster virus (VZV), and pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide (PCP) were measured in all patients enrolled in an open-label trial of efgartigimod for the treatment of pemphigus. Vaccine specific-responses were assessed by measuring changes in IgG titres in patients with generalised myasthenia gravis (gMG) who were treated with efgartigimod and who received influenza, pneumococcal, or coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines during participation in the double-blind trial ADAPT or open-label extension, ADAPT+ (n = 17). FcRn antagonism reduced levels of protective anti-TT, anti-VZV, and anti-PCP antibodies and total IgG to a similar extent; anti-TT and anti-VZV titres remained above minimally protective thresholds for the majority of patients, (10/12) 83% and (14/15) 93% respectively. Protective antibodies returned to baseline values upon treatment cessation. Antigen-specific IgG responses to influenza, pneumococcal, and COVID-19 immunisation were detected in patients with gMG who received these vaccines while undergoing therapy with efgartigimod. In conclusion, FcRn antagonism with efgartigimod did not hamper generation of IgG responses but did transiently reduce IgG titres of all specificities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey T Guptill
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,argenx, Ghent, Belgium
| | - John W Sleasman
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Pulmonary Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Antoine Azar
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kevin L Winthrop
- Division of Infectious Disease, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Biophysical differences in IgG1 Fc-based therapeutics relate to their cellular handling, interaction with FcRn and plasma half-life. Commun Biol 2022; 5:832. [PMID: 35982144 PMCID: PMC9388496 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03787-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-based therapeutics (ABTs) are used to treat a range of diseases. Most ABTs are either full-length IgG1 antibodies or fusions between for instance antigen (Ag)-binding receptor domains and the IgG1 Fc fragment. Interestingly, their plasma half-life varies considerably, which may relate to how they engage the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn). As such, there is a need for an in-depth understanding of how different features of ABTs affect FcRn-binding and transport behavior. Here, we report on how FcRn-engagement of the IgG1 Fc fragment compare to clinically relevant IgGs and receptor domain Fc fusions, binding to VEGF or TNF-α. The results reveal FcRn-dependent intracellular accumulation of the Fc, which is in line with shorter plasma half-life than that of full-length IgG1 in human FcRn-expressing mice. Receptor domain fusion to the Fc increases its half-life, but not to the extent of IgG1. This is mirrored by a reduced cellular recycling capacity of the Fc-fusions. In addition, binding of cognate Ag to ABTs show that complexes of similar size undergo cellular transport at different rates, which could be explained by the biophysical properties of each ABT. Thus, the study provides knowledge that should guide tailoring of ABTs regarding optimal cellular sorting and plasma half-life. Analysis of clinically approved antibody-based therapeutics reveals different structural designs, such as full-length IgG1 or Fc-fusions, entail distinct biophysical properties that affect FcRn binding, intracellular transport and plasma half-life.
Collapse
|
20
|
Wade J, Rimbault C, Ali H, Ledsgaard L, Rivera-de-Torre E, Abou Hachem M, Boddum K, Mirza N, Bohn MF, Sakya SA, Ruso-Julve F, Andersen JT, Laustsen AH. Generation of Multivalent Nanobody-Based Proteins with Improved Neutralization of Long α-Neurotoxins from Elapid Snakes. Bioconjug Chem 2022; 33:1494-1504. [PMID: 35875886 PMCID: PMC9389527 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.2c00220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Recombinantly produced biotherapeutics hold promise for improving the current standard of care for snakebite envenoming over conventional serotherapy. Nanobodies have performed well in the clinic, and in the context of antivenom, they have shown the ability to neutralize long α-neurotoxins in vivo. Here, we showcase a protein engineering approach to increase the valence and hydrodynamic size of neutralizing nanobodies raised against a long α-neurotoxin (α-cobratoxin) from the venom of the monocled cobraNaja kaouthia. Based on the p53 tetramerization domain, a panel of anti-α-cobratoxin nanobody-p53 fusion proteins, termed Quads, were produced with different valences, inclusion or exclusion of Fc regions for endosomal recycling purposes, hydrodynamic sizes, and spatial arrangements, comprising up to 16 binding sites. Measurements of binding affinity and stoichiometry showed that the nanobody binding affinity was retained when incorporated into the Quad scaffold, and all nanobody domains were accessible for toxin binding, subsequently displaying increased blocking potency in vitro compared to the monomeric format. Moreover, functional assessment using automated patch-clamp assays demonstrated that the nanobody and Quads displayed neutralizing effects against long α-neurotoxins from both N. kaouthia and the forest cobra N. melanoleuca. This engineering approach offers a means of altering the valence, endosomal recyclability, and hydrodynamic size of existing nanobody-based therapeutics in a simple plug-and-play fashion and can thus serve as a technology for researchers tailoring therapeutic properties for improved neutralization of soluble targets such as snake toxins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jack Wade
- Department
of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical
University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Rimbault
- Department
of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical
University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Hanif Ali
- Quadrucept
Bio Ltd., Kemp House,
152 City Road, London EC1V
2NX, United Kingdom
| | - Line Ledsgaard
- Department
of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical
University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Esperanza Rivera-de-Torre
- Department
of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical
University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Maher Abou Hachem
- Department
of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical
University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Kim Boddum
- Sophion
Bioscience, DK-2750 Ballerup, Denmark
| | - Nadia Mirza
- Fida
Biosystems ApS, DK-2860 Søborg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Markus-Frederik Bohn
- Department
of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical
University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Siri A. Sakya
- Department
of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital
Rikshospitalet, N-0372 Oslo, Norway
- Department
of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, N-0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Fulgencio Ruso-Julve
- Department
of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital
Rikshospitalet, N-0372 Oslo, Norway
- Department
of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, N-0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jan Terje Andersen
- Department
of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital
Rikshospitalet, N-0372 Oslo, Norway
- Department
of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, N-0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Andreas H. Laustsen
- Department
of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical
University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens, Lyngby, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Gjølberg TT, Lode HE, Melo GB, Mester S, Probst C, Sivertsen MS, Jørstad ØK, Andersen JT, Moe MC. A Silicone Oil-Free Syringe Tailored for Intravitreal Injection of Biologics. FRONTIERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2022; 2:882013. [PMID: 38983507 PMCID: PMC11182194 DOI: 10.3389/fopht.2022.882013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Intravitreal injections (IVI) of biologics targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) led to a paradigm shift in the management and prognosis of prevalent retinal conditions. Yet, IVI are typically performed with syringes that are neither developed nor approved for this purpose. Notably, syringes lubricated with silicone oil (SiO) are extensively used despite multiple reports showing that such syringes can cause deposition of SiO droplets in the vitreous body and patient discomfort. Thus, there is a need for SiO-free substitutes specifically tailored for IVI. Here, we report on the development and testing of such a syringe. This syringe has no dead volume, and its design allows for high-accuracy dosing. Also, it permits pharmaceutical compounding and storage of bevacizumab, ranibizumab, and aflibercept for up to 30 days without compromising their functional binding or transport properties. Finally, the new syringe demonstrated a favorable safety profile regarding release of SiO compared to SiO lubricated alternatives, including commercially prefilled syringes. Accordingly, the newly developed syringe is an appealing alternative for IVI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Torleif T Gjølberg
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pharmacology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Heidrun E Lode
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pharmacology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gustavo B Melo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital de Olhos de Sergipe, Aracaju, Brazil
| | - Simone Mester
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pharmacology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christine Probst
- Department of Research and Development Sciences, Luminex Corporation, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Magne S Sivertsen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Øystein K Jørstad
- Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jan Terje Andersen
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pharmacology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Morten C Moe
- Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Zakrzewicz A, Würth C, Beckert B, Feldhoff S, Vanderheyden K, Foss S, Andersen JT, de Haard H, Verheesen P, Bobkov V, Tikkanen R. Stabilization of Keratinocyte Monolayer Integrity in the Presence of Anti-Desmoglein-3 Antibodies through FcRn Blockade with Efgartigimod: Novel Treatment Paradigm for Pemphigus? Cells 2022; 11:cells11060942. [PMID: 35326398 PMCID: PMC8946243 DOI: 10.3390/cells11060942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune blistering disease of the epidermis, caused by autoantibodies against desmosomal proteins, mainly desmogleins 1 and 3, which induce an impairment of desmosomal adhesion and blister formation. Recent findings have shown that inhibition of immunoglobulin G binding on the neonatal Fc receptor, FcRn, results in reduced autoantibody recycling and shortens their half-life, providing a valid treatment option for PV. We have here analyzed the role of FcRn in human keratinocytes treated with antibodies isolated from pemphigus vulgaris patient or with recombinant anti-desmoglein-3 antibodies that induce pathogenic changes in desmosomes, such as loss of monolayer integrity, aberrant desmoglein-3 localization and degradation of desmoglein-3. We show that blocking IgG binding on FcRn by efgartigimod, a recombinant Fc fragment undergoing clinical studies for pemphigus, stabilizes the keratinocyte monolayer, whereas the loss of desmoglein-3 is not prevented by efgartigimod. Our data show that FcRn may play a direct role in the pathogenesis of pemphigus at the level of the autoantibody target cells, the epidermal keratinocytes. Our data suggest that in keratinocytes, FcRn may have functions different from its known function in IgG recycling. Therefore, stabilization of keratinocyte adhesion by FcRn blocking entities may provide a novel treatment paradigm for pemphigus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Zakrzewicz
- Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Giessen, Friedrichstrasse 24, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (A.Z.); (C.W.); (B.B.); (S.F.)
| | - Celina Würth
- Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Giessen, Friedrichstrasse 24, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (A.Z.); (C.W.); (B.B.); (S.F.)
| | - Benedikt Beckert
- Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Giessen, Friedrichstrasse 24, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (A.Z.); (C.W.); (B.B.); (S.F.)
| | - Simon Feldhoff
- Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Giessen, Friedrichstrasse 24, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (A.Z.); (C.W.); (B.B.); (S.F.)
| | - Katrien Vanderheyden
- Argenx BV, Industriepark Zwijnaarde 7, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (K.V.); (H.d.H.); (P.V.); (V.B.)
| | - Stian Foss
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, 0372 Oslo, Norway; (S.F.); (J.T.A.)
- Institute of Clinical Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jan Terje Andersen
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, 0372 Oslo, Norway; (S.F.); (J.T.A.)
- Institute of Clinical Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Hans de Haard
- Argenx BV, Industriepark Zwijnaarde 7, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (K.V.); (H.d.H.); (P.V.); (V.B.)
| | - Peter Verheesen
- Argenx BV, Industriepark Zwijnaarde 7, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (K.V.); (H.d.H.); (P.V.); (V.B.)
| | - Vladimir Bobkov
- Argenx BV, Industriepark Zwijnaarde 7, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (K.V.); (H.d.H.); (P.V.); (V.B.)
| | - Ritva Tikkanen
- Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Giessen, Friedrichstrasse 24, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (A.Z.); (C.W.); (B.B.); (S.F.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kelly VW, Sirk SJ. Short FcRn-Binding Peptides Enable Salvage and Transcytosis of scFv Antibody Fragments. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:404-413. [PMID: 35050570 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic antibodies have become one of the most widely used classes of biotherapeutics due to their unique antigen specificity and their ability to be engineered against diverse disease targets. There is significant interest in utilizing truncated antibody fragments as therapeutics, as their small size affords favorable properties such as increased tumor penetration as well as the ability to utilize lower-cost prokaryotic production methods. Their small size and simple architecture, however, also lead to rapid blood clearance, limiting the efficacy of these potentially powerful therapeutics. A common approach to circumvent these limitations is to enable engagement with the half-life extending neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn). This is usually achieved via fusion with a large Fc domain, which negates the benefits of the antibody fragment's small size. In this work, we show that modifying antibody fragments with short FcRn-binding peptide domains that mimic native IgG engagement with FcRn enables binding and FcRn-mediated recycling and transmembrane transcytosis in cell-based assays. Further, we show that rational, single amino acid mutations to the peptide sequence have a significant impact on the receptor-mediated function and investigate the underlying structural basis for this effect using computational modeling. Finally, we report the identification of a short peptide from human serum albumin that enables FcRn-mediated function when grafted onto a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) scaffold, establishing an approach for the rational selection of short-peptide domains from full-length proteins that could enable the transfer of non-native functions to small recombinant proteins without significantly impacting their size or structure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vince W. Kelly
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Shannon J. Sirk
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences, Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Brinkhaus M, van der Kooi EJ, Bentlage AEH, Ooijevaar-de Heer P, Derksen NIL, Rispens T, Vidarsson G. Human IgE does not bind to human FcRn. Sci Rep 2022; 12:62. [PMID: 34996950 PMCID: PMC8741920 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03852-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) is known to mediate placental transfer of IgG from mother to unborn. IgE is widely known for triggering immune responses to environmental antigens. Recent evidence suggests FcRn-mediated transplacental passage of IgE during pregnancy. However, direct interaction of FcRn and IgE was not investigated. Here, we compared binding of human IgE and IgG variants to recombinant soluble human FcRn with β2-microglobulin (sFcRn) in surface plasmon resonance (SPR) at pH 7.4 and pH 6.0. No interaction was found between human IgE and human sFcRn. These results imply that FcRn can only transport IgE indirectly, and thereby possibly transfer allergenic sensitivity from mother to fetus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Brinkhaus
- Department of Experimental Immunohematology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Plesmanlaan 125, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elvera J van der Kooi
- Department of Experimental Immunohematology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Plesmanlaan 125, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arthur E H Bentlage
- Department of Experimental Immunohematology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Plesmanlaan 125, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pleuni Ooijevaar-de Heer
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ninotska I L Derksen
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Theo Rispens
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gestur Vidarsson
- Department of Experimental Immunohematology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Plesmanlaan 125, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Akbar R, Bashour H, Rawat P, Robert PA, Smorodina E, Cotet TS, Flem-Karlsen K, Frank R, Mehta BB, Vu MH, Zengin T, Gutierrez-Marcos J, Lund-Johansen F, Andersen JT, Greiff V. Progress and challenges for the machine learning-based design of fit-for-purpose monoclonal antibodies. MAbs 2022; 14:2008790. [PMID: 35293269 PMCID: PMC8928824 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2021.2008790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the therapeutic efficacy and commercial success of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are tremendous, the design and discovery of new candidates remain a time and cost-intensive endeavor. In this regard, progress in the generation of data describing antigen binding and developability, computational methodology, and artificial intelligence may pave the way for a new era of in silico on-demand immunotherapeutics design and discovery. Here, we argue that the main necessary machine learning (ML) components for an in silico mAb sequence generator are: understanding of the rules of mAb-antigen binding, capacity to modularly combine mAb design parameters, and algorithms for unconstrained parameter-driven in silico mAb sequence synthesis. We review the current progress toward the realization of these necessary components and discuss the challenges that must be overcome to allow the on-demand ML-based discovery and design of fit-for-purpose mAb therapeutic candidates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rahmad Akbar
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Habib Bashour
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Puneet Rawat
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
| | - Philippe A. Robert
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eva Smorodina
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Russia
| | | | - Karine Flem-Karlsen
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Norway
| | - Robert Frank
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Brij Bhushan Mehta
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mai Ha Vu
- Department of Linguistics and Scandinavian Studies, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Talip Zengin
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Bioinformatics, Mugla Sitki Kocman University, Turkey
| | | | | | - Jan Terje Andersen
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Norway
| | - Victor Greiff
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Grevys A, Frick R, Mester S, Flem-Karlsen K, Nilsen J, Foss S, Sand KMK, Emrich T, Fischer JAA, Greiff V, Sandlie I, Schlothauer T, Andersen JT. Antibody variable sequences have a pronounced effect on cellular transport and plasma half-life. iScience 2022; 25:103746. [PMID: 35118359 PMCID: PMC8800109 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.103746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal IgG antibodies are the fastest growing class of biologics, but large differences exist in their plasma half-life in humans. Thus, to design IgG antibodies with favorable pharmacokinetics, it is crucial to identify the determinants of such differences. Here, we demonstrate that the variable region sequences of IgG antibodies greatly affect cellular uptake and subsequent recycling and rescue from intracellular degradation by endothelial cells. When the variable sequences are masked by the cognate antigen, it influences both their transport behavior and binding to the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), a key regulator of IgG plasma half-life. Furthermore, we show how charge patch differences in the variable domains modulate both binding and transport properties and that a short plasma half-life, due to unfavorable charge patches, may partly be overcome by Fc-engineering for improved FcRn binding. IgG variable region sequences greatly affect cellular uptake and recycling Variable region charge patches affect FcRn binding and transport The presence of cognate antigen modulates cellular transport and FcRn binding Fc-engineering for improved FcRn binding can overcome unfavorable charge patches
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Algirdas Grevys
- Centre for Immune Regulation (CIR) and Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, 0371 Oslo, Norway
- CIR and Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0372 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Munich, 82377 Penzberg, Germany
- Corresponding author
| | - Rahel Frick
- CIR and Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0372 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Simone Mester
- Centre for Immune Regulation (CIR) and Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, 0371 Oslo, Norway
- CIR and Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0372 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Karine Flem-Karlsen
- CIR and Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0372 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jeannette Nilsen
- CIR and Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0372 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Stian Foss
- CIR and Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0372 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Kine Marita Knudsen Sand
- Centre for Immune Regulation (CIR) and Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, 0371 Oslo, Norway
- CIR and Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0372 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Thomas Emrich
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Munich, 82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | | | - Victor Greiff
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Inger Sandlie
- Centre for Immune Regulation (CIR) and Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, 0371 Oslo, Norway
- CIR and Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0372 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Tilman Schlothauer
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Munich, 82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Jan Terje Andersen
- CIR and Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0372 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway
- Corresponding author
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Wolfe GI, Ward ES, de Haard H, Ulrichts P, Mozaffar T, Pasnoor M, Vidarsson G. IgG regulation through FcRn blocking: A novel mechanism for the treatment of myasthenia gravis. J Neurol Sci 2021; 430:118074. [PMID: 34563918 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.118074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) is an MHC class I-like molecule that is widely distributed in mammalian organs, tissues, and cells. FcRn is critical to maintaining immunoglobulin G (IgG) and albumin levels through rescuing these molecules from lysosomal degradation. IgG autoantibodies are associated with many autoimmune diseases, including myasthenia gravis (MG), a rare neuromuscular autoimmune disease that causes debilitating and, in its generalized form (gMG), potentially life-threatening muscle weakness. IgG autoantibodies are directly pathogenic in MG and target neuromuscular junction proteins, causing neuromuscular transmission failure. Treatment approaches that reduce autoantibody levels, such as therapeutic plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin, have been shown to be effective for gMG patients but are not indicated as ongoing maintenance therapies and can be associated with burdensome side effects. Agents that block FcRn-mediated recycling of IgG represent a rational and promising approach for the treatment of gMG. Blocking FcRn allows targeted reduction of all IgG subtypes without decreasing concentrations of other Ig isotypes; therefore, FcRn blocking could be a safe and effective treatment strategy for a broad population of gMG patients. Several FcRn-blocking antibodies and one antibody Fc fragment have been developed and are currently in various stages of clinical development. This article describes the mechanism of FcRn blockade as a novel approach for IgG-mediated disease therapy and reviews promising clinical data using such FcRn blockers for the treatment of gMG.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gil I Wolfe
- Department of Neurology, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, SUNY, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| | - E Sally Ward
- Centre for Cancer Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Hans de Haard
- argenx, Zwijnaarde, Belgium, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Peter Ulrichts
- argenx, Zwijnaarde, Belgium, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Tahseen Mozaffar
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Mamatha Pasnoor
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Gestur Vidarsson
- Sanquin Research, and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Uchida Y, Torisu K, Ueki K, Tsuruya K, Nakano T, Kitazono T. Autophagy gene ATG7 regulates albumin transcytosis in renal tubule epithelial cells. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2021; 321:F572-F586. [PMID: 34541900 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00172.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Receptor-mediated albumin transport in proximal tubule epithelial cells (PTECs) is important to control proteinuria. Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved degradation pathway, and its role in intracellular trafficking through interactions with the endocytic pathway has recently been highlighted. Here, we determined whether autophagy regulates albumin transcytosis in PTECs and suppresses albumin-induced cytotoxicity using human proximal tubule (HK-2) cells. The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), a receptor for albumin transcytosis, is partially colocalized with autophagosomes. Recycling of FcRn was attenuated, and FcRn accumulated in autophagy-related 7 (ATG7) knockdown HK-2 cells. Colocalization of FcRn with RAB7-positive late endosomes and RAB11-positive recycling endosomes was reduced in ATG7 knockdown cells, which decreased recycling of FcRn to the plasma membrane. In ATG7 or autophagy-related 5 (ATG5) knockdown cells and Atg5 or Atg7 knockout mouse embryonic fibroblasts, albumin transcytosis was significantly reduced and intracellular albumin accumulation was increased. Finally, the release of kidney injury molecule-1, a marker of tubule injury, from ATG7 or ATG5 knockdown cells was increased in response to excess albumin. In conclusion, suppression of autophagy in tubules impairs FcRn transport, thereby inhibiting albumin transcytosis. The resulting accumulation of albumin induces cytotoxicity in tubules.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Albumin transport in proximal tubule epithelial cells (PTECs) is important to control proteinuria. The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), a receptor for albumin transcytosis, is partially colocalized with autophagosomes. Recycling of FcRn to the plasma membrane was decreased in autophagy-related 7 (ATG7) knockdown cells. In addition, albumin transcytosis was decreased in ATG7 or autophagy-related 5 (ATG5) knockdown PTECs. Finally, release of kidney injury molecule-1 from ATG7 or ATG5 knockdown cells was increased in response to excess albumin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yushi Uchida
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kumiko Torisu
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Department of Integrated Therapy for Chronic Kidney Disease, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kenji Ueki
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | | - Toshiaki Nakano
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takanari Kitazono
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
In vivo pharmacokinetic enhancement of monomeric Fc and monovalent bispecific designs through structural guidance. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1048. [PMID: 34497355 PMCID: PMC8426389 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02565-5] [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: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
In a biologic therapeutic landscape that requires versatility in targeting specificity, valency and half-life modulation, the monomeric Fc fusion platform holds exciting potential for the creation of a class of monovalent protein therapeutics that includes fusion proteins and bispecific targeting molecules. Here we report a structure-guided approach to engineer monomeric Fc molecules to adapt multiple versions of half-life extension modifications. Co-crystal structures of these monomeric Fc variants with Fc neonatal receptor (FcRn) shed light into the binding interactions that could serve as a guide for engineering the half-life of antibody Fc fragments. These engineered monomeric Fc molecules also enabled the generation of a novel monovalent bispecific molecular design, which translated the FcRn binding enhancement to improvement of in vivo serum half-life. Lu Shan et al. present a structure-guided approach to engineer a monovalent form of the fragment crystallizable (Fc) region of an IgG4 antibody to adapt multiple versions of half-life extension modifications and bispecific targeting. Additionally, they report co-crystal structures of the variants bound to the Fc neonatal receptor that allow insights into the binding interactions.
Collapse
|
30
|
Azevedo C, Pinto S, Benjakul S, Nilsen J, Santos HA, Traverso G, Andersen JT, Sarmento B. Prevention of diabetes-associated fibrosis: Strategies in FcRn-targeted nanosystems for oral drug delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 175:113778. [PMID: 33887405 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease with an elevated risk of micro- and macrovascular complications, such as fibrosis. To prevent diabetes-associated fibrosis, the symptomatology of diabetes must be controlled, which is commonly done by subcutaneous injection of antidiabetic peptides. To minimize the pain and distress associated with such injections, there is an urgent need for non-invasive oral transmucosal drug delivery strategies. However, orally administered peptide-based drugs are exposed to harsh conditions in the gastrointestinal tract and poorly cross the selective intestinal epithelium. Thus, targeting of drugs to receptors expressed in epithelial cells, such as the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), may therefore enhance uptake and transport through mucosal barriers. This review compiles how in-depth studies of FcRn biology and engineering of receptor-binding molecules may pave the way for design of new classes of FcRn-targeted nanosystems. Tailored strategies may open new avenues for oral drug delivery and provide better treatment options for diabetes and, consequently, fibrosis prevention.
Collapse
|
31
|
Liu C, Kim YS, Lowe JHN, Chung S. A cell-based FcRn-dependent recycling assay for predictive pharmacokinetic assessment of therapeutic antibodies. Bioanalysis 2021; 13:1135-1144. [PMID: 34289743 DOI: 10.4155/bio-2021-0099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Evaluation of suitable pharmacokinetic properties is critical for successful development of IgG-based biotherapeutics. The prolonged half-lives of IgGs depend on the intracellular trafficking function of neonatal Fc receptor, which rescues internalized IgGs from lysosomal degradation and recycles them back to circulation. Results: Here, we developed a novel cell-based assay to quantify recycling of monoclonal antibodies in a transwell culture system that uses a cell line that stably expresses human neonatal Fc receptor. We tested seven therapeutic antibodies and showed that the recycling output of the assay strongly correlated with the clearance in humans. Conclusion: This recycling assay has potential application as a pharmacokinetic prescreening tool to facilitate development and selection of IgG-based candidate therapeutic monoclonal antibodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Department of BioAnalytical Sciences, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Yeon Su Kim
- Department of BioAnalytical Sciences, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - John Hok-Nin Lowe
- Department of BioAnalytical Sciences, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Shan Chung
- Department of BioAnalytical Sciences, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Bern M, Nilsen J, Ferrarese M, Sand KMK, Gjølberg TT, Lode HE, Davidson RJ, Camire RM, Bækkevold ES, Foss S, Grevys A, Dalhus B, Wilson J, Høydahl LS, Christianson GJ, Roopenian DC, Schlothauer T, Michaelsen TE, Moe MC, Lombardi S, Pinotti M, Sandlie I, Branchini A, Andersen JT. An engineered human albumin enhances half-life and transmucosal delivery when fused to protein-based biologics. Sci Transl Med 2021; 12:12/565/eabb0580. [PMID: 33055243 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abb0580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Needle-free uptake across mucosal barriers is a preferred route for delivery of biologics, but the efficiency of unassisted transmucosal transport is poor. To make administration and therapy efficient and convenient, strategies for the delivery of biologics must enhance both transcellular delivery and plasma half-life. We found that human albumin was transcytosed efficiently across polarized human epithelial cells by a mechanism that depends on the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn). FcRn also transported immunoglobulin G, but twofold less than albumin. We therefore designed a human albumin variant, E505Q/T527M/K573P (QMP), with improved FcRn binding, resulting in enhanced transcellular transport upon intranasal delivery and extended plasma half-life of albumin in transgenic mice expressing human FcRn. When QMP was fused to recombinant activated coagulation factor VII, the half-life of the fusion molecule increased 3.6-fold compared with the wild-type human albumin fusion, without compromising the therapeutic properties of activated factor VII. Our findings highlight QMP as a suitable carrier of protein-based biologics that may enhance plasma half-life and delivery across mucosal barriers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malin Bern
- Centre for Immune Regulation (CIR) and Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, 0372 Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jeannette Nilsen
- Centre for Immune Regulation (CIR) and Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, 0372 Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Mattia Ferrarese
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Kine M K Sand
- Centre for Immune Regulation (CIR) and Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, 0372 Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0372 Oslo, Norway.,CIR and Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, 0371 Oslo, Norway
| | - Torleif T Gjølberg
- Centre for Immune Regulation (CIR) and Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, 0372 Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0372 Oslo, Norway.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, 0450 Oslo, Norway
| | - Heidrun E Lode
- Centre for Immune Regulation (CIR) and Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, 0372 Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0372 Oslo, Norway.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, 0450 Oslo, Norway
| | - Robert J Davidson
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, The Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Rodney M Camire
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, The Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Espen S Bækkevold
- CIR and Department of Pathology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Stian Foss
- Centre for Immune Regulation (CIR) and Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, 0372 Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Algirdas Grevys
- Centre for Immune Regulation (CIR) and Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, 0372 Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Bjørn Dalhus
- Department for Medical Biochemistry, Institute for Clinical Medicine and Department for Microbiology, Clinic for Laboratory Medicine, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - John Wilson
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - Lene S Høydahl
- Centre for Immune Regulation (CIR) and Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, 0372 Oslo, Norway.,KG Jebsen Coeliac Disease Research Centre, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Tilman Schlothauer
- Biochemical and Analytical Research, Large Molecule Research, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Munich, 82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Terje E Michaelsen
- Department of Infectious Disease Immunology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0456 Oslo, Norway.,Department of Chemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, 0371 Oslo, Norway
| | - Morten C Moe
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, 0450 Oslo, Norway
| | - Silvia Lombardi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mirko Pinotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Inger Sandlie
- Centre for Immune Regulation (CIR) and Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, 0372 Oslo, Norway.,CIR and Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, 0371 Oslo, Norway
| | - Alessio Branchini
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Jan Terje Andersen
- Centre for Immune Regulation (CIR) and Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, 0372 Oslo, Norway. .,Institute of Clinical Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Kast F, Schwill M, Stüber JC, Pfundstein S, Nagy-Davidescu G, Rodríguez JMM, Seehusen F, Richter CP, Honegger A, Hartmann KP, Weber TG, Kroener F, Ernst P, Piehler J, Plückthun A. Engineering an anti-HER2 biparatopic antibody with a multimodal mechanism of action. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3790. [PMID: 34145240 PMCID: PMC8213836 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23948-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase HER2 acts as oncogenic driver in numerous cancers. Usually, the gene is amplified, resulting in receptor overexpression, massively increased signaling and unchecked proliferation. However, tumors become frequently addicted to oncogenes and hence are druggable by targeted interventions. Here, we design an anti-HER2 biparatopic and tetravalent IgG fusion with a multimodal mechanism of action. The molecule first induces HER2 clustering into inactive complexes, evidenced by reduced mobility of surface HER2. However, in contrast to our earlier binders based on DARPins, clusters of HER2 are thereafter robustly internalized and quantitatively degraded. This multimodal mechanism of action is found only in few of the tetravalent constructs investigated, which must target specific epitopes on HER2 in a defined geometric arrangement. The inhibitory effect of our antibody as single agent surpasses the combination of trastuzumab and pertuzumab as well as its parental mAbs in vitro and it is effective in a xenograft model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florian Kast
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Schwill
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- TOLREMO therapeutics AG, Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Jakob C Stüber
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Svende Pfundstein
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Zurich Integrative Rodent Physiology (ZIRP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Josep M Monné Rodríguez
- Laboratory for Animal Model Pathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Frauke Seehusen
- Laboratory for Animal Model Pathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian P Richter
- Department of Biology/Chemistry and Center for Cellular Nanoanalytics, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Patrick Ernst
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Dean's Office and Coordination Office of the Academic Medicine Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jacob Piehler
- Department of Biology/Chemistry and Center for Cellular Nanoanalytics, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Andreas Plückthun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Lombardi S, Aaen KH, Nilsen J, Ferrarese M, Gjølberg TT, Bernardi F, Pinotti M, Andersen JT, Branchini A. Fusion of engineered albumin with factor IX Padua extends half-life and improves coagulant activity. Br J Haematol 2021; 194:453-462. [PMID: 34109608 PMCID: PMC8362221 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.17559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The short half‐life of coagulation factor IX (FIX) for haemophilia B (HB) therapy has been prolonged through fusion with human serum albumin (HSA), which drives the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn)‐mediated recycling of the chimera. However, patients would greatly benefit from further FIX‐HSA half‐life extension. In the present study, we designed a FIX‐HSA variant through the engineering of both fusion partners. First, we developed a novel cleavable linker combining the two FIX activation sites, which resulted in improved HSA release. Second, insertion of the FIX R338L (Padua) substitution conferred hyperactive features (sevenfold higher specific activity) as for FIX Padua alone. Furthermore, we exploited an engineered HSA (QMP), which conferred enhanced human (h)FcRn binding [dissociation constant (KD) 0·5 nM] over wild‐type FIX‐HSA (KD 164·4 nM). In hFcRn transgenic mice, Padua‐QMP displayed a significantly prolonged half‐life (2·7 days, P < 0·0001) versus FIX‐HSA (1 day). Overall, we developed a novel FIX‐HSA protein with improved activity and extended half‐life. These combined properties may result in a prolonged functional profile above the therapeutic threshold, and thus in a potentially widened therapeutic window able to improve HB therapy. This rational engineering of both partners may pave the way for new fusion strategies for the design of engineered biotherapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Lombardi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Kristin H Aaen
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jeannette Nilsen
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mattia Ferrarese
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Torleif T Gjølberg
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Francesco Bernardi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mirko Pinotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jan T Andersen
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Alessio Branchini
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Cejas RB, Tamaño-Blanco M, Blanco JG. Analysis of the intracellular traffic of IgG in the context of Down syndrome (trisomy 21). Sci Rep 2021; 11:10981. [PMID: 34040082 PMCID: PMC8155081 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90469-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Persons with Down syndrome (DS, trisomy 21) have widespread cellular protein trafficking defects. There is a paucity of data describing the intracellular transport of IgG in the context of endosomal-lysosomal alterations linked to trisomy 21. In this study, we analyzed the intracellular traffic of IgG mediated by the human neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) in fibroblast cell lines with trisomy 21. Intracellular IgG trafficking studies in live cells showed that fibroblasts with trisomy 21 exhibit higher proportion of IgG in lysosomes (~ 10% increase), decreased IgG content in intracellular vesicles (~ 9% decrease), and a trend towards decreased IgG recycling (~ 55% decrease) in comparison to diploid cells. Amyloid-beta precursor protein (APP) overexpression in diploid fibroblasts replicated the increase in IgG sorting to the degradative pathway observed in cells with trisomy 21. The impact of APP on the expression of FCGRT (alpha chain component of FcRn) was investigated by APP knock down and overexpression of the APP protein. APP knock down increased the expression of FCGRT mRNA by ~ 60% in both diploid and trisomic cells. Overexpression of APP in diploid fibroblasts and HepG2 cells resulted in a decrease in FCGRT and FcRn expression. Our results indicate that the intracellular traffic of IgG is altered in cells with trisomy 21. This study lays the foundation for future investigations into the role of FcRn in the context of DS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R B Cejas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, 470 Pharmacy Building, Buffalo, NY, 14214-8033, USA
| | - M Tamaño-Blanco
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, 470 Pharmacy Building, Buffalo, NY, 14214-8033, USA
| | - J G Blanco
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, 470 Pharmacy Building, Buffalo, NY, 14214-8033, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
A cell based assay for evaluating binding and uptake of an antibody using hepatic nonparenchymal cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8383. [PMID: 33863984 PMCID: PMC8052349 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87912-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Evaluation of the binding and uptake of an antibody in liver non-parenchymal cells (NPC), including liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, is important for revealing its pharmacokinetic (PK) behavior, since NPC has important roles in eliminating an antibody from the blood via the Fc fragment of IgG receptor IIB (FcγRIIB). However, there is currently no in vitro quantitative assay using NPC. This study reports on the development of a cell-based assay for evaluating the binding and uptake of such an antibody using liver NPC of mice and monkeys. In mice, the FcγRIIB-expressing cells were identified in the CD146-positive and CD45-negative fraction by flow cytometry. A titration assay was performed to determine the PK parameters, and the obtained parameter was comparable to that determined by the fitting of the in vivo PK. This approach was also extended to NPC from monkeys. The concentration-dependent binding and uptake was measured to determine the PK parameters using monkey NPC, the FcγRIIB-expressing fraction of which was identified by CD31 and CD45. The findings presented herein demonstrate that the in vitro liver NPC assay using flow cytometry is a useful tool to determine the binding and uptake of biologics and to predict the PK.
Collapse
|
37
|
Laustsen AH, Greiff V, Karatt-Vellatt A, Muyldermans S, Jenkins TP. Animal Immunization, in Vitro Display Technologies, and Machine Learning for Antibody Discovery. Trends Biotechnol 2021; 39:1263-1273. [PMID: 33775449 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2021.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
For years, a discussion has persevered on the benefits and drawbacks of antibody discovery using animal immunization versus in vitro selection from non-animal-derived recombinant repertoires using display technologies. While it has been argued that using recombinant display libraries can reduce animal consumption, we hold that the number of animals used in immunization campaigns is dwarfed by the number sacrificed during preclinical studies. Thus, improving quality control of antibodies before entering in vivo studies will have a larger impact on animal consumption. Both animal immunization and recombinant repertoires present unique advantages for discovering antibodies that are fit for purpose. Furthermore, we anticipate that machine learning will play a significant role within discovery workflows, refining current antibody discovery practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Victor Greiff
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Serge Muyldermans
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Timothy P Jenkins
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
|
39
|
Qi T, Cao Y. In Translation: FcRn across the Therapeutic Spectrum. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3048. [PMID: 33802650 PMCID: PMC8002405 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063048] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
As an essential modulator of IgG disposition, the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) governs the pharmacokinetics and functions many therapeutic modalities. In this review, we thoroughly reexamine the hitherto elucidated biological and thermodynamic properties of FcRn to provide context for our assessment of more recent advances, which covers antigen-binding fragment (Fab) determinants of FcRn affinity, transgenic preclinical models, and FcRn targeting as an immune-complex (IC)-clearing strategy. We further comment on therapeutic antibodies authorized for treating SARS-CoV-2 (bamlanivimab, casirivimab, and imdevimab) and evaluate their potential to saturate FcRn-mediated recycling. Finally, we discuss modeling and simulation studies that probe the quantitative relationship between in vivo IgG persistence and in vitro FcRn binding, emphasizing the importance of endosomal transit parameters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yanguang Cao
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Mester S, Evers M, Meyer S, Nilsen J, Greiff V, Sandlie I, Leusen J, Andersen JT. Extended plasma half-life of albumin-binding domain fused human IgA upon pH-dependent albumin engagement of human FcRn in vitro and in vivo. MAbs 2021; 13:1893888. [PMID: 33691596 PMCID: PMC7954421 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2021.1893888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Albumin has a serum half-life of 3 weeks in humans. This feature can be used to improve the pharmacokinetics of shorter-lived biologics. For instance, an albumin-binding domain (ABD) can be used to recruit albumin. A prerequisite for such design is that the ABD-albumin interaction does not interfere with pH-dependent binding of albumin to the human neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), as FcRn acts as the principal regulator of the half-life of albumin. Thus, there is a need to know how ABDs act in the context of fusion partners and human FcRn. Here, we studied the binding and transport properties of human immunoglobulin A1 (IgA1), fused to a Streptococcus protein G-derived engineered ABD, in in vitro and in vivo systems harboring human FcRn. IgA has great potential as a therapeutic protein, but its short half-life is a major drawback. We demonstrate that ABD-fused IgA1 binds human FcRn pH-dependently and is rescued from cellular degradation in a receptor-specific manner in the presence of albumin. This occurs when ABD is fused to either the light or the heavy chain. In human FcRn transgenic mice, IgA1-ABD in complex with human albumin, gave 4-6-fold extended half-life compared to unmodified IgA1, where the light chain fusion showed the longest half-life. When the heavy chain-fused protein was pre-incubated with an engineered human albumin with improved FcRn binding, cellular rescue and half-life was further enhanced. Our study reveals how an ABD, which does not interfere with albumin binding to human FcRn, may be used to extend the half-life of IgA. Abbreviations: ABD - Albumin binding domain, ADA – anti-drug-antibodies, ADCC - Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, ELISA - Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay, FcαRI - Fcα receptor, FcγR - Fcγ receptor, FcRn - The neonatal Fc receptor, GST - Glutathione S-transferase, HC - Heavy chain, HERA - Human endothelial cell-based recycling assay, Her2 - Human epidermal growth factor 2, HMEC - Human microvascular endothelial cells, IgG - Immunoglobulin G, IgA - Immunoglobulin A, LC - Light chain, QMP - E505Q/T527M/K573P, WT - Wild type
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Mester
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mitchell Evers
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia Meyer
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jeannette Nilsen
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Victor Greiff
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Inger Sandlie
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jeanette Leusen
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Terje Andersen
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Mandrup OA, Ong SC, Lykkemark S, Dinesen A, Rudnik-Jansen I, Dagnæs-Hansen NF, Andersen JT, Alvarez-Vallina L, Howard KA. Programmable half-life and anti-tumour effects of bispecific T-cell engager-albumin fusions with tuned FcRn affinity. Commun Biol 2021; 4:310. [PMID: 33686177 PMCID: PMC7940400 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01790-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Fc-less bispecific T-cell engagers have reached the immuno-oncology market but necessitate continual infusion due to rapid clearance from the circulation. This work introduces a programmable serum half-life extension platform based on fusion of human albumin sequences engineered with either null (NB), wild type (WT) or high binding (HB) FcRn affinity combined with a bispecific T-cell engager. We demonstrate in a humanised FcRn/albumin double transgenic mouse model (AlbuMus) the ability to tune half-life based on the albumin sequence fused with a BiTE-like bispecific (anti-EGFR nanobody x anti-CD3 scFv) light T-cell engager (LiTE) construct [(t½ 0.6 h (Fc-less LiTE), t½ 19 hours (Albu-LiTE-NB), t½ 26 hours (Albu-LiTE-WT), t½ 37 hours (Albu-LiTE-HB)]. We show in vitro cognate target engagement, T-cell activation and discrimination in cellular cytotoxicity dependent on EGFR expression levels. Furthermore, greater growth inhibition of EGFR-positive BRAF mutated tumours was measured following a single dose of Albu-LiTE-HB construct compared to the Fc-less LiTE format and a full-length anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody in a new AlbuMus RAG1 knockout model introduced in this work. Programmable half-life extension facilitated by this albumin platform potentially offers long-lasting effects, better patient compliance and a method to tailor pharmacokinetics to maximise therapeutic efficacy and safety of immuno-oncology targeted biologics.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- 3T3 Cells
- Animals
- Antibodies, Bispecific/metabolism
- Antibodies, Bispecific/pharmacokinetics
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/metabolism
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/pharmacokinetics
- CHO Cells
- Cricetulus
- Drug Compounding
- Female
- HEK293 Cells
- HT29 Cells
- Half-Life
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class I/metabolism
- Homeodomain Proteins/genetics
- Humans
- Jurkat Cells
- Lymphocyte Activation/drug effects
- MCF-7 Cells
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Neoplasms/immunology
- Neoplasms/pathology
- Proof of Concept Study
- Protein Binding
- Receptors, Fc/metabolism
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/metabolism
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/pharmacokinetics
- Serum Albumin, Human/genetics
- Serum Albumin, Human/metabolism
- Serum Albumin, Human/pharmacokinetics
- T-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Tumor Burden/drug effects
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ole A Mandrup
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Sui Ching Ong
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Simon Lykkemark
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Anders Dinesen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Imke Rudnik-Jansen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | | | - Jan Terje Andersen
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Luis Alvarez-Vallina
- Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Immuno-Oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria 12 de Octubre (i + mas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Kenneth A Howard
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Ko S, Jo M, Jung ST. Recent Achievements and Challenges in Prolonging the Serum Half-Lives of Therapeutic IgG Antibodies Through Fc Engineering. BioDrugs 2021; 35:147-157. [PMID: 33608823 PMCID: PMC7894971 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-021-00471-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Association of FcRn molecules to the Fc region of IgG in acidified endosomes and subsequent dissociation of the interaction in neutral pH serum enables IgG molecules to be recycled for prolonged serum persistence after internalization by endothelial cells, rather than being degraded in the serum and in the lysosomes inside the cells. Exploiting this intracellular trafficking and recycling mechanism, many researchers have engineered the Fc region to further extend the serum half-lives of therapeutic antibodies by optimizing the pH-dependent IgG Fc-FcRn interaction, and have generated various Fc variants exhibiting significantly improved circulating half-lives of therapeutic IgG antibodies. In order to estimate pharmacokinetic profiles of IgG Fc variants in human serum, not only a variety of in vitro techniques to determine the equilibrium binding constants and instantaneous rate constants for pH-dependent FcRn binding, but also diverse in vivo animal models including wild-type mouse, human FcRn transgenic mouse (Tg32 and Tg276), humanized mouse (Scarlet), or cynomolgus monkey have been harnessed. Currently, multiple IgG Fc variants that have been validated for their prolonged therapeutic potency in preclinical models have been successfully entered into human clinical trials for cancer, infectious diseases, and autoimmune diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanghwan Ko
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Human Genetics, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Migyeong Jo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Taek Jung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea. .,Institute of Human Genetics, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea. .,BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea. .,Biomedical Research Center, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Arlauckas S, Oh N, Li R, Weissleder R, Miller MA. Macrophage imaging and subset analysis using single-cell RNA sequencing. Nanotheranostics 2021; 5:36-56. [PMID: 33391974 PMCID: PMC7738942 DOI: 10.7150/ntno.50185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophages have been associated with drug response and resistance in diverse settings, thus raising the possibility of using macrophage imaging as a companion diagnostic to inform personalized patient treatment strategies. Nanoparticle-based contrast agents are especially promising because they efficiently deliver fluorescent, magnetic, and/or radionuclide labels by leveraging the intrinsic capacity of macrophages to accumulate nanomaterials in their role as professional phagocytes. Unfortunately, current clinical imaging modalities are limited in their ability to quantify broad molecular programs that may explain (a) which particular cell subsets a given imaging agent is actually labeling, and (b) what mechanistic role those cells play in promoting drug response or resistance. Highly multiplexed single-cell approaches including single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) have emerged as resources to help answer these questions. In this review, we query recently published scRNAseq datasets to support companion macrophage imaging, with particular focus on using dextran-based nanoparticles to predict the action of anti-cancer nanotherapies and monoclonal antibodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sean Arlauckas
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Nuri Oh
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Ran Li
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Boston, MA 02114, USA.,Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ralph Weissleder
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Boston, MA 02114, USA.,Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Miles A Miller
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Boston, MA 02114, USA.,Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Azevedo C, Nilsen J, Grevys A, Nunes R, Andersen JT, Sarmento B. Engineered albumin-functionalized nanoparticles for improved FcRn binding enhance oral delivery of insulin. J Control Release 2020; 327:161-173. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
45
|
Liang W, Pan HW, Vllasaliu D, Lam JKW. Pulmonary Delivery of Biological Drugs. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:E1025. [PMID: 33114726 PMCID: PMC7693150 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12111025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, biological drugs have rapidly proliferated and have now become an important therapeutic modality. This is because of their high potency, high specificity and desirable safety profile. The majority of biological drugs are peptide- and protein-based therapeutics with poor oral bioavailability. They are normally administered by parenteral injection (with a very few exceptions). Pulmonary delivery is an attractive non-invasive alternative route of administration for local and systemic delivery of biologics with immense potential to treat various diseases, including diabetes, cystic fibrosis, respiratory viral infection and asthma, etc. The massive surface area and extensive vascularisation in the lungs enable rapid absorption and fast onset of action. Despite the benefits of pulmonary delivery, development of inhalable biological drug is a challenging task. There are various anatomical, physiological and immunological barriers that affect the therapeutic efficacy of inhaled formulations. This review assesses the characteristics of biological drugs and the barriers to pulmonary drug delivery. The main challenges in the formulation and inhalation devices are discussed, together with the possible strategies that can be applied to address these challenges. Current clinical developments in inhaled biological drugs for both local and systemic applications are also discussed to provide an insight for further research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wanling Liang
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China; (H.W.P.); (J.K.W.L.)
| | - Harry W. Pan
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China; (H.W.P.); (J.K.W.L.)
| | - Driton Vllasaliu
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, UK;
| | - Jenny K. W. Lam
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China; (H.W.P.); (J.K.W.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Ruano-Salguero JS, Lee KH. Adsorptive-Mediated Endocytosis of Sulfo-Cy5-Labeled IgG Causes Aberrant IgG Processing by Brain Endothelial-Like Cells. Mol Pharm 2020; 17:4280-4285. [PMID: 32986439 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c00712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Brain endothelial cells (BECs) hinder macromolecules from reaching brain parenchyma, necessitating the evaluation and engineering of therapeutic immunoglobulin γ (IgG) for improved brain delivery. Emerging fluorescent-based approaches to assess IgG brain exposure can expedite and complement current methods; however, alterations in IgG pharmacokinetics following fluorophore conjugation, which remain unexplained, indicate that conjugation may confound analysis of native IgG processing. Here, changes in transcytosis and intracellular processing of IgG conjugates (with sulfonated cyanine 5) were examined using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived BECs (iBECs). Above a critical degree of labeling, transcytosis rates increased significantly but could be attenuated by nonspecific protein competition. Concurrent increases in intracellular accumulation, which was not attributable to disrupted binding by the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), are indicative of indirect reduction of FcRn-mediated recycling that agrees with reported aberrations in the pharmacokinetics of certain unconjugated IgGs. Overall, these findings support the notion that certain fluorophore-IgG conjugates can engage in adsorptive interactions with cell surface moieties, reminiscent of phenomena exhibited by cationized IgG, and provide in vitro criteria to identify changes in IgG processing following fluorophore conjugation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John S Ruano-Salguero
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19713, United States.,Delaware Biotechnology Institute, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19713, United States
| | - Kelvin H Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19713, United States.,Delaware Biotechnology Institute, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19713, United States
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Noguchi Y, Ozeki K, Akita H. Pharmacokinetic prediction of an antibody in mice based on an in vitro cell-based approach using target receptor-expressing cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16268. [PMID: 33004886 PMCID: PMC7529773 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73255-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In vivo pharmacokinetics (PK) studies using mice and monkeys are the main approaches for evaluating and predicting the PK of antibodies, and there is a strong demand for methods that do not require animal experiments. In this work, we focused on quantitatively predicting the nonlinear PK of an antibody based on cell-based assays. An anti-mouse Fc gamma receptor IIB antibody was used as a model antibody. To determine the PK parameters related to nonspecific elimination in vivo, the plasma concentration profile at 100 mg/kg, at which target-specific clearance is saturated, was analyzed by a 2-compartment model. To estimate the parameters related to target-specific elimination, the Michaelis–Menten constant (Km) and the maximum elimination rate (Vmax) were determined by an uptake assay using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing the target receptor. Finally, the integration of all of these parameters permitted the PK to be predicted at doses ranging from 1 to 100 mg/kg regardless of whether target-specific clearance was saturated or nonsaturated. The findings presented herein show that in vitro assays using target-expressing cells are useful tools for obtaining PK parameters and predicting PK profiles and, in some cases, eliminate the need for in vivo PK studies using experimental animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Noguchi
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-135, Komakado, Gotemba, Shizuoka, 412-8513, Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Ozeki
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-135, Komakado, Gotemba, Shizuoka, 412-8513, Japan.
| | - Hidetaka Akita
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Chiba, 260-0856, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Deissler HL, Sommer K, Lang GK, Lang GE. Transport and fate of aflibercept in VEGF-A 165-challenged retinal endothelial cells. Exp Eye Res 2020; 198:108156. [PMID: 32712182 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Retinal vessels are at least in part involved in clearing of Fc terminus-containing proteins from the vitreous. In vitro, the Fc fusion protein aflibercept is transported through a monolayer of unchallenged immortalized bovine retinal endothelial cells (iBREC), mediated by the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), but part of the Fc fusion protein is also degraded. Aflibercept's target VEGF-A not only enhances the permeability of REC by destabilization of tight junctions (TJs) thereby allowing for paracellular flow, it may also lower the intracellular stability of the Fc fusion protein by changing its binding properties to the FcRn. Therefore, we investigated the transport and fate of aflibercept in VEGF-A165-challenged iBREC. All cell culture media were supplemented with 5% fetal bovine serum (FBS) as its absence results in accumulation of aflibercept in iBREC due to deregulated expression of transport proteins. Early after exposure of a confluent iBREC monolayer cultivated on gold electrodes to 5% FBS, the cell index (CI) - assessed as a measure of barrier function, cell viability and cell adhesion - transiently declined but recovered again within a few hours to high values. These values remained stable for several days associated with a strong expression of the TJ-protein claudin-1, indicative of a functional barrier formed by the iBREC monolayer. Transient changes of the plasma membrane localizations of claudin-5 and vascular endothelial cadherin - both important for regulation of paracellular flow - accompanied the transient reduction of the CI not prevented by VEGF-binding proteins. Treatment of iBREC with 50 ng/ml VEGF-A165 for one day resulted in a strong and persistent decline of the CI associated with a low expression level of the TJ-protein claudin-1; reversion to normal values was complete one day after aflibercept's addition at a final concentration of 250 μg/ml. Expressions of other proteins involved in regulation of paracellular flow or transcellular transport were not significantly changed. More aflibercept passed through the monolayer of iBREC cultivated on permeable membrane inserts pretreated with VEGF-A for one day, but this was not affected by a FcRn-inhibiting antibody. Subcellular localization of aflibercept was hardly changed in VEGF-A-exposed iBREC 3 h after its addition to the cells; inhibition of (non)-lysosomal or proteasomal proteases then only weakly affected the amount of internalized aflibercept. iBREC also internalized VEGF-A which was barely detectable as early as 2 h after addition of aflibercept. In contrast, blocking the tyrosine kinase activity of VEGF receptor(s) did not prevent VEGF-A's uptake. Inhibition of cellular proteases strongly increased the amount of internalized VEGF-A in the absence and presence of the Fc fusion protein. We therefore conclude that a FcRn-mediated transport plays a minor role in aflibercept's passage through a leaky barrier of REC. Even early after addition of aflibercept to VEGF-A-exposed iBREC, the levels of free intracellular VEGF-A are low, as aflibercept likely prevents binding of VEGF-A to its receptor. Interestingly, the growth factor's detrimental effects still persist for nearly one day.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heidrun L Deissler
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Ulm, Prittwitzstrasse 43, 89075, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Katrin Sommer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Ulm, Prittwitzstrasse 43, 89075, Ulm, Germany
| | - Gerhard K Lang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Ulm, Prittwitzstrasse 43, 89075, Ulm, Germany
| | - Gabriele E Lang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Ulm, Prittwitzstrasse 43, 89075, Ulm, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Zhang J, Vernes JM, Wen X, Oh E, Scales SJ, Meng YG. Reproducible quantification of IgG uptake at endogenous and overexpressed FcRn levels at pH 7.4: Comparison of a wild type IgG and a stronger FcRn binding variant. J Immunol Methods 2020; 480:112767. [PMID: 32119889 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2020.112767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
IgG antibodies have been used to treat many diseases including cancer. IgG antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) deliver cytotoxic drugs to target cells for cell elimination, but they have dose limiting toxicity due to target-independent uptake, including pinocytotic uptake. Neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) recycles pinocytosed IgG in a pH-dependent manner and is the receptor responsible for the long half-life of IgG. Use of IgG variants with stronger FcRn binding at pH 6.0 for ADCs might improve recycling efficiency and reduce toxicity. However, these variants have residual FcRn binding at pH 7.4, which could lead to FcRn-mediated uptake and higher toxicity. Thus, the uptake of such variants at pH 7.4 needs to be evaluated. Here we report a reproducible and quantitative assay using an inducible HM7 colorectal cancer cell line to measure IgG uptake at endogenous and overexpressed FcRn levels. Our assay had comparable reproducibility at pH 6.0, 6.8 and 7.4. The wild type (WT) IgG had similar uptake at endogenous and overexpressed FcRn levels, as expected for pinocytotic uptake. We found similar uptake of a WT IgG and a stronger FcRn binding T307Q/N434A variant (QA variant) at endogenous FcRn levels at pH 7.4, although the QA variant had higher uptake at overexpressed FcRn levels. The QA variant also had higher uptake than the WT IgG at overexpressed FcRn levels at pH 6.8. Our assay can be used to characterize the stronger FcRn binding variants to aid in selection of suitable variants with low uptake at pH 7.4 for use as ADCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianhuan Zhang
- Department of Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080-4990, United States
| | - Jean-Michel Vernes
- Department of Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080-4990, United States
| | - Xiaohui Wen
- Department of Molecular Biology, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080-4990, United States
| | - Ernest Oh
- Department of Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080-4990, United States
| | - Suzie J Scales
- Department of Molecular Biology, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080-4990, United States
| | - Y Gloria Meng
- Department of Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080-4990, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Ruano-Salguero JS, Lee KH. Antibody transcytosis across brain endothelial-like cells occurs nonspecifically and independent of FcRn. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3685. [PMID: 32111886 PMCID: PMC7048754 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60438-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) hinders the brain delivery of therapeutic immunoglobulin γ (IgG) antibodies. Evidence suggests that IgG-specific processing occurs within the endothelium of the BBB, but any influence on transcytosis remains unclear. Here, involvement of the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), which mediates IgG recycling and transcytosis in peripheral endothelium, was investigated by evaluating the transcytosis of IgGs with native or reduced FcRn engagement across human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived brain endothelial-like cells. Despite differential trafficking, the permeability of all tested IgGs were comparable and remained constant irrespective of concentration or competition with excess IgG, suggesting IgG transcytosis occurs nonspecifically and originates from fluid-phase endocytosis. Comparison with the receptor-enhanced permeability of transferrin indicates that the phenomena observed for IgG is ubiquitous for most macromolecules. However, increased permeability was observed for macromolecules with biophysical properties known to engage alternative endocytosis mechanisms, highlighting the importance of biophysical characterizations in assessing transcytosis mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John S Ruano-Salguero
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
- Delaware Biotechnology Institute, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19711, USA
| | - Kelvin H Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA.
- Delaware Biotechnology Institute, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19711, USA.
| |
Collapse
|