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Sreenivasan S, Schöneich C, Rathore AS. Aggregation of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies due to thermal and air/liquid interfacial agitation stress: Occurrence, stability assessment strategies, aggregation mechanism, influencing factors, and ways to enhance stability. Int J Pharm 2024; 666:124735. [PMID: 39326478 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2024] [Revised: 08/30/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
Therapeutic proteins, such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are known to undergo stability related issues during various stages of product life cycle resulting in the formation of aggregates and fragments. Aggregates of mAb might result in reduced therapeutic activity and could cause various adverse immunogenic responses. Sample containing mAb undergo aggregation due to various types of stress factors, and there is always a continuous interest among researchers and manufacturers to determine the effect of different factors on the stability of mAb. Thermal stress and air/liquid interfacial agitation stress are among two of the common stress factors to which samples containing mAb are exposed to during various stages. Initial part of this review articles aims to provide a generalized understanding of aggregation of mAb such as size ranges of aggregates, aggregate types, stress factors, analytical techniques, permissible aggregate limits, and stability assessment methods. This article further aims to explain different aspects associated with aggregation of mAb in liquid samples due to thermal and air/liquid interfacial agitation stress. Under each stress category, the occurrence of stress during product life cycle, type of aggregates formed, mechanism of aggregation, strategies used by various researchers to expose mAb containing samples to stress, different factors affecting aggregation, fate of aggregates in human body fluids, and strategies used to enhance mAb stability has been explained in detail. The authors hope that this article provides a detailed understanding about stability of mAb due to thermal and air/liquid interfacial stress with relevance to product life cycle from manufacturing to administration into patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shravan Sreenivasan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, India
| | | | - Anurag S Rathore
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, India.
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2
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Wang X, Wang J, Han Y, Jiang X, Cao S, Xu D, Xiong T, Guo X, Wang C, Guo S, Song H, Dong T, Zhang L, An Z, Liu J, Han J, Wu H. Utilizing A hydrophobic primary container surface to reduce the formation of subvisible particles in monoclonal antibody solution caused by fluid shear. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024:114502. [PMID: 39293723 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 09/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
The exposure of protein molecules to interfaces may cause protein aggregation and particle formation in protein formulations, especially hydrophobic interfaces, which may promote protein aggregation in solution. In this study, we found that modification of the surface properties by application of a hydrophobic Octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) could reduce the generation of protein aggregates and particles in protein solution induced by fluid shear. A stable protein adsorption layer was formed at the hydrophobic interface through the strong hydrophobic interaction between the protein and hydrophobic surface, which could prevent the aggregated protein from falling off into the bulk solution to form subvisible particles and insoluble protein aggregates. In addition, human complement enzyme linked immunosorbent assay results showed that the particles that were generated in the OTS-coated container did not activate human complement which indicated the OTS-coated container could be used as primary containers for certain types of monoclonal antibody formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Junjie Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Yang Han
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Xingchun Jiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Sixian Cao
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Dongze Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Tiancheng Xiong
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Xiang Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Cui Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Sha Guo
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, NHC Key Laboratory of Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Biological Products, Beijing 102629, China
| | | | - Ting Dong
- Qilu Pharmaceutical, Shandong 250104, China
| | - Le Zhang
- Qilu Pharmaceutical, Shandong 250104, China
| | | | - Jun Liu
- Qilu Pharmaceutical, Shandong 250104, China
| | - Jing Han
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Liaoning 110016, China.
| | - Hao Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Liaoning 110016, China.
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3
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Liang M, Goss M, Cao S, Yang C. Non-Destructive Analysis of Subvisible Particles with Mie-Scattering-Based Light Sheet Technology: System Development. J Pharm Sci 2024; 113:2817-2825. [PMID: 39032825 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2024.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
The characteristics of subvisible particles (SbVPs) are critical quality attributes of injectable and ophthalmic solutions in pharmaceutical manufacturing. However, current compendial SbVP testing methods, namely the light obstruction method and the microscopic particle count method, are destructive and wasteful of target samples. In this study, we present the development of a non-destructive SbVP analyzer aiming to analyze SbVPs directly in drug product (DP) containers while keeping the samples intact. Custom sample housings are developed and incorporated into the analyzer to reduce optical aberrations introduced by the curvature of typical pharmaceutical DP sample containers. The analyzer integrates a light-sheet microscope structure and models the side scattering event from a particle with Mie scattering theory with refractive indices as prior information. Equivalent spherical particle size under assigned refractive index values is estimated, and the particle concentration is determined based on the number of scattering events and the volume sampled by the light sheet. The resulting analyzer's capability and performance to non-destructively analyze SbVPs in DP containers were evaluated using a series of polystyrene bead suspensions in ISO 2R and 6R vials. Our results and analysis show the particle analyzer is capable of directly detecting SbVPs from intact DP containers, sorting SbVPs into commonly used size bins (e.g. ≥ 2 µm, ≥ 5 µm, ≥ 10 µm, and ≥ 25 µm), and reliably quantifying SbVPs in the concentration range of 4.6e2 to 5.0e5 particle/mL with a margin of ± 15 % error based on a 90 % confidence interval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingshu Liang
- California Institute of Technology, Electrical Engineering, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Monica Goss
- Amgen Process Development, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA
| | - Shawn Cao
- Amgen Process Development, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA.
| | - Changhuei Yang
- California Institute of Technology, Electrical Engineering, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
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Hollis WC, Farooq S, Khoshi MR, Patel M, Karnaukhova E, Eller N, Holada K, Scott DE, Simak J. Submicron immunoglobulin particles exhibit FcγRII-dependent toxicity linked to autophagy in TNFα-stimulated endothelial cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:376. [PMID: 39212707 PMCID: PMC11364738 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05342-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
In intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG), and some other immunoglobulin products, protein particles have been implicated in adverse events. Role and mechanisms of immunoglobulin particles in vascular adverse effects of blood components and manufactured biologics have not been elucidated. We have developed a model of spherical silica microparticles (SiMPs) of distinct sizes 200-2000 nm coated with different IVIG- or albumin (HSA)-coronas and investigated their effects on cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). IVIG products (1-20 mg/mL), bare SiMPs or SiMPs with IVIG-corona, did not display significant toxicity to unstimulated HUVEC. In contrast, in TNFα-stimulated HUVEC, IVIG-SiMPs induced decrease of HUVEC viability compared to HSA-SiMPs, while no toxicity of soluble IVIG was observed. 200 nm IVIG-SiMPs after 24 h treatment further increased ICAM1 (intercellular adhesion molecule 1) and tissue factor surface expression, apoptosis, mammalian target of rapamacin (mTOR)-dependent activation of autophagy, and release of extracellular vesicles, positive for mitophagy markers. Toxic effects of IVIG-SiMPs were most prominent for 200 nm SiMPs and decreased with larger SiMP size. Using blocking antibodies, toxicity of IVIG-SiMPs was found dependent on FcγRII receptor expression on HUVEC, which increased after TNFα-stimulation. Similar results were observed with different IVIG products and research grade IgG preparations. In conclusion, submicron particles with immunoglobulin corona induced size-dependent toxicity in TNFα-stimulated HUVEC via FcγRII receptors, associated with apoptosis and mTOR-dependent activation of autophagy. Testing of IVIG toxicity in endothelial cells prestimulated with proinflammatory cytokines is relevant to clinical conditions. Our results warrant further studies on endothelial toxicity of sub-visible immunoglobulin particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanida C Hollis
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, FDA, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Sehrish Farooq
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, FDA, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - M Reza Khoshi
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, FDA, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Mehulkumar Patel
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, FDA, Silver Spring, MD, USA
- Center for Devices and Radiological Health, FDA, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Elena Karnaukhova
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, FDA, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Nancy Eller
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, FDA, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Karel Holada
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Dorothy E Scott
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, FDA, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Jan Simak
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, FDA, Silver Spring, MD, USA.
- Laboratory of Cellular Hematology, Division of Blood Components and Devices, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, OBRR, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, WO Bldg. 52/72, Rm. 4210, Silver Spring, MD, USA.
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Watanabe H, Hayashida N, Sato M, Honda S. Biosensing-based quality control monitoring of the higher-order structures of therapeutic antibody domains. Anal Chim Acta 2024; 1303:342439. [PMID: 38609254 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2024.342439] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Advanced biopharmaceutical manufacturing requires novel process analytical technologies for the rapid and sensitive assessment of the higher-order structures of therapeutic proteins. However, conventional physicochemical analyses of denatured proteins have limitations in terms of sensitivity, throughput, analytical resolution, and real-time monitoring capacity. Although probe-based sensing can overcome these limitations, typical non-specific probes lack analytical resolution and provide little to no information regarding which parts of the protein structure have been collapsed. To meet these analytical demands, we generated biosensing probes derived from artificial proteins that could specifically recognize the higher-order structural changes in antibodies at the protein domain level. Biopanning of phage-displayed protein libraries generated artificial proteins that bound to a denatured antibody domain, but not its natively folded structure, with nanomolar affinity. The protein probes not only recognized the higher-order structural changes in intact IgGs but also distinguished between the denatured antibody domains. These domain-specific probes were used to generate response contour plots to visualize the antibody denaturation caused by various process parameters, such as pH, temperature, and holding time for acid elution and virus inactivation. These protein probes can be combined with established analytical techniques, such as surface plasmon resonance for real-time monitoring or plate-based assays for high-throughput analysis, to aid in the development of new analytical technologies for the process optimization and monitoring of antibody manufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Watanabe
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8566, Japan
| | - Naoko Hayashida
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8566, Japan; Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8562, Japan
| | - Megumi Sato
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8566, Japan
| | - Shinya Honda
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8566, Japan; Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8562, Japan.
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6
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Martins-Ribeiro A, Kizhedath A, Ahmed SS, Glassey J, Ishaq A, Freer M, Dickinson AM. A Human Skin Explant Test as a Novel In Vitro Assay for the Detection of Skin Sensitization to Aggregated Monoclonal Antibodies. TOXICS 2024; 12:332. [PMID: 38787111 PMCID: PMC11125788 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12050332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Introduction: Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are important therapeutics. However, the enhanced potential for aggregation has become a critical quality parameter during the production of mAbs. Furthermore, mAb aggregation may also present a potential health risk in a clinical setting during the administration of mAb therapeutics to patients. While the extent of immunotoxicity in patient populations is uncertain, reports show it can lead to immune responses via cell activation and cytokine release. In this study, an autologous in vitro skin test designed to predict adverse immune events, including skin sensitization, was used as a novel assay for the assessment of immunotoxicity caused by mAb aggregation. Material and Methods: Aggregation of mAbs was induced by a heat stress protocol, followed by characterization of protein content by analytical ultra-centrifugation and transmission electron microscopy, revealing a 4% aggregation level of total protein content. Immunotoxicity and potential skin sensitization caused by the aggregates, were then tested in a skin explant assay. Results: Aggregated Herceptin and Rituximab caused skin sensitization, as shown by histopathological damage (grade II-III positive response) together with positive staining for Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP70). Changes in T cell proliferation were not observed. Cytokine analysis revealed a significant increase of IL-10 for the most extreme condition of aggregation (65 °C at pH3) and a trend for an overall increase of IFN-γ, especially in response to Rituximab. Conclusions: The skin explant assay demonstrated that aggregated mAbs showed adverse immune reactions, as demonstrated as skin sensitization, with histopathological grades II-III. The assay may, therefore, be a novel tool for assessing immunotoxicity and skin sensitization caused by mAb aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Martins-Ribeiro
- Alcyomics Ltd., The Biosphere, Draymans Way, Newcastle Helix, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE4 5BX, UK; (A.M.-R.); (M.F.)
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Arathi Kizhedath
- Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Shaheda Sameena Ahmed
- Alcyomics Ltd., The Biosphere, Draymans Way, Newcastle Helix, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE4 5BX, UK; (A.M.-R.); (M.F.)
| | - Jarka Glassey
- Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Abbas Ishaq
- Alcyomics Ltd., The Biosphere, Draymans Way, Newcastle Helix, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE4 5BX, UK; (A.M.-R.); (M.F.)
| | - Matthew Freer
- Alcyomics Ltd., The Biosphere, Draymans Way, Newcastle Helix, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE4 5BX, UK; (A.M.-R.); (M.F.)
| | - Anne Mary Dickinson
- Alcyomics Ltd., The Biosphere, Draymans Way, Newcastle Helix, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE4 5BX, UK; (A.M.-R.); (M.F.)
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
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Cohen JR, Brych SR, Prabhu S, Bi V, Elbaradei A, Tokuda JM, Xiang C, Hokom M, Cui X, Ly C, Amos N, Sun J, Calamba D, Herskovitz J, Capili A, Nourbakhsh K, Merlo A, Carreon J, Wypych J, Narhi LO, Jawa V, Joubert MK. A High Threshold of Biotherapeutic Aggregate Numbers is Needed to Induce an Immunogenic Response In Vitro, In Vivo, and in the Clinic. Pharm Res 2024; 41:651-672. [PMID: 38519817 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-024-03678-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE There is concern that subvisible aggregates in biotherapeutic drug products pose a risk to patient safety. We investigated the threshold of biotherapeutic aggregates needed to induce immunogenic responses. METHODS AND RESULTS Highly aggregated samples were tested in cell-based assays and induced cellular responses in a manner that depended on the number of particles. The threshold of immune activation varied by disease state (cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, allergy), concomitant therapies, and particle number. Compared to healthy donors, disease state patients showed an equal or lower response at the late phase (7 days), suggesting they may not have a higher risk of responding to aggregates. Xeno-het mice were used to assess the threshold of immune activation in vivo. Although highly aggregated samples (~ 1,600,000 particles/mL) induced a weak and transient immunogenic response in mice, a 100-fold dilution of this sample (~ 16,000 particles/mL) did not induce immunogenicity. To confirm this result, subvisible particles (up to ~ 18,000 particles/mL, containing aggregates and silicone oil droplets) produced under representative administration practices (created upon infusion of a drug product through an IV catheter) did not induce a response in cell-based assays or appear to increase the rate of adverse events or immunogenicity during phase 3 clinical trials. CONCLUSION The ability of biotherapeutic aggregates to elicit an immune response in vitro, in vivo, and in the clinic depends on high numbers of particles. This suggests that there is a high threshold for aggregates to induce an immunogenic response which is well beyond that seen in standard biotherapeutic drug products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph R Cohen
- The Department of Process Development, Amgen Inc, One Amgen Center Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA.
| | - Stephen R Brych
- The Department of Process Development, Amgen Inc, One Amgen Center Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Siddharth Prabhu
- The Department of Process Development, Amgen Inc, One Amgen Center Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Vivian Bi
- The Department of Biosimilars, Amgen Inc, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Ahmed Elbaradei
- The Department of Process Development, Amgen Inc, One Amgen Center Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Joshua M Tokuda
- The Department of Process Development, Amgen Inc, One Amgen Center Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Cathie Xiang
- The Department of Process Development, Amgen Inc, One Amgen Center Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Martha Hokom
- The Department of Clinical Immunology, Amgen Inc, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
- Department of BioAnalytical Sciences, Genentech, Inc, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Xiaohong Cui
- The Department of Process Development, Amgen Inc, One Amgen Center Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Claudia Ly
- The Department of Process Development, Amgen Inc, One Amgen Center Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Nathan Amos
- The Department of Process Development, Amgen Inc, One Amgen Center Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Jilin Sun
- Translational Safety and Bioanalytical Sciences, Amgen Inc, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Dominador Calamba
- Translational Safety and Bioanalytical Sciences, Amgen Inc, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Jonathan Herskovitz
- The Department of Clinical Immunology, Amgen Inc, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Allyson Capili
- The Department of Process Development, Amgen Inc, One Amgen Center Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Kimya Nourbakhsh
- The Department of Process Development, Amgen Inc, One Amgen Center Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Anthony Merlo
- The Department of Process Development, Amgen Inc, One Amgen Center Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Julia Carreon
- The Department of Process Development, Amgen Inc, One Amgen Center Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Jette Wypych
- The Department of Process Development, Amgen Inc, One Amgen Center Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Linda O Narhi
- The Department of Process Development, Amgen Inc, One Amgen Center Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Vibha Jawa
- The Department of Clinical Immunology, Amgen Inc, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
- Department of Pharmacometrics, Disposition & Bioanalysis, Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ, 08543, USA
| | - Marisa K Joubert
- The Department of Process Development, Amgen Inc, One Amgen Center Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA.
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Sreenivasan S, Patil SS, Rathore AS. Does Aggregation of Therapeutic IgGs in PBS Offer a True Picture of What Happens in Models Derived from Human Body Fluids? J Pharm Sci 2024; 113:596-603. [PMID: 37717637 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.09.008] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic proteins such as monoclonal antibodies (mAb) are known to form aggregates due to various factors. Phosphate buffered saline (PBS), human serum, and human serum filtrate (HSF) are some of the models used to analyze mAb stability in physiologically relevant in-vitro conditions. In this study, aggregation of mAb in PBS and models derived from body fluids seeded with mAb samples subjected to various stresses were compared. Samples containing mAb subjected to pH, temperature, UV light, stirring, and interfacial agitation stress were seeded into different models for 2 case studies. In the first case study, %HMW (high molecular weight species) of mAb in PBS and HSF were compared using size exclusion chromatography. It was found that change in %HMW was higher in PBS compared to HSF. For example, PBS containing mAb that was subjected to UV light stress showed change in HMW by >10 % over 72 h, but the change was <5 % in HSF. In second case study, aggregates particles of FITC tagged mAb were monitored in PBS and serum using fluorescence microscope image processing. It was found that PBS and serum containing mAb subjected to stirring and interfacial agitation resulted in aggregates of >2 µm size, and average size and percentage number of particles having >10 µm size was higher in serum compared to PBS at all analysis time point. Overall, it was found that aggregation of mAb in PBS was different from that in human body fluids. Second case study also showed the importance of advanced strategies for further characterization of mAb in serum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shravan Sreenivasan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas-110016, India
| | - Sanjeet S Patil
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas-110016, India
| | - Anurag S Rathore
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas-110016, India.
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9
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Sreenivasan S, Rathore AS. Taurine, a Naturally Occurring Amino Acid, as a Physical Stability Enhancer of Different Monoclonal Antibodies. AAPS J 2024; 26:25. [PMID: 38355847 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-024-00893-y] [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: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Degradation of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) is a major concern as it affects efficacy, shelf-life, and safety of the product. Taurine, a naturally occurring amino acid, is investigated in this study as a potential mAb stabilizer with an extensive analytical characterization to monitor product degradation. Forced degradation of trastuzumab biosimilar (mAb1)-containing samples by thermal stress for 30 min resulted in high-molecular-weight species by more than 65% in sample without taurine compared to the sample with taurine. Samples containing mAb1 without taurine also resulted in higher Z-average diameter, altered protein structure, higher hydrophobicity, and lower melting temperature compared to samples with taurine. The stabilizing effect of taurine was retained at different mAb and taurine concentrations, time, temperatures, and buffers, and at the presence of polysorbate 80 (PS80). Even the lowest taurine concentration (10 mM) considered in this study, which is in the range of taurine levels in amino acid injections, resulted in enhanced mAb stability. Taurine-containing samples resulted in 90% less hemolysis than samples containing PS80. Additionally, mAb in the presence of taurine showed enhanced stability upon subjecting to stress with light of 365 nm wavelength, combination of light and H2O2, and combination of Fe2+ and H2O2, as samples containing mAb without taurine resulted in increased degradation products by more than 50% compared to samples with taurine upon subjecting to these stresses for 60 min. In conclusion, the presence of taurine enhanced physical stability of mAb by preventing aggregate formation, and the industry can consider it as a new mAb stabilizer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shravan Sreenivasan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Anurag S Rathore
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India.
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10
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Lteif M, Pallardy M, Turbica I. Antibodies internalization mechanisms by dendritic cells and their role in therapeutic antibody immunogenicity. Eur J Immunol 2024; 54:e2250340. [PMID: 37985174 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202250340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Internalization and processing by antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells (DCs) are critical steps for initiating a T-cell response to therapeutic antibodies. Consequences are the production of neutralizing antidrug antibodies altering the clinical response, the presence of immune complexes, and, in some rare cases, hypersensitivity reactions. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the knowledge of cellular uptake mechanisms of antibodies in DCs. The uptake of antibodies could be directly related to their immunogenicity by regulating the quantity of materials entering the DCs in relation to antibody structure. Here, we summarize the latest insights into cellular uptake mechanisms and pathways in DCs. We highlight the approaches to study endocytosis, the impact of endocytosis routes on T-cell response, and discuss the link between how DCs internalize therapeutic antibodies and the potential mechanisms that could give rise to immunogenicity. Understanding these processes could help in developing assays to evaluate the immunogenicity potential of biotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lteif
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, Inflammation, Microbiome and Immunosurveillance, Orsay, France
| | - Marc Pallardy
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, Inflammation, Microbiome and Immunosurveillance, Orsay, France
| | - Isabelle Turbica
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, Inflammation, Microbiome and Immunosurveillance, Orsay, France
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11
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Liu S, Yan Y, Secor CM, Oberholtzer ZR, Skow DJ, Sheikh M, Moon Y, Fu Y, Sandu C, Wang S, Li N, Nguyen JB, Rosconi MP, Pyles EA. Enrichment strategy and initial characterization of heterodimers enriched from a co-formulated cocktail of therapeutic antibodies against SARS-COV-2. MAbs 2024; 16:2338301. [PMID: 38591617 PMCID: PMC11005800 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2024.2338301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Co-formulation of multiple drug products is an efficient and convenient approach to simultaneously deliver multiple biotherapeutics with the potentially added benefit of a synergistic therapeutic effect. However, co-formulation also increases the risk of heteromeric interactions, giving rise to unique impurities with unknown efficacy and immunogenicity. Therefore, it is critical to develop methods to evaluate the risk of heteromers as an impurity that could affect potency, efficacy, and/or immunogenicity. The most direct strategy to evaluate antibody heteromers is via specific enrichment. However, the fact that antibody heterodimers generated from the co-formulated cocktail share highly similar molar mass and size properties as homodimers natively present in each individual antibody drug product poses a unique purification challenge. Here, we report the path to successful enrichment of heterodimers from co-formulated REGEN-COVⓇ and discuss its potential impacts on drug quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Liu
- Protein Biochemistry, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc ., Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Yuetian Yan
- Analytical Chemistry, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Cody M. Secor
- Protein Biochemistry, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc ., Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | | | - Donna J. Skow
- Therapeutic Proteins, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Mushhood Sheikh
- Therapeutic Proteins, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Youmi Moon
- Protein Biochemistry, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc ., Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Yue Fu
- Protein Biochemistry, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc ., Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Cristinel Sandu
- Therapeutic Proteins, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Shunhai Wang
- Analytical Chemistry, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Ning Li
- Analytical Chemistry, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer B. Nguyen
- Protein Biochemistry, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc ., Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Michael P. Rosconi
- Protein Biochemistry, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc ., Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Erica A. Pyles
- Protein Biochemistry, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc ., Tarrytown, NY, USA
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12
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Nabhan M, Meunier S, Le-Minh V, Robin B, de Bourayne M, Smadja C, Maillère B, Pallardy M, Turbica I. Infliximab aggregates produced in severe and mild elevated temperature stress conditions induce an extended specific CD4 T-cell response. Eur J Pharm Sci 2024; 192:106670. [PMID: 38070782 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106670] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Aggregation has been widely described as a factor contributing to therapeutic antibody immunogenicity. Although production of high-affinity anti-drug antibodies depends on the activation of CD4 T lymphocytes, little is known about the T-cell response induced by antibody aggregates, especially for aggregates produced in mild conditions resulting from minor handling errors of vials. Large insoluble infliximab (IFX) aggregates produced in severe elevated temperature stress conditions have been previously shown to induce human monocyte-derived dendritic cell (moDC) maturation. We here showed that large IFX aggregates recruit in vitro a significantly higher number of CD4 T-cells compared to native IFX. Moreover, a larger array of T-cell epitopes encompassing the entire variable regions was evidenced compared to the native antibody. We then compared the responses of moDCs to different types of aggregates generated by submitting IFX to mild conditions of various times of incubation at an elevated temperature. Decreasing stress duration reduced aggregate size and quantity, and subsequently altered moDC activation. Of importance, IFX aggregates generated in mild conditions and not altering moDC phenotype generated an in vitro T-cell response with a higher frequency of CD4 T cells compared to native IFX. Moreover, cross-reactivity studies of aggregate-specific T cells showed that some T cells could recognize both native and aggregated IFX, while others responded only to IFX aggregates. Taken together, our results suggest that aggregation of antibodies in mild elevated temperature stress conditions is sufficient to alter moDC phenotype in a dose-dependent manner and to increase T-cell response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Nabhan
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, Inflammation, Microbiome and Immunosurveillance, 91 400 Orsay, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Laboratoire d'Excellence en Recherche sur le Médicament et l'Innovation Thérapeutique (LABEX LERMIT), 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Sylvain Meunier
- Université de Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, SIMoS, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Laboratoire d'Excellence en Recherche sur le Médicament et l'Innovation Thérapeutique (LABEX LERMIT), 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Victor Le-Minh
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, 91 400 Orsay, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Laboratoire d'Excellence en Recherche sur le Médicament et l'Innovation Thérapeutique (LABEX LERMIT), 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Baptiste Robin
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, 91 400 Orsay, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Laboratoire d'Excellence en Recherche sur le Médicament et l'Innovation Thérapeutique (LABEX LERMIT), 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Marie de Bourayne
- Université de Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, SIMoS, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Laboratoire d'Excellence en Recherche sur le Médicament et l'Innovation Thérapeutique (LABEX LERMIT), 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Claire Smadja
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, 91 400 Orsay, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Laboratoire d'Excellence en Recherche sur le Médicament et l'Innovation Thérapeutique (LABEX LERMIT), 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Bernard Maillère
- Université de Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, SIMoS, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Laboratoire d'Excellence en Recherche sur le Médicament et l'Innovation Thérapeutique (LABEX LERMIT), 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Marc Pallardy
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, Inflammation, Microbiome and Immunosurveillance, 91 400 Orsay, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Laboratoire d'Excellence en Recherche sur le Médicament et l'Innovation Thérapeutique (LABEX LERMIT), 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Isabelle Turbica
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, Inflammation, Microbiome and Immunosurveillance, 91 400 Orsay, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Laboratoire d'Excellence en Recherche sur le Médicament et l'Innovation Thérapeutique (LABEX LERMIT), 91400 Orsay, France.
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13
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Oyama K, Nakakido M, Ohkuri T, Nakamura H, Tsumoto K, Ueda T. Enhancing thermal stability in the CH 2 domain to suppress aggregation through the introduction of simultaneous disulfide bonds in Pichia pastoris. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4831. [PMID: 37924310 PMCID: PMC10680342 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4831] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Protein aggregations decrease production yields and impair the efficacy of therapeutics. The CH2 domain is a crucial part of the constant region of human IgG. But, it is also the least stable domain in IgG, which can result in antibody instability and aggregation problems. We created a novel mutant of the CH2 domain (T250C/L314C, mut10) by introducing a disulfide bond and expressed it using Pichia pastoris. The mut10 variant exhibited enhanced thermal stability, resistance to enzymatic degradation, and reduced aggregation in comparison to the original CH2 domain. However, it was less stable than mut20 (L242C/K334C), which is the variant prepared in a previous study (Gong et al., J. Biol. Chem., 2009). A more advanced mutant, mut25, was created by combining mut10 and mut20. Mut25 artificially contains two disulfide bonds. The new mutant, mut25, showed enhanced thermal stability, increased resistance to enzymatic digestion, and reduced aggregation in comparison to mut20. According to our knowledge, mut25 achieves an unprecedented level of stability among the humanized whole CH2 domains that have been reported so far. Mut25 has the potential to serve as a new platform for antibody therapeutics due to its ability to reduce immunogenicity by decreasing aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Oyama
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical SciencesKyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
| | - Makoto Nakakido
- Graduate School of EngineeringThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | | | - Hitomi Nakamura
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesSojo UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Kouhei Tsumoto
- Graduate School of EngineeringThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Tadashi Ueda
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical SciencesKyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
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14
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Groël S, Menzen T, Winter G. Possibilities and limitations of α-relaxation data of amorphous freeze-dried cakes to predict long term IgG 1 antibody stability. Int J Pharm 2023; 646:123445. [PMID: 37748632 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123445] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
The value of correlating global α-relaxations with long term protein stability after freeze-drying is inconsistently reported. This study aims to clarify whether and to what extend the long term stability of a freeze-dried protein formulation can be predicted with this method. For this purpose, the α-relaxation parameter τβ [h] of freshly prepared freeze-dried products is obtained by isothermal microcalorimetry. The concept is, that molecular movements in the amorphous matrix are strongly reduced in cakes with longer relaxation time and the product should therefore be more resistant against aggregation. To increase τβ in comparison to a conventional freeze-drying cycle, aggressive drying cycles including structural collapse of the product as well as tempering protocols after freeze-drying are applied. The τβ values are correlated with the aggregation rate of a freeze-dried IgG1 monoclonal antibody measured with high performance size exclusion chromatography. The antibody was used in its market formulation and 6 further compositions. A weak correlation between α-relaxation times and IgG1 aggregation was found. A higher mobility level through increased residual moisture helped to improve the correlation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Groël
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany.
| | | | - Gerhard Winter
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
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15
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Penny HL, Hainline K, Theoharis N, Wu B, Brandl C, Webhofer C, McComb M, Wittemer-Rump S, Koca G, Stienen S, Bargou RC, Hummel HD, Loidl W, Grüllich C, Eggert T, Tran B, Mytych DT. Characterization and root cause analysis of immunogenicity to pasotuxizumab (AMG 212), a prostate-specific membrane antigen-targeting bispecific T-cell engager therapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1261070. [PMID: 37942314 PMCID: PMC10628759 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1261070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In oncology, anti-drug antibody (ADA) development that significantly curtails response durability has not historically risen to a level of concern. The relevance and attention ascribed to ADAs in oncology clinical studies have therefore been limited, and the extant literature on this subject scarce. In recent years, T cell engagers have gained preeminence within the prolific field of cancer immunotherapy. These drugs whose mode of action is expected to potently stimulate anti-tumor immunity, may potentially induce ADAs as an unintended corollary due to an overall augmentation of the immune response. ADA formation is therefore emerging as an important determinant in the successful clinical development of such biologics. Methods Here we describe the immunogenicity and its impact observed to pasotuxizumab (AMG 212), a prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeting bispecific T cell engager (BiTE®) molecule in NCT01723475, a first-in-human (FIH), multicenter, dose-escalation study in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). To explain the disparity in ADA incidence observed between the SC and CIV arms of the study, we interrogated other patient and product-specific factors that may have explained the difference beyond the route of administration. Results Treatment-emergent ADAs (TE-ADA) developed in all subjects treated with at least 1 cycle of AMG 212 in the subcutaneous (SC) arm. These ADAs were neutralizing and resulted in profound exposure loss that was associated with contemporaneous reversal of initial Prostate Surface Antigen (PSA) responses, curtailing durability of PSA response in patients. Pivoting from SC to a continuous intravenous (CIV) administration route remarkably yielded no subjects developing ADA to AMG 212. Through a series of stepwise functional assays, our investigation revealed that alongside a more historically immunogenic route of administration, non-tolerant T cell epitopes within the AMG 212 amino acid sequence were likely driving the high-titer, sustained ADA response observed in the SC arm. Discussion These mechanistic insights into the AMG 212 ADA response underscore the importance of performing preclinical immunogenicity risk evaluation as well as advocate for continuous iteration to better our biologics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kelly Hainline
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Amgen, Thousand Oaks, CA, United States
| | | | - Bin Wu
- Department of Biologics, Amgen, Thousand Oaks, CA, United States
| | - Christian Brandl
- Department of Translational Safety & Bioanalytical Sciences, Amgen Research (Munich) GmbH, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Webhofer
- Department of Process Development, Amgen Research (Munich) GmbH, Munich, Germany
| | - Mason McComb
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Modeling & Simulation, Amgen, Thousand Oaks, CA, United States
| | - Sabine Wittemer-Rump
- Bayer AG, Research and Development Oncology (RED Onc), Pharmaceuticals, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gökben Koca
- Bayer AG, Research and Development Oncology (RED Onc), Pharmaceuticals, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabine Stienen
- Department of Early Development (Oncology), Amgen Research (Munich) GmbH, Munich, Germany
| | - Ralf C. Bargou
- Translational Oncology/Early Clinical Trial Unit (ECTU), Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Hospital Wurzburg, Wurzburg, Germany
| | - Horst-Dieter Hummel
- Translational Oncology/Early Clinical Trial Unit (ECTU), Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Hospital Wurzburg, Wurzburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Loidl
- Department of Urology, Ordensklinikum Linz GmbH, Linz, Austria
| | - Carsten Grüllich
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases, Heidelberg University Medical Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tobias Eggert
- Department of Early Development (Oncology), Amgen, Thousand Oaks, CA, United States
| | - Ben Tran
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Daniel T. Mytych
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Amgen, Thousand Oaks, CA, United States
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16
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Di Ianni A, Barbero L, Fraone T, Cowan K, Sirtori FR. Preclinical risk assessment strategy to mitigate the T-cell dependent immunogenicity of protein biotherapeutics: State of the art, challenges and future perspectives. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2023; 234:115500. [PMID: 37311374 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2023.115500] [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: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Protein therapeutics hold a prominent role and have brought significant diversity in efficacious medicinal products. Not just monoclonal antibodies and different antibody formats (pegylated antigen-binding fragments, bispecifics, antibody-drug conjugates, single chain variable fragments, nanobodies, dia-, tria- and tetrabodies), but also purified blood products, growth factors, recombinant cytokines, enzyme replacement factors, fusion proteins are all good instances of therapeutic proteins that have been developed in the past decades and approved for their value in oncology, immune-oncology, and autoimmune diseases discovery programs. Although there was an ingrained belief that fully humanized proteins were expected to have limited immunogenicity, adverse effects associated with immune responses to biological therapies raised some concern in biotech companies. Consequently, drug developers are designing strategies to assess potential immune responses to protein therapeutics during both the preclinical and clinical phases of development. Despite the many factors that can contribute to protein immunogenicity, T cell- (thymus-) dependent (Td) immunogenicity seems to play a crucial role in the development of anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) to biologics. A broad range of methodologies to predict and rationally assess Td immune responses to protein drugs has been developed. This review aims to briefly summarize the preclinical immunogenicity risk assessment strategy to mitigate the risk of potential immunogenic candidates coming towards clinical phases, discussing the advantages and limitations of these technologies, and suggesting a rational approach for assessing and mitigating Td immunogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Di Ianni
- University of Turin, Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; NBE-DMPK Innovative BioAnalytics, Merck Serono RBM S.p.A., an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, Via Ribes 1, 10010 Colleretto Giacosa (TO), Italy
| | - Luca Barbero
- NBE-DMPK Innovative BioAnalytics, Merck Serono RBM S.p.A., an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, Via Ribes 1, 10010 Colleretto Giacosa (TO), Italy
| | - Tiziana Fraone
- NBE-DMPK Innovative BioAnalytics, Merck Serono RBM S.p.A., an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, Via Ribes 1, 10010 Colleretto Giacosa (TO), Italy
| | - Kyra Cowan
- New Biological Entities, Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (NBE-DMPK), Research and Development, Merck KGaA, Frankfurterstrasse 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Federico Riccardi Sirtori
- NBE-DMPK Innovative BioAnalytics, Merck Serono RBM S.p.A., an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, Via Ribes 1, 10010 Colleretto Giacosa (TO), Italy.
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17
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Tada M, Aoyama M, Ishii-Watabe A. Target-independent Immune-cell Activation by Aggregates of T Cell-redirecting Bispecific Antibodies. J Pharm Sci 2023; 112:2419-2426. [PMID: 37392901 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.06.016] [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: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
T cell-redirecting bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) have been under development as a new class of biotherapeutics for cancer immunotherapy. T cell-redirecting bsAbs simultaneously bind tumor-associated antigens on tumor cells and CD3 on T cells, resulting in T cell-mediated cytotoxicity against tumor cells. In this study, we prepared a tandem scFv-typed bsAb targeting HER2 and CD3 (HER2-CD3), and evaluated the impact of aggregation of HER2-CD3 on the in vitro immunotoxicity. A cell-based assay using CD3-expressing reporter cells revealed that the aggregates of HER2-CD3 directly activated CD3-expressing immune cells in the absence of target antigen (HER2)-expressing cells. Comparison of the aggregates generated under various stress conditions indicated the possibility that insoluble protein particles, which were detected by qLD analysis and contained non-denatured functional domains, contributed to the activation of CD3-expressing immune cells. In addition, HER2-CD3 aggregates stimulated hPBMCs and strongly induced the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. The cytokine/chemokine-release profiles suggested that the aggregates could induce inflammatory responses not only by CD3-mediated T cell activation but also by other immune cell activations. These results indicated the potential risk of aggregation of T cell-redirecting bsAbs, which could induce unwanted immune cell activation and inflammation and thereby immune-mediated adverse reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minoru Tada
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Biologicals, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kanagawa, Japan.
| | - Michihiko Aoyama
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Biologicals, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Akiko Ishii-Watabe
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Biologicals, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kanagawa, Japan
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18
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Pan L, Mora J, Walravens K, Wagner L, Hopper S, Loo L, Bettoun D, Bond S, Dessy F, Downing S, Garofolo F, Gupta S, Henderson N, Irwin C, Ishii-Watabe A, Kar S, Jawa V, Joseph J, Malvaux L, Marshall JC, McDevitt J, Mohapatra S, Seitzer J, Smith J, Solstad T, Sugimoto H, Tounekti O, Wu B, Wu Y, Xu Y, Xu J, Yamamoto T, Yang L, Torri A, Kirshner S, Maxfield K, Vasconcelos JP, Abhari MR, Verthelyi D, Brodsky E, Carrasco-Triguero M, Kamerud J, Andisik M, Baltrukonis D, Bivi N, Cludts I, Coble K, Gorovits B, Gunn GR, Gupta S, Millner AH, Joyce A, Kubiak RJ, Kumar S, Liao K, Manangeeswaran M, Partridge M, Pine S, Poetzl J, Rajadhyaksha M, Rasamoelisolo M, Richards S, Song Y, Swanson S, Thacker S, Wadhwa M, Wolf A, Zhang L, Zhou L. 2022 White Paper on Recent Issues in Bioanalysis: FDA Draft Guidance on Immunogenicity Information in Prescription Drug Labeling, LNP & Viral Vectors Therapeutics/Vaccines Immunogenicity, Prolongation Effect, ADA Affinity, Risk-based Approaches, NGS, qPCR, ddPCR Assays ( Part 3 - Recommendations on Gene Therapy, Cell Therapy, Vaccines Immunogenicity & Technologies; Immunogenicity & Risk Assessment of Biotherapeutics and Novel Modalities; NAb Assays Integrated Approach). Bioanalysis 2023; 15:773-814. [PMID: 37526071 DOI: 10.4155/bio-2023-0135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The 2022 16th Workshop on Recent Issues in Bioanalysis (WRIB) took place in Atlanta, GA, USA on September 26-30, 2022. Over 1000 professionals representing pharma/biotech companies, CROs, and multiple regulatory agencies convened to actively discuss the most current topics of interest in bioanalysis. The 16th WRIB included 3 Main Workshops and 7 Specialized Workshops that together spanned 1 week in order to allow exhaustive and thorough coverage of all major issues in bioanalysis, biomarkers, immunogenicity, gene therapy, cell therapy and vaccines. Moreover, in-depth workshops on ICH M10 BMV final guideline (focused on this guideline training, interpretation, adoption and transition); mass spectrometry innovation (focused on novel technologies, novel modalities, and novel challenges); and flow cytometry bioanalysis (rising of the 3rd most common/important technology in bioanalytical labs) were the special features of the 16th edition. As in previous years, WRIB continued to gather a wide diversity of international, industry opinion leaders and regulatory authority experts working on both small and large molecules as well as gene, cell therapies and vaccines to facilitate sharing and discussions focused on improving quality, increasing regulatory compliance, and achieving scientific excellence on bioanalytical issues. This 2022 White Paper encompasses recommendations emerging from the extensive discussions held during the workshop and is aimed to provide the bioanalytical community with key information and practical solutions on topics and issues addressed, in an effort to enable advances in scientific excellence, improved quality and better regulatory compliance. Due to its length, the 2022 edition of this comprehensive White Paper has been divided into three parts for editorial reasons. This publication (Part 3) covers the recommendations on Gene Therapy, Cell therapy, Vaccines and Biotherapeutics Immunogenicity. Part 1 (Mass Spectrometry and ICH M10) and Part 2 (LBA, Biomarkers/CDx and Cytometry) are published in volume 15 of Bioanalysis, issues 16 and 15 (2023), respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Vibha Jawa
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Lawrenceville, NJ, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yuan Song
- Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
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19
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Sreenivasan S, Rathore AS. Combined Presence of Ferrous Ions and Hydrogen Peroxide in Normal Saline and In Vitro Models Induces Enhanced Aggregation of Therapeutic IgG due to Hydroxyl Radicals. Mol Pharm 2023. [PMID: 37189260 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAb) are known to form aggregates and fragments upon exposure to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and ferrous ions (Fe2+). H2O2 and Fe2+ react to form hydroxyl radicals that are detrimental to protein structures. In this study, aggregation of mAb in the combined presence of Fe2+ and H2O2 was investigated in saline and physiologically relevant in vitro models. In the first case study, forced degradation of mAb in saline (a fluid used for administration of mAb) was carried out at 55 °C in the combined presence of 0.2 mM Fe2+ and 0.1% H2O2. The control and stressed samples were analyzed using an array of techniques including visual observation, size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), dynamic light scattering (DLS), microscopy, UV-vis, fluorescence, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and cell-based toxicity assays. At the end of 1 h, samples having the combined presence of both Fe2+ and H2O2 exhibited more than 20% HMW (high molecular weight species), whereas samples having only Fe2+, H2O2, or neither resulted in less than 3% HMW. Aggregate-rich samples also exhibited altered protein structures and hydrophobicity. Aggregation increased upon increasing the time, temperature, and concentration of Fe2+ and H2O2. Samples having both Fe2+ and H2O2 also showed higher cytotoxicity in red blood cells. Samples of mAb with chlorides of copper and cobalt with H2O2 also resulted in multifold degradation. The first case study showed enhanced aggregation of mAb in the combined presence of Fe2+ and H2O2 in saline. In the second case study, aggregation of mAb was investigated in artificially prepared extracellular saline and in vitro models such as macromolecule free fraction of serum and serum. In the presence of both Fe2+ and H2O2, %HMW was higher in extracellular saline compared to macromolecule free fraction of serum. Further, in vitro models having the combined presence of Fe2+ and H2O2 resulted in enhanced aggregation of mAb compared to models that had neither.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shravan Sreenivasan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Anurag S Rathore
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
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20
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Diamos AG, Pardhe MD, Bergeman MH, Kamzina AS, DiPalma MP, Aman S, Chaves A, Lowe K, Kilbourne J, Hogue IB, Mason HS. A self-binding immune complex vaccine elicits strong neutralizing responses against herpes simplex virus in mice. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1085911. [PMID: 37205110 PMCID: PMC10186352 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1085911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction It has been known for over half a century that mixing an antigen with its cognate antibody in an immune complex (IC) can enhance antigen immunogenicity. However, many ICs produce inconsistent immune responses, and the use of ICs in the development new vaccines has been limited despite the otherwise widespread success of antibody-based therapeutics. To address this problem, we designed a self-binding recombinant immune complex (RIC) vaccine which mimics the larger ICs generated during natural infection. Materials and methods In this study, we created two novel vaccine candidates: 1) a traditional IC targeting herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) by mixing glycoprotein D (gD) with a neutralizing antibody (gD-IC); and 2) an RIC consisting of gD fused to an immunoglobulin heavy chain and then tagged with its own binding site, allowing self-binding (gD-RIC). We characterized the complex size and immune receptor binding characteristics in vitro for each preparation. Then, the in vivo immunogenicity and virus neutralization of each vaccine were compared in mice. Results gD-RIC formed larger complexes which enhanced C1q receptor binding 25-fold compared to gD-IC. After immunization of mice, gD-RIC elicited up to 1,000-fold higher gD-specific antibody titers compared to traditional IC, reaching endpoint titers of 1:500,000 after two doses without adjuvant. The RIC construct also elicited stronger virus-specific neutralization against HSV-2, as well as stronger cross-neutralization against HSV-1, although the proportion of neutralizing antibodies to total antibodies was somewhat reduced in the RIC group. Discussion This work demonstrates that the RIC system overcomes many of the pitfalls of traditional IC, providing potent immune responses against HSV-2 gD. Based on these findings, further improvements to the RIC system are discussed. RIC have now been shown to be capable of inducing potent immune responses to a variety of viral antigens, underscoring their broad potential as a vaccine platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew G. Diamos
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University (ASU), School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ian B. Hogue
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University (ASU), School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Hugh S. Mason
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University (ASU), School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
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21
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Imamura H, Ooishi A, Honda S. Getting Smaller by Denaturation: Acid-Induced Compaction of Antibodies. J Phys Chem Lett 2023; 14:3898-3906. [PMID: 37093025 PMCID: PMC10150727 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c00258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Protein denaturation is a ubiquitous process that occurs both in vitro and in vivo. While our molecular understanding of the denatured structures of proteins is limited, it is commonly accepted that the loss of unique intramolecular contacts makes proteins larger. Herein, we report compaction of the immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) protein upon acid denaturation. Small-angle X-ray scattering coupled with size exclusion chromatography revealed that IgG1 radii of gyration at pH 2 were ∼75% of those at a neutral pH. Scattering profiles showed a compact globular shape, supported by analytical ultracentrifugation. The acid denaturation of proteins with a decrease in size is energetically costly, and acid-induced compaction requires an attractive force for domain reorientation. Such intramolecular aggregation may be widespread in immunoglobulin proteins as noncanonical structures. Herein, we discuss the potential biological significance of these noncanonical structures of antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Imamura
- Biomedical
Research Institute, National Institute of
Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1, Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan
- Department
of Applied Chemistry, College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Noji-Higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-8577, Japan
- Department
of Bio-Science, Nagahama Institute of Bio-Science
and Technology, 1266 Tamura, Nagahama, Shiga 526-0829, Japan
| | - Ayako Ooishi
- Biomedical
Research Institute, National Institute of
Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1, Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan
| | - Shinya Honda
- Biomedical
Research Institute, National Institute of
Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1, Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan
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22
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Heljo P, Ahmadi M, Schack MMH, Cunningham R, Manin A, Nielsen PF, Tian X, Fogg M, Bunce C, Baunsgaard D, Jiskoot W. Impact of Stress on the Immunogenic Potential of Adalimumab. J Pharm Sci 2023; 112:1000-1010. [PMID: 36642375 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2022.12.027] [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: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies against tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) are widely used for treatment of inflammatory diseases. However, despite the inhibitory effect this class of drugs has on the immune system, anti-drug antibodies are often formed with continuous use. Particles formed during stress conditions, which can be used to simulate storage and handling conditions of commercial antibodies, have previously been associated with the formation of anti-drug antibodies. This study investigates the relationship between particles, oligomerization, folding and chemical degradation on the in vitro cytokine response toward the TNFα inhibitor adalimumab. Adalimumab aggregates generated using stir and heat stress were fractionated into distinct sub-populations, and their structure and immunogenic potential were evaluated. A chemically degraded sample of adalimumab was included to compare particle composition with the milder accelerated heat and stir stressed conditions. Particles from stressed adalimumab samples induced elevated cytokine levels and CD4+ T cell proliferation in vitro compared to non-stressed samples. Samples enriched with both submicron and subvisible particles of adalimumab induced the strongest cytokine release and the strongest CD4+ T cell proliferation despite maintaining some TNFα inhibitory functionality. Samples that were stressed and subsequently purified of subvisible and submicron particles did not elicit a significantly higher cytokine response or show increased CD4+ T cell proliferation compared to a non-stressed sample. Oxidation-induced chemical modifications in adalimumab, mainly in Met, His, Trp, and Tyr, were not found to be sufficient in absence of particle formation to induce increased CD4+ T cell proliferation or cytokine release despite less decreased TNFα inhibitory activity of adalimumab. These observations provide further evidence that particles do indeed potentiate the immunogenic potential of adalimumab.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maryam Ahmadi
- Abzena, Babraham Institute, CB22 3AT, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Anaïs Manin
- Abzena, Babraham Institute, CB22 3AT, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Mark Fogg
- Abzena, Babraham Institute, CB22 3AT, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Wim Jiskoot
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
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23
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Algorri M, Cauchon NS, Christian T, O'Connell C, Vaidya P. Patient-Centric Product Development: A Summary of Select Regulatory CMC and Device Considerations. J Pharm Sci 2023; 112:922-936. [PMID: 36739904 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Patient-centric drug development describes the systematic approach to incorporating the patient's perspectives and preferences into the design, assessment, and production of a therapeutic product. While a patient centric approach can be applied at any stage of the drug development lifecycle, an integrated end-to-end strategy is often most effective to create an optimized product for the patient at the earliest possible timepoint. The importance of patient centricity is well recognized by health authorities and biopharmaceutical organizations which have established toolsets, guidances, and methodologies for incorporating patient input during the clinical stage of development. However, in addition to clinical research, there are other significant aspects of product development that profoundly impact the patient experience. Specifically, chemistry, manufacturing, and control (CMC) and device aspects must also be acknowledged and addressed as part of a cohesive patient-centric development strategy. This review explores current applications and regulatory considerations for patient-centric approaches across the product lifecycle, including R&D, early product development, clinical development, device and combination product development, and post-approval change management. Specific topics of discussion include the contributions of product modality, formulation, and devices to the patient experience; usage of the Quality Target Product Profile (QTPP) as a patient-centered design tool; and post-approval product optimization. Future advancements in regulatory data management and information exchange are also explored as potential enablers of patient engagement which support enhanced communication and interconnectivity between stakeholders. Multidisciplinary collaboration between patients, health authorities, health care providers, and the biopharmaceutical industry is ultimately necessary for ensuring that medicinal products, and their corresponding regulatory processes, take on a patient-first mindset that prioritizes patient needs, values, and preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marquerita Algorri
- Department of Global Regulatory Affairs and Strategy - CMC, Amgen Inc, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA
| | - Nina S Cauchon
- Department of Global Regulatory Affairs and Strategy - CMC, Amgen Inc, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA.
| | | | - Chelsea O'Connell
- Department of Global Regulatory Affairs and Strategy - Global Regulatory and R&D Policy, Amgen Inc, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA
| | - Pujita Vaidya
- Department of Global Regulatory Affairs and Strategy - Global Regulatory and R&D Policy, Amgen Inc, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA
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24
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Pognan F, Beilmann M, Boonen HCM, Czich A, Dear G, Hewitt P, Mow T, Oinonen T, Roth A, Steger-Hartmann T, Valentin JP, Van Goethem F, Weaver RJ, Newham P. The evolving role of investigative toxicology in the pharmaceutical industry. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:317-335. [PMID: 36781957 PMCID: PMC9924869 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00633-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
For decades, preclinical toxicology was essentially a descriptive discipline in which treatment-related effects were carefully reported and used as a basis to calculate safety margins for drug candidates. In recent years, however, technological advances have increasingly enabled researchers to gain insights into toxicity mechanisms, supporting greater understanding of species relevance and translatability to humans, prediction of safety events, mitigation of side effects and development of safety biomarkers. Consequently, investigative (or mechanistic) toxicology has been gaining momentum and is now a key capability in the pharmaceutical industry. Here, we provide an overview of the current status of the field using case studies and discuss the potential impact of ongoing technological developments, based on a survey of investigative toxicologists from 14 European-based medium-sized to large pharmaceutical companies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francois Pognan
- Discovery and Investigative Safety, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Mario Beilmann
- Nonclinical Drug Safety Germany, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Harrie C M Boonen
- Drug Safety, Dept of Exploratory Toxicology, Lundbeck A/S, Valby, Denmark
| | | | - Gordon Dear
- In Vitro In Vivo Translation, GlaxoSmithKline David Jack Centre for Research, Ware, UK
| | - Philip Hewitt
- Chemical and Preclinical Safety, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Tomas Mow
- Safety Pharmacology and Early Toxicology, Novo Nordisk A/S, Maaloev, Denmark
| | - Teija Oinonen
- Preclinical Safety, Orion Corporation, Espoo, Finland
| | - Adrian Roth
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Freddy Van Goethem
- Predictive, Investigative & Translational Toxicology, Nonclinical Safety, Janssen Research & Development, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Richard J Weaver
- Innovation Life Cycle Management, Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier, Suresnes, France
| | - Peter Newham
- Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, AstraZeneca R&D, Cambridge, UK.
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25
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Hu Z, Mi W, Ye C, Zhao Y, Cavicchi RE, Hang H, Li H. Global Analysis of Aggregation Profiles of Three Kinds of Immuno-Oncology mAb Drug Products Using Flow Cytometry. Anal Chem 2023; 95:4768-4775. [PMID: 36862732 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c05758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Accurately quantifying the protein particles in both subvisible (1-100 μm) and submicron (≤1 μm) ranges remains a prominent challenge in the development and manufacturing of protein drugs. Due to the limitation of the sensitivity, resolution, or quantification level of various measurement systems, some instruments may not provide count information, while others can only count particles in a limited size range. Moreover, the reported concentrations of protein particles commonly have significant discrepancies owing to different methodological dynamic ranges and the detection efficiency of these analytical tools. Therefore, it is extremely difficult to accurately and comparably quantify protein particles within the desired size range at one time. To develop an efficient protein aggregation measurement method that can span the entire range of interest, we established, in this study, a single particle-sizing/counting method based on our highly sensitive lab-built flow cytometry (FCM) system. The performance of this method was assessed, and its capability of identifying and counting microspheres between 0.2 and 25 μm was demonstrated. It was also used to characterize and quantify both subvisible and submicron particles in three kinds of top-selling immuno-oncology antibody drugs and their lab-produced counterparts. These assessment and measurement results suggest that there may be a role for an enhanced FCM system as an efficient investigative tool for characterizing and learning the molecular aggregation behavior, stability, or safety risk of protein products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhishang Hu
- National Institute of Metrology, No. 18, Bei San Huan Dong Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Wei Mi
- National Institute of Metrology, No. 18, Bei San Huan Dong Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Chen Ye
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Drugs, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Datun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yun Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Drugs, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Datun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Richard E Cavicchi
- Bioprocess Measurements Group, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Haiying Hang
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Drugs, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Datun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hongmei Li
- National Institute of Metrology, No. 18, Bei San Huan Dong Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
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26
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Kizuki S, Wang Z, Torisu T, Yamauchi S, Uchiyama S. Relationship between aggregation of therapeutic proteins and agitation parameters: Acceleration and frequency. J Pharm Sci 2023; 112:492-505. [PMID: 36167196 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2022.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
An increase in protein aggregates during transportation should be suppressed in therapeutic protein products because the aggregates have a potential risk of immunogenicity. In this study, three protein solutions in vials were exposed to tri-axial vibration with various combinations of frequency and acceleration using a transportation test system to investigate the relationship between low g-force stresses and protein aggregate generation. The number concentration of micron aggregates detected by flow imaging analysis increased markedly when the acceleration and frequency of agitation were within a specific range, in other words, above a threshold. This threshold was common among the three protein solutions. The suppression of micron aggregate formation by adding a surfactant suggested that agitation above the threshold increased micron aggregates mainly via interface-mediated routes. Notably, agitation, including agitation below the threshold, accelerated spontaneous oligomerization (nanometer aggregate generation) of proteins in bulk solution even in the presence of the surfactant. Studies of stability against mechanical stresses (e.g., a random vibration test to simulate actual shipment, with a time-compressed setting by increasing acceleration) need to be performed and discussed with careful consideration of the threshold for generating micron aggregates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinji Kizuki
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan; Formulation Research Lab., Taiho Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 224-2, Ebisuno, Hiraishi, Kawauchi-cho, Tokushima, 771-0194, Japan
| | - Zekun Wang
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Torisu
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Satoru Yamauchi
- Business Development Headquarters, ESPEC CORP. 5-2-5, Minamimachi, Kanokodai, Kita-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 651-1514, Japan
| | - Susumu Uchiyama
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan; Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan.
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27
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Kearns JD, Wassmann P, Olgac U, Fichter M, Christen B, Rubic-Schneider T, Koepke S, Cochin de Billy B, Ledieu D, Andre C, Hawtin S, Fischer B, Moretti F, Hug C, Bepperling A, Brannetti B, Mendez-Garcia C, Littlewood-Evans A, Clemens A, Grosskreutz CL, Mehan P, Schmouder RL, Sasseville V, Brees D, Karle AC. A root cause analysis to identify the mechanistic drivers of immunogenicity against the anti-VEGF biotherapeutic brolucizumab. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eabq5068. [PMID: 36724241 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abq5068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Immunogenicity against intravitreally administered brolucizumab has been previously described and associated with cases of severe intraocular inflammation, including retinal vasculitis/retinal vascular occlusion (RV/RO). The presence of antidrug antibodies (ADAs) in these patients led to the initial hypothesis that immune complexes could be key mediators. Although the formation of ADAs and immune complexes may be a prerequisite, other factors likely contribute to some patients having RV/RO, whereas the vast majority do not. To identify and characterize the mechanistic drivers underlying the immunogenicity of brolucizumab and the consequence of subsequent ADA-induced immune complex formation, a translational approach was performed to bridge physicochemical characterization, structural modeling, sequence analysis, immunological assays, and a quantitative systems pharmacology model that mimics physiological conditions within the eye. This approach revealed that multiple factors contributed to the increased immunogenic potential of brolucizumab, including a linear epitope shared with bacteria, non-natural surfaces due to the single-chain variable fragment format, and non-native drug species that may form over prolonged time in the eye. Consideration of intraocular drug pharmacology and disease state in a quantitative systems pharmacology model suggested that immune complexes could form at immunologically relevant concentrations modulated by dose intensity. Assays using circulating immune cells from treated patients or treatment-naïve healthy volunteers revealed the capacity of immune complexes to trigger cellular responses such as enhanced antigen presentation, platelet aggregation, endothelial cell activation, and cytokine release. Together, these studies informed a mechanistic understanding of the clinically observed immunogenicity of brolucizumab and associated cases of RV/RO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey D Kearns
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Paul Wassmann
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel CH-4056, Switzerland
| | - Ufuk Olgac
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Marie Fichter
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel CH-4056, Switzerland
| | - Brigitte Christen
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel CH-4056, Switzerland
| | | | - Stephan Koepke
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel CH-4056, Switzerland
| | | | - David Ledieu
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel CH-4056, Switzerland
| | - Cedric Andre
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel CH-4056, Switzerland
| | - Stuart Hawtin
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel CH-4056, Switzerland
| | - Benoit Fischer
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel CH-4056, Switzerland
| | - Francesca Moretti
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel CH-4056, Switzerland
| | - Christian Hug
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel CH-4056, Switzerland
| | | | - Barbara Brannetti
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | | | - Andreas Clemens
- Medical Affairs Region Europe, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel CH-4056, Switzerland
| | | | - Pawan Mehan
- TRD Biologics and CGT, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel CH-4056, Switzerland
| | - Robert L Schmouder
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, East Hanover, NJ 07960, USA
| | - Vito Sasseville
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Dominique Brees
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel CH-4056, Switzerland
| | - Anette C Karle
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel CH-4056, Switzerland
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28
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In vitro and in vivo immunogenicity assessment of protein aggregate characteristics. Int J Pharm 2023; 631:122490. [PMID: 36521637 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.122490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The immunogenicity risk of therapeutic protein aggregates has been extensively investigated over the past decades. While it is established that not all aggregates are equally immunogenic, the specific aggregate characteristics, which are most likely to induce an immune response, remain ambiguous. The aim of this study was to perform comprehensive in vitro and in vivo immunogenicity assessment of human insulin aggregates varying in size, structure and chemical modifications, while keeping other morphological characteristics constant. We found that flexible aggregates with highly altered secondary structure were most immunogenic in all setups, while compact aggregates with native-like structure were found to be immunogenic primarily in vivo. Moreover, sub-visible (1-100 µm) aggregates were found to be more immunogenic than sub-micron (0.1-1 µm) aggregates, while chemical modifications (deamidation, ethylation and covalent dimers) were not found to have any measurable impact on immunogenicity. The findings highlight the importance of utilizing aggregates varying in few characteristics for assessment of immunogenicity risk of specific morphological features and may provide a workflow for reliable particle analysis in biotherapeutics.
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29
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Kyuuma M, Kaku A, Mishima-Tsumagari C, Ogawa B, Endo M, Tamura Y, Ishikura KI, Mima M, Nakanishi Y, Fujii Y. Unique structure of ozoralizumab, a trivalent anti-TNFα NANOBODY ® compound, offers the potential advantage of mitigating the risk of immune complex-induced inflammation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1149874. [PMID: 37122706 PMCID: PMC10141648 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1149874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Biologics have become an important component of treatment strategies for a variety of diseases, but the immunogenicity of large immune complexes (ICs) and aggregates of biologics may increase risk of adverse events is a concern for biologics and it remains unclear whether large ICs consisting of intrinsic antigen and therapeutic antibodies are actually involved in acute local inflammation such as injection site reaction (ISR). Ozoralizumab is a trivalent, bispecific NANOBODY® compound that differs structurally from IgGs. Treatment with ozoralizumab has been shown to provide beneficial effects in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) comparable to those obtained with other TNFα inhibitors. Very few ISRs (2%) have been reported after ozoralizumab administration, and the drug has been shown to have acceptable safety and tolerability. In this study, in order to elucidate the mechanism underlying the reduced incidence of ISRs associated with ozoralizumab administration, we investigated the stoichiometry of two TNFα inhibitors (ozoralizumab and adalimumab, an anti-TNFα IgG) ICs and the induction by these drugs of Fcγ receptor (FcγR)-mediated immune responses on neutrophils. Ozoralizumab-TNFα ICs are smaller than adalimumab-TNFα ICs and lack an Fc portion, thus mitigating FcγR-mediated immune responses on neutrophils. We also developed a model of anti-TNFα antibody-TNFα IC-induced subcutaneous inflammation and found that ozoralizumab-TNFα ICs do not induce any significant inflammation at injection sites. The results of our studies suggest that ozoralizumab is a promising candidate for the treatment of RA that entails a lower risk of the IC-mediated immune cell activation that leads to unwanted immune responses.
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30
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Casasola-LaMacchia A, Seward RJ, Tourdot S, Willetts M, Kruppa G, Agostino MJ, Bergeron G, Ahyi-Amendah N, Ciarla A, Lu Z, Kim HY, Hickling TP, Neubert H. HLAII peptide presentation of infliximab increases when complexed with TNF. Front Immunol 2022; 13:932252. [PMID: 36177046 PMCID: PMC9513746 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.932252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CD4+ T-cell activation through recognition of Human Leukocyte Antigen II (HLAII)-presented peptides is a key step in the development of unwanted immune response against biotherapeutics, such as the generation of anti-drug antibodies (ADA). Therefore, the identification of HLAII-presented peptides derived from biotherapeutics is a crucial part of immunogenicity risk assessment and mitigation strategies during drug development. To date, numerous CD4+ T-cell epitopes have been identified by HLAII immunopeptidomics in antibody-based biotherapeutics using either their native or aggregated form. Antibody-target immune complexes have been detected in patients with ADA and are thought to play a role in ADA development by enhancing the presentation of CD4+ T-cell epitopes at the surface of antigen presenting cells (APCs). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of biotherapeutic antibody-target immune complexes on the HLAII peptide presentation of biotherapeutics in human primary monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs). The trimeric tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and its biotherapeutic antagonists infliximab (INFL), adalimumab (ADAL), and a single armed Fab' were used as a model system. The HLAII immunopeptidome of DCs loaded with antagonists or their immune complexes with TNF was analyzed by trapped ion mobility time-of-flight mass spectrometry (timsTOF MS) leading to the identification of ~ 12,000 unique HLAII-associated peptides per preparation. Anti-TNF sequences were detected at a median of 0.3% of the total immunopeptidome, against a majority background of peptides from endogenous and media-derived proteins. TNF antagonist presentation spanned the variable and constant regions in a widespread manner in both light and heavy chains, consistent with previously discovered HLAII peptides. This investigation extends the collection of observed HLAII peptides from anti-TNF biotherapeutics to include sequences that at least partially span the complementary determining regions (CDRs), such as the LCDR1 for both INFL and ADAL. Although antagonist presentation varied significantly across donors, peptides from both bivalent antagonists INFL and ADAL were more highly presented relative to the Fab'. While TNF immune complexes did not alter overall HLAII presentation, a moderate increase in presentation of a subset of peptide clusters was observed in the case of INFL-TNF, which included HCDR2, HCDR3 and LCDR2 sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Casasola-LaMacchia
- BioMedicine Design, Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Pfizer Inc., Andover, MA, United States
| | - Robert Joseph Seward
- BioMedicine Design, Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Pfizer Inc., Andover, MA, United States
| | - Sophie Tourdot
- BioMedicine Design, Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Pfizer Inc., Andover, MA, United States
| | | | - Gary Kruppa
- Bruker Daltonics, Billerica, MA, United States
| | | | - Gabrielle Bergeron
- BioMedicine Design, Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Pfizer Inc., Andover, MA, United States
| | - Nathalie Ahyi-Amendah
- BioMedicine Design, Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Pfizer Inc., Andover, MA, United States
| | - Andrew Ciarla
- BioMedicine Design, Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Pfizer Inc., Andover, MA, United States
| | - Zhaojiang Lu
- Analytical Research and Development, Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer Inc., Andover, MA, United States
| | - Hai-Young Kim
- Analytical Research and Development, Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer Inc., Andover, MA, United States
| | - Timothy P. Hickling
- BioMedicine Design, Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Pfizer Inc., Andover, MA, United States
| | - Hendrik Neubert
- BioMedicine Design, Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Pfizer Inc., Andover, MA, United States
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Thorlaksen C, Stanciu AM, Busch Neergaard M, Jiskoot W, Groenning M, Foderà V. Subtle pH variation around pH 4.0 affects aggregation kinetics and aggregate characteristics of recombinant human insulin. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2022; 179:166-172. [PMID: 36087880 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Insulin is a biotherapeutic protein, which, depending on environmental conditions such as pH, has been shown to form a large variety of aggregates with different structures and morphologies. This work focuses on the formation and characteristics of insulin particulates, dense spherical aggregates having diameters spanning from nanometre to low-micron size. An in-depth investigation of the system is obtained by applying a broad range of techniques for particle sizing and characterisation. An interesting observation was achieved regarding the formation kinetics and aggregate characteristics of the particulates; a subtle change in the pH from pH 4.1 to pH 4.3 markedly affected the kinetics of the particulate formation and led to different particulate sizes, either nanosized or micronsized particles. Also, a clear difference between the secondary structure of the protein particulates formed at the two pH values was observed, where the nanosized particulates had an increased content of aggregated β-structure compared to the micronsized particles. The remaining characteristics of the particles were identical for the two particulate populations. These observations highlight the importance of carefully studying the formulation design space and of knowing the impact of parameters such as pH on the aggregation to secure a drug product in control. Furthermore, the identification of particles only varying in few parameters, such as size, are considered highly valuable for studying the effect of particle features on the immunogenicity potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Thorlaksen
- Biophysical analysis, Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Nordisk Park 1, 2760 Måløv, Denmark; Department of pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Adriana-Maria Stanciu
- Biophysical analysis, Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Nordisk Park 1, 2760 Måløv, Denmark; Department of pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Wim Jiskoot
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2300 RA Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Minna Groenning
- Biophysical analysis, Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Nordisk Park 1, 2760 Måløv, Denmark.
| | - Vito Foderà
- Department of pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Hu M, Molden R, Hu Y, Huang Y, Qiu H, Li N. Host cell protein identification in monoclonal antibody high molecular weight species. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2022; 1210:123448. [PMID: 36115198 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2022.123448] [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: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
High molecular weight (HMW) species are product-related variants that may impact therapeutic product safety and efficacy. Therefore, HMW species and aggregates are considered critical quality attributes and their levels should be closely monitored and controlled during drug development, commercial manufacturing, and shelf-life storage period for therapeutic monoclonal antibody drug products. Various biophysical and analytical methods have been developed to characterize the HMW species to understand their mechanisms of formation and assess potential product risk. However, host cell protein (HCP) analysis has seldom been conducted to characterize the impurities in aggregates. In this work, HCP analysis of enriched HMW species and drug substance (DS) from five different monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) was performed. More HCPs are identified in the enriched HMW than in the DS, thus demonstrating a potential interaction between HCPs and HMW. Certain HCPs, including commonly detected HCPs and problematic HCPs, were enriched in HMW fractions. Especially, the most abundant HCP from mAb1, CC motif chemokine, was 46 times more abundant in enriched HMW than DS. The enriched HMW was further fractionated into enriched dimers and enriched very HMW (vHMW) fractions. The CC motif chemokine was found to interact mainly with mAb1 dimer species rather than vHMW fraction. Removing the HMW species from mAb1 significantly decreased the CC motif chemokine level in the final mAb1 DS. Our findings demonstrate that some HCPs are more preferentially bound to HMW species and this finding may provide a new opportunity for removing HCPs in downstream purification steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Hu
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, 10591-6707, USA
| | - Rosalynn Molden
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, 10591-6707, USA
| | - Yunli Hu
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, 10591-6707, USA.
| | - Yu Huang
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, 10591-6707, USA
| | - Haibo Qiu
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, 10591-6707, USA.
| | - Ning Li
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, 10591-6707, USA
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Swanson MD, Rios S, Mittal S, Soder G, Jawa V. Immunogenicity Risk Assessment of Spontaneously Occurring Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibody Aggregates. Front Immunol 2022; 13:915412. [PMID: 35967308 PMCID: PMC9364768 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.915412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggregates of therapeutic proteins have been associated with increased immunogenicity in pre-clinical models as well as in human patients. Recent studies to understand aggregates and their immunogenicity risks use artificial stress methods to induce high levels of aggregation. These methods may be less biologically relevant in terms of their quantity than those that occur spontaneously during processing and storage. Here we describe the immunogenicity risk due to spontaneously occurring therapeutic antibody aggregates using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and a cell line with a reporter gene for immune activation: THP-1 BLUE NFκB. The spontaneously occurring therapeutic protein aggregates were obtained from process intermediates and final formulated drug substance from stability retains. Spontaneously occurring aggregates elicited innate immune responses for several donors in a PBMC assay with cytokine and chemokine production as a readout for immune activation. Meanwhile, no significant adaptive phase responses to spontaneously occurring aggregate samples were detected. While the THP-1 BLUE NFκB cell line and PBMC assays both responded to high stress induced aggregates, only the PBMC from a limited subset of donors responded to processing-induced aggregates. In this case study, levels of antibody aggregation occurring at process relevant levels are lower than those induced by stirring and may pose lower risk in vivo. Our methodologies can further inform additional immunogenicity risk assessments using a pre-clinical in vitro risk assessment approach utilizing human derived immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D. Swanson
- Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics and Drug Metabolism, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, United States
- *Correspondence: Michael D. Swanson,
| | - Shantel Rios
- Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics and Drug Metabolism, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, United States
| | - Sarita Mittal
- Analytical R&D, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, United States
| | - George Soder
- Analytical R&D, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, United States
| | - Vibha Jawa
- Nonclinical Disposition and Bioanalysis, Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ, United States
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Nakayama T, Kobayashi K, Kameda T, Hase M, Hirano A. Protein's Protein Corona: Nanoscale Size Evolution of Human Immunoglobulin G Aggregates Induced by Serum Albumin. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:32937-32947. [PMID: 35822632 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c08271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticles are readily coated by proteins in biological systems. The protein layers on the nanoparticles, which are called the protein corona, influence the biological impacts of the nanoparticles, including internalization into cells and cytotoxicity. This study expands the scope of the nanoparticle's protein corona for exogenous artificial nanoparticles to that for exogenous proteinaceous nanoparticles. Specifically, this study addresses the formation of protein coronas on nanoscale human antibody aggregates with a radius of approximately 20-40 nm, where the antibody aggregates were induced by a pH shift from low to neutral pH. The size of the human immunoglobulin G (hIgG) aggregates grew to approximately 25 times the original size in the presence of human serum albumin (HSA). This size evolution was ascribed to the association of the hIgG aggregates, which was triggered by the formation of the hIgG aggregate's protein corona, i.e., protein's protein corona, consisting of the adsorbed HSA molecules. Because hIgG aggregate association was significantly reduced by the addition of 30-150 mM NaCl, it was attributed to electrostatic attraction, which was supported by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Currently, the use of antibodies as biopharmaceuticals is concerning because of undesired immune responses caused by antibody aggregates that are typically generated by a pH shift during the antibody purification process. The present findings suggest that nanoscale antibody aggregates form protein coronas induced by HSA and the resulting nanoscale antibody-HSA complexes are stable in blood containing approximately 150 mM salt ions, at least in terms of the size evolution. Mechanistic insights into protein corona formation on nanoscale antibody aggregates are useful for understanding the unintentional biological impacts of antibody drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohito Nakayama
- Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan
- Nanomaterials Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8565, Japan
| | - Kaito Kobayashi
- Artificial Intelligence Research Center, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Koto, Tokyo135-0064, Japan
| | - Tomoshi Kameda
- Artificial Intelligence Research Center, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Koto, Tokyo135-0064, Japan
| | - Muneaki Hase
- Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan
| | - Atsushi Hirano
- Nanomaterials Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8565, Japan
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Singh R, Kundu P, Bhattacharje G, Das AK. Mycobacterium tuberculosis low molecular weight T-cell antigen Mtb8.4 has heme-binding and fiber-forming properties. FEBS Lett 2022; 596:2678-2695. [PMID: 35795993 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Mtb8.4, a secretory T-cell antigen of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is important for providing an antigen-specific immune response. In this study, we showed Mtb8.4 to have both heme-binding and fibril-forming properties, using experimental and in silico methods. High absorbance at 410 nm and interaction with hemin-agarose demonstrated its heme-binding nature. Titration of Mtb8.4 with heme resulted in 1:1 stoichiometry. The heme-binding pocket in Mtb8.4 was identified by molecular modeling, and binding residues were predicted using molecular docking. The molecular dynamics simulations of apo- and heme-bound Mtb8.4 confirmed that the heme group forms a stable complex. Transmission electron microscopy analyses and dye-binding assays showed that Mtb8.4 forms fibers. Computational studies predicted that the C-terminal sequence (93 AAQYIGLVESV103 ) is important for forming fibers. In silico analyses further anticipated the probable epitope (82 AMAAQLQAV90 ) of Mtb8.4. The fiber-forming properties of Mtb8.4 could be advantageous from a vaccine perspective for aggregate/fibril-based vaccine delivery or it might influence the epitope presentation of Mtb8.4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashika Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India
| | - Prasun Kundu
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India
| | - Gourab Bhattacharje
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India
| | - Amit Kumar Das
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India
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36
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Kim NA, Noh GY, Hada S, Na KJ, Yoon HJ, Park KW, Park YM, Jeong SH. Enhanced protein aggregation suppressor activity of N-acetyl-l-arginine for agitation-induced aggregation with silicone oil and its impact on innate immune responses. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 216:42-51. [PMID: 35779650 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.06.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Previously, N-acetyl-l-arginine (NALA) suppressed the aggregation of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) more effectively and with a minimum decrease in transition temperature (Tm) than arginine monohydrochloride. In this study, we performed a comparative study with etanercept (commercial product: Enbrel®), where 25 mM arginine monohydrochloride (arginine) was added to the prefilled syringe. The biophysical properties were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic light scattering (DLS), size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), and flow-imaging microscopy (FI). NALA retained the transition temperature of etanercept better than arginine, where arginine significantly reduced the Tm by increasing its concentration. End-over-end rotation was applied to each formulation for 5 days to accelerate protein aggregation and subvisible particle formation. Higher monomeric content was retained with NALA with a decrease in particle level. Higher aggregation onset temperature (Tagg) was detected for etanercept with NALA than arginine. The results of this comparative study were consistent with previous study, suggesting that NALA could be a better excipient for liquid protein formulations. Agitated IVIG and etanercept were injected into C57BL/6 J female mice to observe immunogenic response after 24 h. In the presence of silicone oil, NALA dramatically reduced IL-1 expression, implying that decreased aggregation was related to reduced immunogenicity of both etanercept and IVIG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nam Ah Kim
- BK21 FOUR Team and Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Gyeonggi 10326, Republic of Korea; College of Pharmacy, Mokpo National University, Jeonnam 58554, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ga Yeon Noh
- BK21 FOUR Team and Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Gyeonggi 10326, Republic of Korea
| | - Shavron Hada
- BK21 FOUR Team and Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Gyeonggi 10326, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Jun Na
- BK21 FOUR Team and Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Gyeonggi 10326, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Jung Yoon
- Division of Health and Kinesiology, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Woong Park
- Division of Health and Kinesiology, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea.
| | - Young-Min Park
- Division of Health and Kinesiology, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seong Hoon Jeong
- BK21 FOUR Team and Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Gyeonggi 10326, Republic of Korea.
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37
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Transfer Learning Analysis for Subvisible Particle Flow Imaging of Pharmaceutical Formulations. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12125843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Subvisible particles are an ongoing problem in biotherapeutic injectable pharmaceutical formulations, and their identification is an important prerequisite for tracing them back to their source and optimizing the process. Flow imaging microscopy (FIM) is a favored imaging technique, mainly because of its ability to achieve rapid batch imaging of subvisible particles in solution with excellent imaging quality. This study used VGG16 after transfer learning to identify subvisible particle images acquired using FlowCam. We manually prepared standards for seven classes of particles, acquired the image information through FlowCam, and fed the images over 5 µm into VGG16 consisting of a convolutional base of VGG16 pre-trained with ImageNet data and a custom classifier for training. An accuracy of 97.51% was obtained for the test set data. The study also demonstrated that the recognition method using transfer learning outperforms machine learning methods based on morphological parameters in terms of accuracy, and has a significant training speed advantage over scratch-trained CNN. The combination of transfer learning and FIM images is expected to provide a general and accurate data-analysis method for identifying subvisible particles.
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38
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Santra S, Jana M. Predicting the evolution of number of native contacts of a small protein by using deep learning approach. Comput Biol Chem 2022; 97:107625. [DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2022.107625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Aggregates Associated with Instability of Antibodies during Aerosolization Induce Adverse Immunological Effects. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14030671. [PMID: 35336045 PMCID: PMC8949695 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14030671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Immunogenicity refers to the inherent ability of a molecule to stimulate an immune response. Aggregates are one of the major risk factors for the undesired immunogenicity of therapeutic antibodies (Ab) and may ultimately result in immune-mediated adverse effects. For Ab delivered by inhalation, it is necessary to consider the interaction between aggregates resulting from the instability of the Ab during aerosolization and the lung mucosa. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of aggregates produced during aerosolization of therapeutic Ab on the immune system. Methods: Human and murine immunoglobulin G (IgG) were aerosolized using a clinically-relevant nebulizer and their immunogenic potency was assessed, both in vitro using a standard human monocyte-derived dendritic cell (MoDC) reporter assay and in vivo in immune cells in the airway compartment, lung parenchyma and spleen of healthy C57BL/6 mice after pulmonary administration. Results: IgG aggregates, produced during nebulization, induced a dose-dependent activation of MoDC characterized by the enhanced production of cytokines and expression of co-stimulatory markers. Interestingly, in vivo administration of high amounts of nebulization-mediated IgG aggregates resulted in a profound and sustained local and systemic depletion of immune cells, which was attributable to cell death. This cytotoxic effect was observed when nebulized IgG was administered locally in the airways as compared to a systemic administration but was mitigated by improving IgG stability during nebulization, through the addition of polysorbates to the formulation. Conclusion: Although inhalation delivery represents an attractive alternative route for delivering Ab to treat respiratory infections, our findings indicate that it is critical to prevent IgG aggregation during the nebulization process to avoid pro-inflammatory and cytotoxic effects. The optimization of Ab formulation can mitigate adverse effects induced by nebulization.
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Differential Transcriptome Profiling Unveils Novel Deregulated Gene Signatures Involved in Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030611. [PMID: 35327413 PMCID: PMC8945049 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by a progressive loss of cognitive functions at a higher level than normal aging. Although the apolipoprotein (APOE) gene is a major risk factor in developing AD, other genes have also been reported to be linked with complex phenotypes. Therefore, this genome-wide expression study explored differentially expressed genes as possible novel biomarkers involved in AD. The mRNA expression dataset, GSE28146, containing 15 sample data composed of 7 AD cases from the hippocampus region with age-matched control (n = 8, >80 years), was analyzed. Using “affy” R-package, mRNA expression was calculated, while pathway enrichment analysis was performed to determine related biological processes. Of 58 differentially expressed genes, 44 downregulated and 14 upregulated genes were found to be significantly (p < 0.001) altered. The pathway enrichment analysis revealed two altered genes, i.e., dynein light chain 1 (DYNLL1) and kalirin (KLRN), associated with AD in the elderly population. The majority of genes were associated with retrograde endocannabinoid as well as vascular endothelial growth factors affecting the complex phenotypes. The DYNLL1 and KLRN genes may be involved with AD and Huntington’s disease (HD) phenotypes and represent a common genetic basis of these diseases. However, the hallmark of AD is dementia, while the classic motor sign of HD includes chorea. Our data warrant further investigation to identify the role of these genes in disease pathogenesis.
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41
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Tokuda JM, Xie J, Jawa V, Hawkins JM, Ferbas J, Joh NH, Joubert MK. Use of in vitro human skin models to assess potential immune activation in response to biotherapeutic attributes and process-related impurities. J Pharm Sci 2022; 111:1012-1023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Aoyama M, Tada M, Yokoo H, Demizu Y, Ishii-Watabe A. Fcγ Receptor-Dependent Internalization and Off-Target Cytotoxicity of Antibody-Drug Conjugate Aggregates. Pharm Res 2021; 39:89-103. [PMID: 34961908 PMCID: PMC8837541 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-021-03158-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), which are monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) conjugated with highly toxic payloads, achieve high tumor killing efficacy due to the specific delivery of payloads in accordance with mAbs’ function. On the other hand, the conjugation of payloads often increases the hydrophobicity of mAbs, resulting in reduced stability and increased aggregation. It is considered that mAb aggregates have potential risk for activating Fcγ receptors (FcγRs) on immune cells, and are internalized into cells via FcγRs. Based on the mechanism of action of ADCs, the internalization of ADCs into target-negative cells may cause the off-target toxicity. However, the impacts of aggregation on the safety of ADCs including off-target cytotoxicity have been unclear. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxicity of ADC aggregates in target-negative cells. Methods The ADC aggregates were generated by stirring stress or thermal stress. The off-target cytotoxicity of ADC aggregates was evaluated in several target-negative cell lines, and FcγR-activation properties of ADC aggregates were characterized using a reporter cell assay. Results Aggregation of ADCs enhanced the off-target cytotoxicity in several target-negative cell lines compared with non-stressed ADCs. Notably, ADC aggregates with FcγR-activation properties showed dramatically enhanced cytotoxicity in FcγR-expressing cells. The FcγR-mediated off-target cytotoxicity of ADC aggregates was reduced by using a FcγR-blocking antibody or Fc-engineering for silencing Fc-mediated effector functions. Conclusions These results indicated that FcγRs play an important role for internalization of ADC aggregates into non-target cells, and the aggregation of ADCs increases the potential risk for off-target toxicity. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11095-021-03158-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michihiko Aoyama
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Biologicals, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 210-9501, Japan.
| | - Minoru Tada
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Biologicals, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 210-9501, Japan
| | - Hidetomo Yokoo
- Division of Organic Chemistry, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 210-9501, Japan
| | - Yosuke Demizu
- Division of Organic Chemistry, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 210-9501, Japan
| | - Akiko Ishii-Watabe
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Biologicals, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 210-9501, Japan
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43
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Ducret A, Ackaert C, Bessa J, Bunce C, Hickling T, Jawa V, Kroenke MA, Lamberth K, Manin A, Penny HL, Smith N, Terszowski G, Tourdot S, Spindeldreher S. Assay format diversity in pre-clinical immunogenicity risk assessment: Toward a possible harmonization of antigenicity assays. MAbs 2021; 14:1993522. [PMID: 34923896 PMCID: PMC8726688 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2021.1993522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
A major impediment to successful use of therapeutic protein drugs is their ability to induce anti-drug antibodies (ADA) that can alter treatment efficacy and safety in a significant number of patients. To this aim, in silico, in vitro, and in vivo tools have been developed to assess sequence and other liabilities contributing to ADA development at different stages of the immune response. However, variability exists between similar assays developed by different investigators due to the complexity of assays, a degree of uncertainty about the underlying science, and their intended use. The impact of protocol variations on the outcome of the assays, i.e., on the immunogenicity risk assigned to a given drug candidate, cannot always be precisely assessed. Here, the Non-Clinical Immunogenicity Risk Assessment working group of the European Immunogenicity Platform (EIP) reviews currently used assays and protocols and discusses feasibility and next steps toward harmonization and standardization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Ducret
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Chloé Ackaert
- ImmunXperts SA (A Nexelis Group Company), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Juliana Bessa
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Timothy Hickling
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Vibha Jawa
- Biotherapeutics and Bioanalysis Non-Clinical Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Mark A Kroenke
- Clinical Immunology-Translational Medicine, Amgen Inc, Thousand Oaks, CA, USA
| | - Kasper Lamberth
- Analysis & Characterisation, Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, Denmark
| | - Anaïs Manin
- Abzena, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hweixian L Penny
- Clinical Immunology-Translational Medicine, Amgen Inc, Thousand Oaks, CA, USA
| | - Noel Smith
- Lonza Biologics, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden, UK
| | - Grzegorz Terszowski
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland
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44
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Matsuda Y. Current approaches for the purification of antibody-drug conjugates. J Sep Sci 2021; 45:27-37. [PMID: 34473399 DOI: 10.1002/jssc.202100575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
In the past two decades, antibody-drug conjugates have gained increasing attention because they expand the therapeutic index when compared with that of traditional chemotherapies. Antibody-drug conjugates are highly complex structures consisting of antibodies covalently conjugated with small-molecule cytotoxic drugs. The complex structure of antibody-drug conjugates makes chemistry, manufacturing, and control difficult. In contrast to antibody production, distinct purification methods following conjugation of antibodies with drug-linkers are required for the manufacturing. For process development of antibody drug conjugates, the drug-to-antibody ratio, free drug-linkers, and aggregates are critical quality attributes that must be strictly controlled and removed by appropriate purification techniques. In this review, features of various purification methods used to purify antibody drug conjugates are described and evaluated. The future landscape of the antibody-conjugates field is also discussed briefly.
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45
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Lundahl MLE, Fogli S, Colavita PE, Scanlan EM. Aggregation of protein therapeutics enhances their immunogenicity: causes and mitigation strategies. RSC Chem Biol 2021; 2:1004-1020. [PMID: 34458822 PMCID: PMC8341748 DOI: 10.1039/d1cb00067e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein aggregation in biotherapeutics has been identified to increase immunogenicity, leading to immune-mediated adverse effects, such as severe allergic responses including anaphylaxis. The induction of anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) moreover enhances drug clearance rates, and can directly block therapeutic function. In this review, identified immune activation mechanisms triggered by protein aggregates are discussed, as well as physicochemical properties of aggregates, such as size and shape, which contribute to immunogenicity. Furthermore, factors which contribute to protein stability and aggregation are considered. Lastly, with these factors in mind, we encourage an innovative and multidisciplinary approach with regard to further research in the field, with the overall aim to avoid immunogenic aggregation in future drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimmi L E Lundahl
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin Dublin 2 Ireland
| | - Silvia Fogli
- Glycome Biopharma, Unit 4, Joyce House, Barrack Square, Ballincollig Co Cork P31 HW35 Ireland
| | - Paula E Colavita
- School of Chemistry and Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin Dublin 2 Ireland
| | - Eoin M Scanlan
- School of Chemistry and Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin Dublin 2 Ireland
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46
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Chae H, Cho S, Jeong M, Kwon K, Choi D, Lee J, Nam W, Hong J, Lee J, Yoon S, Hong H. Improvement of Biophysical Properties and Affinity of a Human Anti-L1CAM Therapeutic Antibody through Antibody Engineering Based on Computational Methods. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136696. [PMID: 34206616 PMCID: PMC8268072 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The biophysical properties of therapeutic antibodies influence their manufacturability, efficacy, and safety. To develop an anti-cancer antibody, we previously generated a human monoclonal antibody (Ab417) that specifically binds to L1 cell adhesion molecule with a high affinity, and we validated its anti-tumor activity and mechanism of action in human cholangiocarcinoma xenograft models. In the present study, we aimed to improve the biophysical properties of Ab417. We designed 20 variants of Ab417 with reduced aggregation propensity, less potential post-translational modification (PTM) motifs, and the lowest predicted immunogenicity using computational methods. Next, we constructed these variants to analyze their expression levels and antigen-binding activities. One variant (Ab612)—which contains six substitutions for reduced surface hydrophobicity, removal of PTM, and change to the germline residue—exhibited an increased expression level and antigen-binding activity compared to Ab417. In further studies, compared to Ab417, Ab612 showed improved biophysical properties, including reduced aggregation propensity, increased stability, higher purification yield, lower pI, higher affinity, and greater in vivo anti-tumor efficacy. Additionally, we generated a highly productive and stable research cell bank (RCB) and scaled up the production process to 50 L, yielding 6.6 g/L of Ab612. The RCB will be used for preclinical development of Ab612.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heesu Chae
- Department of Systems Immunology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea; (H.C.); (M.J.); (K.K.); (J.H.); (J.L.)
- APIT BIO Inc., B910, Munjeongdong Tera Tower, 167 Songpa-daero, Songpa-gu, Seoul 05855, Korea; (J.L.); (W.N.)
| | - Seulki Cho
- Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea;
| | - Munsik Jeong
- Department of Systems Immunology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea; (H.C.); (M.J.); (K.K.); (J.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Kiyoung Kwon
- Department of Systems Immunology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea; (H.C.); (M.J.); (K.K.); (J.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Dongwook Choi
- Division of Drug Process Development, New Drug Development Center, Osong Medical Innovation Foundation, Chungcheongbuk-do, Cheongju-si 28160, Korea;
| | - Jaeyoung Lee
- APIT BIO Inc., B910, Munjeongdong Tera Tower, 167 Songpa-daero, Songpa-gu, Seoul 05855, Korea; (J.L.); (W.N.)
| | - Woosuk Nam
- APIT BIO Inc., B910, Munjeongdong Tera Tower, 167 Songpa-daero, Songpa-gu, Seoul 05855, Korea; (J.L.); (W.N.)
| | - Jisu Hong
- Department of Systems Immunology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea; (H.C.); (M.J.); (K.K.); (J.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Jiwoo Lee
- Department of Systems Immunology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea; (H.C.); (M.J.); (K.K.); (J.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Seonjoo Yoon
- APIT BIO Inc., B910, Munjeongdong Tera Tower, 167 Songpa-daero, Songpa-gu, Seoul 05855, Korea; (J.L.); (W.N.)
- Correspondence: (S.Y.); (H.H.); Tel.: +82-10-2305-9704 (S.Y.); +82-10-5430-0480 (H.H.)
| | - Hyojeong Hong
- Department of Systems Immunology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea; (H.C.); (M.J.); (K.K.); (J.H.); (J.L.)
- Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea;
- Correspondence: (S.Y.); (H.H.); Tel.: +82-10-2305-9704 (S.Y.); +82-10-5430-0480 (H.H.)
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47
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Rahman N, Miura S, Okawa M, Kibria MG, Islam MM, Kuroda Y. Solubility Controlling Peptide Tags of Opposite Charges Generate a Bivalent Immune Response Against Dengue ED3 Serotypes 3 and 4. Front Immunol 2021; 12:671590. [PMID: 34177912 PMCID: PMC8226127 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.671590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that a protein’s immunogenicity could be substantially increased by attaching a hydrophobic solubility controlling peptide tag (SCP-tag) producing small sub-visible aggregates. Here, we report the oligomerization of Dengue envelop protein domain 3 (ED3), and consequently, its immunogenicity increase by mixing ED3s attached with SCP-tags of opposite charges at equimolar concentration. We used ED3 of serotype 3 (D3ED3) and serotype 4 (D4ED3), which are, respectively, moderately and poorly immunogenic, and their SCP tagged variants constructed by attaching either a C-termini 5-Aspartic acid (C5D) or a 5-Lysine (C5K) tag. Light scattering indicated that the isolated tagged ED3s remained monomeric, but mixing the C5D and C5K tagged ED3s at equimolar concentration generated sub-visible aggregates or oligomers of ~500 nm through electrostatic interaction. In addition, the oligomerized ED3s remained in a native-like state, as assessed by fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism. The in vivo immunogenicity of the D3ED3 and D4ED3 oligomers generated by the charged tags increased by 5 and 16 fold, respectively. Furthermore, injection of heterotypic ED3 oligomers (D3C5D+D4C5K) induced an immune response against both D3ED3 and D4ED3 in 3 of 4 responsive mice, and the IgG titer of the bivalent anti-D3C5D-D4C5K sera was over 100 times higher than that generated by co-injecting the untagged D3ED3 and D4ED3 (D3+D4). Altogether, these observations suggest that SCP-tags could be used as a platform for producing a long-sought tetravalent dengue vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafsoon Rahman
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shiho Miura
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mami Okawa
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Md Golam Kibria
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mohammad Monirul Islam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Yutaka Kuroda
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
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Jaccoulet E, Daniel T, Dammak D, Prognon P, Caudron E. Interest of flow injection spectrophotometry as an orthogonal method for analyzing biomolecule aggregates: Application to stressed monoclonal antibody study. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2021; 251:119436. [PMID: 33461132 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2021.119436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the suitability of flow injection spectrophotometry (FIS) to analyze three degraded therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (bevacizumab, nivolumab, and rituximab). For this purpose, aggregates were generated with stirring, freeze-thaw, and heat stresses. The intact and stressed mab samples were filtered with 0.22 µm hydrophilic filters and analyzed by size exclusion chromatography (SEC), cation-exchange chromatography (CEX), and FIS. In terms of quantitative and qualitative analysis, protein loss and structural changes were assessed. Various aggregates profiles were obtained according to the mabs and the stresses. FIS allowed performing very satisfactory quantifications for each mab with intermediate precision RSD < 3.0 % and recovery between 97.9 and 102.0 %. From the protein loss measurements, it appears that SEC underestimates the mab aggregate proportions up to two times less as compared with FIS since the latter avoids any non-specific interactions (electrostatic or hydrophobic interactions). Using second derivative spectroscopy and multivariate data analysis, we noticed apparent structural differences, located in the regions 245-265 nm for rituximab and nivolumab and 280-300 nm for bevacizumab, depending on the stress. The FIS complementarity with the other techniques used in this study allowed us to demonstrate that the three mabs behave differently for a given stress condition. While extreme mechanical stress formed large aggregates irrespective of the mabs, rituximab showed to be less stable and more sensitive than the two other mabs under freeze-thaw and heat stresses, generating large aggregates (>200 nm) and partial unfolding. Nivolumab tends to form small aggregates less than 50 nm when heated and freeze-thawed. Moreover, freeze-thaw seems to generate native IgG-1 aggregates with rituximab. Similarly, bevacizumab showed to form these IgG-1 aggregates and was resistant to freeze-thaw, likely thanks to trehalose cryoprotectant from its formulation. Finally, FIS associated with multivariate analysis can provide rich information in one single run and appears to be a fast, simple, and reliable method to set complementary and orthogonal approaches for protein aggregates monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Jaccoulet
- Service de Pharmacie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.
| | - T Daniel
- Service de Pharmacie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - D Dammak
- Service de Pharmacie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - P Prognon
- Service de Pharmacie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France; Lip(Sys)(2) Chimie Analytique Pharmaceutique, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay (EA4041 Groupe de Chimie Analytique de Paris-Sud), F-92290 Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - E Caudron
- Service de Pharmacie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France; Lip(Sys)(2) Chimie Analytique Pharmaceutique, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay (EA4041 Groupe de Chimie Analytique de Paris-Sud), F-92290 Châtenay-Malabry, France
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49
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Pardeshi NN, Ahmadi M, Sierzputowska I, Fogg M, Baker M, Carpenter JF. Subvisible Particles in Solutions of Remicade in Intravenous Saline Activate Immune System Pathways in In Vitro Human Cell Systems. J Pharm Sci 2021; 110:2894-2903. [PMID: 33864780 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2021.04.005] [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: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Among patients that receive Remicade® therapy, more than 20% have adverse infusion related reactions and approximately 50% have immunogenic responses.1-3 Upon characterization of initial Remicade®-IV solution we observed a high concentration of subvisible particles that could inadvertently be delivered to patients. This solution was processed through the IV infusion system, mimicking the typical clinical administration setup - either with or without an in-line filter connected to the IV line. The samples generated thereafter were tested using various in vitro assays for activation of the innate immune system via cytokine release in whole blood and in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) cultures, and activation of the Toll like receptors (TLRs). Activation of the adaptive immune system was evaluated by monitoring upregulation of surface receptors on dendritic cells (DCs) and CD4+ T cell proliferation in response to IV solution of Remicade®. Our results indicate that subvisible particles in Remicade®-saline solution have a significant role in activation of the immune system but there are extrinsic factors potentially contributed by the in-line filters or other process parameters that also contribute to immune system activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha N Pardeshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, United States
| | - Maryam Ahmadi
- Abzena Ltd, Babraham Research Campus, Babraham, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | | | - Mark Fogg
- Abzena Ltd, Babraham Research Campus, Babraham, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Matthew Baker
- Abzena Ltd, Babraham Research Campus, Babraham, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - John F Carpenter
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, United States.
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50
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Santra S, Dhurua S, Jana M. Analyzing the driving forces of insulin stability in the basic amino acid solutions: A perspective from hydration dynamics. J Chem Phys 2021; 154:084901. [PMID: 33639734 DOI: 10.1063/5.0038305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Amino acids having basic side chains, as additives, are known to increase the stability of native-folded state of proteins, but their relative efficiency and the molecular mechanism are still controversial and obscure as well. In the present work, extensive atomistic molecular dynamics simulations were performed to investigate the hydration properties of aqueous solutions of concentrated arginine, histidine, and lysine and their comparative efficiency on regulating the conformational stability of the insulin monomer. We identified that in the aqueous solutions of the free amino acids, the nonuniform relaxation of amino acid-water hydrogen bonds was due to the entrapment of water molecules within the amino acid clusters formed in solutions. Insulin, when tested with these solutions, was found to show rigid conformations, relative to that in pure water. We observed that while the salt bridges formed by the lysine as an additive contributed more toward the direct interactions with insulin, the cation-π was more prominent for the insulin-arginine interactions. Importantly, it was observed that the preferentially more excluded arginine, compared to histidine and lysine from the insulin surface, enriches the hydration layer of the protein. Our study reveals that the loss of configurational entropy of insulin in arginine solution, as compared to that in pure water, is more as compared to the entropy loss in the other two amino acid solutions, which, moreover, was found to be due to the presence of motionally bound less entropic hydration water of insulin in arginine solution than in histidine or lysine solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santanu Santra
- Molecular Simulation Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela 769008, India
| | - Shakuntala Dhurua
- Molecular Simulation Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela 769008, India
| | - Madhurima Jana
- Molecular Simulation Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela 769008, India
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