1
|
Rodriguez A, Jalimarada-Shivakumar S, Banazadeh A, Afroz S, Ali A, Deng K, Huang L, Galibert L, Singh R, Zhou C. Insight Into the Degradation Pathways of an AAV9. J Pharm Sci 2024:S0022-3549(24)00218-1. [PMID: 38876368 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2024.05.034] [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: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
The use of recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors is a popular choice for in vivo gene therapy, with hundreds of ongoing clinical trials targeting various genetic diseases. However, due to limited material availability and the complexity of AAV structure, there is a critical lack of comprehensive studies on AAV degradation pathways. In this study, we intended to elucidate the degradation pathways for a model AAV9 with GFP as the transgene under relevant stressed conditions. We assessed a diverse set of critical quality attributes and examined the overall impact of various stresses on transgene expression. This assessment revealed various degradation mechanisms of AAV9 and demonstrated the potential risk of a base formulation in causing AAV9 instability and potency loss under thermal stress at 25 and 40 °C while maintaining stability under freeze-thaw stress, interfacial stress due to membrane filtration, and short-term storage of up to 4 weeks at 5 °C.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonela Rodriguez
- Biologics Drug Product Development, AbbVie Bioresearch Center, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | | | - Ali Banazadeh
- Analytical Development, Science & Technology Biologics, AbbVie Bioresearch Center, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Sharmin Afroz
- Biotherapeutics and Genetic Medicine, AbbVie Bioresearch Center, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Amr Ali
- Analytical Development, Science & Technology Biologics, AbbVie Bioresearch Center, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Kangwen Deng
- Biotherapeutics and Genetic Medicine, AbbVie Bioresearch Center, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Lili Huang
- Biotherapeutics and Genetic Medicine, AbbVie Bioresearch Center, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Lionel Galibert
- Biotherapeutics and Genetic Medicine, AbbVie Bioresearch Center, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Rajeeva Singh
- Biologics Drug Product Development, AbbVie Bioresearch Center, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Chen Zhou
- Biologics Drug Product Development, AbbVie Bioresearch Center, Worcester, MA 01605, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhou Y, Priya S, Ong JY. Characterizing Glycosylation of Adeno-Associated Virus Serotype 9 Capsid Proteins Generated from HEK293 Cells through Glycopeptide Mapping and Released Glycan Analysis. Microorganisms 2024; 12:946. [PMID: 38792776 PMCID: PMC11123743 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12050946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors have emerged as prominent gene delivery vehicles for gene therapy. AAV capsid proteins determine tissue specificity and immunogenicity and play important roles in receptor binding, the escape of the virus from the endosome, and the transport of the viral DNA to the nuclei of target cells. Therefore, the comprehensive characterization of AAV capsid proteins is necessary for a better understanding of the vector assembly, stability, and transduction efficiency of AAV gene therapies. Glycosylation is one of the most common post-translational modifications (PTMs) and may affect the tissue tropism of AAV gene therapy. However, there are few studies on the characterization of the N- and O-glycosylation of AAV capsid proteins. In this study, we identified the N- and O-glycosylation sites and forms of AAV9 capsid proteins generated from HEK293 cells using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based glycopeptide mapping and identified free N-glycans released from AAV9 capsid proteins by PNGase F using hydrophilic interaction (HILIC) LC-MS and HILIC LC-fluorescence detection (FLD) methods. This study demonstrates that AAV9 capsids are sprinkled with sugars, including N- and O-glycans, albeit at low levels. It may provide valuable information for a better understanding of AAV capsids in supporting AAV-based gene therapy development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhou
- Analytical Development & Operations, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, 10210 Campus Point Drive, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Sonal Priya
- Analytical Development & Operations, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, 10210 Campus Point Drive, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Joseph Y Ong
- Analytical Development & Operations, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, 10210 Campus Point Drive, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Smith J, Guapo F, Strasser L, Millán-Martín S, Milian SG, Snyder RO, Bones J. Development of a Rapid Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) Identity Testing Platform through Comprehensive Intact Mass Analysis of Full-Length AAV Capsid Proteins. J Proteome Res 2023; 23:161-174. [PMID: 38123456 PMCID: PMC10775144 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.3c00513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are commonly used as vectors for the delivery of gene therapy targets. Characterization of AAV capsid proteins (VPs) and their post-translational modifications (PTMs) have become a critical attribute monitored to evaluate product quality. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis of intact AAV VPs provides both quick and reliable serotype identification as well as proteoform information on each VP. Incorporating these analytical strategies into rapid good manufacturing practice (GMP)-compliant workflows containing robust, but simplified, data processing methods is necessary to ensure effective product quality control (QC) during production. Here, we present a GMP-compliant LC-MS workflow for the rapid identification and in-depth characterization of AAVs. Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) MS with difluoroacetic acid as a mobile phase modifier is utilized to achieve the intact separation and identification of AAV VPs and their potential proteoforms. Peptide mapping is performed to confirm PTMs identified during intact VP analysis and for in-depth PTM characterization. The intact separations platform is then incorporated into a data processing workflow developed using GMP-compliant software capable of rapid AAV serotype identification and, if desired, specific serotype PTM monitoring and characterization. Such a platform provides product QC capabilities that are easily accessible in a regulatory setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josh Smith
- Characterisation
and Comparability Laboratory, The National
Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, Foster Avenue, Mount Merrion, Dublin A94 X099, Ireland
| | - Felipe Guapo
- Characterisation
and Comparability Laboratory, The National
Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, Foster Avenue, Mount Merrion, Dublin A94 X099, Ireland
| | - Lisa Strasser
- Characterisation
and Comparability Laboratory, The National
Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, Foster Avenue, Mount Merrion, Dublin A94 X099, Ireland
| | - Silvia Millán-Martín
- Characterisation
and Comparability Laboratory, The National
Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, Foster Avenue, Mount Merrion, Dublin A94 X099, Ireland
| | - Steven G. Milian
- Patheon
Viral Vector Services, 13859 Progress Blvd, Alachua, Florida 32615, United States
| | - Richard O. Snyder
- Patheon
Viral Vector Services, 13859 Progress Blvd, Alachua, Florida 32615, United States
| | - Jonathan Bones
- Characterisation
and Comparability Laboratory, The National
Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, Foster Avenue, Mount Merrion, Dublin A94 X099, Ireland
- School
of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin D04 V1W8.F, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kumar P, Wang M, Kumru OS, Hickey JM, Sanmiguel J, Zabaleta N, Vandenberghe LH, Joshi SB, Volkin DB. Correlating physicochemical and biological properties to define critical quality attributes of a rAAV vaccine candidate. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 30:103-121. [PMID: 37746246 PMCID: PMC10512015 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) are a preferred vector system in clinical gene transfer. A fundamental challenge to formulate and deliver rAAVs as stable and efficacious vaccines is to elucidate interrelationships between the vector's physicochemical properties and biological potency. To this end, we evaluated an rAAV-based coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine candidate that encodes the Spike antigen (AC3) and is produced by a commercially viable process. First, state-of-the-art analytical techniques were employed to determine key structural attributes of AC3, including primary and higher-order structures, particle size, empty/full capsid ratios, aggregates, and multi-step thermal degradation pathway analysis. Next, several quantitative potency measures for AC3 were implemented, and data were correlated with the physicochemical analyses on thermally stressed and control samples. Results demonstrate links between decreasing AC3 physical stability profiles, in vitro transduction efficiency in a cell-based assay, and, importantly, in vivo immunogenicity in a mouse model. These findings are discussed in the general context of future development of rAAV-based vaccine candidates as well as specifically for the rAAV vaccine application under study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - Michael Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - Ozan S. Kumru
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - John M. Hickey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - Julio Sanmiguel
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Nerea Zabaleta
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Luk H. Vandenberghe
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Sangeeta B. Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - David B. Volkin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Grossen P, Skaripa Koukelli I, van Haasteren J, H E Machado A, Dürr C. The ice age - A review on formulation of Adeno-associated virus therapeutics. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2023; 190:1-23. [PMID: 37423416 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2023.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapies offer promising therapeutic alternatives for many disorders that currently lack efficient treatment options. Due to their chemical nature and physico-chemical properties, delivery of polynucleic acids into target cells and subcellular compartments remains a significant challenge. Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) have gained a lot of interest for the efficient delivery of therapeutic single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) genomes over the past decades. More than a hundred products have been tested in clinical settings and three products have received market authorization by the US FDA in recent years. A lot of effort is being made to generate potent recombinant AAV (rAAV) vectors that show favorable safety and immunogenicity profiles for either local or systemic administration. Manufacturing processes are gradually being optimized to deliver a consistently high product quality and to serve potential market needs beyond rare indications. In contrast to protein therapeutics, most rAAV products are still supplied as frozen liquids within rather simple formulation buffers to enable sufficient product shelf life, significantly hampering global distribution and access. In this review, we aim to outline the hurdles of rAAV drug product development and discuss critical formulation and composition aspects of rAAV products under clinical evaluation. Further, we highlight recent development efforts in order to achieve stable liquid or lyophilized products. This review therefore provides a comprehensive overview on current state-of-the-art rAAV formulations and can further serve as a map for rational formulation development activities in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip Grossen
- F.Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Pharma Technical Development, Pharmaceutical Development and Supplies EU, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Irini Skaripa Koukelli
- F.Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Pharma Technical Development, Pharmaceutical Development and Supplies EU, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Joost van Haasteren
- F.Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Cell and Gene Therapy Unit, Gene Therapy Development Clinical Manufacturing, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra H E Machado
- F.Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Pharma Technical Development, Pharmaceutical Development and Supplies EU, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Dürr
- F.Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Pharma Technical Development, Pharmaceutical Development and Supplies EU, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhou Y, Wang Y. Direct deamidation analysis of intact adeno-associated virus serotype 9 capsid proteins using reversed-phase liquid chromatography. Anal Biochem 2023; 668:115099. [PMID: 36871622 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2023.115099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors have taken center stage as gene delivery vehicles for gene therapy. Asparagine deamidation of AAV capsid proteins has been reported to reduce vector stability and potency of AAV gene therapy products. Deamidation of asparagine residue is a common post-translational modification of proteins that is detected and quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based peptide mapping. However, artificial deamidation can be spontaneously induced during sample preparation for peptide mapping prior to LC-MS analysis. We have developed an optimized sample preparation method to reduce and minimize deamidation artifacts induced during sample preparation for peptide mapping, which typically takes several hours to complete. To shorten turnaround time of deamidation results and to avoid artificial deamidation, we developed orthogonal RPLC-MS and RPLC-fluorescence detection methods for direct deamidation analysis at the intact AAV9 capsid protein level to routinely support downstream purification, formulation development, and stability testing. Similar trends of increasing deamidation of AAV9 capsid proteins in stability samples were observed at the intact protein level and peptide level, indicating that the developed direct deamidation analysis of intact AAV9 capsid proteins is comparable to the peptide mapping-based deamidation analysis and both methods are suitable for deamidation monitoring of AAV9 capsid proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhou
- Analytical Development & Operation, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, 10210 Campus Point Drive, SanDiego, CA92121, USA.
| | - Yueju Wang
- Analytical Development & Operation, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, 10210 Campus Point Drive, SanDiego, CA92121, USA
| |
Collapse
|