1
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Pybus LP, Heise C, Nagy T, Heeran C, Dover T, Raven J, Kori J, Burton G, Sakuyama H, Hastings B, Lyons M, Nakai S, Haigh J. A modular and multi-functional purification strategy that enables a common framework for manufacturing scale integrated and continuous biomanufacturing. Biotechnol Prog 2024:e3456. [PMID: 38494903 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.3456] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Biopharmaceutical manufacture is transitioning from batch to integrated and continuous biomanufacturing (ICB). The common framework for most ICB, potentially enables a global biomanufacturing ecosystem utilizing modular and multi-function manufacturing equipment. Integrating unit operation hardware and software from multiple suppliers, complex supply chains enabled by multiple customized single-use flow paths, and large volume buffer production/storage make this ICB vision difficult to achieve with commercially available manufacturing equipment. Thus, we developed SymphonX™, a downstream processing skid with advanced buffer management capabilities, a single disposable generic flow path design that provides plug-and-play flexibility across all downstream unit operations and a single interface to reduce operational risk. Designed for multi-product and multi-process cGMP facilities, SymphonX™ can perform stand-alone batch processing or ICB. This study utilized an Apollo™ X CHO-DG44 mAb-expressing cell line in a steady-state perfusion bioreactor, harvesting product continuously with a cell retention device and connected SymphonX™ purification skids. The downstream process used the same chemistry (resins, buffer composition, membrane composition) as our historical batch processing platform, with SymphonX™ in-line conditioning and buffer concentrates. We used surge vessels between unit operations, single-column chromatography (protein A, cation and anion exchange) and two-tank batch virus inactivation. After the first polishing step (cation exchange), we continuously pooled product for 6 days. These 6 day pools were processed in batch-mode from anion exchange to bulk drug substance. This manufacturing scale proof-of-concept ICB produced 0.54 kg/day of drug substance with consistent product quality attributes and demonstrated successful bioburden control for unit-operations undergoing continuous operation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon P Pybus
- Process Development, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, Billingham, UK
| | - Charles Heise
- Process Development, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, Billingham, UK
| | - Tibor Nagy
- Process Development, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, Billingham, UK
| | - Carmen Heeran
- Process Development, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, Billingham, UK
| | - Terri Dover
- Process Development, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, Billingham, UK
| | - John Raven
- Process Development, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, Billingham, UK
| | - Junichi Kori
- Bio Science & Engineering Laboratories, FUJIFILM Corporation, Kaisei, Japan
| | - Graeme Burton
- Process Development, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, Billingham, UK
| | - Hiroshi Sakuyama
- Bio Science & Engineering Laboratories, FUJIFILM Corporation, Kaisei, Japan
| | - Benjamin Hastings
- Process Development, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, Billingham, UK
| | - Michelle Lyons
- Process Development, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, Billingham, UK
| | - Shinichi Nakai
- Bio Science & Engineering Laboratories, FUJIFILM Corporation, Kaisei, Japan
| | - Jonathan Haigh
- Process Development, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, Billingham, UK
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2
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Dhingra K, Sinha I, Snyder M, Roush D, Cramer SM. Exploring preferred binding domains of IgG1 mAbs to multimodal adsorbents using a combined biophysics and simulation approach. Biotechnol Prog 2024; 40:e3415. [PMID: 38043031 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.3415] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
In this work, we employ a recently developed biophysical technique that uses diethylpyrocarbonate (DEPC) covalent labeling and mass spectrometry for the identification of mAb binding patches to two multimodal cation exchange resins at different pH. This approach compares the labeling results obtained in the bound and unbound states to identify residues that are sterically shielded and thus located in the mAb binding domains. The results at pH 6 for one mAb (mAb B) indicated that while the complementarity determining region (CDR) had minimal interactions with both resins, the FC domain was actively involved in binding. In contrast, DEPC/MS data with another mAb (mAb C) indicated that both the CDR and FC domains were actively involved in binding. These results corroborated chromatographic retention data with these two mAbs and their fragments and helped to explain the significantly stronger retention of both the intact mAb C and its Fab fragment. In contrast, labeling results with mAb C at pH 7, indicated that only the CDR played a significant role in resin binding, again corroborating chromatographic data. The binding domains identified from the DEPC/MS experiments were also examined using protein surface hydrophobicity maps obtained using a recently developed sparse sampling molecular dynamics (MD) approach in concert with electrostatic potential maps. These results demonstrate that the DEPC covalent labeling/mass spectrometry technique can provide important information about the domain contributions of multidomain proteins such as monoclonal antibodies when interacting with multimodal resins over a range of pH conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kabir Dhingra
- Howard P. Isermann Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA
| | - Imee Sinha
- Howard P. Isermann Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA
| | - Mark Snyder
- Process Chemistry Division, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Hercules, California, USA
| | - David Roush
- Process R&D, Merck &Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Steven M Cramer
- Howard P. Isermann Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA
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3
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Mullin M, McClory J, Haynes W, Grace J, Robertson N, van Heeke G. Applications and challenges in designing VHH-based bispecific antibodies: leveraging machine learning solutions. MAbs 2024; 16:2341443. [PMID: 38666503 PMCID: PMC11057648 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2024.2341443] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of bispecific antibodies that bind at least two different targets relies on bringing together multiple binding domains with different binding properties and biophysical characteristics to produce a drug-like therapeutic. These building blocks play an important role in the overall quality of the molecule and can influence many important aspects from potency and specificity to stability and half-life. Single-domain antibodies, particularly camelid-derived variable heavy domain of heavy chain (VHH) antibodies, are becoming an increasingly popular choice for bispecific construction due to their single-domain modularity, favorable biophysical properties, and potential to work in multiple antibody formats. Here, we review the use of VHH domains as building blocks in the construction of multispecific antibodies and the challenges in creating optimized molecules. In addition to exploring traditional approaches to VHH development, we review the integration of machine learning techniques at various stages of the process. Specifically, the utilization of machine learning for structural prediction, lead identification, lead optimization, and humanization of VHH antibodies.
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4
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Ingavat N, Wang X, Liew JM, Mahfut FB, But KP, Kok YJ, Bi X, Yang Y, Shintaro K, Tsoumpra M, Zhang W. Harnessing ceramic hydroxyapatite as an effective polishing strategy to remove product- and process-related impurities in bispecific antibody purification. BIORESOUR BIOPROCESS 2023; 10:93. [PMID: 38647984 PMCID: PMC10992335 DOI: 10.1186/s40643-023-00713-9] [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: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Bispecific antibody (bsAb), a novel therapeutic modality, provides excellent treatment efficacy, yet poses numerous challenges to downstream process development, which are mainly due to the intricate diversity of bsAb structures and impurity profiles. Ceramic hydroxyapatite (CHT), a mixed-mode medium, allows proteins to interact with its calcium sites (C-sites) through metal affinity and/or its phosphate sites (P-sites) through cation exchange interactions. This dual-binding capability potentially offers unique bind and elute behaviours for different proteins of interest, resulting in optimal product purity when suitable elution conditions are employed. In this study, the effectiveness of CHT as a polishing step for bsAb purification was investigated across three model molecules and benchmarked against the traditional cation exchange chromatography (CEX). For both asymmetric and symmetric IgG-like bsAb post Protein A eluates, at least 97% product purity was achieved after CHT polishing. CHT delivered a superior aggregate clearance to CEX, resulting in low high molecular weight (HMW) impurities (0.5%) and low process-related impurities in the product pools. Moreover, CHT significantly mitigated "chromatography-induced aggregation" whereas eightfold more HMW was generated by CEX. This study illustrated the developability of CHT in effectively eliminating low molecular weight (LMW) impurities through post-load-wash (PLW) optimization, resulting in an additional reduction of up to 48% in LMW impurities. A mechanistic explanation regarding the performance of impurity removal and mitigation of the chromatography-induced aggregation by CHT was proposed, illustrating unique CHT capability is potentially driven by C-site cooperation, of which effectiveness could depend on the bsAb composition and size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nattha Ingavat
- Downstream Processing Group, Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xinhui Wang
- Downstream Processing Group, Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jia Min Liew
- Downstream Processing Group, Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Farouq Bin Mahfut
- Cell Line Development Group, Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ka Pui But
- Protein Analytics Group, Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yee Jiun Kok
- Protein Analytics Group, Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xuezhi Bi
- Protein Analytics Group, Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yuansheng Yang
- Cell Line Development Group, Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kobayashi Shintaro
- Chromatography Media Business Division, HOYA Technosurgical Corporation, Singapore Branch, Singapore
| | - Maria Tsoumpra
- Chromatography Media Business Division, HOYA Technosurgical Corporation, Singapore Branch, Singapore
| | - Wei Zhang
- Downstream Processing Group, Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore.
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5
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Misorin AK, Chernyshova DO, Karbyshev MS. State-of-the-Art Approaches to Heterologous Expression of Bispecific Antibodies Targeting Solid Tumors. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2023; 88:1215-1231. [PMID: 37770390 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923090031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) are some of the most promising biotherapeutics due to the versatility provided by their structure and functional features. bsAbs simultaneously bind two antigens or two epitopes on the same antigen. Moreover, they are capable of directing immune effector cells to cancer cells and delivering various compounds (radionuclides, toxins, and immunologic agents) to the target cells, thus offering a broad spectrum of clinical applications. Current review is focused on the technologies used in bsAb engineering, current progress and prospects of these antibodies, and selection of various heterologous expression systems for bsAb production. We also discuss the platforms development of bsAbs for the therapy of solid tumors.
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6
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Liang X, He Q, Qin G, Li G, Li Q, Tan H, Wang Z, Fan M, Xu D. Effectively removing the homodimer in bispecific antibodies by weak partitioning mode of anion exchange chromatography. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2023; 1225:123767. [PMID: 37270861 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2023.123767] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Small amounts of by-products are nevertheless created during the recombinant production of IgG-like bispecific antibodies due to imbalanced chain expression and improper chain pairing, despite the employment of molecular strategy techniques to promote accurate pairing. Among them, homodimers represent the species that are more difficult to remove due to their physical and chemical properties being similar to the target antibody. Homodimer by-products are always produced even though various technologies can significantly increase the expression of heterodimers, so a robust purification process to recover high-purity heterodimers is required. Most of the chromatography methods commonly adopt the bind-and-elute mode or two-step to separate homodimers, which has numerous drawbacks such as prolonged process times and limited dynamic binding capacity. Flow-through mode of anion exchange is a frequently-used polishing step for antibodies, but it is typically regarded as being more effective for host-cell protein or host-cell DNA removal rather than other product-related impurities such as homodimers and aggregates. This paper demonstrated that single-step anion exchange chromatography allows high capacity and effective clearance of the homodimer byproduct to be simultaneously achieved, suggesting that weak partitioning was a better polishing strategy for achieving a high level of heterodimer purity. And robust operation range of anion exchange chromatography steps for homodimer removal was also developed by leveraging the design of experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Liang
- Nanjing Chia-Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Co.Ltd, Fanghua Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Department of Biology, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Qingquan He
- Nanjing Chia-Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Co.Ltd, Fanghua Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Department of Biology, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Guohong Qin
- Nanjing Chia-Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Co.Ltd, Fanghua Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Department of Biology, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Guozhu Li
- Nanjing Chia-Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Co.Ltd, Fanghua Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Department of Biology, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Qian Li
- Nanjing Chia-Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Co.Ltd, Fanghua Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Department of Biology, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Huanghong Tan
- Nanjing Chia-Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Co.Ltd, Fanghua Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Department of Biology, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Zichen Wang
- Nanjing Chia-Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Co.Ltd, Fanghua Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Department of Biology, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Mengni Fan
- Nanjing Chia-Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Co.Ltd, Fanghua Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Department of Biology, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Dan Xu
- Nanjing Chia-Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Co.Ltd, Fanghua Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Department of Biology, Nanjing 210046, China.
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7
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Thoreau F, Szijj PA, Greene MK, Rochet LNC, Thanasi IA, Blayney JK, Maruani A, Baker JR, Scott CJ, Chudasama V. Modular Chemical Construction of IgG-like Mono- and Bispecific Synthetic Antibodies (SynAbs). ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2023; 9:476-487. [PMID: 36968530 PMCID: PMC10037451 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.2c01437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In recent years there has been rising interest in the field of protein-protein conjugation, especially related to bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) and their therapeutic applications. These constructs contain two paratopes capable of binding two distinct epitopes on target molecules and are thus able to perform complex biological functions (mechanisms of action) not available to monospecific mAbs. Traditionally these bsAbs have been constructed through protein engineering, but recently chemical methods for their construction have started to (re)emerge. While these have been shown to offer increased modularity, speed, and for some methods even the inherent capacity for further functionalization (e.g., with small molecule cargo), most of these approaches lacked the ability to include a fragment crystallizable (Fc) modality. The Fc component of IgG antibodies offers effector function and increased half-life. Here we report a first-in-class disulfide rebridging and click-chemistry-based method for the generation of Fc-containing, IgG-like mono- and bispecific antibodies. These are in the FcZ-(FabX)-FabY format, i.e., two distinct Fabs and an Fc, potentially all from different antibodies, attached in a homogeneous and covalent manner. We have dubbed these molecules synthetic antibodies (SynAbs). We have constructed a T cell-engager (TCE) SynAb, FcCD20-(FabHER2)-FabCD3, and have confirmed that it exhibits the expected biological functions, including the ability to kill HER2+ target cells in a coculture assay with T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabien Thoreau
- Department
of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ, U.K.
| | - Peter A. Szijj
- Department
of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ, U.K.
| | - Michelle K. Greene
- Patrick
G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry
and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s
University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AEU.K.
| | - Léa N. C. Rochet
- Department
of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ, U.K.
| | - Ioanna A. Thanasi
- Department
of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ, U.K.
| | - Jaine K. Blayney
- Patrick
G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry
and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s
University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AEU.K.
| | - Antoine Maruani
- Department
of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ, U.K.
| | - James R. Baker
- Department
of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ, U.K.
| | - Christopher J. Scott
- Patrick
G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry
and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s
University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AEU.K.
| | - Vijay Chudasama
- Department
of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ, U.K.
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8
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Dhingra K, Gudhka RB, Cramer SM. Evaluation of preferred binding regions on ubiquitin and IgG1 F C for interacting with multimodal cation exchange resins using DEPC labeling/mass spectrometry. Biotechnol Bioeng 2023; 120:1592-1604. [PMID: 36814367 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
There is significant interest in identifying the preferred binding domains of biological products to various chromatographic materials. In this work, we develop a biophysical technique that uses diethyl pyrocarbonate (DEPC) based covalent labeling in concert with enzymatic digestion and mass spectrometry to identify the binding patches for proteins bound to commercially available multimodal (MM) cation exchange chromatography resins. The technique compares the changes in covalent labeling of the protein in solution and in the bound state and uses the differences in this labeling to identify residues that are sterically shielded upon resin binding and, therefore, potentially involved in the resin binding process. Importantly, this approach enables the labeling of many amino acids and can be carried out over a pH range of 5.5-7.5, thus enabling the protein surface mapping at conditions of interest in MM cation exchange systems. The protocol is first developed using the model protein ubiquitin and the results indicate that lysine residues located on the front face of the protein show dramatic changes in DEPC labeling while residues present on other regions have minimal or no reductions. This indicates that the front face of ubiquitin is likely involved in resin binding. In addition, surface property maps indicate that the hypothesized front face binding region consists of overlapping positively charged and hydrophobic patches. The technique is then employed with an IgG1 FC and the results indicate that residues on the CH 2-CH 3 interface and the hinge are significantly sterically shielded upon binding to the resin. Further, these regions are again associated with significant overlap of positively charged and hydrophobic patches. On the other hand, while, residues on the CH 2 and the front face of the IgG1 FC also exhibited some changes in DEPC labeling upon binding, these regions have less distinct charged and hydrophobic patches. Importantly, the hypothesized binding patches identified for both ubiquitin and FC using this approach are shown to be consistent with previously reported NMR studies. In contrast to NMR, this new approach enables the identification of preferred binding regions without the need for isotopically labeled proteins or chemical shift assignments. The technique developed in this work sets the stage for the evaluation of the binding domains of a wide range of biological products to chromatographic surfaces, with important implications for designing biomolecules with improved biomanufacturability properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kabir Dhingra
- Howard P. Isermann Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA.,Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA
| | - Ronak B Gudhka
- Process Development, Drug Substance Biologics, Amgen, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Steven M Cramer
- Howard P. Isermann Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA.,Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA
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9
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Kilgore R, Chu W, Bhandari D, Fischler D, Carbonell RG, Crapanzano M, Menegatti S. Development of peptide affinity ligands for the purification of polyclonal and monoclonal Fabs from recombinant fluids. J Chromatogr A 2023; 1687:463701. [PMID: 36502645 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2022.463701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Engineered multi-specific monoclonal antibodies (msAbs) and antibody fragments offer valuable therapeutic options against metabolic disorders, aggressive cancers, and viral infections. The advancement in molecular design and recombinant expression of these next-generation drugs, however, is not equaled by the progress in downstream bioprocess technology. The purification of msAbs and fragments requires affinity adsorbents with orthogonal biorecognition of different portions of the antibody structure, namely its Fc (fragment crystallizable) and Fab (fragment antigen-binding) regions or the CH1-3 and CL chains. Current adsorbents rely on protein ligands that, while featuring high binding capacity and selectivity, need harsh elution conditions and suffer from high cost, limited biochemical stability, and potential release of immunogenic fragments. Responding to these challenges, we undertook the de novo discovery of peptide ligands that target different regions of human Fab and enable product release under mild conditions. The ligands were discovered by screening a focused library of 12-mer peptides against a feedstock comprising human Fab and Chinese hamster ovary host cell proteins (CHO HCPs). The identified ligands were evaluated via binding studies as well as molecular docking simulations, returning excellent values of binding capacity (Qmax ∼ 20 mg of Fab per mL of resin) and dissociation constant (KD = 2.16·10-6 M). Selected ligand FRWNFHRNTFFP and commercial Protein L ligands were further characterized by measuring the dynamic binding capacity (DBC10%) at different residence times (RT) and performing the purification of polyclonal and monoclonal Fabs from CHO-K1 cell culture fluids. The peptide ligand featured DBC10% ∼ 6-16 mg/mL (RT of 2 min) and afforded values of yield (93-96%) and purity (89-96%) comparable to those provided by Protein L resins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Kilgore
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States
| | - Wenning Chu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States
| | - Dipendra Bhandari
- LigaTrap Technologies, 1791 Varsity Dr., Suite 150, Raleigh, NC 27606, United States
| | - David Fischler
- LigaTrap Technologies, 1791 Varsity Dr., Suite 150, Raleigh, NC 27606, United States
| | - Ruben G Carbonell
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States; Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States
| | - Michael Crapanzano
- LigaTrap Technologies, 1791 Varsity Dr., Suite 150, Raleigh, NC 27606, United States
| | - Stefano Menegatti
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States; LigaTrap Technologies, 1791 Varsity Dr., Suite 150, Raleigh, NC 27606, United States; Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States.
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10
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Madsen AV, Kristensen P, Buell AK, Goletz S. Generation of robust bispecific antibodies through fusion of single-domain antibodies on IgG scaffolds: a comprehensive comparison of formats. MAbs 2023; 15:2189432. [PMID: 36939220 PMCID: PMC10038023 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2023.2189432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) enable dual binding of different antigens with potential synergistic targeting effects and innovative therapeutic possibilities. The formation of bsAbs is, however, often dependent on complex engineering strategies with a high risk of antibody chain mispairing leading to contamination of the final product with incorrectly assembled antibody species. This study demonstrates formation of bsAbs in a generic and conceptually easy manner through fusion of single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) onto IgG scaffolds through flexible 10 amino acid linkers to form high-quality bsAbs with both binding functionalities intact and minimal product-related impurities. SdAbs are attractive fusion partners due to their small and monomeric nature combined with antigen-binding capabilities comparable to conventional human antibodies. By systematically comparing a comprehensive panel of symmetric αPD-L1×αHER2 antibodies, including reversely mirrored antigen specificities, we investigate how the molecular geometry affects production, stability, antigen binding and CD16a binding. SdAb fusion of the heavy chain was generally preferred over light chain fusion for promoting good expression and high biophysical stability as well as maintaining efficient binding to both antigens. We find that N-terminal sdAb fusion might sterically hinder antigen-binding to the Fv region of the IgG scaffold, whereas C-terminal fusion might disturb antigen-binding to the fused sdAb. Our work demonstrates a toolbox of complementary methods for in-depth analysis of key features, such as in-solution dual antigen binding, thermal stability, and aggregation propensity, to ensure high bsAb quality. These techniques can be executed at high-throughput and/or with very low material consumption and thus represent valuable tools for bsAb screening and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas V Madsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Peter Kristensen
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Alexander K Buell
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Steffen Goletz
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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11
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Hong H, Lin H, Li D, Gong L, Zhou K, Li Y, Yu H, Zhao K, Shi J, Zhou Z, Huang Z, Wu Z. Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of a Rhamnose‐Functionalized Bispecific Nanobody as a Bispecific Antibody Mimic for Cancer Immunotherapy. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202208773. [PMID: 35891606 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202208773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Haofei Hong
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & Biotechnology Ministry of Education School of Biotechnology Jiangnan University Wuxi 214122 China
| | - Han Lin
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & Biotechnology Ministry of Education School of Biotechnology Jiangnan University Wuxi 214122 China
| | - Dan Li
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & Biotechnology Ministry of Education School of Biotechnology Jiangnan University Wuxi 214122 China
| | - Liang Gong
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & Biotechnology Ministry of Education School of Biotechnology Jiangnan University Wuxi 214122 China
| | - Kun Zhou
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & Biotechnology Ministry of Education School of Biotechnology Jiangnan University Wuxi 214122 China
| | - Yanchun Li
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & Biotechnology Ministry of Education School of Biotechnology Jiangnan University Wuxi 214122 China
| | - Hangyan Yu
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & Biotechnology Ministry of Education School of Biotechnology Jiangnan University Wuxi 214122 China
| | - Kai Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province School of Life Sciences Westlake University Hangzhou 310024 China
| | - Jie Shi
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & Biotechnology Ministry of Education School of Biotechnology Jiangnan University Wuxi 214122 China
| | - Zhifang Zhou
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & Biotechnology Ministry of Education School of Biotechnology Jiangnan University Wuxi 214122 China
| | - Zhaohui Huang
- Wuxi Cancer Institute Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University Wuxi 214062 China
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics School of Medicine Jiangnan University Wuxi 214122 China
| | - Zhimeng Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & Biotechnology Ministry of Education School of Biotechnology Jiangnan University Wuxi 214122 China
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12
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Chen SW, Hoi KM, Mahfut FB, Yang Y, Zhang W. Effective flow-through polishing strategies for knob-into-hole bispecific antibodies. BIORESOUR BIOPROCESS 2022; 9:98. [PMID: 38647877 PMCID: PMC10992779 DOI: 10.1186/s40643-022-00590-8] [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: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies (bsAbs), though possessing great therapeutic potential, are extremely challenging to obtain at high purity within a limited number of scalable downstream processing steps. Complementary to Protein A chromatography, polishing strategies play a critical role at removing the remaining high molecular weight (HMW) and low molecular weight (LMW) species, as well as host cell proteins (HCP) in order to achieve a final product of high purity. Here, we demonstrate using two knob-into-hole (KiH) bsAb constructs that two flow-through polishing steps utilising Capto Butyl ImpRes and Capto adhere resins, performed after an optimal Protein A affinity chromatography step can further reduce the HCP by 17- to 35-fold as well as HMW and LMW species with respect to monomer by ~ 4-6% and ~ 1%, respectively, to meet therapeutical requirement at 30-60 mg/mL-resin (R) load. This complete flow-through polishing strategy, guided by Design of Experiments (DoE), eliminates undesirable aggregation problems associated with the higher aggregation propensity of scFv containing bsAbs that may occur in the bind and elute mode, offering an improved ease of overall process operation without additional elution buffer preparation and consumption, thus aligning well with process intensification efforts. Overall, we demonstrate that through the employment of (1) Protein A chromatography step and (2) flow-through polishing steps, a final product containing < 1% HMW species, < 1% LMW species and < 100 ppm HCP can be obtained with an overall process recovery of 56-87%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serene W Chen
- Downstream Processing Group, Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kong Meng Hoi
- Downstream Processing Group, Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Farouq Bin Mahfut
- Cell Line Development Group, Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yuansheng Yang
- Cell Line Development Group, Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wei Zhang
- Downstream Processing Group, Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore.
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13
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Hong H, Lin H, Li D, Gong L, Zhou K, Li Y, Yu H, Zhao K, Shi J, Zhou Z, Huang Z, Wu Z. Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of a Rhamnose‐Functionalized Bispecific Nanobody as a Bispecific Antibody Mimic for Cancer Immunotherapy. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202208773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Haofei Hong
- Jiangnan University School of Biotechnology 1800 Lihu Ave 214122 Wuxi CHINA
| | - Han Lin
- Jiangnan University School of Biotechnology 1800 Lihu Ave 214122 Wuxi CHINA
| | - Dan Li
- Jiangnan University School of Biotechnology 1800 Lihu Ave 214122 Wuxi CHINA
| | - Liang Gong
- Jiangnan University School of Biotechnology 1800 Lihu Ave 214122 Wuxi CHINA
| | - Kun Zhou
- Jiangnan University School of Biotechnology 1800 Lihu Ave 214122 Wuxi CHINA
| | - Yanchun Li
- Jiangnan University School of Biotechnology 1800 Lihu Ave 214122 Wuxi CHINA
| | - Hangyan Yu
- Jiangnan University School of Biotechnology 1800 Lihu Ave 214122 Wuxi CHINA
| | - Kai Zhao
- Westlake University School of Life Sciences Hangzhou CHINA
| | - Jie Shi
- Jiangnan University School of Biotechnology 1800 lihu ave 214122 Wuxi CHINA
| | - Zhifang Zhou
- Jiangnan University School of Biotechnology 1800 Lihu Ave 214122 Wuxi CHINA
| | - Zhaohui Huang
- Jiangnan University Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University 1800 Lihu Ave 214122 Wuxi CHINA
| | - Zhimeng Wu
- Jiangnan University School of Biotechnology 1800 Lihu Ave 214122 Wuxi CHINA
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14
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Antonarelli G, Giugliano F, Corti C, Repetto M, Tarantino P, Curigliano G. Research and Clinical Landscape of Bispecific Antibodies for the Treatment of Solid Malignancies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:884. [PMID: 34577584 PMCID: PMC8468026 DOI: 10.3390/ph14090884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Solid tumors adopt multiple mechanisms to grow, evade immune responses, and to withstand therapeutic approaches. A major breakthrough in the armamentarium of anti-cancer agents has been the introduction of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), able to inhibit aberrantly activated pathways and/or to unleash antigen (Ag)-specific immune responses. Nonetheless, mAb-mediated targeted pressure often fails due to escape mechanisms, mainly Ag loss/downregulation, ultimately providing therapy resistance. Hence, in order to target multiple Ag at the same time, and to facilitate cancer-immune cells interactions, bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) have been developed and are being tested in clinical trials, yielding variable safety/efficacy results based on target selection and their structure. While in hematologic cancers the bsAb blinatumomab recently reached the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approval for B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, bsAbs use in solid tumors faces considerable challenges, such as target Ag selection, biodistribution, and the presence of an immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). This review will focus on the state-of-the art, the design, and the exploitation of bsAbs against solid malignancies, delineating their mechanisms of action, major pitfalls, and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Antonarelli
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (G.A.); (F.G.); (C.C.); (M.R.); (P.T.)
- Department of Oncology and Haematology (DIPO), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Giugliano
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (G.A.); (F.G.); (C.C.); (M.R.); (P.T.)
- Department of Oncology and Haematology (DIPO), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Corti
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (G.A.); (F.G.); (C.C.); (M.R.); (P.T.)
- Department of Oncology and Haematology (DIPO), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Repetto
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (G.A.); (F.G.); (C.C.); (M.R.); (P.T.)
- Department of Oncology and Haematology (DIPO), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Tarantino
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (G.A.); (F.G.); (C.C.); (M.R.); (P.T.)
- Department of Oncology and Haematology (DIPO), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (G.A.); (F.G.); (C.C.); (M.R.); (P.T.)
- Department of Oncology and Haematology (DIPO), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
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15
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Surowka M, Schaefer W, Klein C. Ten years in the making: application of CrossMab technology for the development of therapeutic bispecific antibodies and antibody fusion proteins. MAbs 2021; 13:1967714. [PMID: 34491877 PMCID: PMC8425689 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2021.1967714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies have recently attracted intense interest. CrossMab technology was described in 2011 as novel approach enabling correct antibody light-chain association with their respective heavy chain in bispecific antibodies, together with methods enabling correct heavy-chain association using existing pairs of antibodies. Since the original description, CrossMab technology has evolved in the past decade into one of the most mature, versatile, and broadly applied technologies in the field, and nearly 20 bispecific antibodies based on CrossMab technology developed by Roche and others have entered clinical trials. The most advanced of these are the Ang-2/VEGF bispecific antibody faricimab, currently undergoing regulatory review, and the CD20/CD3 T cell bispecific antibody glofitamab, currently in pivotal Phase 3 trials. In this review, we introduce the principles of CrossMab technology, including its application for the generation of bi-/multispecific antibodies with different geometries and mechanisms of action, and provide an overview of CrossMab-based therapeutics in clinical trials.
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