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Madsen AV, Pedersen LE, Kristensen P, Goletz S. Design and engineering of bispecific antibodies: insights and practical considerations. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1352014. [PMID: 38333084 PMCID: PMC10850309 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1352014] [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: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) have attracted significant attention due to their dual binding activity, which permits simultaneous targeting of antigens and synergistic binding effects beyond what can be obtained even with combinations of conventional monospecific antibodies. Despite the tremendous therapeutic potential, the design and construction of bsAbs are often hampered by practical issues arising from the increased structural complexity as compared to conventional monospecific antibodies. The issues are diverse in nature, spanning from decreased biophysical stability from fusion of exogenous antigen-binding domains to antibody chain mispairing leading to formation of antibody-related impurities that are very difficult to remove. The added complexity requires judicious design considerations as well as extensive molecular engineering to ensure formation of high quality bsAbs with the intended mode of action and favorable drug-like qualities. In this review, we highlight and summarize some of the key considerations in design of bsAbs as well as state-of-the-art engineering principles that can be applied in efficient construction of bsAbs with diverse molecular formats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas V. Madsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Lasse E. Pedersen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Peter Kristensen
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Steffen Goletz
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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2
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Kim JH, Kim DS, Park HS, Kim YS. Engineering bispecific T-cell engagers to deplete eosinophils for the treatment of severe eosinophilic asthma. Clin Immunol 2023; 255:109755. [PMID: 37673224 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109755] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA) is characterized by elevated eosinophil counts in the blood and airway mucosa. While monoclonal antibody therapies targeting interleukin-5 (IL-5) and its receptor (IL-5Rα) have improved treatment, some patients remain unresponsive. We propose an alternative approach to eliminate eosinophils using T cells by engineering IL-5Rα × CD3 bispecific T-cell engagers (bsTCEs) that target both IL-5Rα on eosinophils and CD3 on T cells. We designed different formats of IL-5Rα × CD3 bsTCEs, incorporating variations in valency, geometry, and affinity for the target antigen binding. We identified the single-chain variable fragment (scFv)-Fc format with the highest affinity toward the membrane-proximal domain of IL-5Rα in the IL-5Rα-binding arm showed the most potent cytotoxicity against IL-5Rα-expressing peripheral eosinophils by activating autologous primary T cells from healthy donors. This study proposes IL-5Rα × CD3 bsTCEs as potential alternatives for SEA treatment. Importantly, it demonstrates the first application of bsTCEs in eliminating disease-associated cells, including eosinophils, beyond cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Ho Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Seong Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Sim Park
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Ajou University Medical School, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Sung Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Ajou University Medical School, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea.
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3
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Iwasaki YW, Tharakaraman K, Subramanian V, Khongmanee A, Hatas A, Fleischer E, Rurak TT, Ngok-ngam P, Tit-oon P, Ruchirawat M, Satayavivad J, Fuangthong M, Sasisekharan R. Generation of bispecific antibodies by structure-guided redesign of IgG constant regions. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1063002. [PMID: 36703993 PMCID: PMC9871890 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1063002] [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: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) form an exciting class of bio-therapeutics owing to their multispecificity. Although numerous formats have been developed, generation of hetero-tetrameric IgG1-like BsAbs having acceptable safety and pharmacokinetics profiles from a single cell culture system remains challenging due to the heterogeneous pairing between the four chains. Herein, we employed a structure-guided approach to engineer mutations in the constant domain interfaces (CH1-CL and CH3-CH3) of heavy and κ light chains to prevent heavy-light mispairing in the antigen binding fragment (Fab) region and heavy-heavy homodimerization in the Fc region. Transient co-transfection of mammalian cells with heavy and light chains of pre-existing antibodies carrying the engineered constant domains generates BsAbs with percentage purity ranging from 78% to 85%. The engineered BsAbs demonstrate simultaneous binding of both antigens, while retaining the thermal stability, Fc-mediated effector properties and FcRn binding properties of the parental antibodies. Importantly, since the variable domains were not modified, the mutations may enable BsAb formation from antibodies belonging to different germline origins and isotypes. The rationally designed mutations reported in this work could serve as a starting point for generating optimized solutions required for large scale production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yordkhwan W. Iwasaki
- Program in Environmental Toxicology, Chulabhorn Graduate Institute, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kannan Tharakaraman
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Vidya Subramanian
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Amnart Khongmanee
- Translational Research Unit, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Andrew Hatas
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Eduardo Fleischer
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Troy T. Rurak
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Patchara Ngok-ngam
- Translational Research Unit, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Phanthakarn Tit-oon
- Translational Research Unit, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Mathuros Ruchirawat
- Translational Research Unit, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, Thailand,Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), Office of the Permanent Secretary (OPS), Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jutamaad Satayavivad
- Program in Environmental Toxicology, Chulabhorn Graduate Institute, Bangkok, Thailand,Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), Office of the Permanent Secretary (OPS), Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), Bangkok, Thailand,Laboratory of Pharmacology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Mayuree Fuangthong
- Translational Research Unit, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, Thailand,Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), Office of the Permanent Secretary (OPS), Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), Bangkok, Thailand,Program in Applied Biological Sciences, Chulabhorn Graduate Institute, Bangkok, Thailand,*Correspondence: Mayuree Fuangthong, ; Ram Sasisekharan,
| | - Ram Sasisekharan
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States,*Correspondence: Mayuree Fuangthong, ; Ram Sasisekharan,
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Baek DS, Park SW, Adams C, Dimitrov DS, Kim YS. Yeast Mating as a Tool for Highly Effective Discovery and Engineering of Antibodies via Display Methodologies. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2491:313-333. [PMID: 35482198 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2285-8_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Yeast surface display (YSD) is a powerful methodology for discovery and engineering of antibodies, and the yeast mating has been used to overcome low transformation efficiency of yeast in antibody library generation. We developed an optimized method of yeast mating for generating a large, combinatorial antibody fragment library and heterodimeric protein library by cellular fusion between two haploid cells carrying different library each other. This method allows for increased diversity in screening of target-specific fragment antigen-binding (Fab) antibodies as well as in the development of heterodimeric Fc variants for bi-specific antibody generation and T-cell receptor (TCR). Here we describe the efficient isolation of human antibodies against the activated GTP-bound form of the oncogenic Ras mutant (KRasG12D-GTP) by sequential isolation of their heavy chains (HCs) followed by combination with light chains (LCs) via the yeast mating process. This strategy facilitates guided selection of the antigen-specific HC with either a fixed functional LC, which has cytosol penetrating ability, or an LC library to generate the Fab. It also allows for deeper exploration of a sequence space with fixed diversity, leading to a higher probability of successful isolation of human antibodies with high specificity and affinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Du-San Baek
- Center for Antibody Therapeutics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Seong-Wook Park
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Cynthia Adams
- Center for Antibody Therapeutics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Dimiter S Dimitrov
- Center for Antibody Therapeutics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yong-Sung Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
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Bispecific Antibodies and Antibody-Drug Conjugates for Cancer Therapy: Technological Considerations. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10030360. [PMID: 32111076 PMCID: PMC7175114 DOI: 10.3390/biom10030360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of monoclonal antibodies to specifically bind a target antigen and neutralize or stimulate its activity is the basis for the rapid growth and development of the therapeutic antibody field. In recent years, traditional immunoglobulin antibodies have been further engineered for better efficacy and safety, and technological developments in the field enabled the design and production of engineered antibodies capable of mediating therapeutic functions hitherto unattainable by conventional antibody formats. Representative of this newer generation of therapeutic antibody formats are bispecific antibodies and antibody–drug conjugates, each with several approved drugs and dozens more in the clinical development phase. In this review, the technological principles and challenges of bispecific antibodies and antibody–drug conjugates are discussed, with emphasis on clinically validated formats but also including recent developments in the fields, many of which are expected to significantly augment the current therapeutic arsenal against cancer and other diseases with unmet medical needs.
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Strohl WR, Naso M. Bispecific T-Cell Redirection versus Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-T Cells as Approaches to Kill Cancer Cells. Antibodies (Basel) 2019; 8:E41. [PMID: 31544847 PMCID: PMC6784091 DOI: 10.3390/antib8030041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The concepts for T-cell redirecting bispecific antibodies (TRBAs) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells are both at least 30 years old but both platforms are just now coming into age. Two TRBAs and two CAR-T cell products have been approved by major regulatory agencies within the last ten years for the treatment of hematological cancers and an additional 53 TRBAs and 246 CAR cell constructs are in clinical trials today. Two major groups of TRBAs include small, short-half-life bispecific antibodies that include bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTE®s) which require continuous dosing and larger, mostly IgG-like bispecific antibodies with extended pharmacokinetics that can be dosed infrequently. Most CAR-T cells today are autologous, although significant strides are being made to develop off-the-shelf, allogeneic CAR-based products. CAR-Ts form a cytolytic synapse with target cells that is very different from the classical immune synapse both physically and mechanistically, whereas the TRBA-induced synapse is similar to the classic immune synapse. Both TRBAs and CAR-T cells are highly efficacious in clinical trials but both also present safety concerns, particularly with cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity. New formats and dosing paradigms for TRBAs and CAR-T cells are being developed in efforts to maximize efficacy and minimize toxicity, as well as to optimize use with both solid and hematologic tumors, both of which present significant challenges such as target heterogeneity and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- William R Strohl
- BiStro Biotech Consulting, LLC, 1086 Tullo Farm Rd., Bridgewater, NJ 08807, USA.
| | - Michael Naso
- Century Therapeutics, 3675 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Zhou F, Kroetsch A, Nguyen VP, Huang X, Ogoke O, Parashurama N, Park S. High-Affinity Antibody Detection with a Bivalent Circularized Peptide Containing Antibody-Binding Domains. Biotechnol J 2019; 14:e1800647. [PMID: 30810268 DOI: 10.1002/biot.201800647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 01/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Direct chemical labeling of antibody produces molecules with poorly defined modifications. Use of a small antibody-binding protein as an adapter can simplify antibody functionalization by forming a specific antibody-bound complex and introducing site-specific modifications. To stabilize a noncovalent antibody complex that may be used without chemical crosslinking, a bivalent antibody-binding protein is engineered with an improved affinity of interaction by joining two Z domains with a conformationally flexible linker. The linker is essential for the increase in affinity because it allows simultaneous binding of both domains. The molecule is further circularized using a split intein, creating a novel adapter protein ("lasso"), which binds human immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) with K D = 0.53 n m and a dissociation rate that is 55- to 84-fold slower than Z. The lasso contains a unique cysteine for conjugation with a reporter and may be engineered to introduce other functional groups, including a biotin tag and protease recognition sequences. When used in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the lasso generates a stronger reporter signal compared to a secondary antibody and lowers the limit of detection by 12-fold. The small size of the lasso and a long half-life of dissociation make the peptide a useful tool in antibody detection and immobilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyu Zhou
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA
| | - Andrew Kroetsch
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA
| | - Vyncent P Nguyen
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA
| | - Xiao Huang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA
| | - Ogechi Ogoke
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA
| | - Natesh Parashurama
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA
| | - Sheldon Park
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA
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Moore GL, Bernett MJ, Rashid R, Pong EW, Nguyen DHT, Jacinto J, Eivazi A, Nisthal A, Diaz JE, Chu SY, Muchhal US, Desjarlais JR. A robust heterodimeric Fc platform engineered for efficient development of bispecific antibodies of multiple formats. Methods 2018; 154:38-50. [PMID: 30366098 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2018.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bispecific monoclonal antibodies can bind two protein targets simultaneously and enable therapeutic modalities inaccessible by traditional mAbs. Bispecific formats containing a heterodimeric Fc region are of particular interest, as a heterodimeric Fc empowers both bispecificity and altered valencies while retaining the developability and druggability of a monoclonal antibody. We present a robust heterodimeric Fc platform, called the XmAb® bispecific platform, engineered for efficient development of bispecific antibodies and Fc fusions of multiple formats. First, we engineer a purification solution for proteins containing a heterodimeric Fc using engineered isoelectric point differences in the Fc region that enable straightforward purification of the heterodimeric species. Then, we combine this purification solution with a novel set of Fc substitutions capable of achieving heterodimer yields over 95% with little change in thermostability. Next, we illustrate the flexibility of our heterodimeric Fc with a case study in which a wide range of tumor-associated antigen × CD3 bispecifics are generated, differing in choice of tumor antigen, affinities for both tumor antigen and CD3, and tumor antigen valency. Finally, we present manufacturing data reinforcing the robustness of the heterodimeric Fc platform at scale.
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9
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Functional expression of monomeric streptavidin and fusion proteins in Escherichia coli: applications in flow cytometry and ELISA. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2018; 102:10079-10089. [PMID: 30250978 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-018-9377-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Monomeric streptavidin (mSA) offers a combination of structural and binding properties that are useful in many applications, including a small size and monovalent biotin binding. Because mSA contains a structurally important disulfide bond, the molecule does not fold correctly when expressed inside the cell. We show that mSA can be expressed in a functional form in Escherichia coli by fusing the OmpA signal sequence at the amino terminus. Expressed mSA is exported to the periplasm, from which the molecule leaks to the medium under vigorous shaking. Purified mSA can be conjugated with FITC and used to label microbeads and yeast cells for analysis by flow cytometry, further expanding the scope of mSA-based applications. Some applications require recombinant fusion of mSA with another protein. mSA fused to EGFP cannot be secreted to the medium but was successfully expressed in an engineered cell line that supports oxidative folding in the cytoplasm. Purified mSA-EGFP and mSA-mCherry bound biotin with high affinity and were successfully used in conventional flow cytometry and imaging flow cytometry. Finally, we demonstrate the use of mSA in ELISA, in which horseradish peroxidase-conjugated mSA and biotinylated secondary antibody are used together to detect primary antibody captured on an ELISA plate. Engineering mSA to introduce additional lysine residues can increase the reporter signal above that of wild-type streptavidin. Together, these examples establish mSA as a convenient reagent with a potentially unique role in biotechnology.
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Setiawan D, Brender J, Zhang Y. Recent advances in automated protein design and its future challenges. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2018; 13:587-604. [PMID: 29695210 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2018.1465922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Protein function is determined by protein structure which is in turn determined by the corresponding protein sequence. If the rules that cause a protein to adopt a particular structure are understood, it should be possible to refine or even redefine the function of a protein by working backwards from the desired structure to the sequence. Automated protein design attempts to calculate the effects of mutations computationally with the goal of more radical or complex transformations than are accessible by experimental techniques. Areas covered: The authors give a brief overview of the recent methodological advances in computer-aided protein design, showing how methodological choices affect final design and how automated protein design can be used to address problems considered beyond traditional protein engineering, including the creation of novel protein scaffolds for drug development. Also, the authors address specifically the future challenges in the development of automated protein design. Expert opinion: Automated protein design holds potential as a protein engineering technique, particularly in cases where screening by combinatorial mutagenesis is problematic. Considering solubility and immunogenicity issues, automated protein design is initially more likely to make an impact as a research tool for exploring basic biology in drug discovery than in the design of protein biologics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dani Setiawan
- a Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
| | - Jeffrey Brender
- b Radiation Biology Branch , Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute - NIH , Bethesda , MD , USA
| | - Yang Zhang
- a Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA.,c Department of Biological Chemistry , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
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Jung K, Ha JH, Kim JE, Kim JA, Kim YJ, Kim CH, Kim YS. Heterodimeric Fc-fused IL12 shows potent antitumor activity by generating memory CD8 + T cells. Oncoimmunology 2018; 7:e1438800. [PMID: 29900039 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2018.1438800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-12 (IL12) (p35/p40 complex) is a heterodimeric cytokine with potent anti-tumor activity. However, its short serum half-life and high dose-related toxicities limit its clinical efficacy. Here, we constructed heterodimeric immunoglobulin Fc-fused mouse IL12 (mIL12) in a monovalent binding format (mono-mIL12-Fc) to generate long-acting mIL12 in the naturally occurring heterodimeric form. Mono-mIL12-Fc exhibited a much longer plasma half-life than recombinant mIL12, enabling twice-weekly systemic injections to remove established tumors in syngeneic mouse models. Mono-mIL12-Fc was more potent than wild-type Fc-based bivalent-binding IL12-Fc (bi-mIL12-Fc) for eradicating large established immunogenic tumors without noticeable toxicities by enhancing interferon-γ production and the proliferation of immune effector cells in tumors. More importantly, mono-mIL12-Fc triggered weaker IL12 signaling than bi-mIL12-Fc, favoring the generation of functional and protective memory CD8+ T cells. Our results demonstrate that heterodimeric-Fc-fused IL12 is a suitable format for augmenting adaptive CD8+ T cell immune responses, providing a practical alternative to the systemic administration of IL12 for antitumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keunok Jung
- Priority Research Center for Molecular Science & Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hee Ha
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Eun Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Ah Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ye-Jin Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Chul-Ho Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Otolaryngology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Sung Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
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Brinkmann U, Kontermann RE. The making of bispecific antibodies. MAbs 2017; 9:182-212. [PMID: 28071970 PMCID: PMC5297537 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2016.1268307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 584] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Revised: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During the past two decades we have seen a phenomenal evolution of bispecific antibodies for therapeutic applications. The 'zoo' of bispecific antibodies is populated by many different species, comprising around 100 different formats, including small molecules composed solely of the antigen-binding sites of two antibodies, molecules with an IgG structure, and large complex molecules composed of different antigen-binding moieties often combined with dimerization modules. The application of sophisticated molecular design and genetic engineering has solved many of the technical problems associated with the formation of bispecific antibodies such as stability, solubility and other parameters that confer drug properties. These parameters may be summarized under the term 'developability'. In addition, different 'target product profiles', i.e., desired features of the bispecific antibody to be generated, mandates the need for access to a diverse panel of formats. These may vary in size, arrangement, valencies, flexibility and geometry of their binding modules, as well as in their distribution and pharmacokinetic properties. There is not 'one best format' for generating bispecific antibodies, and no single format is suitable for all, or even most of, the desired applications. Instead, the bispecific formats collectively serve as a valuable source of diversity that can be applied to the development of therapeutics for various indications. Here, a comprehensive overview of the different bispecific antibody formats is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Brinkmann
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Munich, Im Nonnenwald, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Roland E. Kontermann
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring, Stuttgart, Germany
- Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology, University of Stuttgart, Nobelstraße, Stuttgart, Germany
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13
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Seo WY, Kim JH, Baek DS, Kim SJ, Kang S, Yang WS, Song JA, Lee MS, Kim S, Kim YS. Production of recombinant human procollagen type I C-terminal propeptide and establishment of a sandwich ELISA for quantification. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15946. [PMID: 29162919 PMCID: PMC5698462 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-16290-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Procollagen type I carboxy-terminal propeptide (PICP), derived from type I procollagen, has been identified as an indicator of type I collagen synthesis in bone matrix formation and skin recovery. PICP is a heterotrimeric glycoprotein consisting of two α1 chains (PICPα1) and one α2 chain (PICPα2). Here, we report the recombinant expression of human PICP using a mammalian expression system. Co-expression of PICPα1 and PICPα2 in HEK293F cells resulted in the production of functional PICP in the correctly assembled heterotrimeric form. Using the recombinant PICP as an antigen, we isolated PICP-specific human monoclonal antibodies from phage-displayed antibody libraries and raised rabbit polyclonal antibodies. Using those antibodies, we then developed a sandwich ELISA for PICP with a limit of detection of 1 ng/mL and a measurable range of 1-640 ng/mL. Both intra- and inter-assay imprecision values were <10%. For measuring PICP levels in human fibroblast cellular extracts and culture supernatants and a human serum, the developed ELISA kit displayed comparable performance to that of a commercialized kit. Our results provide an efficient production strategy for recombinant PICP, facilitating the generation of PICP-specific antibodies and development of PICP sandwich ELISA, with potential use in clinical diagnosis of serum samples and testing of cosmeceutical ingredients in fibroblast cell cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo-Young Seo
- Medicinal Bioconvergence Research Center, Seoul National University, Suwon, 16229, Korea
| | - Jeong-Ho Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, 16499, Korea
| | - Du-San Baek
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, 16499, Korea
| | - Su-Jung Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, 16499, Korea
| | - Sujin Kang
- Medicinal Bioconvergence Research Center, Seoul National University, Suwon, 16229, Korea
| | - Won Suk Yang
- Medicinal Bioconvergence Research Center, Seoul National University, Suwon, 16229, Korea
| | - Ji-Ae Song
- Medicinal Bioconvergence Research Center, Seoul National University, Suwon, 16229, Korea
| | - Moo-Seung Lee
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, 34141, Korea
| | - Sunghoon Kim
- Medicinal Bioconvergence Research Center, Seoul National University, Suwon, 16229, Korea.
| | - Yong-Sung Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, 16499, Korea.
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Shin SM, Choi DK, Jung K, Bae J, Kim JS, Park SW, Song KH, Kim YS. Antibody targeting intracellular oncogenic Ras mutants exerts anti-tumour effects after systemic administration. Nat Commun 2017; 8:15090. [PMID: 28489072 PMCID: PMC5436137 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic Ras mutants, frequently detected in human cancers, are high-priority anticancer drug targets. However, direct inhibition of oncogenic Ras mutants with small molecules has been extremely challenging. Here we report the development of a human IgG1 format antibody, RT11, which internalizes into the cytosol of living cells and selectively binds to the activated GTP-bound form of various oncogenic Ras mutants to block the interactions with effector proteins, thereby suppressing downstream signalling and exerting anti-proliferative effects in a variety of tumour cells harbouring oncogenic Ras mutants. When systemically administered, an RT11 variant with an additional tumour-associated integrin binding moiety for tumour tissue targeting significantly inhibits the in vivo growth of oncogenic Ras-mutated tumour xenografts in mice, but not wild-type Ras-harbouring tumours. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of developing therapeutic antibodies for direct targeting of cytosolic proteins that are inaccessible using current antibody technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Min Shin
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Ki Choi
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Keunok Jung
- Priority Research Center for Molecular Science &Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeomil Bae
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Sun Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Wook Park
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Hoon Song
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Sung Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
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Liu H, Saxena A, Sidhu SS, Wu D. Fc Engineering for Developing Therapeutic Bispecific Antibodies and Novel Scaffolds. Front Immunol 2017; 8:38. [PMID: 28184223 PMCID: PMC5266686 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies have become molecules of choice to treat autoimmune disorders, inflammatory diseases, and cancer. Moreover, bispecific/multispecific antibodies that target more than one antigen or epitope on a target cell or recruit effector cells (T cell, natural killer cell, or macrophage cell) toward target cells have shown great potential to maximize the benefits of antibody therapy. In the past decade, many novel concepts to generate bispecific and multispecific antibodies have evolved successfully into a range of formats from full bispecific immunoglobulin gammas to antibody fragments. Impressively, antibody fragments such as bispecific T-cell engager, bispecific killer cell engager, trispecific killer cell engager, tandem diabody, and dual-affinity-retargeting are showing exciting results in terms of recruiting and activating self-immune effector cells to target and lyse tumor cells. Promisingly, crystallizable fragment (Fc) antigen-binding fragment and monomeric antibody or half antibody may be particularly advantageous to target solid tumors owing to their small size and thus good tissue penetration potential while, on the other hand, keeping Fc-related effector functions such as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, complement-dependent cytotoxicity, antibody-dependent cell-mediated phagocytosis, and extended serum half-life via interaction with neonatal Fc receptor. This review, therefore, focuses on the progress of Fc engineering in generating bispecific molecules and on the use of small antibody fragment as scaffolds for therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Liu
- Laboratory of Antibody Engineering, Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University , Shanghai , China
| | - Abhishek Saxena
- Laboratory of Antibody Engineering, Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University , Shanghai , China
| | - Sachdev S Sidhu
- Laboratory of Antibody Engineering, Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China; Banting and Best Department of Medical Research, Terrence Donnelly Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, Terrence Donnelly Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Donghui Wu
- Laboratory of Antibody Engineering, Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University , Shanghai , China
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Ha JH, Kim JE, Kim YS. Immunoglobulin Fc Heterodimer Platform Technology: From Design to Applications in Therapeutic Antibodies and Proteins. Front Immunol 2016; 7:394. [PMID: 27766096 PMCID: PMC5052280 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The monospecific and bivalent characteristics of naturally occurring immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies depend on homodimerization of the fragment crystallizable (Fc) regions of two identical heavy chains (HCs) and the subsequent assembly of two identical light chains (LCs) via disulfide linkages between each HC and LC. Immunoglobulin Fc heterodimers have been engineered through modifications to the CH3 domain interface, with different mutations on each domain such that the engineered Fc fragments, carrying the CH3 variant pair, preferentially form heterodimers rather than homodimers. Many research groups have adopted different strategies to generate Fc heterodimers, with the goal of high heterodimerization yield, while retaining biophysical and biological properties of the wild-type Fc. Based on their ability to enforce heterodimerization between the two different HCs, the established Fc heterodimers have been extensively exploited as a scaffold to generate bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) in full-length IgG and IgG-like formats. These have many of the favorable properties of natural IgG antibodies, such as high stability, long serum half-life, low immunogenicity, and immune effector functions. As of July 2016, more than seven heterodimeric Fc-based IgG-format bsAbs are being evaluated in clinical trials. In addition to bsAbs, heterodimeric Fc technology is very promising for the generation of Fc-fused proteins and peptides, as well as cytokines (immunocytokines), which can present the fusion partners in the natural monomeric or heterodimeric form rather than the artificial homodimeric form with wild-type Fc. Here, we present relevant concepts and strategies for the generation of heterodimeric Fc proteins, and their application in the development of bsAbs in diverse formats for optimal biological activity. In addition, we describe wild-type Fc-fused monomeric and heterodimeric proteins, along with the difficulties associated with their preparations, and discuss the use of heterodimeric Fc as an alternative scaffold of wild-type Fc for naturally monomeric or heterodimeric proteins, to create Fc-fusion proteins with novel therapeutic modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hee Ha
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University , Suwon , Korea
| | - Jung-Eun Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University , Suwon , Korea
| | - Yong-Sung Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Korea; Department of Applied Chemistry and Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, Ajou University, Suwon, Korea
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