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Keating SM, Higgins BW. New technologies in therapeutic antibody development: The next frontier for treating infectious diseases. Antiviral Res 2024; 227:105902. [PMID: 38734210 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105902] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Adaptive immunity to viral infections requires time to neutralize and clear viruses to resolve infection. Fast growing and pathogenic viruses are quickly established, are highly transmissible and cause significant disease burden making it difficult to mount effective responses, thereby prolonging infection. Antibody-based passive immunotherapies can provide initial protection during acute infection, assist in mounting an adaptive immune response, or provide protection for those who are immune suppressed or immune deficient. Historically, plasma-derived antibodies have demonstrated some success in treating diseases caused by viral pathogens; nonetheless, limitations in access to product and antibody titer reduce success of this treatment modality. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have proven an effective alternative, as it is possible to manufacture highly potent and specific mAbs against viral targets on an industrial scale. As a result, innovative technologies to discover, engineer and manufacture specific and potent antibodies have become an essential part of the first line of treatment in pathogenic viral infections. However, a mAb targeting a specific epitope will allow escape variants to outgrow, causing new variant strains to become dominant and resistant to treatment with that mAb. Methods to mitigate escape have included combining mAbs into cocktails, creating bi-specific or antibody drug conjugates but these strategies have also been challenged by the potential development of escape mutations. New technologies in developing antibodies made as recombinant polyclonal drugs can integrate the strength of poly-specific antibody responses to prevent mutational escape, while also incorporating antibody engineering to prevent antibody dependent enhancement and direct adaptive immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila M Keating
- GigaGen, Inc. (A Grifols Company), 75 Shoreway Road, San Carlos, CA, 94070, USA.
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2
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Moquist PN, Zhang X, Leiske CI, Eng-Duncan NML, Zeng W, Bindman NA, Wo SW, Wong A, Henderson CM, Crowder K, Lyon R, Doronina SO, Senter PD, Neff-LaFord HD, Sussman D, Gardai SJ, Levengood MR. Reversible Chemical Modification of Antibody Effector Function Mitigates Unwanted Systemic Immune Activation. Bioconjug Chem 2024; 35:855-866. [PMID: 38789102 PMCID: PMC11191404 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.4c00212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Antibody effector functions including antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and phagocytosis (ADCP) are mediated through the interaction of the antibody Fc region with Fcγ receptors present on immune cells. Several approaches have been used to modulate antibody Fc-Fcγ interactions with the goal of driving an effective antitumor immune response, including Fc point mutations and glycan modifications. However, robust antibody-Fcγ engagement and immune cell binding of Fc-enhanced antibodies in the periphery can lead to the unwanted induction of systemic cytokine release and other dose-limiting infusion-related reactions. Creating a balance between effective engagement of Fcγ receptors that can induce antitumor activity without incurring systemic immune activation is an ongoing challenge in the field of antibody and immuno-oncology therapeutics. Herein, we describe a method for the reversible chemical modulation of antibody-Fcγ interactions using simple poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) linkers conjugated to antibody interchain disulfides with maleimide attachments. This method enables dosing of a therapeutic with muted Fcγ engagement that is restored in vivo in a time-dependent manner. The technology was applied to an effector function enhanced agonist CD40 antibody, SEA-CD40, and experiments demonstrate significant reductions in Fc-induced immune activation in vitro and in mice and nonhuman primates despite showing retained efficacy and improved pharmacokinetics compared to the parent antibody. We foresee that this simple, modular system can be rapidly applied to antibodies that suffer from systemic immune activation due to peripheral FcγR binding immediately upon infusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip N. Moquist
- ADC
Chemistry, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United states
| | - Xinqun Zhang
- ADC
Antibody Engineering, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Chris I. Leiske
- ADC
Antibody Engineering, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | | | - Weiping Zeng
- ADC
In Vivo Pharmacology, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Noah A. Bindman
- ADC
Antibody Engineering, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Serena W. Wo
- ADC
Antibody Engineering, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Abbie Wong
- ADC
Translational Sciences, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Clark M. Henderson
- ADC
Translational Sciences, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Karalyne Crowder
- Non-Clinical
Sciences, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Robert Lyon
- ADC
Antibody Engineering, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Svetlana O. Doronina
- ADC
Chemistry, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United states
| | - Peter D. Senter
- ADC
Chemistry, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United states
| | - Haley D. Neff-LaFord
- Non-Clinical
Sciences, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Django Sussman
- ADC
Antibody Engineering, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Shyra J. Gardai
- Immunology, Pfizer,
Inc., 21823 30th Dr.
SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Matthew R. Levengood
- ADC
Antibody Engineering, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
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Swart IC, Van Gelder W, De Haan CAM, Bosch BJ, Oliveira S. Next generation single-domain antibodies against respiratory zoonotic RNA viruses. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1389548. [PMID: 38784667 PMCID: PMC11111979 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1389548] [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: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The global impact of zoonotic viral outbreaks underscores the pressing need for innovative antiviral strategies, particularly against respiratory zoonotic RNA viruses. These viruses possess a high potential to trigger future epidemics and pandemics due to their high mutation rate, broad host range and efficient spread through airborne transmission. Recent pandemics caused by coronaviruses and influenza A viruses underscore the importance of developing targeted antiviral strategies. Single-domain antibodies (sdAbs), originating from camelids, also known as nanobodies or VHHs (Variable Heavy domain of Heavy chain antibodies), have emerged as promising tools to combat current and impending zoonotic viral threats. Their unique structure, coupled with attributes like robustness, compact size, and cost-effectiveness, positions them as strong alternatives to traditional monoclonal antibodies. This review describes the pivotal role of sdAbs in combating respiratory zoonotic viruses, with a primary focus on enhancing sdAb antiviral potency through optimization techniques and diverse administration strategies. We discuss both the promises and challenges within this dynamically growing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris C. Swart
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Virology Section, Infectious Diseases and Immunology Division, Department Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Willem Van Gelder
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Cornelis A. M. De Haan
- Virology Section, Infectious Diseases and Immunology Division, Department Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Berend-Jan Bosch
- Virology Section, Infectious Diseases and Immunology Division, Department Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Sabrina Oliveira
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Pharmaceutics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Fallahee I, Hawiger D. Episomal Vectors for Stable Production of Recombinant Proteins and Engineered Antibodies. Antibodies (Basel) 2024; 13:18. [PMID: 38534208 PMCID: PMC10967652 DOI: 10.3390/antib13010018] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
There is tremendous interest in the production of recombinant proteins, particularly bispecific antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates for research and therapeutic use. Here, we demonstrate a highly versatile plasmid system that allows the rapid generation of stable Expi293 cell pools by episomal retention of transfected DNA. By linking protein expression to puromycin resistance through an attenuated internal ribosome entry site, we achieve stable cell pools producing proteins of interest. In addition, split intein-split puromycin-mediated selection of two separate protein expression cassettes allows the stable production of bispecific antibody-like molecules or antibodies with distinct C-terminal heavy chain modifications, such as an antigen on one chain and a sortase tag on the other chain. We also use this novel expression system to generate stable Expi293 cell pools that secrete sortase A Δ59 variant Srt4M. Using these reagents, we prepared a site-specific drug-to-antibody ratio of 1 antibody-siRNA conjugate. We anticipate the simple, robust, and rapid stable protein expression systems described here being useful for a wide variety of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Hawiger
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
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Vitiello A, Sabbatucci M, Ponzo A, Salzano A, Zovi A. A Short Update on the Use of Monoclonal Antibodies in COVID-19. AAPS J 2024; 26:30. [PMID: 38443725 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-024-00904-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies in the prophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19 have been crucial in reducing severe infections when vaccines were unavailable. However, as the virus and its variants have changed over time, the effectiveness of monoclonal antibodies has been questioned. This technical note highlights the need to assess the antiviral activity of these antibodies against new variants and adapt treatment strategies accordingly. On the one hand, in vitro studies have suggested reduced susceptibility of the latest variants to monoclonal antibodies, whereas clinical data still show benefits in reducing severe illness and mortality, indicating that laboratory results do not always mirror real-world outcomes. As a result, although resistance to monoclonal antibodies can develop over time, they could still have an important role in COVID-19 treatment, especially when used in combination, and ongoing research aims to identify effective antibodies against new variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Vitiello
- Directorate General for Health Prevention, Italian Ministry of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Sabbatucci
- Department Infectious Diseases, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Annarita Ponzo
- Biology Department L. Spallanzani, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonio Salzano
- Directorate General for Health Prevention, Italian Ministry of Health, Rome, Italy
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Damelang T, Brinkhaus M, van Osch TLJ, Schuurman J, Labrijn AF, Rispens T, Vidarsson G. Impact of structural modifications of IgG antibodies on effector functions. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1304365. [PMID: 38259472 PMCID: PMC10800522 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1304365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies are a critical component of the adaptive immune system, binding to and neutralizing pathogens and other foreign substances. Recent advances in molecular antibody biology and structural protein engineering enabled the modification of IgG antibodies to enhance their therapeutic potential. This review summarizes recent progress in both natural and engineered structural modifications of IgG antibodies, including allotypic variation, glycosylation, Fc engineering, and Fc gamma receptor binding optimization. We discuss the functional consequences of these modifications to highlight their potential for therapeutical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timon Damelang
- Sanquin Research, Department of Experimental Immunohematology and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Sanquin Research, Department of Immunopathology, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Antibody Research & Technologies’, Genmab, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Maximilian Brinkhaus
- Sanquin Research, Department of Experimental Immunohematology and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Thijs L. J. van Osch
- Sanquin Research, Department of Experimental Immunohematology and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Janine Schuurman
- Department of Antibody Research & Technologies’, Genmab, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Aran F. Labrijn
- Department of Antibody Research & Technologies’, Genmab, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Theo Rispens
- Sanquin Research, Department of Immunopathology, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Gestur Vidarsson
- Sanquin Research, Department of Experimental Immunohematology and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Fallahee I, Hawiger D. EPISOMAL VECTORS FOR STABLE PRODUCTION OF RECOMBINANT PROTEINS AND ENGINEERED ANTIBODIES. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.03.574076. [PMID: 38260603 PMCID: PMC10802304 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.03.574076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
There is tremendous interest in the production of recombinant proteins, particularly bispecific antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates for research and therapeutic use. Here, we demonstrate a highly versatile plasmid system that allows rapid generation of stable Expi293 cell pools by episomal retention of transfected DNA. By linking protein expression to puromycin resistance though an attenuated internal ribosome entry site, we achieve stable cell pools producing proteins of interest. In addition, split intein-split puromycin-mediated selection of two separate protein expression cassettes allows the stable production of bispecific antibody-like molecules or antibodies with distinct C-terminal heavy chain modifications, such as an antigen on one chain and a sortase tag on the other chain. We also use this novel expression system to generate stable Expi293 cell pools that secrete sortase A Δ59 variant Srt4M. Using these reagents, we prepared a site-specific drug-to-antibody ratio of 1 antibody-siRNA conjugate. We anticipate the simple, robust, and rapid stable protein expression systems described here being useful for a wide variety of applications.
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Singh R, Chandley P, Rohatgi S. Recent Advances in the Development of Monoclonal Antibodies and Next-Generation Antibodies. Immunohorizons 2023; 7:886-897. [PMID: 38149884 PMCID: PMC10759153 DOI: 10.4049/immunohorizons.2300102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
mAbs are highly indispensable tools for diagnostic, prophylactic, and therapeutic applications. The first technique, hybridoma technology, was based on fusion of B lymphocytes with myeloma cells, which resulted in generation of single mAbs against a specific Ag. Along with hybridoma technology, several novel and alternative methods have been developed to improve mAb generation, ranging from electrofusion to the discovery of completely novel technologies such as B cell immortalization; phage, yeast, bacterial, ribosome, and mammalian display systems; DNA/RNA encoded Abs; single B cell technology; transgenic animals; and artificial intelligence/machine learning. This commentary outlines the evolution, methodology, advantages, and limitations of various mAb production techniques. Furthermore, with the advent of next-generation Ab technologies such as single-chain variable fragments, nanobodies, bispecific Abs, Fc-engineered Abs, Ab biosimilars, Ab mimetics, and Ab-drug conjugates, the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors have become resourceful to develop highly specific mAb treatments against various diseases such as cancer and autoimmune and infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Singh
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Pankaj Chandley
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Soma Rohatgi
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India
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