Anforderung an ein IGIV der 4. Generation

Octagam ist ein hochgereinigtes, mittels Solvent-Detergent-Behandlung und niedriger pH-Exposition doppelt virusinaktiviertes intravenöses Immunglobulin-präparat. Die Virusvalidierung des Herstellungsprozesses ergab als Gesamtre-duktionsfaktorfür lipidumhüllte Viren wie HIV-1 > 20,13 log, Sindbis > 23,10 log, Pseudorabies > 21,61 log, für nichtumhüllte Viren wie Coxsackie-B6 > 10,4 log, SV40 > 6,66 log, Polio-1 > 8,94 log. Bei der Herstellung werden optimale Bedingungen eingehalten, so daß die physiologischen Funktionen des IgG erhalten bleiben.

Detection of aggregate formation during production of human immunoglobulin G by means of light scattering

In human immunoglobulin preparations with a concentration of 50 mg/ml aggregate formation below 0.3% is difficult to quantify. Such small traces may later be responsible for reduced stability and therefore this generation during the process must be prevented. The influence of process conditions on the conformational changes and subsequent aggregation of immunoglobulins were assessed by size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), UV and static light scattering (LS) detection. This work focused on pH-adjustment experiments since several pH adjustments are required during the production of intravenous immunoglobulin G. Experiments in a labscale were made varying process conditions in a narrow range. It was possible to detect differences concerning the formation of aggregates dependent on these small variations of process conditions.

Analysis of aggregates of human immunoglobulin G using size-exclusion chromatography, static and dynamic light scattering

Large aggregates (Mr: 10(6)-10(7) g/mol) of human immunoglobulins are present in extremely small concentrations in IgG preparations (<0.1%). Traces of large protein aggregates cannot be determined by conventional size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) using UV detection due to limitations in sensitivity. The conventional analysis of IgG by SEC is limited to dimers and oligomers. Using light scattering it is possible to determine significant differences concerning the aggregate composition and the extent of protein aggregation in samples of different process steps. Two different pilot preparations were analyzed by SEC with UV and static light scattering detection and compared to dynamic light scattering in the batch mode. The change of large aggregates could be monitored and data were corroborated by dynamic light scattering.

Application of semi-industrial monolithic columns for downstream processing of clotting factor IX

It has been shown in a previous study that monolithic columns can be used for downstream processing of different concentrates of clotting factor IX [K. Branović et al., J. Chromatogr. A 903 (2000) 21]. This paper demonstrates that such supports are useful tools also at an early stage of the purification process of factor IX from human plasma. Starting with the eluate after solid-phase extraction with DEAE-Sephadex, the use of monolithic columns has allowed much better purification than that achieved with conventional anion-exchange supports. The period of time required for separation is also much reduced. In up-scaling experiments, separations are carried out with 8, 80 and 500 ml columns. A volume of 1830 ml of DEAE-Sephadex eluate, containing a total of 27.6 g of protein and 48500 IU of factor IX is applied to the 500 ml monolithic column. This corresponds to a separation on a pilot scale. The results of this separation after up-scaling are comparable to those obtained with the 8 ml column on a laboratory scale.

Very fast analysis of impurities in immunoglobulin concentrates using conjoint liquid chromatography on short monolithic disks

Transferrin and albumin are often present in immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrates and are considered as impurities. Therefore, it is important to determine their concentration in order to obtain a well-characterized biological product. Here, we describe their determination based on conjoint liquid chromatography (CLC). The established method combines two different chromatographic modes in one step: affinity and ion-exchange chromatography (IEC) combined in one column. Therefore, two CIM Protein G and one CIM quaternary amine (QA) monolithic disks were placed in series in one housing forming a CLC monolithic column. Binding conditions were optimized in a way that immunoglobulins were captured on the CIM Protein G disks, while transferrin and albumin were bound on the CIM QA disks. Subsequently, transferrin and albumin were eluted separately by a stepwise gradient with sodium chloride, whereas immunoglobulins were released from the Protein G ligands by applying low pH. A complete separation of all three proteins was achieved in less than 5 min. The method permits the quantification of albumin and transferrin in IgG concentrates and has been successfully validated.

Application of monoliths as supports for affinity chromatography and fast enzymatic conversion

Monoliths are useful chromatographic supports, as their structure allows improved mass transport. This results in fast separation. Once the ligand of interest has been immobilized, chromatographic separation can also be accomplished in affinity mode. Ligands with low molecular mass have been shown to be the easiest to immobilize. Nowadays, ligands with low molecular mass are often designed by combinatorial chemical techniques. In addition, many applications have been described where ligands with high molecular mass, such as Proteins A and G, antibodies, lectins and receptors are used. The immobilization of an enzyme on the monolithic support creates a flow-through reactor. Small proteins, such as carbonic anhydrase, can be directly immobilized on the support. However, in the case of large molecules, the active center of the enzyme is no longer accessible at all or only to a limited degree. An improvement can be achieved by introducing a spacer, which allows maximum enzymatic conversion. Fast conversion of substrates with high molecular mass has been investigated with immobilized trypsin. It was shown that in case of high-molecular-mass substrates, the conversion rate depends very much on the flow-rate. Most applications described have been performed on an analytical or semi-preparative scale. However, the technical problems of up-scaling are close to being definitely solved, enabling enzymatic conversion on a preparative scale in the future.

Improved performance of protein separation by continuous annular chromatography in the size-exclusion mode

In size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), proteins and peptides are separated according to their molecular size in solution. SEC is especially useful as an effective fractionation step to separate a vast amount of impurities from the components of interest and/or as final step for the separation of purified proteins from their aggregates, in a so-called polishing step. However, the throughput in SEC is low compared to other chromatographic processes as good resolution can be achieved only with a limited feed volume (i.e., maximal approximately 5% of the column volume can be loaded). This limitation opposed widespread application of conventional SEC in industry despite its excellent separation potential. Therefore a continuous separation process (namely preparative continuous annular chromatography) was developed and compared to a conventional SEC system both using Superdex 200 prep grade as sorbent. An immunoglobulin G sample with a high content of aggregates was chosen as a model protein solution. The influence of the feed flow-rate, eluent flow-rate and rotation rate on the separation efficiency was investigated. The height equivalent to a theoretical plate was lower for preparative continuous annular chromatography which could be explained by reduced extra column band broadening. The packing quality was proved to be identical for both systems. The productivity of conventional batch SEC was lower compared to continuous SEC, consequently buffer consumption was higher in batch mode.

Characterization of clotting factor IX in plasma-derived preparations by electrophoretic techniques

Clotting factor IX preparations from human plasma (pdFIX) have been characterized using electrophoretic methods like sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing and two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Factor IX prior to and after activation with factor XIa was separated by one- and two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and on isoelectric focusing gels. The main differences between the band patterns of the two pdFIX preparations are due to their purity. Vitronectin was identified by immunological techniques as major accompanying plasma protein, separated from factor IX and characterized by isoelectric focusing and two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

Vitronectin in clotting factor IX concentrates

Highly purified, plasma-derived factor IX (FIX) concentrates are produced in large part by a combination of anion exchange and heparin affinity chromatography. However, the concentrates still contain some accompanying proteins. The main impurity has turned out to be the adhesive glycoprotein, vitronectin. It occurs in concentrates exclusively in its multimeric form, in contrast to the situation in plasma. The multimeric vitronectin can be removed either by nanofiltration with a crossflow system or by size-exclusion chromatography. When these FIX concentrates are used as therapeutic agents, the fact has to be taken into account that considerable amounts of multimeric vitronectin are given to the patient. The physiological consequences of the dosage of this protein have not yet been investigated. Although no thrombogenicity has been reported in connection with the above-mentioned FIX concentrates, we recommend that the impurity should be removed from the preparation with the methods described here.

Monoliths as stationary phases for separation of proteins and polynucleotides and enzymatic conversion

Monoliths are considered as a novel generation of stationary phases. They were applied for capillary electrochromatography and liquid chromatography exploiting every action principle such as ion-exchange, affinity recognition, reversed-phase, and hydrophobic interaction. The fast separation was explained by convective transport of the solutes through the bed. The contribution of this mode of transport is similarly explained as done for the beds packed with particles with gigapores. For monolithic beds, the concept of an ultrashort bed was frequently used. This mode of operation allows very short separation time. In many cases a gradient elution is necessary to achieve separation. Examples of applications for protein and polynucleotide separation performed on monoliths are given. Enzymatic conversion was described showing the examples of several immobilzed enzymes.

Continuous removal of protein aggregates by annular chromatography

The removal of polymeric proteins from their monomers is a frequently encountered separation task, especially in the polishing step of therapeutic proteins. Continuous separation of protein polymers from monomers by annular chromatography using size exclusion chromatography has been studied regarding the resolution, recovery, fouling, and productivity and has been compared to conventional chromatography. An IgG preparation rich in aggregates was used as a model protein mixture. Under conditions that maximized the throughput, the polymers could be separated from the monomers, but baseline separation could not be achieved. Baseline separation was also not possible in batch mode using equivalent conditions, which was also confirmed by computer simulation. For separation of the aggregates from the product the entire available separation space (360 degrees ) was indispensable. Therefore only cyclic, discontinuous regeneration could be carried out. Loading was identified as a critical step, since the concentrated protein solution evaded into the headspace instead of migrating into the gel where viscous fingering often occurs in conventional chromatography. The productivity of annular chromatography was two times higher than that of the conventional batch chromatography, and the buffer consumption was reduced to half the conventional value. These two benefits are especially important for protein separation processes that suffer from low loadability, such as size exclusion chromatography. We have demonstrated that size exclusion can be performed on an industrial scale when it is run continuously with the aid of a pressurized annular chromatograph.

Manufacturing of a prothrombin complex concentrate aiming at low thrombogenicity

The paper describes the production of a prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) with high virus safety and a well-balanced content of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors and inhibitors. Solid-phase extraction is followed in a second step by optimized anion exchange chromatography using a radial column. A step for virus removal by nanofiltration is introduced in addition to the solvent/detergent step. By speeding up the chromatographic step, the period of time required for production is reduced considerably. The activities of the four vitamin K-dependent clotting factors II, VII, IX and X are in ratios of about 1:1:1:1. Protein C, Protein S, and Protein Z are also present in therapeutically effective concentrations. The product shows no thrombogenicity, in either in vivo nor in vitro models. Clinical investigations show that the PCC is a safe and efficient preparation for the substitutive treatment of FIX or FVII in patients suffering from the respective deficiencies. All bleeding episodes have been efficiently controlled with relatively low doses of the concentrate. The surgical procedures have been conducted without any problems in severely FIX and FVIII deficient patients.

Application of monoliths for downstream processing of clotting factor IX

In this paper, the application of monolithic columns for downstream processing of different clotting factor IX concentrates is shown. Determination of basic chromatographic conditions as well as investigations on the regeneration of disk- and tube-shaped monolithic columns using human serum albumin as a model protein, were performed. Separation of factor IX and vitronectin, a possible impurity in commercial factor IX concentrates was accomplished using disk-shaped monolithic columns. These same applications were also carried out with identical results on up-scaled tube-shaped monolithic columns. Since these media allow very fast separations, this method can be successfully applied not only to an in-process control of the purification of factor IX but also to other biopolymers from human plasma. Besides, the same application on the up-scaled tube-shaped monolithic column was successfully carried out.

Degradation products of factor VIII which can lead to increased immunogenicity

The biochemical and immunochemical aspects of the development of inhibitors with a plasma-derived, double-virus inactivated factor VIII (FVIII) concentrate (marketed as Octavi SDPlus in Germany and Bisinact in Belgium) are described. A total of 12 cases of inhibitor formation (predominantly type II) were reported in Germany, 8 in Belgium but none in Portugal. Initially, the only difference between the non-pasteurised, SD virus-inactivated product Octavi and the pasteurised product Octavi SDPlus appeared to be pasteurisation, though subsequently, the quality of source material for the product was found to differ in different countries. Separation studies revealed the presence of a 40 kDa peptide fragment in some batches. It was subsequently shown that there was a strong correlation between inhibitor development and batches containing the 40 kDa marker, and a relationship between elevated markers of coagulation activation (FPA in particular) and the occurrence of the 40 kDa marker. Further work revealed that analytical methods commonly used for quality control were not suitable to highlight batch-to-batch differences. It was concluded that inhibitor potential (neoantigenicity) in Octavi SDPlus arose due to two effects; degradation of FVIII already present in source material; and heating of unstable FVIII degradation products. In this case, inhibitors were not caused by the overall production process, nor by GMP failures. The problem of inhibitor potential can be avoided if appropriate preventive measures are taken. Further work is needed to prove non-neoantigenicity and to reinforce the scientific findings, and to characterise pilot batches.

High-performance capillary electrophoresis for in-process control in the production of antithrombin III and human clotting factor IX

Antithrombin III (ATIII) and factor IX (FIX), two proteins from the clotting cascade, were investigated in parallel experiments, using capillary gel electrophoresis and capillary isoelectric focusing. The results from these experiments were compared with the results obtained from sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and slab gel isoelectric focusing. In the case of ATIII, capillary gel sieving showed comparable results to SDS-PAGE with the added advantage of the shorter time required for analysis. By optimizing capillary isoelectric focusing (cIEF), a separation of the ATIII isoforms was achieved. In the case of FIX, capillary gel electrophoresis (SDS-CE) of a FIX preparation gave similar results to those obtained by size-exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography and SDS-PAGE, but turned out to be less sensitive in detecting protein impurities at low concentrations. The microheterogeneity of this protein was shown by using cIEF.

Restricted antigenic variability of the epitope recognized by the neutralizing gp41 antibody 2F5

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether variations of the conserved gp41 amino-acid sequence ELDKWA affect its binding or neutralization by monoclonal antibody (MAb) 2F5.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Neutralization assays were performed with primary isolates from different HIV-1 subtypes and the sequences corresponding to the 2F5 epitope region were analysed. Studies of MAb 2F5 peptide reactivity were performed by spot analysis, using peptides immobilized on cellulose. The frequency of emergence of neutralization-resistant virus variants was determined by immune selection experiments in the presence of MAb 2F5.

RESULTS

Primary isolates from clades A, B and E were neutralized by MAb 2F5. Neutralization sensitivity correlated with the presence of the LDKW motif. A K-to-N change in the core sequence was identified in a neutralization-resistant patient isolate. Neutralization resistant virus variants that were selected in the presence of MAb 2F5 were found to contain D-to-N, D-to-E, or K-to-N changes within the LDKW sequence. Neither in natural isolates nor in variants obtained under immune selection conditions in the laboratory were changes in the L and W positions observed. Studies of MAb 2F5 binding to variations of the ELDKWA peptide confirmed that the changes at the first and last positions did not significantly reduce binding capacity, whereas amino-acid changes from D to N, D to E, and K to N almost completely abrogated binding of MAb 2F5.

CONCLUSION

Sequence analysis of a variety of primary isolates suggests that the major determinant of MAb 2F5 binding corresponds to the amino-acid sequence LDKW. Naturally occurring and in vitro selected neutralization-resistant viruses contained changes in the D and K positions of the ELDKWA motif.

Human monoclonal antibody 2G12 defines a distinctive neutralization epitope on the gp120 glycoprotein of human immunodeficiency virus type 1

We have isolated and characterized human monoclonal antibody 2G12 to the gp120 surface glycoprotein of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). This antibody potently and broadly neutralizes primary and T-cell line-adapted clade B strains of HIV-1 in a peripheral blood mononuclear cell-based assay and inhibits syncytium formation in the AA-2 cell line. Furthermore, 2G12 possesses neutralizing activity against strains from clade A but not from clade E. Complement- and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity-activating functions of 2G12 were also defined. The gp120 epitope recognized by 2G12 was found to be distinctive; binding of 2G12 to LAI recombinant gp120 was abolished by amino acid substitutions removing N-linked carbohydrates in the C2, C3, V4, and C4 regions of gp120. This gp120 mutant recognition pattern has not previously been observed, indicating that the 2G12 epitope is unusual. consistent with this, antibodies able to block 2G12 binding to recombinant gp120 were not detected in significant quantities in 16 HIV-positive human serum samples.

DNA clearance in chromatography of proteins, exemplified by affinity chromatography

Complications of DNA clearance in protein chromatography using the conventional methodology of spiking experiments are reported. Protein A affinity chromatography demonstrated this complications in a small scale experiment. A concentrated hybridoma culture supernatant was spiked with DNA extracted from hybridoma cells fed with [3H]thymidine. Protein A affinity chromatography was subsequently carried out. The column effluent was collected in fractions, and each fraction was analyzed for radioactivity and IgG levels. A substantial amount of DNA was eluted before the main IgG peak. Frequently a small peak is observed in front of the main peak in protein chromatography. This phenomenon can be explained by either displacement effects, or incomplete washing, or hysteresis during the adsorption and desorption conditions. Fractionation at the beginning of elution is critical to the maintenance of a high standard protein purity.

A broadly neutralizing human monoclonal antibody against gp41 of human immunodeficiency virus type 1

We have established a hybridoma clone, designated 2F5, secreting a neutralizing human monoclonal antibody (MAb) specific for gp41 of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). The epitope of MAb 2F5 was mapped to amino acid sequence Glu-Leu-Asp-Lys-Trp-Ala on the ectodomain of gp41. In this study different in vitro test systems were used to characterize the neutralizing properties of MAb 2F5. In syncytium inhibition assays, fusion inhibition experiments, and neutralization assays on different HIV-susceptible cells (H9, U937, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells) MAb 2F5 showed broad-spectrum neutralizing capacity against HIV-1 laboratory isolates IIIB, MN, RF, and SF2. In addition, primary isolates from AIDS patients were also neutralized.

Generation of human monoclonal antibodies against HIV-1 proteins; electrofusion and Epstein-Barr virus transformation for peripheral blood lymphocyte immortalization

Electrofusion and EBV transformation were studied by immortalizing human PBLs from blood of HIV-1-positive volunteers. A panel of 33 cell lines producing human monoclonal antibodies (Hu-MAbs) against HIV-1 was established by cell fusion or EBV transformation. For the first fusion experiments the source of B lymphocytes was peripheral blood of HIV-1-infected donors in CDC stages II or III with CD4 cell counts higher than 500/mm3. Later on, from these patients only, those with high anti-HIV titers were chosen as blood donors. By that means the yield of stable specific hybridomas was increased twofold. In our experiments electrofusion turned out to be a more efficient immortalization method than EBV transformation, due to a high and constant immortalization rate. The hybridomas were stable after intensive subcloning and could be cultivated over a period of 8 months without loss in monoclonal antibody production. Immunoglobulin class, subtype, reactivity against HIV-1 proteins, Western blot patterns, immunofluorescence, and epitopes were characterized. The subtype of all antibodies was IgG1 or IgG3. The light chain was predominantly kappa. All antibodies showed reactivity against HIV-1 envelope or core protein. All hybridomas were stable and suited for mass production. Several Hu-MAbs are becoming an important tool in the field of diagnosis, research, and immunotherapy.

Isolation of isoproteins from monoclonal antibodies and recombinant proteins by chromatofocusing

A fast protein liquid chromatographic method for the preparative separation of the various isoproteins is described. Highly purified human monoclonal antibodies, recombinant human superoxide dismutase and human superoxide dismutase from erythrocytes were used as starting material. The isoproteins were separated by chromatofocusing on Mono P columns. A very narrow pH gradient was applied to achieve complete separation of the isoproteins. The prepurification steps and the pretreatment of the samples to achieve optimum resolution are described in detail. The method is also applicable to extremely basic monoclonal antibodies (pI = 9). The successful separation was checked by isoelectric focusing in immobilized pH gradients (Immobilines). The future of these methods is discussed, because for many different biochemical and biophysical investigations pure and homogeneous isoproteins are necessary.

Comparison of protein A, protein G and copolymerized hydroxyapatite for the purification of human monoclonal antibodies

Protein A Superose, protein G Sepharose fast flow and copolymerized hydroxyapatite were used for the purification of human monoclonal antibodies against HIV 1. Both desalted culture supernatant and a prepurified protein solution were used as starting materials. The different runs were compared with respect to yield and recovery of biological activity. The biological activity (specific reactivity) was checked by antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with recombinant antigen. The human monoclonal antibodies could not be selectively eluted from the hydroxyapatite but elution could be effected from the protein A Superose at pH 4.0 and from protein G at pH 3.0. The eluted immunoglobulin G was distributed over a broad pH range when protein G Superose was used. Biologically active material could be obtained from protein A Superose and protein G Sepharose fast flow.

Pilot scale production of a human monoclonal antibody against human immunodeficiency virus HIV-1

Human monoclonal antibodies against the transmembrane protein gp41 of HIV-1 were isolated and purified on a pilot scale. A purification scheme was established for the production of human monoclonal antibodies on the gram scale. 50 1 of culture supernatant can be treated in one purification cycle. The hybridomas were mass cultured in an airlift fermenter. The culture broth was clarified by microfiltration and chromatographed on CM-Sepharose fast flow and protein A Superose. Scale up of the high performance affinity chromatography from 1 ml protein A Superose up to 40 ml is described. All desalting steps were performed by gel filtration on Sephadex G-25 coarse. The yield of the whole purification procedure is in the range of 50-60%. The purity is higher than 99.9%. DNA and reverse transcriptase could not be detected. The whole method is designed as a basis for scale up to industrial scale. Results from quality control assays have proven the validity of this approach.