Title
Prediction and reduction of the aggregation of monoclonal antibodies
Author
Rob van der Kant, Anne R. Karow-Zwick, Joost Van Durme, Michaela Blech, Rodrigo Gallardo, Daniel Seeliger, Kerstin Aßfalg, Pieter Baatsen, Griet Compernolle, Ann Gils, Joey M. Studts, Patrick Schulz, Patrick Garidel, Joost Schymkowitz, Frederic Rousseau
Year
2017
Journal
Journal of Molecular Biology
Abstract
Protein aggregation remains a major area of focus in the production of monoclonal antibodies. Improving the intrinsic properties of antibodies can improve manufacturability, attrition rates, safety, formulation, titers, immunogenicity and solubility. Here, we explore the potential of predicting and reducing the aggregation propensity of monoclonal antibodies, based on the identification of aggregation-prone regions (APRs) and their contribution to the thermodynamic stability of the protein. Although APRs are thought to occur in the antigen binding region to drive hydrophobic binding with antigen, we were able to rationally design variants that display a marked decrease in aggregation propensity while retaining antigen binding through the introduction of artificial aggregation gatekeeper residues. The reduction in aggregation propensity was accompanied by an increase in expression titer, showing that reducing protein aggregation is beneficial throughout the development process. The data presented show that this approach can significantly reduce liabilities in novel therapeutic antibodies and proteins, leading to a more efficient path to clinical studies.
Instrument
J-1500
Keywords
Circular dichroism, Secondary structure, Antibodies, Biochemistry