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Arakawa T, Tomioka Y, Nakagawa M, Sakuma C, Kurosawa Y, Ejima D, Tsumoto K, Akuta T. Non-Affinity Purification of Antibodies. Antibodies (Basel) 2023; 12:antib12010015. [PMID: 36810520 PMCID: PMC9944463 DOI: 10.3390/antib12010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, purification of antibodies is mainly carried out using a platform technology composed primarily of Protein A chromatography as a capture step, regardless of the scale. However, Protein A chromatography has a number of drawbacks, which are summarized in this review. As an alternative, we propose a simple small-scale purification protocol without Protein A that uses novel agarose native gel electrophoresis and protein extraction. For large-scale antibody purification, we suggest mixed-mode chromatography that can in part mimic the properties of Protein A resin, focusing on 4-Mercapto-ethyl-pyridine (MEP) column chromatography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsutomu Arakawa
- Alliance Protein Laboratories, San Diego, CA 92130, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Yui Tomioka
- Research and Development Division, Kyokuto Pharmaceutical Industrial Co., Ltd., Tahahagi 318-0004, Japan
| | - Masataka Nakagawa
- Research and Development Division, Kyokuto Pharmaceutical Industrial Co., Ltd., Tahahagi 318-0004, Japan
| | - Chiaki Sakuma
- Research and Development Division, Kyokuto Pharmaceutical Industrial Co., Ltd., Tahahagi 318-0004, Japan
| | - Yasunori Kurosawa
- Research and Development Division, Kyokuto Pharmaceutical Industrial Co., Ltd., Tahahagi 318-0004, Japan
| | - Daisuke Ejima
- Bio-Diagnostic Reagent Technology Center, Sysmex Corporation, Sayama 350-1332, Japan
| | - Kouhei Tsumoto
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Teruo Akuta
- Research and Development Division, Kyokuto Pharmaceutical Industrial Co., Ltd., Tahahagi 318-0004, Japan
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2
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Hebditch M, Kean R, Warwicker J. Modelling of pH-dependence to develop a strategy for stabilising mAbs at acidic steps in production. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2020; 18:897-905. [PMID: 32322371 PMCID: PMC7171260 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2020.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Engineered proteins are increasingly being required to function or pass through environmental stresses for which the underlying protein has not evolved. A major example in health are antibody therapeutics, where a low pH step is used for purification and viral inactivation. In order to develop a computational model for analysis of pH-stability, predictions are compared with experimental data for the relative pH-sensitivities of antibody domains. The model is then applied to proteases that have evolved to be functional in an acid environment, showing a clear signature for low pH-dependence of stability in the neutral to acidic pH region, largely through reduction of salt-bridges. Interestingly, an extensively acidic protein surface can maintain contribution to structural stabilisation at acidic pH through replacement of basic sidechains with polar, hydrogen-bonding groups. These observations form a design principle for engineering acid-stable proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Hebditch
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Manchester, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, UK
| | - Ryan Kean
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, UK
| | - Jim Warwicker
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Manchester, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, UK
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3
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Jasion VS, Burnett BP. Survival and digestibility of orally-administered immunoglobulin preparations containing IgG through the gastrointestinal tract in humans. Nutr J 2015; 14:22. [PMID: 25880525 PMCID: PMC4355420 DOI: 10.1186/s12937-015-0010-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral immunoglobulin (Ig) preparations are prime examples of medicinal nutrition from natural sources. Plasma products containing Ig have been used for decades in animal feed for intestinal disorders to mitigate the damaging effects of early weaning. These preparations reduce overall mortality and increase feed utilization in various animal species leading to improved growth. Oral administration of Ig preparations from human serum as well as bovine colostrum and serum have been tested and proven to be safe as well as effective in human clinical trials for a variety of enteric microbial infections and other conditions which cause diarrhea. In infants, children, and adults, the amount of intact IgG recovered in stool ranges from trace amounts up to 25% of the original amount ingested. It is generally understood that IgG can only bind to antigens within the GI tract if the Fab structure is intact and has not been completely denatured through acidic pH or digestive proteolytic enzymes. This is a comprehensive review of human studies regarding the survivability of orally-administered Ig preparations, with a focus on IgG. This review also highlights various biochemical studies on IgG which potentially explain which structural elements are responsible for increased stability against digestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria S Jasion
- Department of Medical Affairs, Entera Health, 2000 Regency Parkway, Suite 255, Cary, NC, 27518, USA.
| | - Bruce P Burnett
- Department of Medical Affairs, Entera Health, 2000 Regency Parkway, Suite 255, Cary, NC, 27518, USA.
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4
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Arakawa T, Tsumoto K, Ejima D. Alternative downstream processes for production of antibodies and antibody fragments. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2014; 1844:2032-2040. [PMID: 24859179 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2014.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2013] [Revised: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Protein-A or Protein-L affinity chromatography and virus inactivation are key processes for the manufacturing of therapeutic antibodies and antibody fragments. These two processes often involve exposure of therapeutic proteins to denaturing low pH conditions. Antibodies have been shown to undergo conformational changes at low pH, which can lead to irreversible damages on the final product. Here, we review alternative downstream approaches that can reduce the degree of low pH exposure and consequently damaged product. We and others have been developing technologies that minimize or eliminate such low pH processes. We here cover facilitated elution of antibodies using arginine in Protein-A and Protein-G affinity chromatography, a more positively charged amidated Protein-A, two Protein-A mimetics (MEP and Mabsorbent), mixed-mode and steric exclusion chromatography, and finally enhanced virus inactivation by solvents containing arginine. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Recent advances in molecular engineering of antibody.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsutomu Arakawa
- Alliance Protein Laboratories, 6042 Cornerstone Court West, Suite A, San Diego, CA 9212, USA.
| | - Kouhei Tsumoto
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Medical Proteomics Laboratory, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Ejima
- Institute of Innovation, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., 1-1 Suzuki-cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-8681, Japan
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5
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Tishchenko VM. Relations between macro- and microstability of CH2 domains and human IgG2 and their biological activity: 1. Analysis of calorimetric and optical melting curves. Mol Biol 2014. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893314030200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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6
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Timchenko MA, Tischenko VM. Destabilization of CH2 domains in intact IgG2 is accompanied by reduced ability to inhibit complement system factor C1. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2013; 78:667-73. [DOI: 10.1134/s0006297913060126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Li CH, Narhi LO, Wen J, Dimitrova M, Wen ZQ, Li J, Pollastrini J, Nguyen X, Tsuruda T, Jiang Y. Effect of pH, Temperature, and Salt on the Stability of Escherichia coli- and Chinese Hamster Ovary Cell-Derived IgG1 Fc. Biochemistry 2012; 51:10056-65. [DOI: 10.1021/bi300702e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia H. Li
- Product Attribute Sciences, Amgen Inc., One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks,
California 91320, United States
| | - Linda O. Narhi
- Product Attribute Sciences, Amgen Inc., One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks,
California 91320, United States
| | - Jie Wen
- Product Attribute Sciences, Amgen Inc., One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks,
California 91320, United States
| | - Mariana Dimitrova
- Formulation Sciences, Medimmune, One Medimmune
Way, Gaithersburg, Maryland
20878, United States
| | - Zai-qing Wen
- Drug Product Development, Amgen Inc.,
One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks,
California 91320, United States
| | - Jenny Li
- Product Attribute Sciences, Amgen Inc., One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks,
California 91320, United States
| | - Joseph Pollastrini
- Drug Product Development, Amgen Inc.,
One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks,
California 91320, United States
| | - Xichdao Nguyen
- Product Attribute Sciences, Amgen Inc., One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks,
California 91320, United States
| | - Trace Tsuruda
- Protein Technologies, Amgen Inc., One
Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks,
California 91320, United States
| | - Yijia Jiang
- Product Attribute Sciences, Amgen Inc., One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks,
California 91320, United States
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Ramsey JD, Gill ML, Kamerzell TJ, Price ES, Joshi SB, Bishop SM, Oliver CN, Middaugh CR. Using empirical phase diagrams to understand the role of intramolecular dynamics in immunoglobulin G stability. J Pharm Sci 2009; 98:2432-47. [PMID: 19072858 DOI: 10.1002/jps.21619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the relationship between protein dynamics and stability is of paramount importance to the fields of biology and pharmaceutics. Clarifying this relationship is complicated by the large amount of experimental data that must be generated and analyzed if motions that exist over the wide range of timescales are to be included. To address this issue, we propose an approach that utilizes a multidimensional vector-based empirical phase diagram (EPD) to analyze a set of dynamic results acquired across a temperature-pH perturbation plane. This approach is applied to a humanized immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1), a protein of major biological and pharmaceutical importance whose dynamic nature is linked to its multiple biological roles. Static and dynamic measurements are used to characterize the IgG and to construct both static and dynamic EPDs. Between pH 5 and 8, a single, pH-dependent transition is observed that corresponds to thermal unfolding of the IgG. Under more acidic conditions, evidence exists for the formation of a more compact, aggregation resistant state of the immunoglobulin, known as A-form. The dynamics-based EPD presents a considerably more detailed pattern of apparent phase transitions over the temperature-pH plane. The utility and potential applications of this approach are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua D Ramsey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, 2030 Becker Drive, Lawrence, Kansas 66047, USA
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9
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Gaza-Bulseco G, Hickman K, Sinicropi-Yao S, Hurkmans K, Chumsae C, Liu H. Effect of the conserved oligosaccharides of recombinant monoclonal antibodies on the separation by protein A and protein G chromatography. J Chromatogr A 2009; 1216:2382-7. [PMID: 19181325 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2009.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2008] [Revised: 12/30/2008] [Accepted: 01/06/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Glycosylation of the conserved asparagine residue in CH2 domains of IgG molecules is an important post-translational modification. The presence of oligosaccharides is critical for structure, stability and biological function of IgG antibodies. Effect of the glycosylation states of recombinant monoclonal antibodies on protein A and protein G chromatography was evaluated. Antibodies lacking oligosaccharides eluted later from protein A and earlier from protein G columns than antibodies with oligosaccharides using a gradient of decreasing pH. Interestingly, different types of oligosaccharides also affected the elution of the antibodies. Antibodies with high mannose type oligosaccharides were enriched in later eluting fractions from protein A and earlier eluting fractions from protein G. While antibodies with more mature oligosaccharides, such as core fucosylated biantennary complex oligosaccharides with zero (Gal 0), one (Gal 1) or two (Gal 2) terminal galactoses, were enriched in earlier eluting fractions from protein A and in the later eluting fractions from protein G. However, analysis by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) revealed that antibody binding affinity to protein A and protein G was not affected by the absence or presence of oligosaccharides. It was thus concluded that the elution difference of antibodies with or without oligosaccharides and antibodies with different types of oligosaccharides were due to differential structural changes around the CH2-CH3 domain interface under the low pH conditions used for protein A and protein G chromatography.
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Katsuyama Y, Yamasaki H, Tsujimoto K, Koyama AH, Ejima D, Arakawa T. Butyroyl-arginine as a potent virus inactivation agent. Int J Pharm 2008; 361:92-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2008.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2008] [Revised: 05/03/2008] [Accepted: 05/20/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Yamasaki H, Tsujimoto K, Koyama A, Ejima D, Arakawa T. Arginine Facilitates Inactivation of Enveloped Viruses. J Pharm Sci 2008; 97:3067-73. [DOI: 10.1002/jps.21224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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12
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Abstract
Heterogeneity of monoclonal antibodies is common due to the various modifications introduced over the lifespan of the molecules from the point of synthesis to the point of complete clearance from the subjects. The vast number of modifications presents great challenge to the thorough characterization of the molecules. This article reviews the current knowledge of enzymatic and nonenzymatic modifications of monoclonal antibodies including the common ones such as incomplete disulfide bond formation, glycosylation, N-terminal pyroglutamine cyclization, C-terminal lysine processing, deamidation, isomerization, and oxidation, and less common ones such as modification of the N-terminal amino acids by maleuric acid and amidation of the C-terminal amino acid. In addition, noncovalent associations with other molecules, conformational diversity and aggregation of monoclonal antibodies are also discussed. Through a complete understanding of the heterogeneity of monoclonal antibodies, strategies can be employed to better identify the potential modifications and thoroughly characterize the molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongcheng Liu
- Process Sciences Department, Abbott Bioresearch Center, 100 Research Drive, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA.
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13
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Gaza-Bulseco G, Liu H. Fragmentation of a Recombinant Monoclonal Antibody at Various pH. Pharm Res 2008; 25:1881-90. [DOI: 10.1007/s11095-008-9606-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2008] [Accepted: 04/18/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Ejima D, Tsumoto K, Fukada H, Yumioka R, Nagase K, Arakawa T, Philo JS. Effects of acid exposure on the conformation, stability, and aggregation of monoclonal antibodies. Proteins 2006; 66:954-62. [PMID: 17154421 DOI: 10.1002/prot.21243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Exposure of antibodies to low pH is often unavoidable for purification and viral clearance. The conformation and stability of two humanized monoclonal antibodies (hIgG4-A and -B) directed against different antigens and a mouse monoclonal antibody (mIgG1) in 0.1M citrate at acidic pH were studied using circular dichroism (CD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and sedimentation velocity. Near- and far-UV CD spectra showed that exposure of these antibodies to pH 2.7-3.9 induced only limited conformational changes, although the changes were greater at the lower pH. However, the acid conformation is far from unfolded or so-called molten globule structure. Incubation of hIgG4-A at pH 2.7 and 3.5 at 4 degrees C over the course of 24 h caused little change in the near-UV CD spectra, indicating that the acid conformation is stable. Sedimentation velocity showed that the hIgG4-A is largely monomeric at pH 2.7 and 3.5 as well as at pH 6.0. No time-dependent changes in sedimentation profile occurred upon incubation at these low pHs, consistent with the conformational stability observed by CD. The sedimentation coefficient of the monomer at pH 2.7 or 3.5 again suggested that no gross conformational changes occur at these pHs. DSC analysis of the antibodies showed thermal unfolding at pH 2.7-3.9 as well as at pH 6.0, but with decreased melting temperatures at the lower pH. These results are consistent with the view that the antibodies undergo limited conformational change, and that incubation at 4 degrees C at low pH results in no time-dependent conformational changes. Titration of hIgG4-A from pH 3.5 to 6.0 resulted in recovery of native monomeric proteins whose CD and DSC profiles resembled those of the original sample. However, titration from pH 2.7 resulted in lower recovery of monomeric antibody, indicating that the greater conformational changes observed at this pH cannot be fully reversed to the native structure by a simple pH titration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Ejima
- Applied Research Department, Amino Science Laboratories, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., Kawasaki 210-8681, Japan.
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Ejima D, Yumioka R, Tsumoto K, Arakawa T. Effective elution of antibodies by arginine and arginine derivatives in affinity column chromatography. Anal Biochem 2005; 345:250-7. [PMID: 16125126 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2005.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2005] [Revised: 07/04/2005] [Accepted: 07/06/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
It has been shown that the recovery of monomeric antibodies from protein A affinity chromatography is enhanced significantly by using arginine as an eluent. To extend the applications of arginine to antibody purification and obtain an insight into the mechanism of arginine elution, we compared arginine with citrate, guanidine hydrochloride (GdnHCl), arginine derivatives, and other amino acids in protein A chromatography. We also applied arginine to elution of polyclonal antibodies (pAbs) in antigen affinity chromatography. As described previously, arginine was effective in eluting monoclonal antibodies IgG1 and IgG4. Two arginine derivatives, acetyl-arginine and agmatine, resulted in efficient elution at pH 4.0 or higher, and this was comparable to arginine. On the other hand, other amino acids, such as glycine, proline, lysine, and histidine, are much less effective than arginine under identical pH conditions. Whereas elution increased with arginine concentration, elution with citrate was insignificant in excess of 1 M at pH 4.3. Arginine was also effective in fractionation of pAbs using antigen-conjugated affinity columns. Although GdnHCl was also effective under similar conditions, the eluted material showed more aggregation than did the protein eluted by arginine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Ejima
- Amino Science Laboratories, Ajinomoto, Co. Inc., Kawasaki 210-8681, Japan.
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Arakawa T, Philo JS, Tsumoto K, Yumioka R, Ejima D. Elution of antibodies from a Protein-A column by aqueous arginine solutions. Protein Expr Purif 2004; 36:244-8. [PMID: 15249046 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2004.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2004] [Revised: 03/11/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Acidic pH is commonly used to elute antibodies from Protein-A affinity column, although low pH may result in aggregation of the proteins. As an alternative, here arginine was tested as an eluent and compared with a more conventional eluent of citrate. Using purified monoclonal antibodies, recovery of antibodies with 0.1M citrate, pH 3.8, was less than 50% and decreased further as the pH was increased to 4.3. At the same pH, the recovery of antibodies was greatly increased with 0.5M arginine and more so with 2M arginine. Even at pH 5.0, 2M arginine resulted in 31% recovery, although the elution under such condition showed extensive tailing. Such tailing was observed at pH 3.8 when 0.1M citrate was used. Size exclusion analysis indicated that the eluted antibodies were mostly monomeric whether eluted with citrate or arginine. This demonstrates the usefulness of arginine as an efficient eluent for Protein-A chromatography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsutomu Arakawa
- Alliance Protein Laboratories, Inc., 3957 Corte Cancion, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360, USA.
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17
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Vermeer AW, Norde W, van Amerongen A. The unfolding/denaturation of immunogammaglobulin of isotype 2b and its F(ab) and F(c) fragments. Biophys J 2000; 79:2150-4. [PMID: 11023918 PMCID: PMC1301104 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-3495(00)76462-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The unfolding and further denaturation of IgG and its F(ab) and F(c) fragments were studied both on a macroscopic and molecular level, using differential scanning calorimetry and circular dichroism spectroscopy, respectively. It was shown that the structural integrity of the F(ab) and F(c) units was retained after fragmentation of the IgG. The F(ab) fragment denatured at approximately 61 degrees C and the F(c) fragment at 71 degrees C. The structural transitions observed in the whole IgG is the sum effect of those determined for the isolated F(ab) and F(c) fragments.
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Affiliation(s)
- A W Vermeer
- Laboratory for Physical Chemistry and Colloid Science, Wageningen University, 6703 HB Wageningen, The Netherlands.
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