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Williams-Fegredo T, Davies L, Knevelman C, Mitrophanous K, Miskin J, Rafiq QA. Development of novel lipoplex formulation methodologies to improve large-scale transient transfection for lentiviral vector manufacture. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101260. [PMID: 38745895 PMCID: PMC11092396 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101260] [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: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Large-scale transient transfection has advanced significantly over the last 20 years, enabling the effective production of a diverse range of biopharmaceutical products, including viral vectors. However, a number of challenges specifically related to transfection reagent stability and transfection complex preparation times remain. New developments and improved transfection technologies are required to ensure that transient gene expression-based bioprocesses can meet the growing demand for viral vectors. In this paper, we demonstrate that the growth of cationic lipid-based liposomes, an essential step in many cationic lipid-based transfection processes, can be controlled through adoption of low pH (pH 6.40 to pH 6.75) and in low salt concentration (0.2× PBS) formulations, facilitating improved control over the nanoparticle growth kinetics and enhancing particle stability. Such complexes retain the ability to facilitate efficient transfection for prolonged periods compared with standard preparation methodologies. These findings have significant industrial applications for the large-scale manufacture of lentiviral vectors for two principal reasons. First, the alternative preparation strategy enables longer liposome incubation times to be used, facilitating effective control in a good manufacturing practices setting. Second, the improvement in particle stability facilitates the setting of wider process operating ranges, which will significantly improve process robustness and maximise batch-to-batch control and product consistency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Williams-Fegredo
- Oxford Biomedica (UK) Limited, Windrush Court, Transport Way, Oxford OX4 6LT, UK
- Advanced Centre for Biochemical Engineering, Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, Bernard Katz Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Lee Davies
- Oxford Biomedica (UK) Limited, Windrush Court, Transport Way, Oxford OX4 6LT, UK
| | - Carol Knevelman
- Oxford Biomedica (UK) Limited, Windrush Court, Transport Way, Oxford OX4 6LT, UK
| | | | - James Miskin
- Oxford Biomedica (UK) Limited, Windrush Court, Transport Way, Oxford OX4 6LT, UK
| | - Qasim A. Rafiq
- Advanced Centre for Biochemical Engineering, Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, Bernard Katz Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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Dekevic G, Tertel T, Tasto L, Schmidt D, Giebel B, Czermak P, Salzig D. A Bioreactor-Based Yellow Fever Virus-like Particle Production Process with Integrated Process Analytical Technology Based on Transient Transfection. Viruses 2023; 15:2013. [PMID: 37896790 PMCID: PMC10612092 DOI: 10.3390/v15102013] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Yellow Fever (YF) is a severe disease that, while preventable through vaccination, lacks rapid intervention options for those already infected. There is an urgent need for passive immunization techniques using YF-virus-like particles (YF-VLPs). To address this, we successfully established a bioreactor-based production process for YF-VLPs, leveraging transient transfection and integrating Process Analytical Technology. A cornerstone of this approach was the optimization of plasmid DNA (pDNA) production to a yield of 11 mg/L using design of experiments. Glucose, NaCl, yeast extract, and a phosphate buffer showed significant influence on specific pDNA yield. The preliminary work for VLP-production in bioreactor showed adjustments to the HEK cell density, the polyplex formation duration, and medium exchanges effectively elevated transfection efficiencies. The additive Pluronic F-68 was neutral in its effects, and anti-clumping agents (ACA) adversely affected the transfection process. Finally, we established the stirred-tank bioreactor process with integrated dielectric spectroscopy, which gave real-time insight in relevant process steps, e.g., cell growth, polyplex uptake, and harvest time. We confirmed the presence and integrity of YF-VLP via Western blot, imaging flow cytometry measurement, and transmission electron microscopy. The YF-VLP production process can serve as a platform to produce VLPs as passive immunizing agents against other neglected tropical diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Dekevic
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen, Wiesenstrasse 14, 35390 Giessen, Germany; (G.D.); (L.T.); (D.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Tobias Tertel
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstrasse 179, 45147 Essen, Germany; (T.T.); (B.G.)
| | - Lars Tasto
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen, Wiesenstrasse 14, 35390 Giessen, Germany; (G.D.); (L.T.); (D.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Deborah Schmidt
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen, Wiesenstrasse 14, 35390 Giessen, Germany; (G.D.); (L.T.); (D.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Bernd Giebel
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstrasse 179, 45147 Essen, Germany; (T.T.); (B.G.)
| | - Peter Czermak
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen, Wiesenstrasse 14, 35390 Giessen, Germany; (G.D.); (L.T.); (D.S.); (P.C.)
- Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 17, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Denise Salzig
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen, Wiesenstrasse 14, 35390 Giessen, Germany; (G.D.); (L.T.); (D.S.); (P.C.)
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Meskova K, Martonova K, Hrasnova P, Sinska K, Skrabanova M, Fialova L, Njemoga S, Cehlar O, Parmar O, Kolenko P, Pevala V, Skrabana R. Cost-Effective Protein Production in CHO Cells Following Polyethylenimine-Mediated Gene Delivery Showcased by the Production and Crystallization of Antibody Fabs. Antibodies (Basel) 2023; 12:51. [PMID: 37606435 PMCID: PMC10443350 DOI: 10.3390/antib12030051] [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: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Laboratory production of recombinant mammalian proteins, particularly antibodies, requires an expression pipeline assuring sufficient yield and correct folding with appropriate posttranslational modifications. Transient gene expression (TGE) in the suspension-adapted Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell lines has become the method of choice for this task. The antibodies can be secreted into the media, which facilitates subsequent purification, and can be glycosylated. However, in general, protein production in CHO cells is expensive and may provide variable outcomes, namely in laboratories without previous experience. While achievable yields may be influenced by the nucleotide sequence, there are other aspects of the process which offer space for optimization, like gene delivery method, cultivation process or expression plasmid design. Polyethylenimine (PEI)-mediated gene delivery is frequently employed as a low-cost alternative to liposome-based methods. In this work, we are proposing a TGE platform for universal medium-scale production of antibodies and other proteins in CHO cells, with a novel expression vector allowing fast and flexible cloning of new genes and secretion of translated proteins. The production cost has been further reduced using recyclable labware. Nine days after transfection, we routinely obtain milligrams of antibody Fabs or human lactoferrin in a 25 mL culture volume. Potential of the platform is established based on the production and crystallization of antibody Fabs and their complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Meskova
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Katarina Martonova
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Patricia Hrasnova
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Kristina Sinska
- AXON Neuroscience R&D Services SE, 811 02 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michaela Skrabanova
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lubica Fialova
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
- AXON Neuroscience R&D Services SE, 811 02 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Stefana Njemoga
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ondrej Cehlar
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Olga Parmar
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Petr Kolenko
- Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, 115 19 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimir Pevala
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 51 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Rostislav Skrabana
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
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Hausig-Punke F, Dekevic G, Sobotta FH, Solomun JI, Richter F, Salzig D, Traeger A, Brendel JC. Efficient Transfection via an Unexpected Mechanism by Near Neutral Polypiperazines with Tailored Response to Endosomal pH. Macromol Biosci 2023; 23:e2200517. [PMID: 36655803 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202200517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Cationic pH-responsive polymers promise to overcome critical challenges in cellular delivery. Ideally, the polymers become selectively charged along the endosomal pathway disturbing only the local membrane and avoiding unintended interactions or cytotoxic side effects at physiological conditions. Polypiperazines represent a novel, hydrophilic class of pH-responsive polymers whose response can be tuned within the relevant pH range (5-7.4). The authors discovered that the polypiperazines are effectively binding plasmid DNA (pDNA) and demonstrate high efficiency in transfection. By design of experiments (DoE), a wide parameter space (pDNA and polymer concentration) is screened to identify the range of effective concentrations for transfection. An isopropyl modified polypiperazine is highly efficient over a wide range of concentrations outperforming linear polyethylenimine (l-PEI, 25 kDa) in regions of low N*/P ratios. A quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) surprisingly revealed that the pDNA within the piperazine-based polyplexes can be amplified in contrast to polyplexes based on l-PEI. The pDNA must therefore be more accessible and bound differently than for other known transfection polymers. Considering the various opportunities to further optimize their structure, polypiperazines represent a promising platform for designing effective soluble polymeric vectors, which are charge-neutral at physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Hausig-Punke
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Gregor Dekevic
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen, Wiesenstrasse 14, 35390, Giessen, Germany
| | - Fabian H Sobotta
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Jana I Solomun
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Friederike Richter
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Denise Salzig
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen, Wiesenstrasse 14, 35390, Giessen, Germany
| | - Anja Traeger
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Johannes C Brendel
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743, Jena, Germany
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Hong X, Cheng Q, Ruan M, Yang B, Liu J, Xu L, Zhang Q. Determination of DNA Methyltransferase 1 in Cells Using a RG108-Fluorescein Conjugate to Monitor the Fluorescent Ratio with a Microplate Reader. ANAL LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/00032719.2022.2139836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqian Hong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qunxian Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Minli Ruan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Baohua Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingyi Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Scott KM, Cohen DJ, Boyan BD, Schwartz Z. miR-122 and the WNT/β-catenin pathway inhibit effects of both interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α in articular chondrocytes in vitro. J Cell Biochem 2022; 123:1053-1063. [PMID: 35362116 PMCID: PMC9320820 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and WNT/β-catenin signaling cause dysregulation of rat primary articular chondrocytes (rArCs), resulting in cartilage extracellular matrix destruction and osteoarthritis (OA) progression. microRNA (miR) miR-122 represses these effects whereas miR-451 exacerbates IL-1β-stimulated matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. The goals of this study were to evaluate crosstalk between these signaling pathways and determine if miR-122 and miR-451 exert their protective/destructive effects through these pathways in an in vitro model of OA. Primary rArCs were treated with IL-1β or TNF-α for 24 h and total DNA, MMP-13, and PGE2, as well as expression levels of miR-122 and miR-451 were measured. After 24-h transfection with miR-122, miR-451, miR-122-inhibitor, or miR-451-inhibitor, rArCs were treated with or without TNF-α for 24 h; total DNA, MMP-13, and PGE2 were measured. Similarly, cells were treated with WNT-agonist lithium chloride (LiCl), WNT-antagonist XAV-939 (XAV), or PKF-118-310 (PKF) with and without IL-1β or TNF-α stimulation. Both IL-1β and TNF-α-stimulation increased MMP-13 and PGE2 production. Transfection with miR-122 prevented TNF-α-stimulated increases in MMP-13 and PGE2 whereas transfection with miR-451 did not change these levels. No differences were found in MMP-13 or PGE2 production with miR-122 or miR-451 inhibitors. LiCl treatment decreased PGE2 production in cultures treated with TNF-α, but not MMP-13. XAV increased TNF-α-stimulated increases in PGE2 but not MMP-13. LiCl reduced IL-1β-stimulated increases in MMP-13 and PGE2. XAV and PKF increased IL-1β-stimulated increases in MMP-13 and PGE2. In this in vitro OA model, miR-122 protects against both IL-1β and TNF-α stimulated increases in MMP-13 and PGE2 production. miR-451 does not act through the TNF-α pathway. The WNT/β-catenin pathway regulates the effects of IL-1β and TNF-α stimulation. This study suggests that miR-122 can be used as a treatment or prevention for OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla M Scott
- College of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - D Joshua Cohen
- College of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Barbara D Boyan
- College of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA.,Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Zvi Schwartz
- College of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA.,Department of Periodontics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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