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Meudt M, Baumeister J, Mizaikoff B, Ebert S, Rosenau F, Blech M, Higel F. Comprehensive analysis and characterization of glycan pairing in therapeutic antibodies and Fc-containing biotherapeutics: Addressing current limitations and implications for N-glycan impact. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 200:114325. [PMID: 38759899 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114325] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
N-glycosylation in the Fc part is a (critical) quality attribute of therapeutic antibodies and Fc-containing biotherapeutics, that impacts their stability, immunogenicity, pharmacokinetics, and effector functions. Current glycosylation analysis methods focus on the absolute amounts of glycans, neglecting the apparent glycan distribution over the entirety of proteins. The combination of the two Fc N-glycans, herein referred to as glyco-pair, therefore remains unknown, which is a major drawback for N-glycan impact assessment. This study presents a comprehensive workflow for the analysis and characterization of Fc N-glycan pairing in biotherapeutics, addressing the limitations of current glycosylation analysis methods. The applicability of the method across various biotherapeutic proteins including antibodies, bispecific antibody formats, and a Fc-Fusion protein is demonstrated, and the impact of method conditions on glycan pairing analysis is highlighted. Moreover, the influence of the molecular format, Fc backbone, production process, and cell line on glycan pairing pattern was investigated. The results underscore the significance of comprehensive glycan pairing analysis to accurately assess the impact of N-glycans on important product quality attributes of therapeutic antibodies and Fc-containing biotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Meudt
- Analytical Development Biologicals, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany; Institute of Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Julia Baumeister
- Analytical Development Biologicals, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany; Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Boris Mizaikoff
- Institute of Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Sybille Ebert
- Institute of Applied Biotechnology, Biberach University of Applied Sciences, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Frank Rosenau
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Michaela Blech
- Analytical Development Biologicals, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Fabian Higel
- Global CMC Experts NBE, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany.
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2
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Helali Y, Delporte C. Updates of the current strategies of labeling for N-glycan analysis. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2024; 1237:124068. [PMID: 38484674 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2024.124068] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
This mini review summarizes the current methods used for screening N-glycosylation of glycoproteins, with a specific focus on therapeutic proteins and on techniques involving the release of N-glycans. With the continuous development of biopharmaceuticals, particularly monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), which are N-glycosylated proteins, monitoring has gained importance in recent decades. Glycosylation of therapeutic glycoproteins is considered a critical quality attribute because it can impact the efficacy and safety of these therapeutic drugs. The protocols and instrumentation have evolved with the advancement of technologies. Nowadays, methods are becoming increasingly robust, rapid, and sensitive. For the release of N-glycans, the most commonly used method is enzymatic release using PNGase F. The latter is discussed in light of the advent of rapid release that is now possible. The strategy for separating N-glycans using either liquid chromatography (LC) with hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) chemistry or capillary electrophoresis will be discussed. The selection of the labeling agent is a crucial step in sample preparation for the analysis of released N-glycans. This review also discusses labeling agents that are compatible with and dependent on the separation and detection techniques employed. The emergence of multiplex labeling agents is also summarized. The latter enables the analysis of multiple samples in a single run, but it requires MS analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosra Helali
- RD3-Pharmacognosis, Bioanalysis and Drug Discovery Unit & Analytical Platform of the Faculty of Pharmacy (APFP), Faculty of Pharmacy, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cédric Delporte
- RD3-Pharmacognosis, Bioanalysis and Drug Discovery Unit & Analytical Platform of the Faculty of Pharmacy (APFP), Faculty of Pharmacy, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.
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3
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Oskam N, Damelang T, Streutker M, Ooijevaar-de Heer P, Nouta J, Koeleman C, Van Coillie J, Wuhrer M, Vidarsson G, Rispens T. Factors affecting IgG4-mediated complement activation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1087532. [PMID: 36776883 PMCID: PMC9910309 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1087532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Of the four human immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclasses, IgG4 is considered the least inflammatory, in part because it poorly activates the complement system. Regardless, in IgG4 related disease (IgG4-RD) and in autoimmune disorders with high levels of IgG4 autoantibodies, the presence of these antibodies has been linked to consumption and deposition of complement components. This apparent paradox suggests that conditions may exist, potentially reminiscent of in vivo deposits, that allow for complement activation by IgG4. Furthermore, it is currently unclear how variable glycosylation and Fab arm exchange may influence the ability of IgG4 to activate complement. Here, we used well-defined, glyco-engineered monoclonal preparations of IgG4 and determined their ability to activate complement in a controlled system. We show that IgG4 can activate complement only at high antigen and antibody concentrations, via the classical pathway. Moreover, elevated or reduced Fc galactosylation enhanced or diminished complement activation, respectively, with no apparent contribution from the lectin pathway. Fab glycans slightly reduced complement activation. Lastly, we show that bispecific, monovalent IgG4 resulting from Fab arm exchange is a less potent activator of complement than monospecific IgG4. Taken together, these results imply that involvement of IgG4-mediated complement activation in pathology is possible but unlikely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nienke Oskam
- Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Department of Immunopathology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Timon Damelang
- Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Department of Immunopathology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Immunohematology Experimental, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Marij Streutker
- Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Department of Immunopathology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Pleuni Ooijevaar-de Heer
- Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Department of Immunopathology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jan Nouta
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Carolien Koeleman
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Julie Van Coillie
- Department of Immunohematology Experimental, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Manfred Wuhrer
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Gestur Vidarsson
- Department of Immunohematology Experimental, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Theo Rispens
- Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Department of Immunopathology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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4
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Petrović T, Trbojević-Akmačić I. Lectin and Liquid Chromatography-Based Methods for Immunoglobulin (G) Glycosylation Analysis. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2021; 112:29-72. [PMID: 34687007 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-76912-3_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Immunoglobulin (Ig) glycosylation has been shown to dramatically affect its structure and effector functions. Ig glycosylation changes have been associated with different diseases and show a promising biomarker potential for diagnosis and prognosis of disease advancement. On the other hand, therapeutic biomolecules based on structural and functional features of Igs demand stringent quality control during the production process to ensure their safety and efficacy. Liquid chromatography (LC) and lectin-based methods are routinely used in Ig glycosylation analysis complementary to other analytical methods, e.g., mass spectrometry and capillary electrophoresis. This chapter covers analytical approaches based on LC and lectins used in low- and high-throughput N- and O-glycosylation analysis of Igs, with the focus on immunoglobulin G (IgG) applications. General principles and practical examples of the most often used LC methods for Ig purification are described, together with typical workflows for N- and O-glycan analysis on the level of free glycans, glycopeptides, subunits, or intact Igs. Lectin chromatography is a historical approach for the analysis of lectin-carbohydrate interactions and glycoprotein purification but is still being used as a valuable tool in Igs purification and glycan analysis. On the other hand, lectin microarrays have found their application in the rapid screening of glycan profiles on intact proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tea Petrović
- Glycoscience Research Laboratory, Genos Ltd., Zagreb, Croatia
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Petrović T, Lauc G, Trbojević-Akmačić I. The Importance of Glycosylation in COVID-19 Infection. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1325:239-264. [PMID: 34495539 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-70115-4_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is currently one of the major health problems worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 survival and virulence are shown to be impacted by glycans, covalently attached to proteins in a process of glycosylation, making glycans an area of interest in SARS-CoV-2 biology and COVID-19 infection. The SARS-CoV-2 uses its highly glycosylated spike (S) glycoproteins to bind to the cell surface receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) glycoprotein and facilitate host cell entry. Viral glycosylation has wide-ranging roles in viral pathobiology, including mediating protein folding and stability, immune evasion, host receptor attachment, and cell entry. Modification of SARS-CoV-2 envelope membrane with glycans is important in host immune recognition and interaction between S and ACE2 glycoproteins. On the other hand, immunoglobulin G, a key molecule in immune response, shows a distinct glycosylation profile in COVID-19 infection and with increased disease severity. Hence, further studies on the role of glycosylation in SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and COVID-19 infection are needed for its successful prevention and treatment. This chapter focuses on recent findings on the importance of glycosylation in COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tea Petrović
- Genos Glycoscience Research Laboratory, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Gordan Lauc
- Genos Glycoscience Research Laboratory, Zagreb, Croatia.,Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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Sjögren J, Lood R, Nägeli A. On enzymatic remodeling of IgG glycosylation; unique tools with broad applications. Glycobiology 2020; 30:254-267. [PMID: 31616919 PMCID: PMC7109354 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwz085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of IgG glycosylation has been known for many years not only by scientists in glycobiology but also by human pathogens that have evolved specific enzymes to modify these glycans with fundamental impact on IgG function. The rise of IgG as a major therapeutic scaffold for many cancer and immunological indications combined with the availability of unique enzymes acting specifically on IgG Fc-glycans have spurred a range of applications to study this important post-translational modification on IgG. This review article introduces why the IgG glycans are of distinguished interest, gives a background on the unique enzymatic tools available to study the IgG glycans and finally presents an overview of applications utilizing these enzymes for various modifications of the IgG glycans. The applications covered include site-specific glycan transglycosylation and conjugation, analytical workflows for monoclonal antibodies and serum diagnostics. Additionally, the review looks ahead and discusses the importance of O-glycosylation for IgG3, Fc-fusion proteins and other new formats of biopharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rolf Lood
- Genovis AB, Scheelevägen 2, 223 63 Lund, Sweden
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