Human monoclonal antibody

Summary A human clone was derived from fusion of a malignant cell line (Ball-1) and peripheral blood lymphocytes from a breast cancer patient in long-term remission. This clone, JDB1, was shown to be a genetically identifiable hybrid, expressing chromosomes unique to each of the parental cell types. The JDB1 clone produces IgG/lambda molecules which are extremely reactive with breast tumor cells, but do not bind to normal breast tissue or other types of malignant tissue. This hybrid was constructed without using the commonly accepted fusion technology which employs 8-azoguanine resistant HAT sensitive malignant fusion partners. Rather a selective fusion procedure was used in which a choice of the most efficient and effective malignant partner could be made prior to fusion. This approach was accompanied by stringent selection of patients as lymphocyte donors. This method has allowed for stable and vigorous growth of clones with a near constant amount of specific immunoglobulin production and a normal diploid chromosome number for over 3 years.     

Human monoclonal antibodies

Summary The technology for the production of murine monoclonal antibodies has been refined enormously since its introduction in 1975. However, the technology for generating human monoclonal antibodies has only recently come into its own. In this review, three currently available approaches to the production of human monoclonal antibodies are described. These include the hybridoma technique, based on the fusion of antibody-producing human B lymphocytes with either mouse or human myeloma or lymphoblastoid cells; the EBV immortalization technique, based on the use of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) to immortalize antigen-specific human B lymphocytes; and the EBV-hybridoma technique, based on a combination of the first two methods.The EBV-hybridoma system retains the advantageous features of the other two systems while overcoming their pitfalls and may be the current method of choice for producing human monoclonal antibodies with a defined specificity.Recipient of a W.H.O. training scholarship in Tropical Diseases.Fellow of the National Cancer Institute of Canada.     

The monoclonal myth

Most researchers confidently assume that transformation of recombinant plasmid libraries into microbial hosts followed by outgrowth of isolated colonies results in a "one cell-one mutant gene-one protein variant" paradigm. Indeed, this assumption is supported by the overwhelming majority of published studies employing bacterial expression hosts. In stark contrast, we recently reported on Saccharomyces cerevisiae libraries containing unexpectedly high frequencies of cells harboring heterogeneous mixtures of plasmids, so called Multiple Vector Transformants (MVT). Intriguingly, we observed that yeast MVT persist as a significant proportion of populations for multiple generations. MVT can lead to misidentification of isolated mutants loss of functionally enhanced clones, and unwitting propagation of false positives derived from contaminating control sequences. Such experimental complications can have devastating outcomes in the context of protein engineering by combinatorial library screening. Herein, we demonstrate that the phenomenon of MVT is not restricted to vectors bearing the CEN/ARSH origin of replication, but may be an even greater concern when using high copy 2 μm plasmids. To mitigate the risks associated with MVT, we have developed an optimized sequencing procedure that facilitates rapid and reliable identification of MVT among clones of interest. In our experience, MVT and their associated risks can be virtually eliminated by employing extended liquid outgrowths of transformed populations and archiving sequence-verified, monoclonal, mutant genes from cell-templated PCR amplicons.     

Anti-phytochelatin monoclonal antibody

Phytochelatins (PCs, (Glu-Cys)_n-Gly, n = 2–11) are metal ions-binding peptides produced by plant, algae and fungi. Antibodies that recognize PCs were induced by the injection of Balb/c mice with a multiple antigen peptide consisting of PC₆(MAP-PC₆). One stable hybridoma producing a monoclonal antibody (mAb), designated as 4-9C, was established. The DNA sequences of the heavy and light chain variable regions of the 4-9C mAb were determined. The 4-9C mAb had a smaller equilibrium dissociation constant (K _d) towards Cu-, Zn- and Ni-PC₇complexes than those towards other metal-PC₇complexes and free PCs.     

Dissecting monoclonal antibody mega-deals

Monoclonal antibody (mAb) deals notable in size have made headlines recently. While deals with over US$ 1 bio in milestones were highly unusual in the past, even preclinical agreements, including some with very attractive co-promotion or profit-sharing clauses for the licensor, now reach this mark. This article presents an analysis of the structure of high-value mAb deals and the impact of increasingly sophisticated terms. Strategies of licensees and the impact of strategy on a deal’s size and structure are also examined.     

Fragmentation of monoclonal antibodies

Fragmentation is a degradation pathway ubiquitously observed in proteins despite the remarkable stability of peptide bond; proteins differ only by how much and where cleavage occurs. The goal of this review is to summarize reports regarding the non-enzymatic fragmentation of the peptide backbone of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). The sites in the polypeptide chain susceptible to fragmentation are determined by a multitude of factors. Insights are provided on the intimate chemical mechanisms that can make some bonds prone to cleavage due to the presence of specific side-chains. In addition to primary structure, the secondary, tertiary and quaternary structures have a significant impact in modulating the distribution of cleavage sites by altering local flexibility, accessibility to solvent or bringing in close proximity side chains that are remote in sequence. This review focuses on cleavage sites observed in the constant regions of mAbs, with special emphasis on hinge fragmentation. The mechanisms responsible for backbone cleavage are strongly dependent on pH and can be catalyzed by metals or radicals. The distribution of cleavage sites are different under acidic compared to basic conditions, with fragmentation rates exhibiting a minimum in the pH range 5 to 6; therefore, the overall fragmentation pattern observed for a mAb is a complex result of structural and solvent conditions. A critical review of the techniques used to monitor fragmentation is also presented; usually a compromise has to be made between a highly sensitive method with good fragment separation and the capability to identify the cleavage site. The effect of fragmentation on the function of a mAb must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis depending on whether cleavage sites are observed in the variable or constant regions, and on the mechanism of action of the molecule.     

Dissecting monoclonal antibody mega-deals

Monoclonal antibody (mAb) deals notable in size have made headlines recently. While deals with over US$ 1 bio in milestones were highly unusual in the past, even preclinical agreements, including some with very attractive co-promotion or profit-sharing clauses for the licensor, now reach this mark. This article presents an analysis of the structure of high-value mAb deals and the impact of increasingly sophisticated terms. Strategies of licensees and the impact of strategy on a deal''s size and structure are also examined.Key words: licensing, valuation, term sheet, deal structure, strategy, risk management     

Mitogen-like monoclonal anti-actin antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies (IgM kappa) have been produced to actin isolated electrophoretically from L cell extracts. These monoclonal anti-actin antibodies bind to intact L cells and modulate DNA synthesis and cell proliferation, much like affinity-purified polyclonal rabbit antibody to the same Mr 42,000 actin. In addition, monoclonal antibodies specific for actin from Entamoeba histolytica also bound to and modulated the growth of L cells. A monoclonal antibody directed against a neuroblastoma surface antigen did not produce stimulation of L cells, and the binding activity of anti-actin monoclonal antibody to L cells was removed by absorption with actin covalently coupled to Sepharose. These observations demonstrate the specificity of interaction between the anti-actin monoclonal antibodies and the surface of intact L cells. We conclude that a surface actin-like molecule on the L cell, when bound by specific monoclonal antibody, initiates a stimulatory signal which results in enhanced cellular metabolism.     

Recombinant human monoclonal antibodies

To produce human monoclonal antibodies in bacteria, a gene repertoire of IgM variable regions was isolated from human peripheral B lymphocytes by the polymerase chain reaction. Alternatively, synthetic antibody genes with random hypervariable regions are being generated that may provide libraries of even higher complexity. For the selection of specific monoclonal antibodies from these libraries, we have developed twoE. coli vector systems that facilitate the surface display of an antibody physically linked to its own gene. The phagemid pSEX encodes a fusion protein of an antigen binding domain (Fv-antibody) with the docking protein (pIII) of filamentous phages. Specific antibody genes can therefore be enriched by antigen affinity chromatography. The plasmid pAP1 encodes a fusion protein of an Fv-antibody with a bacterial cell-wall protein. Bacteria carrying this plasmid express functional Fv-antibodies tightly bound to their surface. This should enable the selection of single cells with a fluorescence-assisted cell sorter (FACS) using labeled antigen or by adsorption to immobilized antigen. These vectors permit three major principles of the antibody response to be mimicked inE. coli:

1. Generation of a highly complex antibody repertoire;
2. Clonal selection procedures for library screening; and
3. The possibility of increasing a given affinity by repeated rounds of mutation and selection.

     

Immunotoxicity of monoclonal antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are large molecules intended to bind to specific targets often expressed on the immune system, and to treat various immunopathological conditions. Therefore, mAbs can be considered to have a high potential for immunotoxicity, which is reflected in the clinical experience accumulated on mAbs-induced adverse effects related to immunosuppression, immunostimulation, and hypersensitivity (immunogenicity). So far, non clinical immunotoxicity studies have been inadequate to address all safety issues in relation to the possible immunotoxicity of mAbs, because they are fraught with limitations and pitfalls primarily related to the lack of relevant animal species. In addition, clinical studies rarely include validated end-points dedicated to the prediction of immunotoxicity. With the ongoing development of mAbs as novel therapeutic strategies for a wide variety of diseases, efforts should be paid to improve our understanding of mAbs-induced immunotoxic effects and design dedicated strategies to assess their immunological safety, both non clinically and clinically.     

Fragmentation of monoclonal antibodies

Fragmentation is a degradation pathway ubiquitously observed in proteins despite the remarkable stability of peptide bond; proteins differ only by how much and where cleavage occurs. The goal of this review is to summarize reports regarding the non-enzymatic fragmentation of the peptide backbone of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). The sites in the polypeptide chain susceptible to fragmentation are determined by a multitude of factors. Insights are provided on the intimate chemical mechanisms that can make some bonds prone to cleavage due to the presence of specific side-chains. In addition to primary structure, the secondary, tertiary and quaternary structures have a significant impact in modulating the distribution of cleavage sites by altering local flexibility, accessibility to solvent or bringing in close proximity side chains that are remote in sequence. This review focuses on cleavage sites observed in the constant regions of mAbs, with special emphasis on hinge fragmentation. The mechanisms responsible for backbone cleavage are strongly dependent on pH and can be catalyzed by metals or radicals. The distribution of cleavage sites are different under acidic compared to basic conditions, with fragmentation rates exhibiting a minimum in the pH range 5–6; therefore, the overall fragmentation pattern observed for a mAb is a complex result of structural and solvent conditions. A critical review of the techniques used to monitor fragmentation is also presented; usually a compromise has to be made between a highly sensitive method with good fragment separation and the capability to identify the cleavage site. The effect of fragmentation on the function of a mAb must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis depending on whether cleavage sites are observed in the variable or constant regions, and on the mechanism of action of the molecule.Key words: fragmentation, cleavage, clipping, hinge region, peptide bond hydrolysis, IgG1, IgG2     

Immunotoxicity of monoclonal antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are large molecules intended to bind to specific targets often expressed on the immune system, and to treat various immunopathological conditions. Therefore, mAbs can be considered to have a high potential for immunotoxicity, which is reflected in the clinical experience accumulated on mAbs-induced adverse effects related to immunosuppression, immunostimulation and hypersensitivity (immunogenicity). So far, non clinical immunotoxicity studies have been inadequate to address all safety issues in relation to the possible immunotoxicity of mAbs, because they are fraught with limitations and pitfalls primarily related to the lack of relevant animal species. In addition, clinical studies rarely include validated end-points dedicated to the prediction of immunotoxicity. With the ongoing development of mAbs as novel therapeutic strategies for a wide variety of diseases, efforts should be paid to improve our understanding of mAbs-induced immunotoxic effects and design dedicated strategies to assess their immunological safety, both non clinically and clinically.Key words: immunotoxicology, monoclonal antibodies, immunological safety evaluation