High-Throughput Generation of Bipod (Fab × scFv) Bispecific Antibodies Exploits Differential Chain Expression and Affinity Capture

Sci Rep. 2020 May 5;10(1):7557. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-64536-w.

Abstract

Generation of bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) having two unique Fab domains requires heterodimerization of the two heavy chains and pairing of each heavy chain with its cognate light chain. An alternative bispecific scaffold (Bipod) comprising an scFv and a Fab on a heterodimeric Fc eliminates the possibility of light chain mispairing. However, unpredictable levels of chain expression and scFv-induced aggregation can complicate purification and reduce the yield of desired Bipod. Here, we describe a high-throughput method for generation of Bipods based on protein A and CH1 domain affinity capture. This method exploits over-expression of the scFv chain to maximize heterodimer yield. Bipods purified by this method have purity suitable for cell-based functional assays and in vivo studies.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Bispecific / chemistry*
  • Biological Products / therapeutic use
  • CHO Cells
  • Cricetulus
  • DNA / chemistry
  • Dimerization
  • Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
  • Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
  • Epitopes / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments / chemistry*
  • Immunoglobulin G / genetics
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Mutation
  • Neoplasms / therapy
  • Plasmids
  • Protein Domains
  • Protein Engineering / methods*
  • Single-Chain Antibodies / chemistry*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bispecific
  • Biological Products
  • Epitopes
  • Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Single-Chain Antibodies
  • DNA