Deep sequencing and single-chain variable fragment (scFv) yeast display methods are becoming more popular for discovery of therapeutic antibody candidates in mouse B cell repertoires. In this study, we compare a deep sequencing and scFv display method that retains native heavy and light chain pairing with a related method that randomly pairs heavy and light chain. We performed the studies in a humanized mouse, using interleukin 21 receptor (IL-21R) as a test immunogen. We identified 44 high-affinity binder scFv with the native pairing method and 100 high-affinity binder scFv with the random pairing method. 30% of the natively paired scFv binders were also discovered with the randomly paired method, and 13% of the randomly paired binders were also discovered with the natively paired method. Additionally, 33% of the scFv binders discovered only in the randomly paired library were initially present in the natively paired pre-sort library. Thus, a significant proportion of “randomly paired” scFv were actually natively paired. We synthesized and produced 46 of the candidates as full-length antibodies and subjected them to a panel of binding assays to characterize their therapeutic potential. 87% of the antibodies were verified as binding IL-21R by at least one assay. We found that antibodies with native light chains were more likely to bind IL-21R than antibodies with non-native light chains, suggesting a higher false positive rate for antibodies from the randomly paired library. Additionally, the randomly paired method failed to identify nearly half of the true natively paired binders, suggesting a higher false negative rate. We conclude that natively paired libraries have critical advantages in sensitivity and specificity for antibody discovery programs.
MDX-1203 is a human anti-CD70 antibody conjugated to a pro-drug containing DNA alkylating cytotoxic Drug A. Drug A is composed of the anti-tumor compound Drug B, containing an ester linked protecting group, and a maleimide containing cleavable peptide linker designed to facilitate conjugation to the antibody. Mechanism of action of ADCs involve antibody mediated tumor specific delivery, cellular uptake, and intracellular pro-drug release and activation. Understanding the stability of the peptide linker as well as the pro-drug in various plasma matrices is critical for the development of successful ADC therapeutic. We have generated mouse monoclonal antibodies that specifically recognize either the intact Drug A or Drug A without the protecting group. Using these antibodies, an ELISA method was developed to study in vitro plasma stability of pro-drug in MDX-1203. Our results indicate that the plasma stability of ester linked protecting group varies significantly depending on the animal species probably due to variation in the level of plasma esterase activity. In order to determine the peptide linker stability, a radiolabeled MDX-1203 with 14C radiolabel on Drug A was made. A Thin Layer Chromatography method was developed to determine the in vitro plasma stability of the peptide linker in different plasma matrices. Our results indicate that the peptide linker in MDX-1203 is stable at 37o C up to 6 days. Based on these experimental data, we propose a model for stability of the peptide linker as well as the pro-drug in MDX-1203 in various plasma matrices.
Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2587.
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