Exploring molecular determinants and pharmacokinetic properties of IgG1-scFv bispecific antibodies.

Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) capable of recognizing two distinct epitopes or antigens offer promising therapeutic options for various diseases by targeting multiple pathways. The favorable pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are crucial, as they directly influence patient safety and therapeutic efficacy. For numerous mAb therapeutics, optimization of neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) interactions and elimination of unfavorable molecular properties have led to improved PK properties. However, many BsAbs exhibit unfavorable PK, which has precluded their development as drugs. In this report, we present studies on the molecular determinants underlying the distinct PK profiles of three IgG1-scFv BsAbs. Our study indicated that high levels of nonspecific interactions, elevated isoelectric point (pI), and increased number of positively charged patches contributed to the fast clearance of IgG1-scFv. FcRn chromatography results revealed specific scFv-FcRn interactions that are unique to the IgG1-scFv, which was further supported by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. These interactions likely stabilize the BsAb FcRn interaction at physiological pH, which in turn could disrupt FcRn-mediated BsAb recycling. In addition to the empirical observations, we also evaluated the impact of in silico properties, including pI differential between the Fab and scFv and the ratio of dipole moment to hydrophobic moment (RM) and their correlation with the observed clearance. These findings highlight that the PK properties of BsAbs may be governed by novel determinants, owing to their increased structural complexity compared to immunoglobulin G (IgG) 1 antibodies.

Analysis of ß-lactone formation by clinically observed carbapenemases informs on a novel antibiotic resistance mechanism.

An important mechanism of resistance to ß-lactam antibiotics is via their ß-lactamase-catalyzed hydrolysis. Recent work has shown that, in addition to the established hydrolysis products, the reaction of the class D nucleophilic serine ß-lactamases (SBLs) with carbapenems also produces ß-lactones. We report studies on the factors determining ß-lactone formation by class D SBLs. We show that variations in hydrophobic residues at the active site of class D SBLs (i.e. Trp105, Val120, and Leu158, using OXA-48 numbering) impact on the relative levels of ß-lactones and hydrolysis products formed. Some variants, i.e. the OXA-48 V120L and OXA-23 V128L variants, catalyze increased ß-lactone formation compared with the WT enzymes. The results of kinetic and product studies reveal that variations of residues other than those directly involved in catalysis, including those arising from clinically observed mutations, can alter the reaction outcome of class D SBL catalysis. NMR studies show that some class D SBL variants catalyze formation of ß-lactones from all clinically relevant carbapenems regardless of the presence or absence of a 1ß-methyl substituent. Analysis of reported crystal structures for carbapenem-derived acyl-enzyme complexes reveals preferred conformations for hydrolysis and ß-lactone formation. The observation of increased ß-lactone formation by class D SBL variants, including the clinically observed carbapenemase OXA-48 V120L, supports the proposal that class D SBL-catalyzed rearrangement of ß-lactams to ß-lactones is important as a resistance mechanism.

19 F†NMR Monitoring of Reversible Protein Post-Translational Modifications: Class†D ß-Lactamase Carbamylation and Inhibition.

Bacterial production of ß-lactamases with carbapenemase activity is a global health threat. The active sites of class D carbapenemases such as OXA-48, which is of major clinical importance, uniquely contain a carbamylated lysine residue which is essential for catalysis. Although there is significant interest in characterizing this post-translational modification, and it is a promising inhibition target, protein carbamylation is challenging to monitor in solution. We report the use of 19 F NMR spectroscopy to monitor the carbamylation state of 19 F-labelled OXA-48. This method was used to investigate the interactions of OXA-48 with clinically used serine ß-lactamase inhibitors, including avibactam and vaborbactam. Crystallographic studies on 19 F-labelled OXA-48 provide a structural rationale for the sensitivity of the 19 F label to active site interactions. The overall results demonstrate the use of 19 F NMR to monitor reversible covalent post-translational modifications.