Molecular characterization and functional activity of an IL-15 antagonist MutIL-15/Fc human fusion protein.

Fc fusion proteins are a new emerging class of molecules for immune-targeted delivery of therapeutic proteins. Biophysical and bioanalytical characterization is critical for clinical development and delivery of therapeutic proteins. Here we report molecular and functional characterization of a recombinant human fusion protein Mutant IL-15/Fc. MutIL-15/Fc has a molecular weight of ∼95 kDa as determined by multiangle laser light scattering with online size exclusion chromatography and migrated at a faster rate (lower retention time) in gel filtration column. The kinetics of binding of MutIL-15/Fc to Fcγ receptor is best fitted in a bivalent modal with K(D1) 5 µM and K(D2) 9 µM determined by surface plasmon resonance (BIAcore). N-Glycoprofiling analysis revealed extensive glycosylation of MutIL-15/Fc. The Fc and IL-15 components in the MutIL-15/Fc are detected using the dual mode ELISA. The HT-2 cell proliferation inhibition assay is qualified as a quantitative in vitro marker functional assay. Molecular state changes associated with forced stress analyzed by SEC-MALS resulted in changes in bioactivity and Fc:Fcγ receptor interaction affinity. These data provide a systematic approach to molecular and functional characterization of the MutIL-15/Fc to establish product consistency and stability monitoring during storage and under drug delivery conditions.