Antibody Sequence Mutation for Affinity and Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for methods to improve the properties of amino acid sequences used as single antigen-binding domains, such as affinity, specificity, stability, and reduced immunogenicity, which are not adequately addressed by conventional antibody fragments or domain antibodies.

Innovation Solution

A method involving PCR assembly of oligonucleotides with specific mutations to generate libraries of amino acid sequences that can be screened for desired properties, including affinity maturation, deimmunization, and stability, using techniques like degenerate codons and framework/complementarity determining region modifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional antibody fragments or domain antibodies are used, then the structure is simpler and easier to produce, but the affinity, specificity, and stability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaffinity and specificityVSAvoidsequence complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically mutating specific amino acid positions in the CDR and FR regions of antibody sequences. This involves changing physical-chemical parameters of the protein structure through targeted amino acid substitutions, deletions, or insertions to optimize binding affinity and stability while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs preliminary action through in silico screening and prediction methods before experimental validation. Computational algorithms predict which mutations will improve desired properties, allowing the selection of optimal candidate sequences before synthesis and testing, thereby reducing the complexity of the experimental process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If amino acid sequences are mutated to improve affinity and specificity, then binding properties are enhanced, but immunogenicity may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebinding affinityVSAvoidimmunogenicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms by iteratively screening mutant libraries and using the results to guide subsequent rounds of mutation. Experimental binding data and immunogenicity assessments feed back into the design process, allowing optimization of sequences to simultaneously improve affinity while minimizing immunogenicity through selective pressure against highly immunogenic variants

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If extensive mutation screening is performed to improve sequence properties, then affinity and stability are enhanced, but the time and resources required increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesequence stabilityVSAvoiddevelopment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by focusing mutations on specific critical regions (CDR and selected FR positions) rather than exhaustive screening of the entire sequence. This targeted approach concentrates resources on the most impactful positions, achieving significant stability improvements with reduced screening burden compared to comprehensive random mutagenesis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses preliminary computational filtering to predict stable mutants before experimental testing. In silico stability predictions pre-screen large numbers of potential mutants, allowing only the most promising candidates to proceed to wet-lab validation, thereby dramatically reducing the time and resources required for extensive mutation screening

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10214588B2Providing improved immunoglobulin sequences by mutating CDR and/or FR positions
Publication Date: 2019.02.26 ABLYNX NV
  • US10214588B2 patent drawing
  • US10214588B2 patent drawing
  • US10214588B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to methods and techniques for providing improved amino acid sequences that can be used as single antigen-binding domains. In particular, the invention relates to methods and techniques for providing improved amino acid sequences that can be used as single antigen-binding domains that comprise or essentially consist of at least one immunoglobulin sequence. More in particular, the amino acid sequences provided herein may comprise or essentially consist of at least one variable domain sequence or a suitable fragment thereof such as at least one light chain variable domain sequence (e.g. a VL-sequence) or a suitable fragment thereof or at least one heavy chain variable domain sequence (e.g. a VH-sequence or VHH sequence) or a suitable fragment thereof.