Humanized CD3 Binding Domain Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing CD3 binding antigen binding proteins face challenges with stability, expression, and biophysical properties, particularly when humanized from murine VL frameworks, leading to poor recognition and cytotoxic potency.

Innovation Solution

The use of a human VL framework of the κ chain (Vκ1_39) instead of the murine λ chain, combined with specific mutations at positions VH111 and VL49, enhances CD3 binding affinity, stability, and cytotoxic potency in bispecific tandem diabodies, while maintaining binding properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If murine VL framework (λ chain) is used for humanization, then CD3 binding affinity is maintained, but stability and expression are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCD3 binding affinityVSAvoidprotein stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by switching the VL framework type from murine λ chain to human κ chain (Vκ1_39), and by introducing specific amino acid mutations at positions 49 and 50. This fundamental parameter change in the framework structure resolves the contradiction by providing both stable expression and maintained CD3 binding affinity, as the human κ framework is more compatible with human cellular machinery while the specific mutations preserve the binding interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by making targeted amino acid substitutions at specific positions (49 and 50) within the VL framework, rather than changing the entire framework. These localized changes at the CDR3 region preserve the essential CD3 binding interactions while improving overall protein stability and expression characteristics, demonstrating how local modifications can resolve global stability issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If human VL framework (Vκ1_39) is used, then stability and expression are improved, but initial binding affinity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotein stabilityVSAvoidCD3 binding affinity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses parameter changes by introducing specific amino acid substitutions at positions 49 and 50 of the Vκ1_39 framework. These parameter modifications restore and optimize the CD3 binding affinity that was initially reduced by the framework switch, while maintaining the stability and expression benefits of the human κ framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-optimizing the Vκ1_39 framework with specific mutations at positions 49 and 50 before final antibody construction. This preliminary optimization ensures that the framework is pre-configured to maintain both stability and binding affinity, preventing the need for later corrective modifications and ensuring consistent performance in the final therapeutic antibody.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If specific mutations (VH111 to Y or H, VL49 from G to A) are introduced, then stability is improved, but binding mechanism is altered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve7-day stability at 40°CVSAvoidbinding mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by introducing mutations at specific positions (VH111 and VL49) that directly contact each other at the CD3 binding interface. These localized changes improve stability through enhanced inter-chain interactions while maintaining the essential binding mechanism, as the mutations are positioned to optimize structural stability without disrupting the overall binding geometry and affinity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3177646B1CD3 binding domain
Publication Date: 2020.10.07 AFFIMED GMBH
  • EP3177646B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3177646B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3177646B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a humanized CD3 binding site, which comprises (a) a variable heavy chain domain (VH) as depicted in SEQ ID NO:8 and a variable light chain domain (VL) as depicted in SEQ ID NO:3; or (b) a variable heavy chain domain (VH) as depicted in SEQ ID NO:9 and a variable light chain domain (VL) as depicted in SEQ ID NO:4. The CD3 binding sites have an increased stability, while the binding affinity has been retained due to mutations at positions VH111 and VL49.