Variant Asparaginase Polypeptides With Reduced Immunogenicity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing asparaginase treatments for acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphoma face issues of immunogenicity, hypersensitivity, and inefficient production methods, leading to treatment termination and product shortages.

Innovation Solution

Development of variant asparaginase polypeptides with specific amino acid substitutions, particularly at cysteine residues, to reduce immunogenicity and enhance stability, combined with site-specific pegylation and production in host cells.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If native asparaginase is used for treatment, then therapeutic effect is achieved, but immunogenicity and hypersensitivity occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic effectVSAvoidimmunogenicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the amino acid sequence of asparaginase through site-directed mutagenesis. Specifically, cysteine residues at positions 29, 169, and 206 are substituted with serine, threonine, or alanine, respectively. These parameter changes in the protein structure reduce immunogenicity while preserving catalytic activity, thereby resolving the contradiction between therapeutic effect and immunogenicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by making targeted modifications at specific locations (cysteine residues) within the asparaginase molecule rather than altering the entire protein. The cysteine residues at positions 29, 169, and 206 are specifically substituted to reduce immunogenicity, while the rest of the protein structure remains unchanged to maintain therapeutic function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If native asparaginase is used for treatment, then therapeutic effect is achieved, but treatment termination due to hypersensitivity occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic effectVSAvoidtreatment duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the amino acid sequence of asparaginase through site-directed mutagenesis. Specifically, cysteine residues at positions 29, 169, and 206 are substituted with serine, threonine, or alanine, respectively. These parameter changes in the protein structure reduce immunogenicity while preserving catalytic activity, thereby resolving the contradiction between therapeutic effect and immunogenicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by making targeted modifications at specific locations (cysteine residues) within the asparaginase molecule rather than altering the entire protein. The cysteine residues at positions 29, 169, and 206 are specifically substituted to reduce immunogenicity, while the rest of the protein structure remains unchanged to maintain therapeutic function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Quantity of substance

If traditional production methods are used, then asparaginase is produced, but production efficiency is low and product shortages occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveasparaginase productionVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by utilizing the host cell's (E. coli) own metabolic pathways and protein expression machinery to produce the variant asparaginase. The mutated gene is introduced into E. coli, which then automatically transcribes and translates the gene to produce the therapeutic protein, eliminating the need for complex external production systems and significantly improving production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The variant asparaginase polypeptides demonstrate reduced immunogenicity, improved stability, and enhanced pharmacokinetics, addressing hypersensitivity and production inefficiencies, thereby providing effective treatment options for leukemia and lymphoma.

Implementation Method 1

L-asparaginase (also referred to herein as asparaginase) is a bacterial enzyme composed of identical subunits (approximately 35 kDa each subunit) that catalyzes the conversion of L-asparagine to aspartic acid and ammonia

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnzyme catalysis: Enzyme

Data Source

PatentEP3781197B1Variant asparaginase polypeptides for medical use
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 ELANCO US INC
  • EP3781197B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3781197B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3781197B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are various embodiments relating to variant asparaginase polypeptides with enhanced stability, pharmacodynamics, and/or reduced immunogenicity. The variant asparaginase polypeptides may be used as therapeutics in mammals, including human, canines, felines, and equines.