Improved Solution-State Properties of Monoclonal Antibodies by Targeted Mutations

Monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based therapeutics often require high-concentration formulations. Unfortunately, highly concentrated antibody solutions often have biophysical properties that are disadvantageous for therapeutic development, such as high viscosity, solubility limitations, precipitation issues, or liquid-liquid phase separation. In this work, we present a computational rational design principle for improving the thermodynamic stability of mAb solutions through targeted point mutations. Two publicly available IgG1 monoclonal antibodies that exhibit high viscosity at high concentrations were used as model systems. Guided by a computationally efficient approach that combines molecular dynamics simulations with three-dimensional reference interaction site model theory, point mutations of charged residues were introduced in the variable Fv regions in such a manner that the hydration free energy was optimized. Two selected point mutants were then produced by transient expression and characterized experimentally. Both engineered mAbs have reduced viscosity at high concentration, less negative second virial coefficient, and improved solubility compared to the respective wild-types. The results obtained with the suggested straightforward design principle underline the relevance of solvation effects for understanding, and ultimately optimizing, the properties of highly concentrated mAb solutions, with possible implications also for other biomolecular systems.