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Biochemistry, structure, and cellular internalization of a four nanobody‐bearing Fc dimer
Author(s) -
Chabrol Eric,
Fagnen Charline,
Landron Sophie,
Marcheteau Estelle,
Stojko Johann,
Guenin SophiePénélope,
Antoine Mathias,
Fould Benjamin,
Ferry Gilles,
Boutin Jean A.,
VénienBryan Catherine
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
protein science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.353
H-Index - 175
eISSN - 1469-896X
pISSN - 0961-8368
DOI - 10.1002/pro.4147
Subject(s) - monoclonal antibody , internalization , chemistry , single domain antibody , antibody , antigen , immunoglobulin fc fragments , microbiology and biotechnology , biophysics , immunoglobulin g , receptor , biology , biochemistry , immunology
VHH stands for the variable regions of heavy chain only of camelid IgGs. The VHH family forms a set of interesting proteins derived from antibodies that maintain their capacity to recognize the antigen, despite their relatively small molecular weight (in the 12,000 Da range). Continuing our exploration of the possibilities of those molecules, we chose to design alternative molecules with maintained antigen recognition, but enhanced capacity, by fusing four VHH with one Fc, the fragment crystallizable region of antibodies. In doing so, we aimed at having a molecule with superior quantitative antigen recognition (×4) while maintaining its size below the 110 kDa. In the present paper, we described the building of those molecules that we coined VHH 2 ‐Fc‐VHH 2 . The structure of VHH 2 ‐Fc‐VHH 2 in complex with HER2 antigen was determined using electronic microscopy and modeling. The molecule is shown to bind four HER2 proteins at the end of its flexible arms. VHH 2 ‐Fc‐VHH 2 also shows an internalization capacity via HER2 receptor superior to the reference anti‐HER2 monoclonal antibody, Herceptin®, and to a simple fusion of two VHH with one Fc (VHH 2 ‐Fc). This new type of molecules, VHH 2 ‐Fc‐VHH 2 , could be an interesting addition to the therapeutic arsenal with multiple applications, from diagnostic to therapy.