A novel bifunctional protein TNFR2-Fc-IL-1ra (TFI): expression, purification and its neutralization activity of inflammatory factors

Mol Biotechnol. 2013 Jun;54(2):141-7. doi: 10.1007/s12033-012-9550-7.

Abstract

Tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNF) and internleukin-1 (IL-1) are the most potent proinflammatory cytokines involving in autoimmune and inflammatory human diseases. Many anti-inflammatory agents have been exploited for anti-inflammation treatments by targeting cytokines including TNF and IL-1. Theoretically, simultaneously neutralizing or blocking two important inflammatory mediators may achieve a synergistic therapeutic effect. We have developed a recombinant fusion protein, TNFR2-Fc-IL-1ra (TFI), which consists of a TNF-neutralizing domain that specifically binds to TNF-α, an IL-1 receptor antagonist domain, and a dimerization Fc portion of human IgG1, for bifunctional inflammatory inhibitor. Recombinant DNA expressing the sequence of this fusion protein was expressed in CHO-S cells. The protein product was purified using a two-step purification protocol and the identity of the protein was confirmed by western blot analysis. The purified recombinant protein had a purity of about 98 % as determined by HPLC, and a molecular mass of 164.6 kDa as determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. The results of cell binding inhibition indicate that TFI was able to strongly neutralize TNF activity and antagonize IL-1r activity, suggesting that TFI may be used as a bifunctional ligand with enhanced anti-inflammatory effect. The result obtained in this study may provide a platform for extending bifunctional anti-inflammatory drug development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CHO Cells
  • Cell Line
  • Cricetinae
  • Cricetulus
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / genetics
  • Immunoglobulin G / metabolism
  • Inflammation / genetics*
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein / genetics*
  • Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Receptors, Interleukin-1 / genetics
  • Receptors, Interleukin-1 / metabolism
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type II / genetics*
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type II / metabolism
  • Recombinant Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / genetics
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / metabolism

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein
  • Receptors, Interleukin-1
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type II
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha