Structural modifications of the tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitor Enbrel affect its therapeutic efficacy in a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract

Therapeutic blockade of proinflammatory cytokines has revolutionized the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), leading to the approval of several therapeutic biologics for RA. A prominent target in RA is tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), a proinflammatory cytokine. Etanercept (Enbrel), a fusion protein comprising the soluble portion of the p75-TNF receptor and the Fc fragment of human IgG1 (hinge, CH2, and CH3 domains) was the first TNF-α specific biologic to make a substantial impact for the treatment of RA. Enbrel (etanercept) differs structurally and functionally from other anti-TNF-α biologics (monoclonal antibodies), primarily because of its unique structure. This study aimed to explore whether structural modifications of Enbrel with specific focus on isotype variation and the incorporation of the CH1 domain to the Fc constant region, can potentiate its therapeutic efficacy. We developed 4 murine versions of Enbrel: mEnbrel2a and mEnbrel1, with and without the CH1 domain. These versions were assessed for their ability to bind and neutralize TNF-α in vitro, as well as their therapeutic effects in vivo using an experimental RA mouse model. We found that all mEnbrel variants bound TNF-α with comparable affinities. However, the mEnbrel2a derivatives, particularly with the CH1 domain, exhibited superior TNF-α neutralization in vitro. In vivo, mEnbrel2a with a CH1 domain provided the most significant reduction in disease severity. These findings underscore the critical role of isotype and domain selection in optimizing the therapeutic potential of Fc-fusion proteins and provide valuable insights applicable to other Fc-fusion proteins and a broader range of pathologies. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This study reveals that isotype and Fc domain engineering of tumor necrosis factor-α-targeting biologics enhances therapeutic efficacy against rheumatoid arthritis in a mouse model. Specifically, incorporation of the CH1 domain into an Enbrel-based Fc-fusion protein of the mouse IgG2a isotype significantly improved disease outcomes (delay of onset, arthritis severity, reduction in inflammatory white blood cells), highlighting the importance of Fc configuration for optimizing mEnbrel. These findings provide a foundation for the rational design of next-generation Fc-fusion therapeutics for autoimmune diseases.