Chromatographic methods for large-scale preparation of immunoglobulin G2a monoclonal antibodies Lym-1 and TNT-1 F(ab')2 fragments

Abstract Lym-1 and TNT-1 are two murine immunoglobulin G 2a monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) which have been used for clinical trials in cancer patients. This paper describes methods for large-scale preparation of F(ab') 2 fragments from 50 mg to 4 g of MAbs Lym-1 and TNT-1. Digestion of MAbs with pepsin was optimized and performed at pH 3.8, a pepsin/antibody ratio of 1:250, and 3–4 h of incubation at 37°C. The F(ab') 2 fragments were purified by tandem column procedures using fast protein liquid chromatography. Quality control analyses of the products included protein purity, isoelectric point, immunoreactivity, and endotoxin level. The results revealed that the chromatographic procedures are practical, simple, and effective, and can be used to produce gram quantities of clinical-grade F(ab') 2 fragments for the diagnosis of cancer in patients.