LC-MS for HCP Detection and Analysis

Host cell proteins (HCP) are recombinant proteins that are expressed by a cell of a different species, known as the 'host'. While the presence of HCPs may only be in the part-per-million (ppm) concentration levels, they are highly immunogenic and can have lethal effects on patients if they are not removed. Liquid-chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is a potential method for the detection of HCPs in biopharmaceutical products.

Skip to:

Liquid-chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is a potential method for detecting HCPs in biopharmaceutical products.Kateryna Kon | Shutterstock

Advantages of LC-MS for HCP detection

LC-MS combines the capabilities of two methods: liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Liquid chromatography is used to separate different mixtures, while mass spectrometry subsequently identifies the separated molecules. This has several advantages. Firstly, it enables scientists to identify all proteins in a sample, including those that are non-immunoreactive. Secondly, it does not require protein-specific antibodies.

LC-MS has a high sensitivity, is able to detect impurities within the parts per million range, and can provide information both qualitatively and quantitatively. This method can be performed with either one dimensional or two-dimensional LC-MS.

Methodology

Firstly, all the peptides within a sample must be extracted, purified, and fractionated. The sample is then subjected to one dimensional or two-dimensional liquid chromatography followed by mass spectroscopic analysis. The results are entered into a database which contains results for thousands of potential host cell proteins.

Low concentrations

When the host cell proteins are present at very low levels, they may co-elute or precipitate with intense antibody peptides. In such cases, a broader dynamic range may be used, with a different separation phase. Various exclusion and inclusion lists can further enhance the sensitivity of LC-MS.

Modes of mass chromatography

There are several modes that can be used for the detection of mass spectrometry:

  • In the shotgun method, the detection and fragmentation of peptide ions are based on the signal intensity.
  • In the ‘targeted' method, a set of predetermined fragment ions are detected from the precursor ions that are then anticipated in the survey scan.
  • "Directed" methods refer to the selection and fragmentation of peptide ions that are predetermined in the survey scan.

One study showed that a combination method involving directed mass spectroscopy along with two-dimensional fractionation methods was able to identify the highest number of HCPs.

Alternative methods for the detection of HCPs

The methods currently used to detect HCPs include ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and western blotting. However, these methods require prior information about HCPs, which is not requi for LC-MS. Also, these methods are time intensive and expensive, and in many cases, they need to be adapted based on the cell type and purification method. In addition, ELISA does not detect HCPs that are non-immunoreactive.

Another method is two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. This method can be coupled to fluorescence microscopy and used in a semi-quantitative manner. However, this method has a limited range and requires the presence of other methods to identify the HCP.

Sources

Further Reading

Last Updated: May 2, 2019

Dr. Surat P

Written by

Dr. Surat P

Dr. Surat graduated with a Ph.D. in Cell Biology and Mechanobiology from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (Mumbai, India) in 2016. Prior to her Ph.D., Surat studied for a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Zoology, during which she was the recipient of an Indian Academy of Sciences Summer Fellowship to study the proteins involved in AIDs. She produces feature articles on a wide range of topics, such as medical ethics, data manipulation, pseudoscience and superstition, education, and human evolution. She is passionate about science communication and writes articles covering all areas of the life sciences.  

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    P, Surat. (2019, May 02). LC-MS for HCP Detection and Analysis. News-Medical. Retrieved on January 02, 2024 from https://www.news-medical.net/life-sciences/LC-MS-for-HCP-Detection-and-Analysis.aspx.

  • MLA

    P, Surat. "LC-MS for HCP Detection and Analysis". News-Medical. 02 January 2024. <https://www.news-medical.net/life-sciences/LC-MS-for-HCP-Detection-and-Analysis.aspx>.

  • Chicago

    P, Surat. "LC-MS for HCP Detection and Analysis". News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/life-sciences/LC-MS-for-HCP-Detection-and-Analysis.aspx. (accessed January 02, 2024).

  • Harvard

    P, Surat. 2019. LC-MS for HCP Detection and Analysis. News-Medical, viewed 02 January 2024, https://www.news-medical.net/life-sciences/LC-MS-for-HCP-Detection-and-Analysis.aspx.

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post
You might also like...
Big Tuna and automated buffer exchange: An interview with Unchained Labs