Structural determination of an antibody that specifically recognizes polyethylene glycol with a terminal methoxy group

Covalent attachment of methoxy poly(ethylene) glycol (mPEG) to therapeutic molecules is widely employed to improve their systemic circulation time and therapeutic efficacy. mPEG, however, can induce anti-PEG antibodies that negatively impact drug therapeutic effects. However, the underlying mechanism for specific binding of antibodies to mPEG remains unclear. Here, we determined the first co-crystal structure of the humanized 15-2b anti-mPEG antibody in complex with mPEG, which possesses a deep pocket in the antigen-binding site to accommodate the mPEG polymer. Structural and mutational analyses revealed that mPEG binds to h15-2b via Van der Waals and hydrogen bond interactions, whereas the methoxy group of mPEG is stabilized in a hydrophobic environment between the V_H:V_L interface. Replacement of the heavy chain hydrophobic V37 residue with a neutral polar serine or threonine residue offers additional hydrogen bond interactions with methoxyl and hydroxyl groups, resulting in cross-reactivity to mPEG and OH-PEG. Our findings provide insights into understanding mPEG-binding specificity and antigenicity of anti-mPEG antibodies.