A platform for qualitative and quantitative characterization of α-Gal and NeuGc at the oligosaccharide level

Abstract

Glycosylation modification serves as a pivotal quality attribute in glycoprotein-based therapeutics, emphasizing its role in drug safety and efficacy. Prior studies have underscored the potential immunogenic risks posed by the presence of galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal) and N-glycolylneuraminic acid (NeuGc) in glycoprotein formulations. This accentuates the imperative for developing robust qualitative and quantitative analytical methods to monitor these immunogenic epitopes, thereby ensuring drug safety. In the present investigation, α-Gal and NeuGc were accurately quantified using UPLC-FLR-MS/MS at the oligosaccharide level. Remarkably, α-Gal could be identified when the ion intensity ratio or the mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) of 528.19 to 366.14 exceeded 1. Concurrently, NeuGc and N-acetylneuraminic acid (NeuAc) could be unambiguously identified through their respective fragment ions at m/z 673.23 and m/z 657.23. Furthermore, relative quantification of α-Gal and NeuGc was achieved using fluorescence signals. This study introduces a sensitive and reliable analytical approach for the qualitative and quantitative assessment of α-Gal and NeuGc in glycoprotein pharmaceuticals. The methodology offers significant potential for application in process control and optimization of glycoprotein production, aimed at minimizing immunogenicity and enhancing product quality.