Maillard Reaction Products in the Escherichia coli–derived Therapeutic Protein Interferon Alfacon‐1

Abstract

We have recently shown that recombinant human interferon-gamma is affected by early stages of the Maillard reaction during its production in Escherichia coli. Over time, advanced glycation end products accumulated in the purified protein, accompanied with degradation, cross-linking, and a drop in the protein's biologic activity. Here, we provide further evidence for the presence of Maillard reaction products in another E. coli-derived therapeutic protein, interferon alfacon-1. These products might interfere with both treatment efficacy and patient safety.