Characterization of Host Cell Proteins in the Downstream Process of Plant-Based Biologics Using LC-MS Profiling

Host cell proteins (HCPs) are process-related impurities found in biopharmaceutical products that can impair their safety and efficacy. While ELISA has traditionally been employed to quantify HCPs, LC-MS emerges as a powerful alternative for precise identification of individual HCPs. In this study, we used LC-MS for profiling HCPs from Nicotiana benthamiana-derived biopharmaceuticals. Our approach involved rigorous false discovery rate control to ensure data integrity and reliability. Comprehensive analysis revealed a systematic reduction of HCPs following purification, demonstrating the efficiency of purification processes in removing non-essential proteins. Furthermore, LC-MS enabled the identification of potential contaminants, refining purification strategies and improving product purity and integrity. Our findings highlight the potential of LC-MS as an analytical tool for HCPs analysis in biopharmaceutical development and manufacturing. By providing detailed insights into HCPs profiles and contaminants, LC-MS facilitates informed decision-making in downstream processing steps, benefiting product quality, patient safety, and the biopharmaceutical sector.