Quantitative in vitro and in vivo models to assess human IgE B cell receptor crosslinking by IgE and EMPD IgE targeting antibodies

Targeting plasma IgE by therapeutic mABs like Omalizumab (Xolair®) is current clinical practice for severe allergic conditions or other IgE related diseases like chronic urticaria. As an alternative to soluble IgE targeting, IgE supply can be lowered by targeting the Extracellular Membrane Proximal Domain (EMPD) of the IgE B cell receptor (BCR) present on IgE switched B cells. This ultimately leads to apoptosis of these cells upon IgE BCR crosslinking. Since tools to selectively assess the efficacy of IgE BCR crosslinking by IgE targeting antibodies are limited, a readily quantifiable cell model was developed that allows to specifically address IgE BCR crosslinking activity in vitro. The new cell model allowed for a direct quantitative comparison of anti-EMPD IgE therapeutic prototype antibody 47H4 with anti-IgE(Ce3) directed therapeutic antibody Omalizumab and with a newly selected anti-human EMPD IgE monoclonal antibody, designated mAB 15cl12. Furthermore, a complementing mouse model was developed that allows for in vivo validation of antibodies addressing human EMPD IgE. It carries a targetable humanized EMPD IgE sequence that has been introduced by seamless genomic replacement of the endogenous EMPD encoding sequence. The model allowed to directly compare IgE lowering activity of two anti-human EMPD IgE therapeutic antibodies in vivo. Our tools provide the means for quantitative assessment of IgE BCR crosslinking activity which is increasingly gaining attention with respect to forthcoming second generation anti-IgE clinical candidates such as Ligelizumab or other clinical candidates featuring additional effector functions such as IgE BCR crosslinking activity.