Photo-oxidation of IgG1 and Model Peptides: Detection and Analysis of Triply Oxidized His and Trp Side Chain Cleavage Products

Triply oxidized histidine in an IgG1 monoclonal antibody was noticed when exposed to ICH light conditions. In order to understand the role of light source, irradiation wavelengths and primary sequence, specifically those of a nearby tryptophan, we synthesized and exposed several peptides to ICH light conditions and analyzed the products using LC-MS analysis. Protein and peptide samples were photo-irradiated under ICH conditions as well as with monochromatic light at lambda = 254 nm and analyzed using either LTQ Orbitrap or a LTQ-FT ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer respectively. A triply oxidized His residue was detected along with a second doubly oxidized His residue in an IgG1. Both of these oxidized His residues are located near Trp residues. In order to investigate the role of Trp photosensitization in His oxidation we synthesized model peptides and Ala mutants. Peptides exposed to ICH light stress conditions revealed a small percent of triply oxidized His in the Trp-containing peptide sequences but not in their corresponding Ala mutants. The differences in product formation under different photo-irradiation conditions underline the importance of light source, irradiation wavelengths and primary sequence in the photosensitivity of proteins.