Development of a Humanized Anti-Fibrotic Antibody Targeting Extracellular Collagen Assembly to Reduce Post-Traumatic Scarring

Abstract

BackgroundExcessive accumulation of fibrillar collagen causes pathological scarring and fibrosis. A promising anti-fibrotic strategy targets the extracellular assembly of collagen fibrils rather than intracellular synthesis pathways. We previously developed a chimeric monoclonal antibody targeting the C-terminal telopeptide of the 2(I) chain of human collagen I that effectively disrupts fibrillogenesis. This study details the engineering of a humanized antibody variant optimized for therapeutic application, augmented with a collagen-binding peptide (CBP) to enhance targeted retention in fibrotic tissues. MethodsA humanized ACA was engineered by in silico homology modeling, complementarity-determining region grafting, and sequence optimization to eliminate chemical liabilities. Variants were expressed in mammalian cells and evaluated for binding kinetics and specificity. To improve spatial localization, the CBP was fused to the antibody. The lead variant was assessed for in vitro cytotoxicity, matrix retention, and in vivo efficacy using a rabbit model of post-traumatic knee arthrofibrosis. ResultsThe humanized ACA variants maintained high specificity and affinity for the 2Ct target domain. Fusing the CBP to the C-terminus of the light chain (C-cbpACA) successfully enhanced matrix retention without compromising target engagement or causing cellular toxicity. In the rabbit arthrofibrosis model, intra-articular C-cbpACA delivery significantly reduced flexion contracture and decreased total collagen deposition in the joint capsule compared to untreated controls. ConclusionWe successfully engineered a clinically viable, humanized, and matrix-targeted anti-fibrotic antibody that specifically inhibited extracellular collagen assembly and exhibited enhanced localization within fibrotic tissues. This construct represents a promising therapeutic strategy for mitigating pathological scarring and improving post-traumatic functional outcomes.