Enhancement of adalimumab expression in CHO cells by antioxidant small molecule additives and the underlying mechanism

Objective: Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are widely used in the production of recombinant proteins and have become the main expression host for clinical therapeutic proteins. The method of using culture medium additives to effectively increase the yield of recombinant proteins. Results: 5 μM MYR, 25 μM DHM, 25 μM QUE, and 20 μM CUR can increase the expression level of adalimumab, and MYR enhances the fucosylation, alkaline variant, and antibody purity of adalimumab. The four additives regulate the cell cycle, inhibit apoptosis, and reduce intracellular ROS, reducing the content of SOD in CHO cells and increasing ATP production in CHO cells. These mechanisms improve the expression level and quality of adalimumab in CHO cells. Conclusion: In this study, four additives increased the expression level and quality attributes of adamu by controlling oxidative stress, reducing cell apoptosis, and other mechanisms.