Evaluation and Optimization of Different Digestion Strategies for In-Depth Proteomic Characterization of Residual Host Cell Proteins in rAAV-Based Gene Therapy Products

Abstract

Recombinant adeno-associated virus vectors (rAAVs) are the most important vectors for in vivo gene therapies, yet their safety relies on low levels of residual host cell proteins (HCPs). While mass spectrometry-based proteomics enables sensitive and untargeted HCP profiling, it faces challenges with matrix interferences from purification buffers and the high dynamic range between abundant viral capsids and trace HCPs. Although sample preparation methods that address these challenges are well-established for antibody products, their adaptation to rAAV purification stages and products remains largely unexplored. In this study, we systematically evaluated three widely used proteomic sample preparation workflows─In-Solution, FASP, and SP3─across different stages of rAAV purification. In addition, each workflow was tested under both standard denatured digestion conditions and a “native” digestion strategy designed to reduce dynamic range by preserving capsid integrity while selectively digesting HCPs. This comparison identified the native FASP protocol as the most effective sample preparation method for overcoming matrix interference and dynamic range challenges, consistently outperforming other workflows in HCP identification across purification stages. Further optimization of the native FASP workflow enhanced its performance, achieving the highest host cell (HC) proteome depth, particularly in highly purified drug substance samples. This optimized sample preparation strategy provides a robust and easy-to-use framework for deep characterization of the host cell proteome in rAAV samples. By enabling deeper insights into the HCP profile, this approach supports improved understanding of the rAAV purification process and facilitates the development of targeted strategies to enhance product quality and safety.