1
|
Mattioli M, Raele RA, Gautam G, Borucu U, Schaffitzel C, Aulicino F, Berger I. Tuning VSV-G Expression Improves Baculovirus Integrity, Stability and Mammalian Cell Transduction Efficiency. Viruses 2024; 16:1475. [PMID: 39339951 PMCID: PMC11437408 DOI: 10.3390/v16091475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2024] [Revised: 09/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Baculoviral vectors (BVs) derived from Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) are an attractive tool for multigene delivery in mammalian cells, which is particularly relevant for CRISPR technologies. Most applications in mammalian cells rely on BVs that are pseudotyped with vesicular stomatitis virus G-protein (VSV-G) to promote efficient endosomal release. VSV-G expression typically occurs under the control of the hyperactive polH promoter. In this study, we demonstrate that polH-driven VSV-G expression results in BVs characterised by reduced stability, impaired morphology, and VSV-G induced toxicity at high multiplicities of transduction (MOTs) in target mammalian cells. To overcome these drawbacks, we explored five alternative viral promoters with the aim of optimising VSV-G levels displayed on the pseudotyped BVs. We report that Orf-13 and Orf-81 promoters reduce VSV-G expression to less than 5% of polH, rescuing BV morphology and stability. In a panel of human cell lines, we elucidate that BVs with reduced VSV-G support efficient gene delivery and CRISPR-mediated gene editing, at levels comparable to those obtained previously with polH VSV-G-pseudotyped BVs (polH VSV-G BV). These results demonstrate that VSV-G hyperexpression is not required for efficient transduction of mammalian cells. By contrast, reduced VSV-G expression confers similar transduction dynamics while substantially improving BV integrity, structure, and stability.
Collapse
|
2
|
Calahorra J, Blaya-Cánovas JL, Castellini-Pérez O, Aparicio-Puerta E, Cives-Losada C, Marin JJG, Rementeria M, Cara FE, López-Tejada A, Griñán-Lisón C, Aulicino F, Berger I, Marchal JA, Delgado-Almenta V, Granados-Principal S. Unlocking the effective alliance of β-lapachone and hydroxytyrosol against triple-negative breast cancer cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116439. [PMID: 38518601 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterised by its aggressiveness and resistance to chemotherapy, demanding the development of effective strategies against its unique characteristics. Derived from lapacho tree bark, β-lapachone (β-LP) selectively targets cancer cells with elevated levels of the detoxifying enzyme NQO1. Hydroxytyrosol (HT) is a phenolic compound derived from olive trees with important anticancer properties that include the inhibition of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and metastatic features in TNBC, as well as relevant antioxidant activities by mechanisms such as the induction of NQO1. We aimed to study whether these compounds could have synergistic anticancer activity in TNBC cells and the possible role of NQO1. For this pourpose, we assessed the impact of β-LP (0.5 or 1.5 μM) and HT (50 and 100 μM) on five TNBC cell lines. We demonstrated that the combination of β-LP and HT exhibits anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and cell cycle arrest effects in several TNBC cells, including docetaxel-resistant TNBC cells. Additionally, it effectively inhibits the self-renewal and clonogenicity of CSCs, modifying their aggressive phenotype. However, the notable impact of the β-LP-HT combination does not appear to be solely associated with the levels of the NQO1 protein and ROS. RNA-Seq analysis revealed that the combination's anticancer activity is linked to a strong induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis through the unfolded protein response. In conclusion, in this study, we demonstrated how the combination of β-LP and HT could offer an affordable, safe, and effective approach against TNBC.
Collapse
|
3
|
Tavakolidakhrabadi N, Aulicino F, May CJ, Saleem MA, Berger I, Welsh GI. Genome editing and kidney health. Clin Kidney J 2024; 17:sfae119. [PMID: 38766272 PMCID: PMC11099665 DOI: 10.1093/ckj/sfae119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Genome editing technologies, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas in particular, have revolutionized the field of genetic engineering, providing promising avenues for treating various genetic diseases. Chronic kidney disease (CKD), a significant health concern affecting millions of individuals worldwide, can arise from either monogenic or polygenic mutations. With recent advancements in genomic sequencing, valuable insights into disease-causing mutations can be obtained, allowing for the development of new treatments for these genetic disorders. CRISPR-based treatments have emerged as potential therapies, especially for monogenic diseases, offering the ability to correct mutations and eliminate disease phenotypes. Innovations in genome editing have led to enhanced efficiency, specificity and ease of use, surpassing earlier editing tools such as zinc-finger nucleases and transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs). Two prominent advancements in CRISPR-based gene editing are prime editing and base editing. Prime editing allows precise and efficient genome modifications without inducing double-stranded DNA breaks (DSBs), while base editing enables targeted changes to individual nucleotides in both RNA and DNA, promising disease correction in the absence of DSBs. These technologies have the potential to treat genetic kidney diseases through specific correction of disease-causing mutations, such as somatic mutations in PKD1 and PKD2 for polycystic kidney disease; NPHS1, NPHS2 and TRPC6 for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis; COL4A3, COL4A4 and COL4A5 for Alport syndrome; SLC3A1 and SLC7A9 for cystinuria and even VHL for renal cell carcinoma. Apart from editing the DNA sequence, CRISPR-mediated epigenome editing offers a cost-effective method for targeted treatment providing new avenues for therapeutic development, given that epigenetic modifications are associated with the development of various kidney disorders. However, there are challenges to overcome, including developing efficient delivery methods, improving safety and reducing off-target effects. Efforts to improve CRISPR-Cas technologies involve optimizing delivery vectors, employing viral and non-viral approaches and minimizing immunogenicity. With research in animal models providing promising results in rescuing the expression of wild-type podocin in mouse models of nephrotic syndrome and successful clinical trials in the early stages of various disorders, including cancer immunotherapy, there is hope for successful translation of genome editing to kidney diseases.
Collapse
|
4
|
Capin J, Harrison A, Raele RA, Yadav SKN, Baiwir D, Mazzucchelli G, Quinton L, Satchwell T, Toye A, Schaffitzel C, Berger I, Aulicino F. An engineered baculoviral protein and DNA co-delivery system for CRISPR-based mammalian genome editing. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:3450-3468. [PMID: 38412306 PMCID: PMC11014373 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-based DNA editing technologies enable rapid and accessible genome engineering of eukaryotic cells. However, the delivery of genetically encoded CRISPR components remains challenging and sustained Cas9 expression correlates with higher off-target activities, which can be reduced via Cas9-protein delivery. Here we demonstrate that baculovirus, alongside its DNA cargo, can be used to package and deliver proteins to human cells. Using protein-loaded baculovirus (pBV), we demonstrate delivery of Cas9 or base editors proteins, leading to efficient genome and base editing in human cells. By implementing a reversible, chemically inducible heterodimerization system, we show that protein cargoes can selectively and more efficiently be loaded into pBVs (spBVs). Using spBVs we achieved high levels of multiplexed genome editing in a panel of human cell lines. Importantly, spBVs maintain high editing efficiencies in absence of detectable off-targets events. Finally, by exploiting Cas9 protein and template DNA co-delivery, we demonstrate up to 5% site-specific targeted integration of a 1.8 kb heterologous DNA payload using a single spBV in a panel of human cell lines. In summary, we demonstrate that spBVs represent a versatile, efficient and potentially safer alternative for CRISPR applications requiring co-delivery of DNA and protein cargoes.
Collapse
|
5
|
Buzas D, Sun H, Toelzer C, Yadav SKN, Borucu U, Gautam G, Gupta K, Bufton JC, Capin J, Sessions RB, Garzoni F, Berger I, Schaffitzel C. Engineering the ADDobody protein scaffold for generation of high-avidity ADDomer super-binders. Structure 2024; 32:342-351.e6. [PMID: 38198950 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2023.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Adenovirus-derived nanoparticles (ADDomer) comprise 60 copies of adenovirus penton base protein (PBP). ADDomer is thermostable, rendering the storage, transport, and deployment of ADDomer-based therapeutics independent of a cold chain. To expand the scope of ADDomers for new applications, we engineered ADDobodies, representing PBP crown domain, genetically separated from PBP multimerization domain. We inserted heterologous sequences into hyper-variable loops, resulting in monomeric, thermostable ADDobodies expressed at high yields in Escherichia coli. The X-ray structure of an ADDobody prototype validated our design. ADDobodies can be used in ribosome display experiments to select a specific binder against a target, with an enrichment factor of ∼104-fold per round. ADDobodies can be re-converted into ADDomers by genetically reconnecting the selected ADDobody with the PBP multimerization domain from a different species, giving rise to a multivalent nanoparticle, called Chimera, confirmed by a 2.2 Å electron cryo-microscopy structure. Chimera comprises 60 binding sites, resulting in ultra-high, picomolar avidity to the target.
Collapse
|
6
|
Basu S, Shukron O, Hall D, Parutto P, Ponjavic A, Shah D, Boucher W, Lando D, Zhang W, Reynolds N, Sober LH, Jartseva A, Ragheb R, Ma X, Cramard J, Floyd R, Balmer J, Drury TA, Carr AR, Needham LM, Aubert A, Communie G, Gor K, Steindel M, Morey L, Blanco E, Bartke T, Di Croce L, Berger I, Schaffitzel C, Lee SF, Stevens TJ, Klenerman D, Hendrich BD, Holcman D, Laue ED. Publisher Correction: Live-cell three-dimensional single-molecule tracking reveals modulation of enhancer dynamics by NuRD. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2024; 31:390. [PMID: 38102414 PMCID: PMC10873192 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-01179-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
|
7
|
Aulicino F, Raele RA, Harrison A, Berger I. Assembly of Baculovirus Vectors for Multiplexed Prime Editing. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2829:301-327. [PMID: 38951346 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3961-0_24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Efficient genome editing by using CRISPR technologies requires simultaneous and efficient delivery of multiple genetically encoded components to mammalian cells. Amongst all editing approaches, prime editing (PE) has the unique potential to perform seamless genome rewriting, in the absence of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). The cargo capacity required for efficient PE delivery to mammalian cells stands at odd with the limited packaging capacity of traditional viral delivery vectors. By contrast, baculovirus (BV) has a large synthetic DNA capacity and can efficiently transduce mammalian cells. Here we describe a protocol for the assembly of baculovirus vectors for multiplexed prime editing in mammalian cells.
Collapse
|
8
|
Menzies SK, Arinto-Garcia R, Amorim FG, Cardoso IA, Abada C, Crasset T, Durbesson F, Edge RJ, El-Kazzi P, Hall S, Redureau D, Stenner R, Boldrini-França J, Sun H, Roldão A, Alves PM, Harrison RA, Vincentelli R, Berger I, Quinton L, Casewell NR, Schaffitzel C. ADDovenom: Thermostable Protein-Based ADDomer Nanoparticles as New Therapeutics for Snakebite Envenoming. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:673. [PMID: 38133177 PMCID: PMC10747859 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15120673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming can be a life-threatening medical emergency that requires prompt medical intervention to neutralise the effects of venom toxins. Each year up to 138,000 people die from snakebites and threefold more victims suffer life-altering disabilities. The current treatment of snakebite relies solely on antivenom-polyclonal antibodies isolated from the plasma of hyperimmunised animals-which is associated with numerous deficiencies. The ADDovenom project seeks to deliver a novel snakebite therapy, through the use of an innovative protein-based scaffold as a next-generation antivenom. The ADDomer is a megadalton-sized, thermostable synthetic nanoparticle derived from the adenovirus penton base protein; it has 60 high-avidity binding sites to neutralise venom toxins. Here, we outline our experimental strategies to achieve this goal using state-of-the-art protein engineering, expression technology and mass spectrometry, as well as in vitro and in vivo venom neutralisation assays. We anticipate that the approaches described here will produce antivenom with unparalleled efficacy, safety and affordability.
Collapse
|
9
|
Basu S, Shukron O, Hall D, Parutto P, Ponjavic A, Shah D, Boucher W, Lando D, Zhang W, Reynolds N, Sober LH, Jartseva A, Ragheb R, Ma X, Cramard J, Floyd R, Balmer J, Drury TA, Carr AR, Needham LM, Aubert A, Communie G, Gor K, Steindel M, Morey L, Blanco E, Bartke T, Di Croce L, Berger I, Schaffitzel C, Lee SF, Stevens TJ, Klenerman D, Hendrich BD, Holcman D, Laue ED. Live-cell three-dimensional single-molecule tracking reveals modulation of enhancer dynamics by NuRD. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2023; 30:1628-1639. [PMID: 37770717 PMCID: PMC10643137 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-01095-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
To understand how the nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD) complex regulates enhancers and enhancer-promoter interactions, we have developed an approach to segment and extract key biophysical parameters from live-cell three-dimensional single-molecule trajectories. Unexpectedly, this has revealed that NuRD binds to chromatin for minutes, decompacts chromatin structure and increases enhancer dynamics. We also uncovered a rare fast-diffusing state of enhancers and found that NuRD restricts the time spent in this state. Hi-C and Cut&Run experiments revealed that NuRD modulates enhancer-promoter interactions in active chromatin, allowing them to contact each other over longer distances. Furthermore, NuRD leads to a marked redistribution of CTCF and, in particular, cohesin. We propose that NuRD promotes a decondensed chromatin environment, where enhancers and promoters can contact each other over longer distances, and where the resetting of enhancer-promoter interactions brought about by the fast decondensed chromatin motions is reduced, leading to more stable, long-lived enhancer-promoter relationships.
Collapse
|
10
|
Buzas D, Bunzel AH, Staufer O, Milodowski EJ, Edmunds GL, Bufton JC, Vidana Mateo BV, Yadav SKN, Gupta K, Fletcher C, Williamson MK, Harrison A, Borucu U, Capin J, Francis O, Balchin G, Hall S, Vega MV, Durbesson F, Lingappa S, Vincentelli R, Roe J, Wooldridge L, Burt R, Anderson RJL, Mulholland AJ, Bristol UNCOVER Group, Hare J, Bailey M, Davidson AD, Finn A, Morgan D, Mann J, Spatz J, Garzoni F, Schaffitzel C, Berger I. In vitro generated antibodies guide thermostable ADDomer nanoparticle design for nasal vaccination and passive immunization against SARS-CoV-2. Antib Ther 2023; 6:277-297. [PMID: 38075238 PMCID: PMC10702856 DOI: 10.1093/abt/tbad024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Due to COVID-19, pandemic preparedness emerges as a key imperative, necessitating new approaches to accelerate development of reagents against infectious pathogens. Methods Here, we developed an integrated approach combining synthetic, computational and structural methods with in vitro antibody selection and in vivo immunization to design, produce and validate nature-inspired nanoparticle-based reagents against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Results Our approach resulted in two innovations: (i) a thermostable nasal vaccine called ADDoCoV, displaying multiple copies of a SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding motif derived epitope and (ii) a multivalent nanoparticle superbinder, called Gigabody, against SARS-CoV-2 including immune-evasive variants of concern (VOCs). In vitro generated neutralizing nanobodies and electron cryo-microscopy established authenticity and accessibility of epitopes displayed by ADDoCoV. Gigabody comprising multimerized nanobodies prevented SARS-CoV-2 virion attachment with picomolar EC50. Vaccinating mice resulted in antibodies cross-reacting with VOCs including Delta and Omicron. Conclusion Our study elucidates Adenovirus-derived dodecamer (ADDomer)-based nanoparticles for use in active and passive immunization and provides a blueprint for crafting reagents to combat respiratory viral infections.
Collapse
|
11
|
Oliveira ASF, Shoemark DK, Davidson AD, Berger I, Schaffitzel C, Mulholland AJ. SARS-CoV-2 spike variants differ in their allosteric responses to linoleic acid. J Mol Cell Biol 2023; 15:mjad021. [PMID: 36990513 PMCID: PMC10563148 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjad021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein contains a functionally important fatty acid (FA) binding site, which is also found in some other coronaviruses, e.g. SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. The occupancy of the FA site by linoleic acid (LA) reduces infectivity by 'locking' the spike in a less infectious conformation. Here, we use dynamical-nonequilibrium molecular dynamics (D-NEMD) simulations to compare the allosteric responses of spike variants to LA removal. D-NEMD simulations show that the FA site is coupled to other functional regions of the protein, e.g. the receptor-binding motif (RBM), N-terminal domain (NTD), furin cleavage site, and regions surrounding the fusion peptide. D-NEMD simulations also identify the allosteric networks connecting the FA site to these functional regions. The comparison between the wild-type spike and four variants (Alpha, Delta, Delta plus, and Omicron BA.1) shows that the variants differ significantly in their responses to LA removal. The allosteric connections to the FA site on Alpha are generally similar to those on the wild-type protein, with the exception of the RBM and the S71-R78 region, which show a weaker link to the FA site. In contrast, Omicron is the most different variant, exhibiting significant differences in the RBM, NTD, V622-L629, and furin cleavage site. These differences in the allosteric modulation may be of functional relevance, potentially affecting transmissibility and virulence. Experimental comparison of the effects of LA on SARS-CoV-2 variants, including emerging variants, is warranted.
Collapse
|
12
|
Avolio E, Srivastava PK, Ji J, Carrabba M, Tsang CTW, Gu Y, Thomas AC, Gupta K, Berger I, Emanueli C, Madeddu P. Murine studies and expressional analyses of human cardiac pericytes reveal novel trajectories of SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein-induced microvascular damage. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:232. [PMID: 37268620 PMCID: PMC10236384 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01489-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
|
13
|
Healy MD, McNally KE, Butkovič R, Chilton M, Kato K, Sacharz J, McConville C, Moody ERR, Shaw S, Planelles-Herrero VJ, Yadav SKN, Ross J, Borucu U, Palmer CS, Chen KE, Croll TI, Hall RJ, Caruana NJ, Ghai R, Nguyen THD, Heesom KJ, Saitoh S, Berger I, Schaffitzel C, Williams TA, Stroud DA, Derivery E, Collins BM, Cullen PJ. Structure of the endosomal Commander complex linked to Ritscher-Schinzel syndrome. Cell 2023; 186:2219-2237.e29. [PMID: 37172566 PMCID: PMC10187114 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The Commander complex is required for endosomal recycling of diverse transmembrane cargos and is mutated in Ritscher-Schinzel syndrome. It comprises two sub-assemblies: Retriever composed of VPS35L, VPS26C, and VPS29; and the CCC complex which contains twelve subunits: COMMD1-COMMD10 and the coiled-coil domain-containing (CCDC) proteins CCDC22 and CCDC93. Combining X-ray crystallography, electron cryomicroscopy, and in silico predictions, we have assembled a complete structural model of Commander. Retriever is distantly related to the endosomal Retromer complex but has unique features preventing the shared VPS29 subunit from interacting with Retromer-associated factors. The COMMD proteins form a distinctive hetero-decameric ring stabilized by extensive interactions with CCDC22 and CCDC93. These adopt a coiled-coil structure that connects the CCC and Retriever assemblies and recruits a 16th subunit, DENND10, to form the complete Commander complex. The structure allows mapping of disease-causing mutations and reveals the molecular features required for the function of this evolutionarily conserved trafficking machinery.
Collapse
|
14
|
Thomas AC, Oliver E, Baum HE, Gupta K, Shelley KL, Long AE, Jones HE, Smith J, Hitchings B, di Bartolo N, Vasileiou K, Rabi F, Alamir H, Eghleilib M, Francis O, Oliver J, Morales-Aza B, Obst U, Shattock D, Barr R, Collingwood L, Duale K, Grace N, Livera GG, Bishop L, Downing H, Rodrigues F, Timpson N, Relton CL, Toye A, Woolfson DN, Berger I, Goenka A, Davidson AD, Gillespie KM, Williams AJK, Bailey M, Brooks-Pollock E, Finn A, Halliday A. Evaluation and deployment of isotype-specific salivary antibody assays for detecting previous SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and adults. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2023; 3:37. [PMID: 36922542 PMCID: PMC10016188 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-023-00264-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Saliva is easily obtainable non-invasively and potentially suitable for detecting both current and previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, but there is limited evidence on the utility of salivary antibody testing for community surveillance. METHODS We established 6 ELISAs detecting IgA and IgG antibodies to whole SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, to its receptor binding domain region and to nucleocapsid protein in saliva. We evaluated diagnostic performance, and using paired saliva and serum samples, correlated mucosal and systemic antibody responses. The best-performing assays were field-tested in 20 household outbreaks. RESULTS We demonstrate in test accuracy (N = 320), spike IgG (ROC AUC: 95.0%, 92.8-97.3%) and spike IgA (ROC AUC: 89.9%, 86.5-93.2%) assays to discriminate best between pre-pandemic and post COVID-19 saliva samples. Specificity was 100% in younger age groups (0-19 years) for spike IgA and IgG. However, sensitivity was low for the best-performing assay (spike IgG: 50.6%, 39.8-61.4%). Using machine learning, diagnostic performance was improved when a combination of tests was used. As expected, salivary IgA was poorly correlated with serum, indicating an oral mucosal response whereas salivary IgG responses were predictive of those in serum. When deployed to household outbreaks, antibody responses were heterogeneous but remained a reliable indicator of recent infection. Intriguingly, unvaccinated children without confirmed infection showed evidence of exposure almost exclusively through specific IgA responses. CONCLUSIONS Through robust standardisation, evaluation and field-testing, this work provides a platform for further studies investigating SARS-CoV-2 transmission and mucosal immunity with the potential for expanding salivo-surveillance to other respiratory infections in hard-to-reach settings.
Collapse
|
15
|
Schlattner U, Abi Nahed R, Aulicino F, Al Assi A, Fontaine E, Carriere M, Berger I. FRET-based nanosensor AMPfret distinguishes physiological from toxic stress. Biophys J 2023; 122:241a. [PMID: 36783182 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.11.1409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
|
16
|
Toelzer C, Gupta K, Berger I, Schaffitzel C. Cryo-EM reveals binding of linoleic acid to SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein, suggesting an antiviral treatment strategy. Acta Crystallogr D Struct Biol 2023; 79:111-121. [PMID: 36762857 PMCID: PMC9912919 DOI: 10.1107/s2059798323000049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and concomitant lockdowns presented a global health challenge and triggered unprecedented research efforts to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2. The spike glycoprotein decorating the surface of SARS-CoV-2 virions is a prime target for vaccine development, antibody therapy and serology as it binds the host cell receptor and is central for viral cell entry. The electron cryo-microscopy structure of the spike protein revealed a hydrophobic pocket in the receptor-binding domain that is occupied by an essential fatty acid, linoleic acid (LA). The LA-bound spike protein adopts a non-infectious locked conformation which is more stable than the infectious form and shields important immunogenic epitopes. Here, the impact of LA binding on viral infectivity and replication, and the evolutionary conservation of the pocket in other highly pathogenic coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs), are reviewed. The importance of LA metabolic products, the eicosanoids, in regulating the human immune response and inflammation is highlighted. Lipid and fatty-acid binding to a hydrophobic pocket in proteins on the virion surface appears to be a broader strategy employed by viruses, including picornaviruses and Zika virus. Ligand binding stabilizes their protein structure and assembly, and downregulates infectivity. In the case of rhinoviruses, this has been exploited to develop small-molecule antiviral drugs that bind to the hydrophobic pocket. The results suggest a COVID-19 antiviral treatment based on the LA-binding pocket.
Collapse
|
17
|
Toelzer C, Gupta K, Yadav SKN, Hodgson L, Williamson MK, Buzas D, Borucu U, Powers K, Stenner R, Vasileiou K, Garzoni F, Fitzgerald D, Payré C, Gautam G, Lambeau G, Davidson AD, Verkade P, Frank M, Berger I, Schaffitzel C. The free fatty acid-binding pocket is a conserved hallmark in pathogenic β-coronavirus spike proteins from SARS-CoV to Omicron. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eadc9179. [PMID: 36417532 PMCID: PMC9683698 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adc9179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
As coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) persists, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOCs) emerge, accumulating spike (S) glycoprotein mutations. S receptor binding domain (RBD) comprises a free fatty acid (FFA)-binding pocket. FFA binding stabilizes a locked S conformation, interfering with virus infectivity. We provide evidence that the pocket is conserved in pathogenic β-coronaviruses (β-CoVs) infecting humans. SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and VOCs bind the essential FFA linoleic acid (LA), while binding is abolished by one mutation in common cold-causing HCoV-HKU1. In the SARS-CoV S structure, LA stabilizes the locked conformation, while the open, infectious conformation is devoid of LA. Electron tomography of SARS-CoV-2-infected cells reveals that LA treatment inhibits viral replication, resulting in fewer deformed virions. Our results establish FFA binding as a hallmark of pathogenic β-CoV infection and replication, setting the stage for FFA-based antiviral strategies to overcome COVID-19.
Collapse
|
18
|
Halliday A, Long AE, Baum HE, Thomas AC, Shelley KL, Oliver E, Gupta K, Francis O, Williamson MK, Di Bartolo N, Randell MJ, Ben-Khoud Y, Kelland I, Mortimer G, Ball O, Plumptre C, Chandler K, Obst U, Secchi M, Piemonti L, Lampasona V, Smith J, Gregorova M, Knezevic L, Metz J, Barr R, Morales-Aza B, Oliver J, Collingwood L, Hitchings B, Ring S, Wooldridge L, Rivino L, Timpson N, McKernon J, Muir P, Hamilton F, Arnold D, Woolfson DN, Goenka A, Davidson AD, Toye AM, Berger I, Bailey M, Gillespie KM, Williams AJK, Finn A. Development and evaluation of low-volume tests to detect and characterize antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. Front Immunol 2022; 13:968317. [PMID: 36439154 PMCID: PMC9682908 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.968317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Low-volume antibody assays can be used to track SARS-CoV-2 infection rates in settings where active testing for virus is limited and remote sampling is optimal. We developed 12 ELISAs detecting total or antibody isotypes to SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid, spike protein or its receptor binding domain (RBD), 3 anti-RBD isotype specific luciferase immunoprecipitation system (LIPS) assays and a novel Spike-RBD bridging LIPS total-antibody assay. We utilized pre-pandemic (n=984) and confirmed/suspected recent COVID-19 sera taken pre-vaccination rollout in 2020 (n=269). Assays measuring total antibody discriminated best between pre-pandemic and COVID-19 sera and were selected for diagnostic evaluation. In the blind evaluation, two of these assays (Spike Pan ELISA and Spike-RBD Bridging LIPS assay) demonstrated >97% specificity and >92% sensitivity for samples from COVID-19 patients taken >21 days post symptom onset or PCR test. These assays offered better sensitivity for the detection of COVID-19 cases than a commercial assay which requires 100-fold larger serum volumes. This study demonstrates that low-volume in-house antibody assays can provide good diagnostic performance, and highlights the importance of using well-characterized samples and controls for all stages of assay development and evaluation. These cost-effective assays may be particularly useful for seroprevalence studies in low and middle-income countries.
Collapse
|
19
|
Staufer O, Gantner G, Platzman I, Tanner K, Berger I, Spatz JP. Bottom-up assembly of viral replication cycles. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6530. [PMID: 36323671 PMCID: PMC9628313 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33661-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Bottom-up synthetic biology provides new means to understand living matter by constructing minimal life-like systems. This principle can also be applied to study infectious diseases. Here we summarize approaches and ethical considerations for the bottom-up assembly of viral replication cycles.
Collapse
|
20
|
Aulicino F, Pelosse M, Toelzer C, Capin J, Ilegems E, Meysami P, Rollarson R, Berggren PO, Dillingham M, Schaffitzel C, Saleem M, Welsh G, Berger I. Highly efficient CRISPR-mediated large DNA docking and multiplexed prime editing using a single baculovirus. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:7783-7799. [PMID: 35801912 PMCID: PMC9303279 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-based precise gene-editing requires simultaneous delivery of multiple components into living cells, rapidly exceeding the cargo capacity of traditional viral vector systems. This challenge represents a major roadblock to genome engineering applications. Here we exploit the unmatched heterologous DNA cargo capacity of baculovirus to resolve this bottleneck in human cells. By encoding Cas9, sgRNA and Donor DNAs on a single, rapidly assembled baculoviral vector, we achieve with up to 30% efficacy whole-exon replacement in the intronic β-actin (ACTB) locus, including site-specific docking of very large DNA payloads. We use our approach to rescue wild-type podocin expression in steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) patient derived podocytes. We demonstrate single baculovirus vectored delivery of single and multiplexed prime-editing toolkits, achieving up to 100% cleavage-free DNA search-and-replace interventions without detectable indels. Taken together, we provide a versatile delivery platform for single base to multi-gene level genome interventions, addressing the currently unmet need for a powerful delivery system accommodating current and future CRISPR technologies without the burden of limited cargo capacity.
Collapse
|
21
|
Buchanan CJ, Gaunt B, Harrison PJ, Yang Y, Liu J, Khan A, Giltrap AM, Le Bas A, Ward PN, Gupta K, Dumoux M, Tan TK, Schimaski L, Daga S, Picchiotti N, Baldassarri M, Benetti E, Fallerini C, Fava F, Giliberti A, Koukos PI, Davy MJ, Lakshminarayanan A, Xue X, Papadakis G, Deimel LP, Casablancas-Antràs V, Claridge TDW, Bonvin AMJJ, Sattentau QJ, Furini S, Gori M, Huo J, Owens RJ, Schaffitzel C, Berger I, Renieri A, Naismith JH, Baldwin AJ, Davis BG. Pathogen-sugar interactions revealed by universal saturation transfer analysis. Science 2022; 377:eabm3125. [PMID: 35737812 DOI: 10.1126/science.abm3125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Many pathogens exploit host cell-surface glycans. However, precise analyses of glycan ligands binding with heavily modified pathogen proteins can be confounded by overlapping sugar signals and/or compounded with known experimental constraints. Universal saturation transfer analysis (uSTA) builds on existing nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to provide an automated workflow for quantitating protein-ligand interactions. uSTA reveals that early-pandemic, B-origin-lineage severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike trimer binds sialoside sugars in an "end-on" manner. uSTA-guided modeling and a high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy structure implicate the spike N-terminal domain (NTD) and confirm end-on binding. This finding rationalizes the effect of NTD mutations that abolish sugar binding in SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. Together with genetic variance analyses in early pandemic patient cohorts, this binding implicates a sialylated polylactosamine motif found on tetraantennary N-linked glycoproteins deep in the human lung as potentially relevant to virulence and/or zoonosis.
Collapse
|
22
|
Bufton JC, Powers KT, Szeto JYA, Toelzer C, Berger I, Schaffitzel C. Structures of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay factors UPF3B and UPF3A in complex with UPF2 reveal molecular basis for competitive binding and for neurodevelopmental disorder-causing mutation. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:5934-5947. [PMID: 35640974 PMCID: PMC9177958 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
UPF3 is a key nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) factor required for mRNA surveillance and eukaryotic gene expression regulation. UPF3 exists as two paralogs (A and B) which are differentially expressed depending on cell type and developmental stage and believed to regulate NMD activity based on cellular requirements. UPF3B mutations cause intellectual disability. The underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive, as many of the mutations lie in the poorly characterized middle-domain of UPF3B. Here, we show that UPF3A and UPF3B share structural and functional homology to paraspeckle proteins comprising an RNA-recognition motif-like domain (RRM-L), a NONA/paraspeckle-like domain (NOPS-L), and extended α-helical domain. These domains are essential for RNA/ribosome-binding, RNA-induced oligomerization and UPF2 interaction. Structures of UPF2's third middle-domain of eukaryotic initiation factor 4G (MIF4GIII) in complex with either UPF3B or UPF3A reveal unexpectedly intimate binding interfaces. UPF3B's disease-causing mutation Y160D in the NOPS-L domain displaces Y160 from a hydrophobic cleft in UPF2 reducing the binding affinity ∼40-fold compared to wildtype. UPF3A, which is upregulated in patients with the UPF3B-Y160D mutation, binds UPF2 with ∼10-fold higher affinity than UPF3B reliant mainly on NOPS-L residues. Our characterization of RNA- and UPF2-binding by UPF3's middle-domain elucidates its essential role in NMD.
Collapse
|
23
|
Staufer O, Gupta K, Hernandez Bücher JE, Kohler F, Sigl C, Singh G, Vasileiou K, Yagüe Relimpio A, Macher M, Fabritz S, Dietz H, Cavalcanti Adam EA, Schaffitzel C, Ruggieri A, Platzman I, Berger I, Spatz JP. Synthetic virions reveal fatty acid-coupled adaptive immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein. Nat Commun 2022; 13:868. [PMID: 35165285 PMCID: PMC8844029 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28446-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection is a major global public health concern with incompletely understood pathogenesis. The SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) glycoprotein comprises a highly conserved free fatty acid binding pocket (FABP) with unknown function and evolutionary selection advantage1,2. Deciphering FABP impact on COVID-19 progression is challenged by the heterogenous nature and large molecular variability of live virus. Here we create synthetic minimal virions (MiniVs) of wild-type and mutant SARS-CoV-2 with precise molecular composition and programmable complexity by bottom-up assembly. MiniV-based systematic assessment of S free fatty acid (FFA) binding reveals that FABP functions as an allosteric regulatory site enabling adaptation of SARS-CoV-2 immunogenicity to inflammation states via binding of pro-inflammatory FFAs. This is achieved by regulation of the S open-to-close equilibrium and the exposure of both, the receptor binding domain (RBD) and the SARS-CoV-2 RGD motif that is responsible for integrin co-receptor engagement. We find that the FDA-approved drugs vitamin K and dexamethasone modulate S-based cell binding in an FABP-like manner. In inflammatory FFA environments, neutralizing immunoglobulins from human convalescent COVID-19 donors lose neutralization activity. Empowered by our MiniV technology, we suggest a conserved mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 dynamically couples its immunogenicity to the host immune response.
Collapse
|
24
|
Kolesnikova O, Zachayus A, Pichard S, Osz J, Rochel N, Rossolillo P, Kolb-Cheynel I, Troffer-Charlier N, Compe E, Bensaude O, Berger I, Poterszman A. HR-Bac, a toolbox based on homologous recombination for expression, screening and production of multiprotein complexes using the baculovirus expression system. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2030. [PMID: 35132103 PMCID: PMC8821708 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04715-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The Baculovirus/insect cell expression system is a powerful technology for reconstitution of eukaryotic macromolecular assemblies. Most multigene expression platforms rely on Tn7-mediated transposition for transferring the expression cassette into the baculoviral genome. This allows a rigorous characterization of recombinant bacmids but involves multiple steps, a limitation when many constructs are to be tested. For parallel expression screening and potential high throughput applications, we have established an open source multigene-expression toolbox exploiting homologous recombination, thus reducing the recombinant baculovirus generation to a single-step procedure and shortening the time from cloning to protein production to 2 weeks. The HR-bac toolbox is composed of a set of engineered bacmids expressing a fluorescent marker to monitor virus propagation and a library of transfer vectors. They contain single or dual expression cassettes bearing different affinity tags and their design facilitates the mix and match utilization of expression units from Multibac constructs. The overall cost of virus generation with HR-bac toolbox is relatively low as the preparation of linearized baculoviral DNA only requires standard reagents. Various multiprotein assemblies (nuclear hormone receptor heterodimers, the P-TEFb or the ternary CAK kinase complex associated with the XPD TFIIH subunit) are used as model systems to validate the toolbox presented.
Collapse
|
25
|
Avolio E, Carrabba M, Milligan R, Kavanagh Williamson M, Beltrami AP, Gupta K, Elvers KT, Gamez M, Foster RR, Gillespie K, Hamilton F, Arnold D, Berger I, Davidson AD, Hill D, Caputo M, Madeddu P. The SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein disrupts human cardiac pericytes function through CD147 receptor-mediated signalling: a potential non-infective mechanism of COVID-19 microvascular disease. Clin Sci (Lond) 2021; 135:2667-2689. [PMID: 34807265 DOI: 10.1101/2020.12.21.423721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes a broad range of clinical responses including prominent microvascular damage. The capacity of SARS-CoV-2 to infect vascular cells is still debated. Additionally, the SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) protein may act as a ligand to induce non-infective cellular stress. We tested this hypothesis in pericytes (PCs), which are reportedly reduced in the heart of patients with severe coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Here we newly show that the in vitro exposure of primary human cardiac PCs to the SARS-CoV-2 wildtype strain or the α and δ variants caused rare infection events. Exposure to the recombinant S protein alone elicited signalling and functional alterations, including: (1) increased migration, (2) reduced ability to support endothelial cell (EC) network formation on Matrigel, (3) secretion of pro-inflammatory molecules typically involved in the cytokine storm, and (4) production of pro-apoptotic factors causing EC death. Next, adopting a blocking strategy against the S protein receptors angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and CD147, we discovered that the S protein stimulates the phosphorylation/activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) through the CD147 receptor, but not ACE2, in PCs. The neutralisation of CD147, either using a blocking antibody or mRNA silencing, reduced ERK1/2 activation, and rescued PC function in the presence of the S protein. Immunoreactive S protein was detected in the peripheral blood of infected patients. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the S protein may prompt PC dysfunction, potentially contributing to microvascular injury. This mechanism may have clinical and therapeutic implications.
Collapse
|