Carbohydrate structures of the human-immunodeficiency-virus (HIV) recombinant envelope glycoprotein gp120 produced in Chinese-hamster ovary cells

Sequencing of N-linked oligosaccharides directly from protein gels: in-gel deglycosylation followed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry and normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

A generally applicable, rapid, and sensitive method for profiling and sequencing of glycoprotein-associated N-linked oligosaccharides from protein gels was developed. The method employed sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) for protein separation and purification and in-gel deglycosylation using PNGase F for glycan release. Profiles of the neutral glycans from bovine ribonuclease B, chicken ovalbumin, and human immunoglobulin G (IgG), as well as sialic acid-containing sugars (following esterification of the acidic groups) of bovine fetuin and bovine alpha1-acid glycoprotein, were obtained by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS) and by normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography following fluorescent labeling. Oligosaccharides were sequenced using specific exoglycosidases, and digestion products were analyzed by MALDI MS. Between 50 and 100 pmol (1.5 to 15 microg) of glycoprotein applied to the gel was sufficient to characterize its oligosaccharide contents. The identity of all glycoproteins investigated could be confirmed after deglycosylation by in-gel trypsin treatment followed by MALDI MS mass mapping and matching the measured molecular weights to a sequence database. The technique was used for the characterization of the glycan moieties of human immunodeficiency virus recombinant gp120 (Chinese hamster ovary cells) and to monitor changes in the glycosylation of this glycoprotein when produced in the presence of a glucosidase I inhibitor. Furthermore, since heavy and light chains of IgG became separated by SDS-PAGE, it could be established that most glycans were associated with the heavy chains.

Alteration of N-linked oligosaccharide structures of human chorionic gonadotropin beta-subunit by disruption of disulfide bonds

The human chorionic gonadotropin beta-subunit (hCGbeta) is a glycoprotein in which 12 cysteine residues pair to form six intramolecular disulfide bonds. In order to elucidate the effect of each disulfide bond on glycosylation of the molecule, we analysed structures of asparagine-linked oligosaccharides of various recombinant hCGbeta produced in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells: wild-type hCGbeta (betaWT) and mutants in which any one of the six intramolecular disulfide bonds had been disrupted by site-directed mutagenesis. SDS-PAGE analysis of betaWT and these mutants before and after digestion with endoglycosidase F and H revealed structural changes in the oligosaccharide moieties of some mutants. In addition, structural analysis of oligosaccharides obtained from metabolically labeled betaWT and a mutant showed that the mutant contained additional high mannose type oligosaccharides. These results suggest that elimination of a specific disulfide bond, resulting in a change in the protein conformation, disturbs the normal assembly of the mature complex type oligosaccharides in the hCGbeta molecule.

The 2.0 A structure of a cross-linked complex between snowdrop lectin and a branched mannopentaose: evidence for two unique binding modes

BACKGROUND

Galanthus nivalis agglutinin (GNA), a mannose-specific lectin from snowdrop bulbs, is a tetrameric member of the family of Amaryllidaceae lectins that exhibit antiviral activity towards HIV. Its subunits are composed of three pseudo-symmetrically related beta sheet domains, each with a conserved mannose-binding site. Crystal structures of monosaccharide and disaccharide complexes of GNA have revealed that all 12 binding sites of the tetramer are functional, and that the degree of occupancy is dependent on the availability of subsidiary interactions from neighboring subunits. The complex of GNA with a branched mannopentaose ((Manalpha1,6-(alpha1, 3-Man)Man-alpha1,6-(alpha1,3-Man)Man) described here simulates a more biologically relevant complex.

RESULTS

Two unique mannopentaose binding modes co-exist in the tetragonal structure (1 subunit/asymmetric unit) of the complex. In one, the conserved monosaccharide-binding pocket in domain 1 (CRD 1) is utilized for cross-linkage of twofold related GNA dimers by the outer 3,6 tri-Man arm, which alternates between two orientations consistent with crystal symmetry. Inter-linked dimers assemble helically along the 41 crystal axis forming a pore-like structure. In the second binding mode, the complete 3,6 tri-Man arm binds to an extended binding region in domain 3 (CRD 3) with subsites for each terminal Man and the internal Man positioned in the conserved monosaccharide pocket. The two remaining mannose residues are not visible in either binding mode.

CONCLUSIONS

This structure provides insights into possible mechanisms of the cross-linkage that is known to occur when lectins interact with specific multivalent cell surface receptors during events such as agglutination and mitogenic stimulation. By virtue of the large number of sites available for mannose binding, GNA has multiple possibilities of forming unique lattice structures. The two distinctly different binding modes observed in this study confirm that high affinity mannose binding occurs only at the two domain sites located near dimer interfaces.

Infectivities of human and other primate lentiviruses are activated by desialylation of the virion surface

The envelope protein, gp120, of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is heavily glycosylated and sialylated. The heavy sialylation greatly affects the physical properties of the protein, as it resolves into a wide acidic pH range despite the basic pI value predicted for its polypeptide backbone (B. S. Stein and E. G. Engleman, J. Biol. Chem. 265:2640-2649, 1990). However, the functional significance of the heavy sialylation remains elusive. Here, we show that desialylation of HIV-1 with neuraminidase greatly augments the initial virus-cell interaction, leading to remarkably enhanced viral replication and cytopathogenicity. This enhancement appeared to be a direct result of the removal of negatively charged sialic acids but not of the exposure of galactose residues or complement activation. Complementing these results, studies with inhibitors of mannosidase I and mannosidase II showed that the processing of HIV-1 oligosaccharides into the complex type to acquire the terminal sialic acid residues impeded the full replication capacity of the virus and that its prevention also enhanced virus replication and cytopathogenicity. Enhancement of infection by desialylation was found widely, with HIV-1 laboratory strains of different cell tropisms and primary isolates as well as HIV-2 and simian immunodeficiency virus. Thus, the sialylation catalyzed by host cell pathways appeared to reduce the infectivity of human and nonhuman primate lentiviruses. Our results further suggested that desialylation would help increase the titers of HIV-based vectors.

N-butyldeoxynojirimycin-mediated inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus entry correlates with changes in antibody recognition of the V1/V2 region of gp120

The alpha-glucosidase inhibitor N-butyldeoxynojirimycin (NB-DNJ) is an inhibitor of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication and HIV-induced syncytium formation in vitro. Although NB-DNJ appears to inhibit HIV entry at the level of post-CD4 binding (P.B. Fischer, M. Collin, G.B. Karlsson, W. James, T.D. Butters, S.J. Davis, S. Gordon, R.A. Dwek, and F.M. Platt, J. Virol. 69:5791-5797, 1995), the exact mechanism of action remains to be established. In this study we have examined the effect of NB-DNJ on the structure of recombinant gp120 (rgpl20), expressed in CHO cells, by using a panel of 40 monoclonal antibodies. The levels of binding of antibodies to rgp120 produced in the presence [rgpl20(+)] and absence [rgpl20(-)] of NB-DNJ were compared by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and surface plasmon resonance (BIAcore; Pharmacia). The results showed an increase in the binding to rgp120(+) of antibodies directed against the C1 and C2 regions and a decrease in the binding of antibodies directed against the V1/V2 loops compared with antibody binding to rgpl20(-). A decrease in the binding to rgpl20(+) of antibodies directed against discontinuous epitopes was also observed. No differences were seen in the binding of antibodies directed against the crown of the V3 loop and the C4 region of gp120. Treatment of rgpl20 with alpha-glucosidases I and II had no effect on the differential binding observed, whereas treatment with sialidase abolished the differences seen in the binding of antibodies directed against the C1 and C2 regions of gp120. In addition to these findings, rgpl20(+) showed increased sensitivity to proteases released by CHO cells during expression, as well as to exogenous thrombin. Taken together, the data presented in this paper suggest that production of gp120 in the presence of NB-DNJ affects the conformation of the Vl/V2 loops of gpl20, as well as the overall charge of the C1 and C2 regions. These effects may play a role in the previously described NB-DNJ-mediated inhibition of HIV entry at the level of post-CD4 binding.

Amino acid sequence and carbohydrate structure of a recombinant human tissue factor pathway inhibitor expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells: one N-and two O-linked carbohydrate chains are located between Kunitz domains 2 and 3 and one N-linked carbohydrate chain is in Kunitz domain 2

Human tissue factor pathway inhibitor is a protease inhibitor with three tandem Kunitz-type inhibitory domains. The recombinant protein (r-hTFPI) was produced using Chinese hamster ovary cells, and its polypeptide and carbohydrate chain structures were analyzed. The complete amino acid sequence, composed of 276 residues, was determined using a protein sequencer after protease digestion and it was identical to that predicted from the cDNA sequence. Among three potential N-glycosylation sites, both Asn117 and Asn167 were fully N-glycosylated but Asn228 was not. Thr175 was also fully O-glycosylated, but Ser174 was partially O-glycosylated. Carbohydrate composition and mass spectrometric analyses of the undecapeptide OG-11 (residues Leu 170approximately Leu180) showed that two O-linked carbohydrate chains consisted of a type-1 core structure (Gal-GalNAc-Ser/Thr) with 0-3 mol of N-acetylneuraminic acid(s). The N-linked carbohydrate chains were analyzed by two-dimensional carbohydrate mapping combined with sequential glycosidase digestion, after the reducing-ends of carbohydrate residues were tagged with 2-aminopyridine and non-reducing-end sialic acids were removed with sialidase. All the N-linked structures in r-hTFPI were complex-type carbohydrate chains with one fucose residue attached to the reducing-end GlcNAc and consisted of bi-, tri-, and tetraantennary carbohydrate chains in the ratio 1.9:1.3:1.0. Fucosylated tri- and tetraantennary carbohydrate chains with one or two N-acetyllactosaminyl repeats were also found (30% of carbohydrate chains determined). Thus, the region between Kunitz domains 2 and 3 encoded by exon 7 was highly glycosylated by two O-linked carbohydrate chains at Ser174 and Thr175 and one N-linked carbohydrate chain at Asn167. These results indicated that the region is occupied by a cluster of three bulky and acidic carbohydrate chains.

Secondary structural elements as a basis for antibody recognition in the immunodominant region of human immunodeficiency viruses 1 and 2

Synthetic peptide antigens corresponding to the entire third variable region V3, the principal neutralizing determinant of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) envelope glycoprotein of HIV-1 subtype B (1), HIV-2 subtype A (5), and HIV-2 subtype B (7) were synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis (Table 1). 1 and 5 were also prepared as their GlcNAc-glycosylated forms at the natural N-glycosylation site NXT (positions 6-8; peptides 4 and 6). Additionally, the proposed beta-turn region of 1 (GPGR; positions 15-18) was altered by introducing D-Ala17 (2) and D-Pro16 (3). All compounds have been studied by two-dimensional NMR techniques. Interproton distances and 3JNH/H alpha coupling constants derived from NMR data are used as restraints in distance geometry and ENSEMBLE-Distance and angle-bound driven dynamics calculations. The stimulations led to disordered conformations except for a high propensity of a beta II-turn in the region GPXR (positions 15-18) in 1, 2, and 4. In 3 (G-D-ProGR, positions 15-18), a type beta I'-turn was mainly found instead. For peptide 7, the consensus sequence of HIV-2 subtype B, a type beta II-turn was also found although the primary structure (VSGL; positions 15-18) differs grossly from the HIV-1 peptide 1. With the exception of 2, all beta II-turns were able to form a canonically opened beta-turn by a 180 degree rotation of phi(G17). Surprisingly, compounds 5 and 6 that are highly similar to 7 showed no beta II-type turn within MSGL (positions 15-18). They form a type beta VIII-turn across the tetrapeptide SGLV (positions 16-19) together with a non-canonical turn conformation across LMSG (positions 14-17) leading to an S-conformation. The reaction of the peptides with HIV-positive sera from patients infected with different subtypes of HIV-1 and HIV-2 was tested in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA reactions). No HIV-2 sera reacted peptide 1 and no HIV-1 sera showed reactivity to peptide 5. We propose that certain amino acid exchanges within the V3 domain lead to altered conformations of the V3 loop resulting in antibodies that show altered binding properties to the peptide antigens used in the ELISA reactions.

Removal of sialic acid from a glycoprotein in CHO cell culture supernatant by action of an extracellular CHO cell sialidase

We have directly tested the hypothesis that Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell-produced glycoproteins are subject to extracellular degradation by a sialidase endogenous to the CHO cell line. Factors important to understanding the potential for extracellular degradation are addressed including the glycoprotein specificity, subcellular source, mechanism of release, and stability of the sialidase activity. The extracellular CHO cell sialidase apparently originates from the cytosol of the cells, and is released to the cell culture supernatant as a result of damage to the cellular membrane. The extracellular sialidase is active toward a variety of CHO cell-produced glycoproteins, and can hydrolyze sialic acid from the recombinant glycoprotein gp120 in the culture supernatant. While measuring the actual degradation of a glycoprotein by extracellular CHO cell sialidase can be difficult, data presented here suggest that the level of degradation can be estimated indirectly by using a more convenient fluorescent substrate, 4-methylumbelliferyl-alpha-D-N-acetylneuraminic acid, to quantify sialidase activity. Degradation by sialidase is minimized through addition of the sialidase inhibitor 2,3-dehydro-2-deoxy-N-acetylneuraminic acid to the culture supernatant. The results in this study suggest additional potential approaches for minimizing degradation by sialidase, including isolation of a sialidase-deficient CHO cell line.

alpha 1-Acid glycoprotein binds human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein via N-linked glycans

In the present study, we demonstrate a specific low-affinity interaction between recombinant precursor gp160 (rgp160) or surface unit gp120 (rgp120) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), a human glycoprotein displaying complex type N-glycans. Binding of rgp160/rgp120 to agarose-coupled AGP was dose-dependent, saturable, calcium-, pH- and temperature-dependent. Binding was inhibited by soluble AGP, asialo-AGP, fetuin, beta-D-GlcNAc47-BSA, alpha-D-Man20-BSA, mannan, complex-type asialo-agalacto-tetraanternary precursor oligosaccharide from human AGP and oligomannose 9 from porcine thyroglobulin; fully deglycosylated AGP was not inhibitory. The three AGP glycoforms separated on immobilized ConA bound rgp160 to the same extent as did unfractionated AGP. These findings extend our previous results on the carbohydrate-binding properties of HIV-1 envelope (Env) glycoprotein in that they demonstrate the involvement of AGP glycan moieties in the binding to rgp160/rgp120. Preincubation of rgp160 with AGP or mannan significantly reduced its binding to monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM), suggesting that AGP may play a role in preventing binding of soluble or virus-bound Env glycoprotein to CD4+ monocytic cells.

Lectin-mediated effects on HIV type 1 infection in vitro

Lectins with specificity for terminal mannose residues and anti-mannan antibodies neutralize HIV-1 infection in vitro. This is assumed to be caused by binding of the agents to the viral glycoproteins. In this study we show that one such agent, the Galanthus nivalis lectin (GNA), also blocks infection at the target cell level. To explore the effect of GNA on HIV infection we used the two HIV-1 isolates LAV and NDK, representing in the first case a prototype virus and in the latter case a highly cytopathic virus, which spreads preferentially via cell-to-cell contact. MT-4 cells were used as target cells and infection was determined from the occurrence of syncytia. Cell-to-cell infection was studied with CEM cells persistently infected with the two virus isolates. GNA, at concentrations in the nanogram per milliliter range, neutralized the HIV-1 isolates LAV, NDK, and MN as well as HIV-2ROD. Pretreatment of cells with the lectin, before addition of virus, or of infected cells, also blocked infection. This effect was more pronounced with HIV-1NDK than with HIV-1LAV. Mannosidase treatment of the target cells abolished the GNA effect on HIV-1NDK infection. It is concluded that GNA inhibits infection of several HIV isolates. It neutralizes infection by binding to the virion but also blocks infection at the target cell level. The latter effect may be different for different virus isolates. Mannosyl residuals at the cell surface are targets for GNA modulation of infection with the cytopathic HIV-1NDK. These do not represent essential virus receptors.

Identification of three N-linked glycans in the V4-V5 region of HIV-1 gp 120, dispensable for CD4-binding and fusion activity of gp 120

Site-directed mutagenesis was used to study the biological significance of three N-linked glycans (linked to Asn406, Asn448, and Asn463), situated in the CD4-binding region of gp120. Mutagenesis was carried out in a phage M13 system, and the mutated env genes were inserted into recombinant vaccinia virus (r-vaccinia virus). To evaluate if the level of expression affected the biological phenotype of mutant gp120, we expressed the envelope glycoproteins using either a weak (7.5 K) or a strong (11 K) promoter of vaccinia virus. The expression of mutated env proteins was analyzed after infecting CD4-expressing HeLa cells with the r-vaccinia virus, by monitoring the ability of the infected cells to generate CD4-dependent syncytia. Env gene products lacking all three glycans as well as env gene products lacking different permutations of one or two glycans were analyzed. All mutated gp120 species had the expected electrophoretical mobility as anticipated from elimination of one, two, and three N-linked glycans, respectively. Moreover, all mutant env gene products demonstrated the same capacity to induce formation of syncytia, irrespective of using the weak or strong promoter for expression. These data indicate that the three N-linked glycans studied are dispensable for HIV env gene products to function in CD4-binding and the subsequent fusion step.

Inhibition of alpha-glucosidase I of the glycoprotein-processing enzymes by 6-O-butanoyl castanospermine (MDL 28,574) and its consequences in human immunodeficiency virus-infected T cells

The 6-O-butanoyl derivative of castanospermine (MDL 28,574) was previously shown to be approximately 30-fold more potent than the naturally occurring molecule at inhibiting the replication of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (D. L. Taylor, P. S. Sunkara, P. S. Liu, M. S. Kang, T. L. Bowlin, and A. S. Tyms, AIDS 5:693-698, 1991). We now report that consistent with its improved anti-HIV activity, MDL 28,574 is more effective (50% inhibitory concentration [IC50], 20 microM) than the parent molecule (IC50, 254 microM) at causing the accumulation of glucosylated oligosaccharides in HIV-infected cells by inhibition of glycoprotein processing. These were predominantly of the glucose 3 type, as determined by P4 Bio-Gel analysis after digestion with purified alpha-glucosidase I, indicating that, intracellularly, this enzyme is the major target for inhibition. MDL 28,574, however, was less active (IC50, 1.27 microM) than castanospermine (IC50, 0.12 microM) against the mutual target enzyme, cellular alpha-glucosidase I, in a cell-free assay system. The increased effects of MDL 28,574 against alpha-glucosidase I in cell culture were attributed to the improved cellular uptake of the more lipophilic derivative. Inhibition of this enzyme activity in HIV-infected H9 cells impaired viral glycoprotein processing and resulted in the expression of abnormally configured gp120. This did not affect virus production, but the virions had decreased infectivity which was partially related to a reduced ability to bind to CD4+ T cells.

Purification of simian immunodeficiency virus, SIVMAC251, and of its external envelope glycoprotein, gp148

Two-phase extraction in a system composed of dextran and polyethylene glycol was used to purify simian immunodeficiency virus, SIVMAC251 (32H isolate) from 25 l of culture supernatant. The virus partitioned to the interphase with 80% recovery of gag peptide p27 and reverse transcriptase and an about 25% recovery of the external env glycoprotein, gp148. The virus was treated with octylglycoside and its subcomponents separated. Two gag-p27 containing fractions were obtained; gag-1, which also contained reverse transcriptase and nucleopeptides, and gag-2, which contained the major portion of the p27. The env gp148 was purified by chromatography through a series of lectin columns. The prepared materials are characterized by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immuno- and lectin blotting.

The role of calcium and N-linked glycans in the oligomerization and carbohydrate binding properties of human immunodeficiency virus external envelope glycoprotein

Envelope glycoproteins of human immunodeficiency virus (gp120 and gp41) occur as oligomers. Here, we show by gel filtration analysis that gp120 oligomerization in vitro is calcium- and temperature-dependent. Recombinant gp120 (rgp120) species were recovered as monomers at 20 degrees C in the absence of calcium, but as tetramers at 37 degrees C in 10 mM CaCl2. Under the latter condition, N-glycanase-deglycosylated rgp120 formed hexamers. Relative to intact rgp120, which has been reported to display carbohydrate-binding properties for N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminyl and mannosyl residues, deglycosylation enhanced rgp120 specific binding to mannose-divinylsulfone-agarose, para-aminophenyl-beta-D-GlcNAc-agarose and fetuin-agarose matrices. Taken together, these results rule out the role of homologous lectin-carbohydrate interactions via N-linked glycans in the rgp120 oligomerization, even though its lectin properties may also be calcium-dependent. Deglycosylation may unmask domains of rgp120 polypeptide backbone that independently play a role either in rgp120 lectin activity or in calcium-dependent oligomerization.

Alkaloidal glycosidase inhibitors (AGIs) as the cause of sporadic scrapie, and the potential treatment of both transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection

AGIs are produced by plants and microorgansims in the environment. They are absorbed from the gut, distributed throughout the body and are concentrated inside cells. AGIs alter the glycan chains of cellular glycoproteins (CGP) during their formation so that the same CGP produced by different clones of cells (and hence with different glycan chains) becomes structurally the same. Prion protein (PrP), a CGP, is rendered indestructable to cellular mechanisms (as PrPi) by the TSE infective process; it is suggested that AGIs could both cause and prevent this by altering the primary structure of PrP. HIV envelope protein, gp120, carries glycan chains that are decided by the clone of the cells by which it is produced. Each cellular clone would be expected to add a specific group of glycan chains, making the gp120 antigenically separate. As HIV infection progresses, infected clone numbers rise, the antigenic diversity of gp120 may rise as would antibody production, trying to keep pace. Antigenically stimulated CD4+ cells carrying HIV genes, increase HIV production with gp120 antigenically different from its stimulant. AGIs prevent the glycan diversity and may prevent the extension of HIV infection.

Functions of HIV envelope glycans

The unusually highly glycosylated state of the major envelope glycoprotein (gp160) of the human immunodeficiency virus has offered a challenge to both glycobiologists and virologists. What is the functional significance of such a mass of glycans and how might they be manipulated to disadvantage virus pathogenesis? Some answers to each of these questions have already been obtained: N-linked glycans are necessary for the creation, but not the maintenance, of a bioactive conformation, and drug-induced alteration of the glycosylation pattern can lead to impaired virus infectivity. As a model for studying glycan function and as a target for antiviral therapy, gp160 represents a unique candidate.

The use of baculoviruses as expression vectors

The use of recombinant baculoviruses as high level expression systems is becoming more and more popular. This review aims to provide a summary of the impact of this expression system in biochemistry and biotechnology, highlighting important advances that have been made utilizing the system. The potential of newly developed multiple baculovirus expression systems to enable the reconstruction of complex biological molecules and processes is also reviewed.

Complement-mediated binding of naturally glycosylated and glycosylation-modified human immunodeficiency virus type 1 to human CR2 (CD21)

Particulate glycoproteins lacking sialic acid, such as desialylated enveloped viruses, readily activate complement through the alternative pathway. Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) contains two heavily glycosylated and partially sialylated envelope glycoproteins: a surface gp120 and a transmembrane gp41. The abilities of naturally glycosylated HIV-1 and glycosylation-modified HIV-1 to interact with the complement system were examined with a biological assay which measured the binding of whole virus particles to cells expressing CR2 (CD21), the complement receptor found naturally in abundance on follicular dendritic cells and immature B cells. HIV-1 IIIB was synthesized in the presence or absence of the mannosidase II inhibitor, swainsonine, to give rise to high-mannose-type, nonsialylated, nonfucosylated carbohydrate moieties. The virus also was treated with neuraminidase or endo-beta-galactosidase to remove terminal sialic acids. An enzyme immunoassay specific for HIV-1 p24 core protein was used to quantitate the amount of virus bound to cell surfaces. Virus particles incubated with 1:3-diluted, fresh HIV-1-negative human serum as a source of complement readily bound to MT-2 (CD4+ CR2+) and Raji-3 (CD4- CR2+) cells but not to CEM (CD4+ CR2-) cells, suggesting that the virus bound to CR2 independently of CD4. Compared with heat-inactivated or C3-deficient sera, fresh complement increased binding by as much as 62 times for naturally glycosylated virus, and 5 times more than this for glycosylation-modified virus. Similar observations were made with freshly isolated, non-mitogen-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Additional evidence that HIV-1 bound to CR2 independently of CD4 was provided by the fact that binding was blocked by monoclonal antibody OKB7 (anti-CR2) but not by OKT4a (anti-CD4). Also, the virus bound to transfected K562 cells (CD4-) which expressed recombinant human CR2 but did not bind to untransfected K562 cells. Results obtained with complement component-deficient sera indicated that binding required the alternative complement pathway. Raji-3 and transfected K562 cells could not be infected with HIV-1 in the presence of complement, suggesting that utilization of CR2 as a receptor in the absence of CD4 does not allow virus entry. The demonstration of CR2 as a receptor for HIV-1 in the presence of complement, together with the ability to enhance binding by desialylation, provides new insights into mechanisms of HIV-1-induced immunity and immunopathogenesis.

Envelope glycoproteins of HIV-1, HIV-2, and SIV purified with Galanthus nivalis agglutinin induce strong immune responses

Lectin affinity chromatography was used to purify in a single step the envelope glycoproteins of HIV-1, HIV-2, and SIV. Envelope glycoproteins carry the major determinants essential for protection by the humoral immune response. The purification of these proteins has previously been a laborious procedure. The glycoproteins were purified by a one-step procedure to a high level of purity by using Galanthus nivalis agglutinin (GNA). The purified glycoprotein had CD4-binding and antigenic reactivities. Strong immune responses to envelope proteins and peptides were seen in mice and primates after immunization with these preparations.

Mechanism of action of N-butyl deoxynojirimycin in inhibiting HIV-1 infection and activity in combination with nucleoside analogs

The effects on HIV-1 infection of a glucosidase inhibitor, N-butyl deoxynojirimycin (N-buDNJ), were examined. The combinations of N-buDNJ and nucleoside analogs dideoxyinosine (DDI), dideoxycytidine (DDC), or azidothymidine (AZT) were examined in an acute infection assay. The combination of N-buDNJ and nucleoside analog reduced the yield of reverse transcriptase activity more than did either agent alone, and the effects on the number of infectious virus particles were additive or synergistic. In studies of the mechanism whereby N-buDNJ alters HIV-1 envelope fusion activity, no effects on CD4 binding were detected. However, cleavage within the V3 loop of gp120 was reduced by N-buDNJ treatment, possibly reflecting an altered conformation of this region of the envelope protein.

Complex-type N-linked oligosaccharides of gp120 from human immunodeficiency virus type 1 contain sulfated N-acetylglucosamine

The major envelope glycoproteins gp120 and gp41 of human immunodeficiency virus type 1, the causative agent for human AIDS, contain numerous N-linked oligosaccharides. We report here our discovery that N-acetylglucosamine residues within the complex-type N-linked oligosaccharides of both gp120 and its precursor, gp160, are sulfated. When human Molt-3 cells persistently infected with human T-cell leukemia virus IIIB were metabolically radiolabeled with 35SO4, gp160, gp120, and to some extent gp41 were radiolabeled. The 35SO4-labeled oligosaccharides were quantitatively released by N-glycanase treatment and were bound by immobilized Ricinus communis agglutinin I, a lectin that binds to terminal beta-galactosyl residues. The kinetics of release of sulfate upon acid hydrolysis from 35SO4-labeled gp120 indicate that sulfation occurs in a primary sulfate ester linkage. Methylation analysis of total glycopeptides from Molt-3 cells metabolically radiolabeled with [3H]glucosamine demonstrates that sulfation occurs at the C-6 position of N-acetylglucosamine. Fragmentation of the gp120-derived 35SO4-labeled glycopeptides by treatment with hydrazine and nitrous acid and subsequent reduction generated galactosyl-anhydromannitol-6-35SO4, which is the expected reaction product from GlcNAc-6-sulfate within a sulfated lactosamine moiety. Charge analysis of the [3H]galactose- and [3H]glucosamine-labeled glycopeptides from gp120 and gp160 indicates that approximately 14% of the complex-type N-linked oligosaccharides are sulfated.

Sequence and expression of a membrane-associated C-type lectin that exhibits CD4-independent binding of human immunodeficiency virus envelope glycoprotein gp120

The binding of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) envelope glycoprotein gp120 to the cell surface receptor CD4 has been considered a primary determinant of viral tropism. A number of cell types, however, can be infected by the virus, or bind gp120, in the absence of CD4 expression. Human placenta was identified as a tissue that binds gp120 in a CD4-independent manner. A placental cDNA library was screened by expression cloning and a cDNA (clone 11) encoding a gp120-binding protein unrelated to CD4 was isolated. The 1.3-kilobase cDNA predicts a protein of 404 amino acids with a calculated M(r) of 45,775 and organized into three domains: an N-terminal cytoplasmic and hydrophobic region, a set of seven complete and one incomplete tandem repeat, and a C-terminal domain with homology to C-type (calcium-dependent) lectins. A type II membrane orientation (N-terminal cytoplasmic) is predicted both by the cDNA sequence and by the reactivity of C-terminal peptide-specific antiserum with the surface of clone 11 transfected cells. Native and recombinant gp120 and whole virus bind transfected cells. gp120 binding is high affinity (kd, 1.3-1.6 nM) and inhibited by mannan, D-mannose, and L-fucose; once bound, gp120 is internalized rapidly. Collectively, these data demonstrate that the gp120-binding protein is a membrane-associated mannose-binding lectin. Proteins of this type may play an important role in the CD4-independent association of HIV with cells.

Inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection by human conglutinin-like protein: in vitro studies

The lectin-like protein analogous to bovine conglutinin was purified from human serum. The carbohydrate-binding ability of conglutinin-like protein was inhibited by D-mannose, N-acetylglucosamine and L-fucose as well as by mannan-containing oligosaccharides. By applying a lectin-based ELISA system it was demonstrated that conglutinin-like protein binds to human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) glycoprotein 120 (gp120) via its carbohydrate binding site. In vitro experiments with T-lymphoblastoid CEM cells revealed that conglutinin-like protein abolishes infection by HIV-1; a 50% cytoprotective concentration of 23.9 micrograms/ml was measured. These findings demonstrate that human conglutinin-like protein binds to HIV-gp120 and inhibits, under the described in vitro conditions, CEM cell infection.

Nonrandom distribution of gp120 N-linked glycosylation sites important for infectivity of human immunodeficiency virus type 1

More than 20 consensus N-linked glycosylation sites occur in the gp120 coding sequence of most isolates of human immunodeficiency virus type 1. Based on the N-linked glycosylation pattern of a well-characterized recombinant gp120, it is likely that N-linked sugars are present at most, if not all, of the consensus glycosylation sites of the heavily glycosylated gp120. In this study, we evaluated the relative importance of each of the 24 N-linked glycosylation sites of gp120 in the molecular clone HXB2 to viral infectivity. The ability of HXB2-derived mutants, each having 1 of the 24 N-linked glycosylation sites mutated by site-directed mutagenesis, to infect CD4-positive SupT1 cells was compared with that of the wild-type virus. We found that most of the individual consensus N-linked glycosylation sites are dispensable for viral infectivity. The five consensus N-linked glycosylation sites that are likely to have important roles in infectivity are all located in the amino-terminal half of gp120, indicating that the N-linked glycosylation sites that are important for infectivity of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 are not randomly distributed in gp120. We predict that a partially glycosylated gp120 with most of the dispensable N-linked glycosylation sites removed may be a better vaccine candidate than the fully glycosylated gp120.

Glucosidase inhibitors for treatment of HIV-1 infection

The HIV-1 envelope protein is a glycoprotein composed of 120 kD and 41 kD subunits. It contains 30-38 potential asparagine-linked glycosylation sites which have been shown to play a role in CD4 binding, virus uptake, and cytopathogenicity. Several inhibitors of oligosaccharide attachment or modification have been tested. An agent which inhibits glucosidases, N-butyl deoxynojirimycin was found to inhibit HIV-1 and SIVmac infectivity, and is currently in clinical trials.

gp160 of HIV-I synthesized by persistently infected Molt-3 cells is terminally glycosylated: evidence that cleavage of gp160 occurs subsequent to oligosaccharide processing

The envelope glycoprotein of HIV-I in infected, cultured human T cells is synthesized as a precursor of apparent Mr 160 kDa (gp160) and is cleaved to two glycoproteins, gp120 and gp41, which are the mature envelope glycoproteins in the virus. Neither the temporal and spatial features of glycosylation nor the oligosaccharide processing and proteolytic cleavage of the envelope glycoprotein are well understood. To understand more about these events, we investigated the glycosylation and cleavage of the envelope glycoproteins in the CD4+ human cell line, Molt-3, persistently infected with HIV-I (HTLV IIIB). The carbohydrate analysis of gp160 and gp120 and the behavior of the glycoproteins and glycopeptides derived from them on immobilized lectins demonstrate that both of these glycoproteins contain complex- and high-mannose-type Asn-linked oligosaccharides. In addition, the N-glycanase-resistant oligosaccharides of gp120 were found to contain N-acetyl-galactosamine, a common constituent of Ser/Thr-linked oligosaccharides. Pulse-chase analysis of the conversion of [35S]cysteine-labeled gp160 showed that in Molt-3 cells it takes about 2 h for gp120 to arise with a half-time of conversion of about 5 h. At its earliest detectable occurrence, gp120 was found to contain complex-type Asn-linked oligosaccharides. Taken together, these results indicate that proteolytic cleavage of gp160 to gp120 and gp41 occurs either within the trans-Golgi or in a distal compartment.

gp160, the envelope glycoprotein of human immunodeficiency virus type 1, is a dimer of 125-kilodalton subunits stabilized through interactions between their gp41 domains

The molecular masses, carbohydrate contents, oligomeric status, and overall molecular structure of the env glycoproteins of human immunodeficiency virus type 1--gp120, gp160, and gp41--have been determined by quantitative electron microscopy. Using purified gp160s, a water-soluble form of env purified from a recombinant vaccinia virus expression system, we have measured the masses of several hundred individual molecules by dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy. When combined with sequence-based information, these mass measurements establish that gp160s is a dimer of subunits with an average monomer mass of 123 kDa, of which approximately 32 kDa is carbohydrate and 91 kDa is protein. Similarly, gp120 was found to be a monomer of 89 kDa and to contain virtually all of env's glycosylation. gp41 is glycosylated only slightly, if at all, and is responsible for the interactions that stabilize the gp160s dimer. A molecular mass map of gp160s derived by image processing depicts an asymmetric dumbbell whose two domains have masses of approximately 173 and approximately 73 kDa, corresponding to a gp120 dimer and a gp41 dimer, respectively. We infer that the average monomer mass of native gp160 is 125 kDa and that in situ, env is either a dimer or a tetramer but is most unlikely to be a trimer.

N-Acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminyl-binding properties of the envelope glycoprotein of human immunodeficiency virus type 1

The effect of carbohydrate structures on the adsorption of HIV-1 or of recombinant envelope glycoprotein gp 160 (rgp 160) to cells of the CEM line was investigated with an indirect immunofluorescence assay using gp 120-specific mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed to envelope gp 120. The beta-D-galactosyl, alpha-D-mannosyl, beta-D-glucosyl, N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminyl, sialosyl, and L-fucosyl derivatives tested had no effect on this binding. However, preincubation of HIV-1 (or rgp 160) with the neoglycoprotein, beta-D-GlcNAc47-BSA, specifically inhibited the labeling, by some of the mAb used, of HIV-1 (or rgp 160) bound at the cell membrane. This inhibition occurred only with mAbs that were specific for the immunodominant "neutralizing" third variable region (V3) of gp 120. Competition for the binding to rgp 160 between beta-D-GlcNAc47-BSA and mAb was further demonstrated by use of affinity matrices substituted with one of the relevant mAb (110-4), or with beta-D-GlcNAc47-BSA. Besides beta-D-GlcNAc47-BSA-Sepharose, rgp 160 also bound with low affinity, but high specificity, to two other N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminyl affinity matrices, beta-D-GlcNAc-divinylsulfone-agarose and asialoagalactothyroglobulin-agarose. Conversely, beta-D-[125I]GlcNAc47-BSA bound specifically to gp 160-Sepharose. These results indicated that rgp 160 behaves as a N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminyl-binding protein for GlcNAc residues presented at high density on a carrier, the carbohydrate-binding site of which is close to, or located on the V3 region of gp 120.

Characterisation of a series of human immunodeficiency virus isolates derived sequentially from a single patient

Five HIV-1 isolates were obtained sequentially from a single seropositive individual during the later stages of AIDS. Four of these isolates were adapted to grow in a continuous human T-lymphocytic cell line. Comparative biological and biochemical studies of the virus isolates were made using persistently infected cultures or virus derived from these systems respectively. The data obtained clearly shows that viruses with different biological properties can be isolated from the same individual at different times during the course of clinical AIDS.

Inhibition of HIV and SIV infectivity by blockade of alpha-glucosidase activity

Processing of HIV and SIV envelope oligosaccharides is critical for proper intracellular trafficking and function. An inhibitor of alpha-glucosidases I and II, N-butyl deoxynojirimycin (N-BuDNJ), retards HIV-1 and SIVmac spread in lymphocytes and monocytes by diminishing virus infectivity, and also causes a reduction in syncytia formation between infected cells and uninfected lymphocytes. N-BuDNJ retards envelope processing from the precursor form to the mature surface (SU) and transmembrane proteins in HIV-1- and SIVmac-infected cells, as well as in cells infected with vaccinia-HIV-1 envelope recombinant virus. However, no significant reduction is seen in the amount of SU in released virus particles, though the virus particle-associated SU from N-BuDNJ-treated cells has an altered electrophoretic mobility. In contrast, N-BuDNJ had no effect on GAG protein synthesis and processing. These findings demonstrate a critical requirement for oligosaccharide processing by alpha-glucosidases I and II for HIV-1 and SIVmac envelope processing and fusogenicity.

Regulated Expression Allows High Level Production and Secretion of HIV-1 gp120 Envelope Glycoprotein in Drosophila Schneider Cells

We have established a stable, continuous culture Drosophila Schneider 2 cell line that efficiently expresses a secreted, truncated form of the HIV envelope gp120 protein in a regulated manner. The Drosophila produced recombinant gp120 protein is highly glycosylated, is recognized by gp120-specific monoclonal antibodies, binds to the CD4 receptor and has the ability to inhibit syncytia formation between uninfected CD4+ cells and HIV infected cells. We conclude that this recombinant Drosophila envelope protein is an appropriate mimic of the authentic viral envelope protein. Thus, the Drosophila cell provides a continuous, stable culture system for the efficient expression of secreted forms of complex surface glycoproteins in quantities sufficient for detailed analyses.

Conglutinin binds the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp 160 and inhibits its interaction with cell membrane CD4

The highly glycosylated envelope glycoprotein (gp 160) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) interacts with the CD4 molecule present on the membrane of CD4+ cells and is involved in the pathobiology of HIV infection. Lectins bind glycoproteins through non-covalent interactions with specific hexose residues. The mammalian C-type lectin bovine conglutinin was examined for its ability to interact with recombinant gp160 (rgp160) produced in vaccinia virus-infected BHK21 cells. Specific binding of conglutinin to rgp160 was demonstrated by ELISA. The interaction of bovine conglutinin with rgp160 was calcium-dependent, which is characteristic of the binding of a C-type lectin to its ligand, and the binding was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner with N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. Deglycosylation of rgp160 abrogated the conglutinin binding. In addition, conglutinin exerted a dose-dependent inhibition of the binding of rgp160 to the CD4 receptor on CEM 13 cells, as demonstrated by FACS analyses. These results indicate that conglutinin may inhibit the infection with HIV-1 through its interaction with the viral envelope glycoprotein.

Mutation of conserved N-glycosylation sites around the CD4-binding site of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 GP120 affects viral infectivity

Infection by the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is initiated through interaction of its exterior envelope glycoprotein gp120 with the CD4 receptor on target cells. To address the possible role of N-glycosylation of HIV-1 gp120 in binding CD4, we mutated different conserved N-glycosylation site Asn-residues in the vicinity of the putative CD4 binding site, as single mutations or in combinations. Authentic and mutant gp120 proteins were produced using the baculovirus expression system. All mutant proteins were produced and secreted at similar levels and could be immunoprecipitated with an HIV(+)-serum. Furthermore, all glycosylation mutants retained the full capacity to bind CD4 except for a triple mutant which showed reduced binding. Different gp120 mutant genes were then introduced in an infectious proviral DNA clone. Upon transfection of MT-2 cells, the authentic HIV-1 clone induced maximal virus production after 6 days. In the case of the triple glycosylation mutant, comparable virus production was first reached after a delay of about 12 days. Moreover, in contrast to native HIV, the mutant virus induced no typical multinucleated giant cells. These results suggest that the attached carbohydrates around the CD4-binding site of gp120, may contribute to the generation of this protein domain required for high affinity receptor interaction.

Sialylated carbohydrate chains of recombinant human glycoproteins expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells contain traces of N-glycolylneuraminic acid

HPLC analysis of sialic acids released from recombinant variants of human tissue plasminogen activator, human chimeric plasminogen activator, human erythropoietin, and human follitropin, expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells, demonstrates for each glycoprotein the presence of N-acetylneuraminic acid and N-glycolylneuraminic acid in a ratio of 97:3. Structural analysis by 500 MHz1H-NMR spectroscopy, of the enzymatically released N-linked carbohydrate chains of chimeric plasminogen activator and of erythropoietin, showed that alpha 2-3 linked N-glycolylneuraminic acid can occur in different N-acetyllactosamine type antennary structures.

Pregnancy-associated changes in oligomannose oligosaccharides of human and bovine uromodulin (Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein)

The urinary glycoprotein uromodulin (Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein) exhibits a pregnancy-associated ability to inhibit antigen-specific T cell proliferation, and the activity is associated with a carbohydrate moiety [Muchmore and Decker (1985) Science 229:479-81; Hession et al., (1987) Science 237:1479-84; Muchmore, Shifrin and Decker (1987) J Immunol 138:2547-53]. We report here that the Man6(7)GlcNAc2-R glycopeptides derived from uromodulin inhibit antigen-specific T cell proliferation by 50% at 0.2-2 microM, and further studies, reported elsewhere, confirm that oligomannose glycopeptides from other sources are also inhibitory, with Man9GlcNAc2-R the most inhibitory of those tested [Muchmore et al., J Leukocyte Biol (in press)]. In this work, we have extended the observation of pregnancy-associated inhibitory activity to a second species, and have compared the oligomannose profile of Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein (nonpregnant) with that of uromodulin (pregnant) derived from both human and bovine sources. Surprisingly, there was a pregnancy-associated decrease in the total content of oligomannose chains due predominantly to a reduction in Man5GlcNAc2-R and Man6GlcNAc2-R. Man7GlcNAc2-R, which did not decrease with pregnancy, comprised a significantly greater proportion of the total oligomannose chains in pregnant vs. nonpregnant samples from both species (human; 34.6% vs. 25.9%: bovine; 14.4% vs. 7.2%).

Isolation and structure determination of the intact sialylated N-linked carbohydrate chains of recombinant human follitropin expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells

Biologically active recombinant human follitropin has been expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells. The carbohydrate chains of the recombinant glycoprotein hormone were enzymatically released by peptide-N4-(N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminyl)asparagine amidase F. The oligosaccharides were separated from the N-deglycosylated protein by gel-permeation chromatography on Bio-Gel P-100, and fractionated by a combination of FPLC on Mono Q and HPLC on Lichrosorb-NH2. The structures of the carbohydrate chains were determined by 500- or 600-MHz 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The following types of carbohydrates occur: monosialylated diantennary (10%), disialylated diantennary (43%), disialylated tri-antennary (5%), trisialylated tri-antennary (13%), trisialylated tri'-antennary (8%), and tetrasialylated tetraantennary (12%) N-acetyllactosamine type of carbohydrate chains, all bearing exclusively alpha 2-3-linked N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac). Previously, for pituitary follitropin mono-, di-, tri-, tri'-, and tetra-antennary oligosaccharides containing alpha 2-3- as well as alpha 2-6-linked Neu5Ac residues were reported. The bisecting GlcNAc residues present in native follitropin were not detected in the recombinant glycoprotein. Of the oligosaccharides 29% have an alpha 1-6-linked Fuc residue at the asparagine-bound GlcNAc, whereas this amount is about 50% in pituitary follitropin. In some of the tri-, tri'- and tetra-antennary oligosaccharide fractions small amounts (less than 5%) of compounds were detected having one or more additional N-acetyllactosamine units.

Role of N-linked glycans of envelope glycoproteins in infectivity of human immunodeficiency virus type 1

We have shown that enzymatic removal of N-linked glycans from human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) recombinant envelope glycoproteins gp160 and gp120 produced in BHK-21 cells did not significantly reduce their ability to bind to CD4, the cellular receptor for the virus. Because recombinant proteins may behave differently from proteins present on virions, we investigated whether such viral envelope glycoproteins either in a purified form or present on viral particles could be deglycosylated by treatment with an endoglycosidase F-N-glycanase mixture which cleaves all accessible glycan moieties. Endoglycosidase analysis of the carbohydrate composition of purified viral gp120 (vgp120) indicated a glycosylation pattern similar to that for recombinant gp120 (rgp120), and treatment with endoglycosidase F-N-glycanase resulted in comparable molecular weight (MW) reduction for both molecules. Similarly, after immunoblotting of the deglycosylated viral preparation, the characteristic 160- and 120-kilodalton (kDa) bands were replaced by 90- and 60-kDa bands, respectively. The apparent MW of gp41 shifted to 35 kDa. These results are consistent with complete deglycosylation. The immunoreactive conformation of envelope glycoproteins remained unaltered after deglycosylation: they were recognized to the same extent by specific human polyclonal or mouse monoclonal antibodies, and no proteolysis of viral proteins occurred during enzymatic treatment. Deglycosylation of vgp120 resulted in a less than 10-fold reduction of the ability to bind to CD4, presented either in a soluble form or at the cell membrane. In addition, deglycosylation significantly reduced, but did not abolish, HIV-1 binding to and infectivity of CD4+ cells as determined, respectively, by an indirect immunofluorescence assay and a quantitative dose-response infection assay. Taken together, these results indicate that removal of glycans present on mature envelope glycoproteins of HIV-1 diminishes but does not abolish either virus binding to CD4 or its capacity to infect CD4+ cells.

Attenuation of HIV-1 infectivity by an inhibitor of oligosaccharide processing

A series of inhibitors of trimming glucosidases and mannosidases were examined for antiviral activity toward HIV-1. N-butyl deoxynojirimycin (N-buDNJ) was found to be the most potent agent studied. Treatment of acutely infected lymphoid cells with 2.0 mM N-buDNJ reduced virus yield more than 90%, without affecting cell growth. Though lower concentrations of N-buDNJ (0.002-0.2 mM) did not affect HIV-1 production, there was complete inhibition of syncytia formation. Treatment of chronically infected lymphoid cells with 0.1-1.0 mM N-buDNJ resulted in no significant change in virus production, but 80% reduction of infectivity. The attenuation in HIV-1 infectivity was due at least partially to diminished binding to CD4+ lymphoid cells. Chronically infected lymphoid cells treated with 0.02-1.0 mM N-buDNJ for at least 3 days were markedly impaired in their ability to form syncytia with uninfected lymphoid cells. N-buDNJ treatment of HIV-1 infected cells resulted in both a reduction in the cell surface envelope proteins, and an increase in their apparent molecular weight. These results show that N-buDNJ can be used to impair the infectivity of HIV-1 without significant toxicity.