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Hammel A, Cucos LM, Caras I, Ionescu I, Tucureanu C, Tofan V, Costache A, Onu A, Hoepfner L, Hippler M, Neupert J, Popescu CI, Stavaru C, Branza-Nichita N, Bock R. The red alga Porphyridium as a host for molecular farming: Efficient production of immunologically active hepatitis C virus glycoprotein. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2400145121. [PMID: 38833465 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2400145121] [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: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Microalgae are promising production platforms for the cost-effective production of recombinant proteins. We have recently established that the red alga Porphyridium purpureum provides superior transgene expression properties, due to the episomal maintenance of transformation vectors as multicopy plasmids in the nucleus. Here, we have explored the potential of Porphyridium to synthesize complex pharmaceutical proteins to high levels. Testing expression constructs for a candidate subunit vaccine against the hepatitis C virus (HCV), we show that the soluble HCV E2 glycoprotein can be produced in transgenic algal cultures to high levels. The antigen undergoes faithful posttranslational modification by N-glycosylation and is recognized by conformationally selective antibodies, suggesting that it adopts a proper antigenic conformation in the endoplasmic reticulum of red algal cells. We also report the experimental determination of the structure of the N-glycan moiety that is attached to glycosylated proteins in Porphyridium. Finally, we demonstrate the immunogenicity of the HCV antigen produced in red algae when administered by injection as pure protein or by feeding of algal biomass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Hammel
- Max-Planck-Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Department of Organelle Biology, Biotechnology and Molecular Ecophysiology, D-14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Lia-Maria Cucos
- Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy, Department of Viral Glycoproteins, 060031 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Iuliana Caras
- "Cantacuzino" Medico-Military National Research Institute, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Irina Ionescu
- "Cantacuzino" Medico-Military National Research Institute, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Catalin Tucureanu
- "Cantacuzino" Medico-Military National Research Institute, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Vlad Tofan
- "Cantacuzino" Medico-Military National Research Institute, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adriana Costache
- "Cantacuzino" Medico-Military National Research Institute, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adrian Onu
- "Cantacuzino" Medico-Military National Research Institute, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Lara Hoepfner
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Münster, D-48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Michael Hippler
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Münster, D-48143 Münster, Germany
- Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University, Kurashiki 710-0046, Japan
| | - Juliane Neupert
- Max-Planck-Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Department of Organelle Biology, Biotechnology and Molecular Ecophysiology, D-14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Costin-Ioan Popescu
- Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy, Department of Viral Glycoproteins, 060031 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Crina Stavaru
- "Cantacuzino" Medico-Military National Research Institute, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Norica Branza-Nichita
- Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy, Department of Viral Glycoproteins, 060031 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ralph Bock
- Max-Planck-Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Department of Organelle Biology, Biotechnology and Molecular Ecophysiology, D-14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
- NIBIO, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, NO-1431 Ås, Norway
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2
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De Meyer A, Meuleman P. Preclinical animal models to evaluate therapeutic antiviral antibodies. Antiviral Res 2024; 225:105843. [PMID: 38548022 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105843] [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: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Despite the availability of effective preventative vaccines and potent small-molecule antiviral drugs, effective non-toxic prophylactic and therapeutic measures are still lacking for many viruses. The use of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies in an antiviral context could fill this gap and provide effective virus-specific medical interventions. In order to develop these therapeutic antibodies, preclinical animal models are of utmost importance. Due to the variability in viral pathogenesis, immunity and overall characteristics, the most representative animal model for human viral infection differs between virus species. Therefore, throughout the years researchers sought to find the ideal preclinical animal model for each virus. The most used animal models in preclinical research include rodents (mice, ferrets, …) and non-human primates (macaques, chimpanzee, ….). Currently, antibodies are tested for antiviral efficacy against a variety of viruses including different hepatitis viruses, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and rabies virus. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge about the preclinical animal models that are used for the evaluation of therapeutic antibodies for the abovementioned viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amse De Meyer
- Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Philip Meuleman
- Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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3
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Gomez-Escobar E, Roingeard P, Beaumont E. Current Hepatitis C Vaccine Candidates Based on the Induction of Neutralizing Antibodies. Viruses 2023; 15:v15051151. [PMID: 37243237 DOI: 10.3390/v15051151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has revolutionized hepatitis C treatment. Short courses of treatment with these drugs are highly beneficial to patients, eliminating hepatitis C virus (HCV) without adverse effects. However, this outstanding success is tempered by the continuing difficulty of eradicating the virus worldwide. Thus, access to an effective vaccine against HCV is strongly needed to reduce the burden of the disease and contribute to the elimination of viral hepatitis. The recent failure of a T-cell vaccine based on the use of viral vectors expressing the HCV non-structural protein sequences to prevent chronic hepatitis C in drug users has pointed out that the induction of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) will be essential in future vaccine candidates. To induce NAbs, vaccines must contain the main target of this type of antibody, the HCV envelope glycoproteins (E1 and E2). In this review, we summarize the structural regions in E1 and E2 proteins that are targeted by NAbs and how these proteins are presented in the vaccine candidates currently under development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Gomez-Escobar
- Inserm U1259 MAVIVH, Université de Tours and CHRU de Tours, 37000 Tours, France
| | - Philippe Roingeard
- Inserm U1259 MAVIVH, Université de Tours and CHRU de Tours, 37000 Tours, France
| | - Elodie Beaumont
- Inserm U1259 MAVIVH, Université de Tours and CHRU de Tours, 37000 Tours, France
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4
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Lin T, Chi X, Liu X, Pan S, Chen W, Duan H, Zhang X, Yang W. Recombinant Full-Length Hepatitis C Virus E1E2 Dimer Elicits Pangenotypic Neutralizing Antibodies. Front Immunol 2022; 13:831285. [PMID: 35837406 PMCID: PMC9273934 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.831285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
An effective prophylactic vaccine would be beneficial for controlling and eradicating hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. However, the high diversity across HCV genotypes is a major challenge for vaccine development. Selection of the appropriate immunogen is critical to elicit broad HCV neutralizing antibodies (NAbs). To increase the antigenic coverage of heterodimer glycoproteins, we designed and produced recombinant E1E2 antigens for genotypes 1a/1b/2a/3a/6a from an IgG Fc-tagged precursor protein in FreeStyle 293-F cells. The recombinant E1 and E2 antigens were localized and associated with the endoplasmic reticulum and co-purified from membrane extracts. By examining the interactions with HCV entry co-receptors and the blockade of HCV infection, we found that these purified Fc-E1E2 proteins displayed correct folding and function. Mouse immunization results showed that each recombinant E1E2 antigen could elicit a pangenotypic antibody response to itself and other genotypes. We also found that the pentavalent formula triggered a relatively higher and more uniform NAb titer and T cell response than monovalent antigens. Taken together, our findings may provide a useful strategy for the vaccine development of HCV and other viruses with highly heterogeneous surface glycoproteins.
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5
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Zhao Q, He K, Zhang X, Xu M, Zhang X, Li H. Production and immunogenicity of different prophylactic vaccines for hepatitis C virus (Review). Exp Ther Med 2022; 24:474. [PMID: 35761816 PMCID: PMC9214603 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health challenge, and prophylactic vaccines are the most effective way to eliminate the infection. To date, numerous forms of preventive vaccines have entered the clinical trial stage, including the virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine, recombinant subunit vaccine, peptide vaccine and nucleic acid vaccine. The rational design makes it easier to obtain specific vaccine structures with a broad spectrum and strong immunogenicity. Different vaccine antigens can evoke different immune responses, including humoral and T-cell immune responses, and can be produced using different expression systems, such as bacteria, yeast, mammals, plants, insects or parasites. Intracellular and insoluble production and a narrow immune spectrum are two difficulties that limit the application of vaccines. The present study summarizes the immunogenicity of different preventive vaccines, evaluates the characteristics of different expression systems used for vaccine production, and analyzes the strategies to enhance the secretion and immune spectrum of vaccine proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Zhao
- Microbiology Department, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Kun He
- Microbiology Department, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Xiuhua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biological Drugs, Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Science, Jinan, Shandong 250101, P.R. China
| | - Mingjie Xu
- Microbiology Department, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Xiuping Zhang
- Microbiology Department, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Huanjie Li
- Medical Research and Laboratory Diagnostic Center, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
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6
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Desombere I, Van Houtte F, Farhoudi A, Verhoye L, Buysschaert C, Gijbels Y, Couvent S, Swinnen W, Van Vlierberghe H, Elewaut A, Magri A, Stamataki Z, Meuleman P, McKeating JA, Leroux-Roels G. A Role for B Cells to Transmit Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Front Immunol 2021; 12:775098. [PMID: 34975862 PMCID: PMC8716873 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.775098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is highly variable and transmits through infected blood to establish a chronic liver infection in the majority of patients. Our knowledge on the infectivity of clinical HCV strains is hampered by the lack of in vitro cell culture systems that support efficient viral replication. We and others have reported that HCV can associate with and infect immune cells and may thereby evade host immune surveillance and elimination. To evaluate whether B cells play a role in HCV transmission, we assessed the ability of B cells and sera from recent (<2 years) or chronic (≥ 2 years) HCV patients to infect humanized liver chimeric mice. HCV was transmitted by B cells from chronic infected patients whereas the sera were non-infectious. In contrast, B cells from recently infected patients failed to transmit HCV to the mice, whereas all serum samples were infectious. We observed an association between circulating anti-glycoprotein E1E2 antibodies and B cell HCV transmission. Taken together, our studies provide evidence for HCV transmission by B cells, findings that have clinical implications for prophylactic and therapeutic antibody-based vaccine design.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Freya Van Houtte
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ali Farhoudi
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lieven Verhoye
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Yvonne Gijbels
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sibyl Couvent
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Hans Van Vlierberghe
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Laboratory of Hepatology Research, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - André Elewaut
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Laboratory of Hepatology Research, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Andrea Magri
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Zania Stamataki
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Researc (NIHR) Birmingham Liver Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Philip Meuleman
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jane A McKeating
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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7
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Dobrica M, van Eerde A, Tucureanu C, Onu A, Paruch L, Caras I, Vlase E, Steen H, Haugslien S, Alonzi D, Zitzmann N, Bock R, Dubuisson J, Popescu C, Stavaru C, Liu Clarke J, Branza‐Nichita N. Hepatitis C virus E2 envelope glycoprotein produced in Nicotiana benthamiana triggers humoral response with virus-neutralizing activity in vaccinated mice. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2021; 19:2027-2039. [PMID: 34002936 PMCID: PMC8486241 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a leading cause of liver-related pathologies and a global health problem, currently affecting more than 71 million people worldwide. The development of a prophylactic vaccine is much needed to complement the effective antiviral treatment available and achieve HCV eradication. Current strategies focus on increasing the immunogenicity of the HCV envelope glycoprotein E2, the major target of virus-neutralizing antibodies, by testing various expression systems or manipulating the protein conformation and the N-glycosylation pattern. Here we report the first evidence of successful production of the full-length HCV E2 glycoprotein in Nicotiana benthamiana, by using the Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression technology. Molecular and functional analysis showed that the viral protein was correctly processed in plant cells and achieved the native folding required for binding to CD81, one of the HCV receptors. N-glycan analysis of HCV-E2 produced in N. benthamiana and mammalian cells indicated host-specific trimming of mannose residues and possibly, protein trafficking. Notably, the plant-derived viral antigen triggered a significant immune response in vaccinated mice, characterized by the presence of antibodies with HCV-neutralizing activity. Together, our study demonstrates that N. benthamiana is a viable alternative to costly mammalian cell cultures for the expression of complex viral antigens and supports the use of plants as cost-effective production platforms for the development of HCV vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Catalin Tucureanu
- Cantacuzino” Medico‐Military National Research InstituteBucharestRomania
| | - Adrian Onu
- Cantacuzino” Medico‐Military National Research InstituteBucharestRomania
| | - Lisa Paruch
- NIBIO ‐ Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy ResearchÅsNorway
| | - Iuliana Caras
- Cantacuzino” Medico‐Military National Research InstituteBucharestRomania
| | - Ene Vlase
- Cantacuzino” Medico‐Military National Research InstituteBucharestRomania
| | - Hege Steen
- NIBIO ‐ Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy ResearchÅsNorway
| | | | - Dominic Alonzi
- Oxford Glycobiology InstituteDepartment of BiochemistryUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Nicole Zitzmann
- Oxford Glycobiology InstituteDepartment of BiochemistryUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Ralph Bock
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant PhysiologyPotsdam‐GolmGermany
| | - Jean Dubuisson
- Université LilleCNRSINSERMCHU LilleInstitut Pasteur de LilleU1019‐UMR 9017‐CIIL‐Center for Infection and Immunity of LilleLilleFrance
| | | | - Crina Stavaru
- Cantacuzino” Medico‐Military National Research InstituteBucharestRomania
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8
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Abstract
Antibody responses in hepatitis C virus (HCV) have been a rather mysterious research topic for many investigators working in the field. Chronic HCV infection is often associated with dysregulation of immune functions particularly in B cells, leading to abnormal lymphoproliferation or the production of autoantibodies that exacerbate inflammation and extrahepatic diseases. When considering the antiviral function of antibody, it was difficult to endorse its role in HCV protection, whereas T-cell response has been shown unequivocally critical for natural recovery. Recent breakthroughs in the study of HCV and antigen-specific antibody responses provide important insights into viral vulnerability to antibodies and the immunogenetic and structural properties of the neutralizing antibodies. The new knowledge reinvigorates HCV vaccine research by illuminating a new path for the rational design of vaccine antigens to elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies for protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansun Law
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92109, USA
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9
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Cowton VM, Owsianka AM, Fadda V, Ortega-Prieto AM, Cole SJ, Potter JA, Skelton JK, Jeffrey N, Di Lorenzo C, Dorner M, Taylor GL, Patel AH. Development of a structural epitope mimic: an idiotypic approach to HCV vaccine design. NPJ Vaccines 2021; 6:7. [PMID: 33420102 PMCID: PMC7794244 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-020-00269-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
HCV vaccine development is stymied by the high genetic diversity of the virus and the variability of the envelope glycoproteins. One strategy to overcome this is to identify conserved, functionally important regions—such as the epitopes of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs)—and use these as a basis for structure-based vaccine design. Here, we report an anti-idiotype approach that has generated an antibody that mimics a highly conserved neutralizing epitope on HCV E2. Crucially, a mutagenesis screen was used to identify the antibody, designated B2.1 A, whose binding characteristics to the bNAb AP33 closely resemble those of the original antigen. Protein crystallography confirmed that B2.1 A is a structural mimic of the AP33 epitope. When used as an immunogen B2.1 A induced antibodies that recognized the same epitope and E2 residues as AP33 and most importantly protected against HCV challenge in a mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa M Cowton
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Garscube Campus, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ania M Owsianka
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Garscube Campus, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow, UK
| | - Valeria Fadda
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St. Andrews, Fife, UK
| | | | - Sarah J Cole
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Garscube Campus, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jane A Potter
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St. Andrews, Fife, UK
| | - Jessica K Skelton
- Section of Virology, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Nathan Jeffrey
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Garscube Campus, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow, UK
| | - Caterina Di Lorenzo
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Garscube Campus, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow, UK
| | - Marcus Dorner
- Section of Virology, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Garry L Taylor
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St. Andrews, Fife, UK
| | - Arvind H Patel
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Garscube Campus, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow, UK.
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10
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Augestad EH, Castelli M, Clementi N, Ströh LJ, Krey T, Burioni R, Mancini N, Bukh J, Prentoe J. Global and local envelope protein dynamics of hepatitis C virus determine broad antibody sensitivity. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eabb5938. [PMID: 32923643 PMCID: PMC7449684 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abb5938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Broad antibody sensitivity differences of hepatitis C virus (HCV) isolates and their ability to persist in the presence of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) remain poorly understood. Here, we show that polymorphisms within glycoprotein E2, including hypervariable region 1 (HVR1) and antigenic site 412 (AS412), broadly affect NAb sensitivity by shifting global envelope protein conformation dynamics between theoretical "closed," neutralization-resistant and "open," neutralization-sensitive states. The conformational space of AS412 was skewed toward β-hairpin-like conformations in closed states, which also depended on HVR1, assigning function to these enigmatic E2 regions. Scavenger receptor class B, type I entry dependency of HCV was associated with NAb resistance and correlated perfectly with decreased virus propensity to interact with HCV co-receptor CD81, indicating that decreased NAb sensitivity resulted in a more complex entry pathway. This link between global E1/E2 states and functionally distinct AS412 conformations has important implications for targeting AS412 in rational HCV vaccine designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias H. Augestad
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Hvidovre Hospital, and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Matteo Castelli
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Università “Vita-Salute” San Raffaele, Milano, 20132, Italy
| | - Nicola Clementi
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Università “Vita-Salute” San Raffaele, Milano, 20132, Italy
| | - Luisa J. Ströh
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Thomas Krey
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, Hannover 30625, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner sites Hannover-Braunschweig and Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Germany
- Center of Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Luebeck, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), Notkestraße 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Roberto Burioni
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Università “Vita-Salute” San Raffaele, Milano, 20132, Italy
| | - Nicasio Mancini
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Università “Vita-Salute” San Raffaele, Milano, 20132, Italy
| | - Jens Bukh
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Hvidovre Hospital, and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jannick Prentoe
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Hvidovre Hospital, and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Corresponding author.
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11
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Olbrich A, Wardemann H, Böhm S, Rother K, Colpitts CC, Wrensch F, Baumert TF, Berg T, Benckert J. Repertoire and Neutralizing Activity of Antibodies Against Hepatitis C Virus E2 Peptide in Patients With Spontaneous Resolution of Hepatitis C. J Infect Dis 2020; 220:1209-1218. [PMID: 31165162 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neutralizing antibodies can prevent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, one of the leading causes of cirrhosis and liver cancer. Here, we characterized the immunoglobulin repertoire of memory B-cell antibodies against a linear epitope in the central front layer of the HCV envelope (E2; amino acids 483-499) in patients who were infected in a single-source outbreak. A reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction-based immunoglobulin gene cloning and recombinant expression approach was used to express monoclonal antibodies from HCV E2 peptide-binding immunoglobulin G-positive memory B cells. We identified highly mutated antibodies with a neutralizing effect in vitro against different genotype isolates sharing similar gene features. Our data confirm the importance of VH1-69 use for neutralizing activity. The data offer a promising basis for vaccine research and the use of anti-E2 antibodies as a means of passive immunization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Olbrich
- Laboratory for Clinical and Experimental Hepatology, Section of Hepatology, Clinic for Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, University Clinic Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Hedda Wardemann
- Division of B Cell Immunology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephan Böhm
- Laboratory for Clinical and Experimental Hepatology, Section of Hepatology, Clinic for Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, University Clinic Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Max von Pettenkofer Institute, Munich, Germany
| | - Karen Rother
- Laboratory for Clinical and Experimental Hepatology, Section of Hepatology, Clinic for Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, University Clinic Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Che C Colpitts
- Inserm U1110, University of Strasbourg, France.,Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Florian Wrensch
- Clinic for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité, CVK, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas F Baumert
- Clinic for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité, CVK, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Berg
- Laboratory for Clinical and Experimental Hepatology, Section of Hepatology, Clinic for Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, University Clinic Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Julia Benckert
- Laboratory for Clinical and Experimental Hepatology, Section of Hepatology, Clinic for Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, University Clinic Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Inserm U1110, University of Strasbourg, France
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12
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Sayed IM, Meuleman P. Updates in Hepatitis E virus (HEV) field; lessons learned from human liver chimeric mice. Rev Med Virol 2019; 30:e2086. [PMID: 31835277 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most common cause of viral hepatitis globally, and it is an emerging pathogen in developed countries. In vivo studies of HEV have long been hindered due to the lack of an efficient small animal model. Recently, human liver chimeric mice were described as an elegant model to study chronic HEV infection. HEV infection was established in mice with humanized liver that were challenged with stool preparations containing HEV genotype (gt)1 and/or gt3. An increase in viral load and the level of HEV Ag in mouse samples were markers of active infection. Plasma-derived HEV preparations were less infectious. The kinetics of HEV ORF2 Ag during HEV infection and its impact on HEV diagnosis were described in this model. In addition, the nature of HEV particles and HEV ORF2 Ag were characterized. Moreover, humanized mice were used to study the impact of HEV infection on the hepatic innate transcriptome and evaluation of anti-HEV therapies. This review highlights recent advances in the HEV field gathered from well-established experimental mouse models, with an emphasis on this model as a tool for elucidating the course of HEV infection, the study of the HEV life cycle, the interaction of the virus with the host, and the evaluation of new anti-HEV therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim M Sayed
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA.,Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Philip Meuleman
- Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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13
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Merat SJ, Bru C, van de Berg D, Molenkamp R, Tarr AW, Koekkoek S, Kootstra NA, Prins M, Ball JK, Bakker AQ, de Jong MD, Spits H, Beaumont T, Schinkel J. Cross-genotype AR3-specific neutralizing antibodies confer long-term protection in injecting drug users after HCV clearance. J Hepatol 2019; 71:14-24. [PMID: 30797052 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS In order to design an effective vaccine against hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, it is necessary to understand immune protection. A number of broadly reactive neutralizing antibodies have been isolated from B cells of HCV-infected patients. However, it remains unclear whether B cells producing such antibodies contribute to HCV clearance and long-term immune protection against HCV. METHODS We analysed the B cell repertoire of 13 injecting drug users from the Amsterdam Cohort Study, who were followed up for a median of 17.5 years after primary infection. Individuals were classified into 2 groups based on the outcome of HCV infection: 5 who became chronically infected either after primary infection or after reinfection, and 8 who were HCV RNA negative following spontaneous clearance of ≥1 HCV infection(s). From each individual, 10,000 CD27+IgG+B cells, collected 0.75 year after HCV infection, were cultured to characterize the antibody repertoire. RESULTS Using a multiplex flow cytometry-based assay to study the antibody binding to E1E2 from genotype 1 to 6, we found that a high frequency of cross-genotype antibodies was associated with spontaneous clearance of 1 or multiple infections (p = 0.03). Epitope specificity of these cross-genotype antibodies was determined by alanine mutant scanning in 4 individuals who were HCV RNA negative following spontaneous clearance of 1 or multiple infections. Interestingly, the cross-genotype antibodies were mainly antigenic region 3 (AR3)-specific and showed cross-neutralizing activity against HCV. In addition to AR3 antibodies, 3 individuals developed antibodies recognizing antigenic region 4, of which 1 monoclonal antibody showed cross-neutralizing capacity. CONCLUSIONS Together, these data suggest that a strong B cell response producing cross-genotype and neutralizing antibodies, especially targeting AR3, contributes to HCV clearance and long-term immune protection against HCV. LAY SUMMARY Although effective treatments against hepatitis C virus (HCV) are available, 500,000 people die from liver disease caused by HCV each year and approximately 1.75 million people are newly infected. This could be prevented by a vaccine. To design a vaccine against HCV, more insight into the role of antibodies in the protection against HCV infection is needed. In a cohort of injecting drug users, we found that antibodies interfering with virus cell entry, and recognizing multiple HCV genotypes, conferred long-term protection against chronic HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Camille Bru
- AIMM Therapeutics, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Richard Molenkamp
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Alexander W Tarr
- School of Life Sciences, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK; NIHR Nottingham BRC, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Sylvie Koekkoek
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Neeltje A Kootstra
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maria Prins
- Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jonathan K Ball
- School of Life Sciences, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK; NIHR Nottingham BRC, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Menno D de Jong
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Janke Schinkel
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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14
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Abstract
In spite of the immense progress in hepatitis C virus (HCV) research, efforts to prevent infection, such as generating a vaccine, have not yet been successful. The high price tag associated with current treatment options for chronic infection and the spike in new infections concurrent with growing opioid abuse are strong motivators for developing effective immunization and understanding neutralizing antibodies' role in preventing infection. Humanized mice-both human liver chimeras as well as genetically humanized models-are important platforms for testing both possible vaccine candidates as well as antibody-based therapies. This chapter details the variety of ways humanized mouse technology can be employed in pursuit of learning how HCV infection can be prevented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna M Gaska
- Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Qiang Ding
- Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Alexander Ploss
- Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
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15
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Mailly L, Wrensch F, Heydmann L, Fauvelle C, Brignon N, Zeisel MB, Pessaux P, Keck ZY, Schuster C, Fuerst TR, Foung SKH, Baumert TF. In vivo combination of human anti-envelope glycoprotein E2 and -Claudin-1 monoclonal antibodies for prevention of hepatitis C virus infection. Antiviral Res 2018; 162:136-141. [PMID: 30599173 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Despite the development of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a major cause for liver disease and cancer worldwide. Entry inhibitors block virus host cell entry and, therefore, prevent establishment of chronic infection and liver disease. Due to their unique mechanism of action, entry inhibitors provide an attractive antiviral strategy in organ transplantation. In this study, we developed an innovative approach in preventing HCV infection using a synergistic combination of a broadly neutralizing human monoclonal antibody (HMAb) targeting the HCV E2 protein and a host-targeting anti-claudin 1 (CLDN1) humanized monoclonal antibody. An in vivo proof-of-concept study in human liver-chimeric FRG-NOD mice proved the efficacy of the combination therapy at preventing infection by an HCV genotype 1b infectious serum. While administration of individual antibodies at lower doses only showed a delay in HCV infection, the combination therapy was highly protective. Furthermore, the combination proved to be effective in preventing infection of primary human hepatocytes by neutralization-resistant HCV escape variants selected during liver transplantation, suggesting that a combination therapy is suited for the neutralization of difficult-to-treat variants. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the combination of two HMAbs targeting different steps of virus entry improves treatment efficacy while simultaneously reducing treatment duration and costs. Our approach not only provides a clinical perspective to employ HMAb combination therapies to prevent graft re-infection and its associated liver disease but may also help to alleviate the urgent demand for organ transplants by allowing the transplantation of organs from HCV-positive donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Mailly
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, 67000, Strasbourg, France; Université de Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Florian Wrensch
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, 67000, Strasbourg, France; Université de Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Laura Heydmann
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, 67000, Strasbourg, France; Université de Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Catherine Fauvelle
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, 67000, Strasbourg, France; Université de Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Nicolas Brignon
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, 67000, Strasbourg, France; Université de Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Mirjam B Zeisel
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, 67000, Strasbourg, France; Université de Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France; Inserm U1052, CNRS UMR 5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL), Lyon, France
| | - Patrick Pessaux
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, 67000, Strasbourg, France; Université de Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France; Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire, Pôle Hépato-digestif, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Zhen-Yong Keck
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Catherine Schuster
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, 67000, Strasbourg, France; Université de Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas R Fuerst
- University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Steven K H Foung
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Thomas F Baumert
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, 67000, Strasbourg, France; Université de Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France; Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire, Pôle Hépato-digestif, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France.
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16
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Immunogenetic and structural analysis of a class of HCV broadly neutralizing antibodies and their precursors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:7569-7574. [PMID: 29954862 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1802378115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Elicitation of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) is a leading strategy in rational vaccine design against antigenically diverse pathogens. Here, we studied a panel of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) from mice immunized with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) envelope glycoproteins E1E2. Six of the mAbs recognize the conserved E2 antigenic site 412-423 (AS412) and cross-neutralize diverse HCV genotypes. Immunogenetic and structural analysis revealed that the antibodies originated from two different germline (GL) precursors and bind AS412 in a β-hairpin conformation. Intriguingly, the anti-HCV activity of one antibody lineage is associated with maturation of the light chain (LC), whereas the other lineage is dependent on heavy-chain (HC) maturation. Crystal structures of GL precursors of the LC-dependent lineage in complex with AS412 offer critical insights into the maturation process of bnAbs to HCV, providing a scientific foundation for utilizing the mouse model to study AS412-targeting vaccine candidates.
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17
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Ströh LJ, Nagarathinam K, Krey T. Conformational Flexibility in the CD81-Binding Site of the Hepatitis C Virus Glycoprotein E2. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1396. [PMID: 29967619 PMCID: PMC6015841 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous antibodies have been described that potently neutralize a broad range of hepatitis C virus (HCV) isolates and the majority of these antibodies target the binding site for the cellular receptor CD81 within the major HCV glycoprotein E2. A detailed understanding of the major antigenic determinants is crucial for the design of an efficient vaccine that elicits high levels of such antibodies. In the past 6 years, structural studies have shed additional light on the way the host’s humoral immune system recognizes neutralization epitopes within the HCV glycoproteins. One of the most striking findings from these studies is that the same segments of the E2 polypeptide chain induce antibodies targeting distinct antigen conformations. This was demonstrated by several crystal structures of identical polypeptide segments bound to different antibodies, highlighting an unanticipated intrinsic structural flexibility that allows binding of antibodies with distinct paratope shapes following an “induced-fit” mechanism. This unprecedented flexibility extends to the entire binding site for the cellular receptor CD81, underlining the importance of dynamic analyses to understand (1) the interplay between HCV and the humoral immune system and (2) the relevance of this structural flexibility for virus entry. This review summarizes the current understanding how neutralizing antibodies target structurally flexible epitopes. We focus on differences and common features of the reported structures and discuss the implications of the observed structural flexibility for the viral replication cycle, the full scope of the interplay between the virus and the host immune system and—most importantly—informed vaccine design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa J Ströh
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Krey
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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18
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Tzarum N, Wilson IA, Law M. The Neutralizing Face of Hepatitis C Virus E2 Envelope Glycoprotein. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1315. [PMID: 29951061 PMCID: PMC6008530 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The high genetic variability of hepatitis C virus, together with the high level of glycosylation on the viral envelope proteins shielding potential neutralizing epitopes, pose a difficult challenge for vaccine development. An effective hepatitis C virus (HCV) vaccine must target conserved epitopes and the HCV E2 glycoprotein is the main target for such neutralizing antibodies (NAbs). Recent structural investigations highlight the presence of a highly conserved and accessible surface on E2 that is devoid of N-linked glycans and known as the E2 neutralizing face. This face is defined as a hydrophobic surface comprising the front layer (FL) and the CD81 binding loop (CD81bl) that overlap with the CD81 receptor binding site on E2. The neutralizing face consists of highly conserved residues for recognition by cross-NAbs, yet it appears to be high conformationally flexible, thereby presenting a moving target for NAbs. Three main overlapping neutralizing sites have been identified in the neutralizing face: antigenic site 412 (AS412), antigenic site 434 (AS434), and antigenic region 3 (AR3). Here, we review the structural analyses of these neutralizing sites, either as recombinant E2 or epitope-derived linear peptides in complex with bNAbs, to understand the functional and preferred conformations for neutralization, and for viral escape. Collectively, these studies provide a foundation and molecular templates to facilitate structure-based approaches for HCV vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Netanel Tzarum
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Ian A Wilson
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Mansun Law
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
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19
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Development and characterization of a human monoclonal antibody targeting the N-terminal region of hepatitis C virus envelope glycoprotein E1. Virology 2017; 514:30-41. [PMID: 29128754 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2017.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the hepatitis C virus (HCV) envelope have been raised mainly against envelope protein 2 (E2), while the antigenic epitopes of envelope protein 1 (E1) are not fully identified. Here we describe the detailed characterization of a human mAb, designated A6, generated from an HCV genotype 1b infected patient. ELISA results showed reactivity of mAb A6 to full-length HCV E1E2 of genotypes 1a, 1b and 2a. Epitope mapping identified a region spanning amino acids 230-239 within the N-terminal region of E1 as critical for binding. Antibody binding to this epitope was not conformation dependent. Neutralization assays showed that mAb A6 lacks neutralizing capacity and does not interfere with the activity of known neutralizing antibodies. In summary, mAb A6 is an important tool to study the structure and function of E1 within the viral envelope, a crucial step in the development of an effective prophylactic HCV vaccine.
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20
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Desombere I, Mesalam AA, Urbanowicz RA, Van Houtte F, Verhoye L, Keck ZY, Farhoudi A, Vercauteren K, Weening KE, Baumert TF, Patel AH, Foung SKH, Ball J, Leroux-Roels G, Meuleman P. A novel neutralizing human monoclonal antibody broadly abrogates hepatitis C virus infection in vitro and in vivo. Antiviral Res 2017; 148:53-64. [PMID: 29074219 PMCID: PMC5785094 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2017.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Infections with hepatitis C virus (HCV) represent a worldwide health burden and a prophylactic vaccine is still not available. Liver transplantation (LT) is often the only option for patients with HCV-induced end-stage liver disease. However, immediately after transplantation, the liver graft becomes infected by circulating virus, resulting in accelerated progression of liver disease. Although the efficacy of HCV treatment using direct-acting antivirals has improved significantly, immune compromised LT-patients and patients with advanced liver disease remain difficult to treat. As an alternative approach, interfering with viral entry could prevent infection of the donor liver. We generated a human monoclonal antibody (mAb), designated 2A5, which targets the HCV envelope. The neutralizing activity of mAb 2A5 was assessed using multiple prototype and patient-derived HCV pseudoparticles (HCVpp), cell culture produced HCV (HCVcc), and a human-liver chimeric mouse model. Neutralization levels observed for mAb 2A5 were generally high and mostly superior to those obtained with AP33, a well-characterized HCV-neutralizing monoclonal antibody. Using humanized mice, complete protection was observed after genotype 1a and 4a HCV challenge, while only partial protection was achieved using gt1b and 6a isolates. Epitope mapping revealed that mAb 2A5 binding is conformation-dependent and identified the E2-region spanning amino acids 434 to 446 (epitope II) as the predominant contact domain. CONCLUSION mAb 2A5 shows potent anti-HCV neutralizing activity both in vitro and in vivo and could hence represent a valuable candidate to prevent HCV recurrence in LT-patients. In addition, the detailed identification of the neutralizing epitope can be applied for the design of prophylactic HCV vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Desombere
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Ahmed Atef Mesalam
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Therapeutic Chemistry Department, National Research Centre (NRC), Dokki, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Richard A Urbanowicz
- School of Life Sciences, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK; Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK.
| | - Freya Van Houtte
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Lieven Verhoye
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Zhen-Yong Keck
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Ali Farhoudi
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Koen Vercauteren
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Karin E Weening
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Thomas F Baumert
- Inserm U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France; Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg et Pole Hépato-digestif, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Arvind H Patel
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Steven K H Foung
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Jonathan Ball
- School of Life Sciences, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK; Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK.
| | - Geert Leroux-Roels
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Philip Meuleman
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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21
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Pentagalloylglucose, a highly bioavailable polyphenolic compound present in Cortex moutan, efficiently blocks hepatitis C virus entry. Antiviral Res 2017; 147:19-28. [PMID: 28923507 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2017.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 142 million people worldwide are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Although potent direct acting antivirals are available, high costs limit access to treatment. Chronic hepatitis C virus infection remains a major cause of orthotopic liver transplantation. Moreover, re-infection of the graft occurs regularly. Antivirals derived from natural sources might be an alternative and cost-effective option to complement therapy regimens for global control of hepatitis C virus infection. We tested the antiviral properties of a mixture of different Chinese herbs/roots named Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan (ZBDHW) and its individual components on HCV. One of the ZBDHW components, Penta-O-Galloyl-Glucose (PGG), was further analyzed for its mode of action in vitro, its antiviral activity in primary human hepatocytes as well as for its bioavailability and hepatotoxicity in mice. ZBDHW, its component Cortex Moutan and the compound PGG efficiently block entry of HCV of all major genotypes and also of the related flavivirus Zika virus. PGG does not disrupt HCV virion integrity and acts primarily during virus attachment. PGG shows an additive effect when combined with the well characterized HCV inhibitor Daclatasvir. Analysis of bioavailability in mice revealed plasma levels above tissue culture IC50 after a single intraperitoneal injection. In conclusion, PGG is a pangenotypic HCV entry inhibitor with high bioavailability. The low cost and wide availability of this compound make it a promising candidate for HCV combination therapies, and also emerging human pathogenic flaviviruses like ZIKV.
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22
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Li D, Wang X, von Schaewen M, Tao W, Zhang Y, Heller B, Hrebikova G, Deng Q, Sun Q, Ploss A, Zhong J, Huang Z. Immunization With a Subunit Hepatitis C Virus Vaccine Elicits Pan-Genotypic Neutralizing Antibodies and Intrahepatic T-Cell Responses in Nonhuman Primates. J Infect Dis 2017; 215:1824-1831. [PMID: 28398489 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The global control of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a great burden, owing to the high prices and potential drug resistance of the new direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), as well as the risk of reinfection in DAA-cured patients. Thus, a prophylactic vaccine for HCV is of great importance. We previously reported that a single recombinant soluble E2 (sE2) vaccine produced in insect cells was able to induce broadly neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) and prevent HCV infection in mice. Here the sE2 vaccine was evaluated in non-human primates. Methods Rhesus macaques were immunized with sE2 vaccine in combination with different adjuvants. Vaccine-induced NAbs in antisera were tested for neutralization activities against a panel of cell culture-derived HCV (HCVcc), while T-cell responses were evaluated in splenocytes, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and hepatic lymphocytes. Results sE2 is able to elicit NAbs against HCVcc harboring structural proteins from multiple HCV genotypes in rhesus macaques. Moreover, sE2-immunized macaques developed systemic and intrahepatic memory T cells specific for E2. A significant correlation between the sE2-specific immunoglobulin G titers and neutralization spectrum was observed, highlighting the essential role of sE2 immunogenicity on achieving broad NAbs. Conclusions sE2 is a promising HCV vaccine candidate that warrants further preclinical and clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dapeng Li
- Unit of Vaccinology and Antiviral Strategies.,Unit of Viral Hepatitis, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai
| | - Xuesong Wang
- Unit of Vaccinology and Antiviral Strategies.,Unit of Viral Hepatitis, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai
| | | | - Wanyin Tao
- Unit of Viral Hepatitis, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai
| | | | - Brigitte Heller
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, New Jersey
| | | | - Qiang Deng
- Unit of Vaccinology and Antiviral Strategies
| | - Qiang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Institute of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai.,Suzhou Nonhuman Primate Facility, Institute of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China
| | - Alexander Ploss
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, New Jersey
| | - Jin Zhong
- Unit of Viral Hepatitis, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai
| | - Zhong Huang
- Unit of Vaccinology and Antiviral Strategies
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23
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Ortega-Prieto AM, Dorner M. Novel methods to prevent HCV transmission. Future Virol 2017. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2017-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcus Dorner
- Section of Virology, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
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24
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Altered Glycosylation Patterns Increase Immunogenicity of a Subunit Hepatitis C Virus Vaccine, Inducing Neutralizing Antibodies Which Confer Protection in Mice. J Virol 2016; 90:10486-10498. [PMID: 27630242 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01462-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health problem for which no vaccine is available. HCV has a highly heterogeneous RNA genome and can be classified into seven genotypes. Due to the high genetic and resultant antigenic variation among the genotypes, inducing antibodies capable of neutralizing most of the HCV genotypes by experimental vaccination has been challenging. Previous efforts focused on priming humoral immune responses with recombinant HCV envelope E2 protein produced in mammalian cells. Here, we report that a soluble form of HCV E2 (sE2) produced in insect cells possesses different glycosylation patterns and is more immunogenic, as evidenced by the induction of higher titers of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) against cell culture-derived HCV (HCVcc) harboring structural proteins from a diverse array of HCV genotypes. We affirm that continuous and discontinuous epitopes of well-characterized bNAbs are conserved, suggesting that sE2 produced in insect cells is properly folded. In a genetically humanized mouse model, active immunization with sE2 efficiently protected against challenge with a heterologous HCV genotype. These data not only demonstrate that sE2 is a promising HCV vaccine candidate, but also highlight the importance of glycosylation patterns in developing subunit viral vaccines. IMPORTANCE A prophylactic vaccine with high efficacy and low cost is urgently needed for global control of HCV infection. Induction of broadly neutralizing antibodies against most HCV genotypes has been challenging due to the antigenic diversity of the HCV genome. Here, we refined a high-yield subunit HCV vaccine that elicited broadly neutralizing antibody responses in preclinical trials. We found that soluble HCV E2 protein (sE2) produced in insect cells is distinctly glycosylated and is more immunogenic than sE2 produced in mammalian cells, suggesting that glycosylation patterns should be taken into consideration in efforts to generate antibody-based recombinant vaccines against HCV. We further showed that sE2 vaccination confers protection against HCV infection in a genetically humanized mouse model. Thus, our work identified a promising broadly protective HCV vaccine candidate that should be considered for further preclinical and clinical development.
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Merat SJ, Molenkamp R, Wagner K, Koekkoek SM, van de Berg D, Yasuda E, Böhne M, Claassen YB, Grady BP, Prins M, Bakker AQ, de Jong MD, Spits H, Schinkel J, Beaumont T. Hepatitis C virus Broadly Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibodies Isolated 25 Years after Spontaneous Clearance. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0165047. [PMID: 27776169 PMCID: PMC5077102 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is world-wide a major cause of liver related morbidity and mortality. No vaccine is available to prevent HCV infection. To design an effective vaccine, understanding immunity against HCV is necessary. The memory B cell repertoire was characterized from an intravenous drug user who spontaneously cleared HCV infection 25 years ago. CD27+IgG+ memory B cells were immortalized using BCL6 and Bcl-xL. These immortalized B cells were used to study antibody-mediated immunity against the HCV E1E2 glycoproteins. Five E1E2 broadly reactive antibodies were isolated: 3 antibodies showed potent neutralization of genotype 1 to 4 using HCV pseudotyped particles, whereas the other 2 antibodies neutralized genotype 1, 2 and 3 or 1 and 2 only. All antibodies recognized non-linear epitopes on E2. Finally, except for antibody AT12-011, which recognized an epitope consisting of antigenic domain C /AR2 and AR5, all other four antibodies recognized epitope II and domain B. These data show that a subject, who spontaneously cleared HCV infection 25 years ago, still has circulating memory B cells that are able to secrete broadly neutralizing antibodies. Presence of such memory B cells strengthens the argument for undertaking the development of an HCV vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard Molenkamp
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Section of Clinical Virology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Koen Wagner
- AIMM Therapeutics, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sylvie M. Koekkoek
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Section of Clinical Virology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | - Bart P. Grady
- Department of Infectious Diseases Research and Prevention, Cluster of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maria Prins
- Department of Infectious Diseases Research and Prevention, Cluster of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of infectious diseases, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Menno D. de Jong
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Section of Clinical Virology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Janke Schinkel
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Section of Clinical Virology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tim Beaumont
- AIMM Therapeutics, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Identification of a New Benzimidazole Derivative as an Antiviral against Hepatitis C Virus. J Virol 2016; 90:8422-34. [PMID: 27412600 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00404-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Aminoquinolines and piperazines, linked or not, have been used successfully to treat malaria, and some molecules of this family also exhibit antiviral properties. Here we tested several derivatives of 4-aminoquinolines and piperazines for their activity against hepatitis C virus (HCV). We screened 11 molecules from three different families of compounds, and we identified anti-HCV activity in cell culture for six of them. Of these, we selected a compound (B5) that is currently ending clinical phase I evaluation for neurodegenerative diseases. In hepatoma cells, B5 inhibited HCV infection in a pangenotypic and dose-dependent manner, and its antiviral activity was confirmed in primary hepatocytes. B5 also inhibited infection by pseudoparticles expressing HCV envelope glycoproteins E1 and E2, and we demonstrated that it affects a postattachment stage of the entry step. Virus with resistance to B5 was selected by sequential passage in the presence of the drug, and reverse genetics experiments indicated that resistance was conferred mainly by a single mutation in the putative fusion peptide of E1 envelope glycoprotein (F291I). Furthermore, analyses of the effects of other closely related compounds on the B5-resistant mutant suggest that B5 shares a mode of action with other 4-aminoquinoline-based molecules. Finally, mice with humanized liver that were treated with B5 showed a delay in the kinetics of the viral infection. In conclusion, B5 is a novel interesting anti-HCV molecule that could be used to decipher the early steps of the HCV life cycle. IMPORTANCE In the last 4 years, HCV therapy has been profoundly improved with the approval of direct-acting antivirals in clinical practice. Nevertheless, the high costs of these drugs limit access to therapy in most countries. The present study reports the identification and characterization of a compound (B5) that inhibits HCV propagation in cell culture and is currently ending clinical phase I evaluation for neurodegenerative diseases. This molecule inhibits the HCV life cycle by blocking virus entry. Interestingly, after selection of drug-resistant virus, a resistance mutation in the putative fusion peptide of E1 envelope glycoprotein was identified, indicating that B5 could be used to further investigate the fusion mechanism. Furthermore, mice with humanized liver treated with B5 showed a delay in the kinetics of the viral infection. In conclusion, B5 is a novel interesting anti-HCV molecule that could be used to decipher the early steps of the HCV life cycle.
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T- and B-cell responses to multivalent prime-boost DNA and viral vectored vaccine combinations against hepatitis C virus in non-human primates. Gene Ther 2016; 23:753-759. [PMID: 27416077 PMCID: PMC7091906 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2016.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Revised: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Immune responses against multiple epitopes are required for the prevention of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, and the progression to phase I trials of candidates may be guided by comparative immunogenicity studies in non-human primates. Four vectors, DNA, SFV, human serotype 5 adenovirus (HuAd5) and Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) poxvirus, all expressing hepatitis C virus Core, E1, E2 and NS3, were combined in three prime-boost regimen, and their ability to elicit immune responses against HCV antigens in rhesus macaques was explored and compared. All combinations induced specific T-cell immune responses, including high IFN-γ production. The group immunized with the SFV+MVA regimen elicited higher E2-specific responses as compared with the two other modalities, while animals receiving HuAd5 injections elicited lower IL-4 responses as compared with those receiving MVA. The IFN-γ responses to NS3 were remarkably similar between groups. Only the adenovirus induced envelope-specific antibody responses, but these failed to show neutralizing activity. Therefore, the two novel regimens failed to induce superior responses as compared with already existing HCV vaccine candidates. Differences were found in response to envelope proteins, but the relevance of these remain uncertain given the surprisingly poor correlation with immunogenicity data in chimpanzees, underlining the difficulty to predict efficacy from immunology studies.
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Large scale production of a mammalian cell derived quadrivalent hepatitis C virus like particle vaccine. J Virol Methods 2016; 236:87-92. [PMID: 27373602 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2016.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Revised: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A method for the large-scale production of a quadrivalent mammalian cell derived hepatitis C virus-like particles (HCV VLPs) is described. The HCV core E1 and E2 coding sequences of genotype 1a, 1b, 2a or 3a were co-expressed in Huh7 cell factories using a recombinant adenoviral expression system. The structural proteins self-assembled into VLPs that were purified from Huh7 cell lysates by iodixanol ultracentrifugation and Stirred cell ultrafiltration. Electron microscopy, revealed VLPs of the different genotypes that are morphologically similar. Our results show that it is possible to produce large quantities of individual HCV genotype VLPs with relative ease thus making this approach an alternative for the manufacture of a quadrivalent mammalian cell derived HCV VLP vaccine.
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Felmlee DJ, Coilly A, Chung RT, Samuel D, Baumert TF. New perspectives for preventing hepatitis C virus liver graft infection. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2016; 16:735-745. [PMID: 27301929 PMCID: PMC4911897 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(16)00120-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Revised: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of end-stage liver disease that necessitates liver transplantation. The incidence of virus-induced cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma continues to increase, making liver transplantation increasingly common. Infection of the engrafted liver is universal and accelerates progression to advanced liver disease, with 20-30% of patients having cirrhosis within 5 years of transplantation. Treatments of chronic HCV infection have improved dramatically, albeit with remaining challenges of failure and access, and therapeutic options to prevent graft infection during liver transplantation are emerging. Developments in directed use of new direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) to eliminate circulating HCV before or after transplantation in the past 5 years provide renewed hope for prevention and treatment of liver graft infection. Identification of the ideal regimen and use of DAAs reveals new ways to treat this specific population of patients. Complementing DAAs, viral entry inhibitors have been shown to prevent liver graft infection in animal models and delay graft infection in clinical trials, which shows their potential for use concomitant to transplantation. We review the challenges and pathology associated with HCV liver graft infection, highlight current and future strategies of DAA treatment timing, and discuss the potential role of entry inhibitors that might be used synergistically with DAAs to prevent or treat graft infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Felmlee
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France; Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; Hepatology Research Group, Peninsula School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Audrey Coilly
- AP-HP Hôpital Paul Brousse, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Villejuif, France; University Paris-Sud, UMR-S 1193, Villejuif, France; Inserm Unit 1193, Villejuif F-94800, France
| | - Raymond T Chung
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Didier Samuel
- AP-HP Hôpital Paul Brousse, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Villejuif, France; University Paris-Sud, UMR-S 1193, Villejuif, France; Inserm Unit 1193, Villejuif F-94800, France.
| | - Thomas F Baumert
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France; Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; Gastrointestinal Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire, Pôle Hépato-digestif, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
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30
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Czarnota A, Tyborowska J, Peszyńska-Sularz G, Gromadzka B, Bieńkowska-Szewczyk K, Grzyb K. Immunogenicity of Leishmania-derived hepatitis B small surface antigen particles exposing highly conserved E2 epitope of hepatitis C virus. Microb Cell Fact 2016; 15:62. [PMID: 27075377 PMCID: PMC4831159 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-016-0460-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major health problem worldwide, affecting an estimated 2-3 % of human population. An HCV vaccine, however, remains unavailable. High viral diversity poses a challenge in developing a vaccine capable of eliciting a broad neutralizing antibody response against all HCV genotypes. The small surface antigen (sHBsAg) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) has the ability to form highly immunogenic subviral particles which are currently used as an efficient anti-HBV vaccine. It also represents an attractive antigen carrier for the delivery of foreign sequences. In the present study, we propose a bivalent vaccine candidate based on novel chimeric particles in which highly conserved epitope of HCV E2 glycoprotein (residues 412-425) was inserted into the hydrophilic loop of sHBsAg. RESULTS The expression of chimeric protein was performed in an unconventional, Leishmania tarentolae expression system resulting in an assembly of particles which retained immunogenicity of both HCV epitope and sHBsAg protein. Direct transmission electron microscopy observation and immunogold staining confirmed the formation of spherical particles approximately 22 nm in diameter, and proper foreign epitope exposition. Furthermore, the sera of mice immunized with chimeric particles proved reactive not only to purified yeast-derived sHBsAg proteins but also HCV E2 412-425 synthetic peptide. Most importantly, they were also able to cross-react with E1E2 complexes from different HCV genotypes. CONCLUSIONS For the first time, we confirmed successful assembly of chimeric sHBsAg virus-like particles (VLPs) in the L. tarentolae expression system which has the potential to produce high-yields of properly N-glycosylated mammalian proteins. We also proved that chimeric Leishmania-derived VLPs are highly immunogenic and able to elicit cross-reactive antibody response against HCV. This approach may prove useful in the development of a bivalent prophylactic vaccine against HBV and HCV and opens up a new and low-cost opportunity for the production of chimeric sHBsAg VLPs requiring N-glycosylation process for their proper functionality and immunogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Czarnota
- Laboratory of Virus Molecular Biology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG-MUG, University of Gdańsk, A. Abrahama 58, 80-307, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jolanta Tyborowska
- Laboratory of Recombinant Vaccines, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG-MUG, University of Gdańsk, A. Abrahama 58, Gdańsk, 80-307, Poland
| | - Grażyna Peszyńska-Sularz
- Tri-City Academic Laboratory Animal Centre, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 1, Gdańsk, 80-211, Poland
| | - Beata Gromadzka
- Laboratory of Recombinant Vaccines, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG-MUG, University of Gdańsk, A. Abrahama 58, Gdańsk, 80-307, Poland
| | - Krystyna Bieńkowska-Szewczyk
- Laboratory of Virus Molecular Biology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG-MUG, University of Gdańsk, A. Abrahama 58, 80-307, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Grzyb
- Laboratory of Virus Molecular Biology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG-MUG, University of Gdańsk, A. Abrahama 58, 80-307, Gdańsk, Poland.
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