1
|
Bastos-Soares EA, da Silva Morais MS, Funes-Huacca M, Sousa RMO, Brilhante-Da-Silva N, Roberto SA, Prado NDR, Dos Santos CND, Marinho ACM, Soares AM, Stabeli RG, Pereira SDS, Fernandes CFC. Single-Domain Antibody-Gold Nanoparticle Bioconjugates as Immunosensors for the Detection of Hantaviruses. Mol Diagn Ther 2024; 28:479-494. [PMID: 38796660 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-024-00713-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hantavirus, a zoonotic pathogen, causes severe syndromes like hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), sometimes fatal in humans. Considering the importance of detecting the hantavirus antigen, the construction of an immunosensor is essential. The structural and functional characteristics of camelid nanobodies (VHHs) encourage their application in the areas of nanobiotechnology, therapeutics, diagnostics, and basic research. Therefore, this study aimed to standardize stable bioconjugates using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and VHHs, in order to develop immunobiosensors for the diagnosis of hantavirus infection. METHODS Immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) was performed to obtain purified recombinant anti-hantavirus nucleocapsid nanobodies (anti-prNΔ85 VHH), while AuNPs were synthesized for bioconjugation. UV-visible spectrophotometry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis were employed to characterize AuNPs. RESULTS The bioconjugation stability parameters (VHH-AuNPs), analyzed by spectrophotometry, showed that the ideal pH value and VHH concentration were obtained at 7.4 and 50 μg/mL, respectively, after addition of 1 M NaCl, which induces AuNP aggregation. TEM performed before and after bioconjugation showed uniform, homogeneous, well-dispersed, and spherical AuNPs with an average diameter of ~ 14 ± 0.57 nm. Furthermore, high-resolution images revealed a thin white halo on the surface of the AuNPs, indicating the coating of the AuNPs with protein. A biosensor simulation test (dot blot-like [DB-like]) was performed in stationary phase to verify the binding and detection limits of the recombinant nucleocapsid protein from the Araucária hantavirus strain (prN∆85). DISCUSSION Using AuNPs/VHH bioconjugates, a specific interaction was detected between 5 and 10 min of reaction in a dose-dependent manner. It was observed that this test was sensitive enough to detect prNΔ85 at concentrations up to 25 ng/μL. Considering that nanostructured biological systems such as antibodies conjugated with AuNPs are useful tools for the development of chemical and biological sensors, the stability of the bioconjugate indicates proficiency in detecting antigens. The experimental results obtained will be used in a future immunospot assay or lateral flow immunochromatography analysis for hantavirus detection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erika A Bastos-Soares
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Fiocruz Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Experimental, PGBIOEXP, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, UNIR, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Michelle Suelen da Silva Morais
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Fiocruz Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Experimental, PGBIOEXP, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, UNIR, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Maribel Funes-Huacca
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, UNIR, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Rosa Maria O Sousa
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Fiocruz Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | | | - Sibele Andrade Roberto
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Fiocruz Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Experimental, PGBIOEXP, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, UNIR, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | | | | | - Anna C M Marinho
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Fiocruz Ceará, Eusébio, CE, Brazil
| | - Andreimar M Soares
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Fiocruz Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
- Centro Universitário São Lucas, UniSL, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Epidemiologia da Amazônia Ocidental, INCT-EpiAmO, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Experimental, PGBIOEXP, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, UNIR, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo G Stabeli
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Plataforma Bi-institucional de Medicina Translacional, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Soraya Dos Santos Pereira
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Fiocruz Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Experimental, PGBIOEXP, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, UNIR, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tohidi E, Ghaemi M, Golvajouei MS. A review on camelid nanobodies with potential application in veterinary medicine. Vet Res Commun 2024:10.1007/s11259-024-10432-x. [PMID: 38869749 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10432-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
The single variable domains of camelid heavy-chain only antibodies, known as nanobodies, have taken a long journey since their discovery in 1989 until the first nanobody-based drug's entrance to the market in 2022. On account of their unique properties, nanobodies have been successfully used for diagnosis and therapy against various diseases or conditions. Although research on the application of recombinant antibodies has focused on human medicine, the development of nanobodies has paved the way for incorporating recombinant antibody production in favour of veterinary medicine. Currently, despite many efforts in developing these biomolecules with diversified applications, significant opportunities exist for exploiting these highly versatile and cost-effective antibodies in veterinary medicine. The present study attempts to identify existing gaps and shed light on paths for future research by presenting an updated review on camelid nanobodies with potential applications in veterinary medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emadodin Tohidi
- Biotechnology Division, Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Mehran Ghaemi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Sadegh Golvajouei
- Biotechnology Division, Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Esposito G, Hunashal Y, Percipalle M, Fogolari F, Venit T, Leonchiks A, Gunsalus KC, Piano F, Percipalle P. Assessing nanobody interaction with SARS-CoV-2 Nsp9. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303839. [PMID: 38758765 PMCID: PMC11101046 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The interaction between SARS-CoV-2 non-structural protein Nsp9 and the nanobody 2NSP90 was investigated by NMR spectroscopy using the paramagnetic perturbation methodology PENELOP (Paramagnetic Equilibrium vs Nonequilibrium magnetization Enhancement or LOss Perturbation). The Nsp9 monomer is an essential component of the replication and transcription complex (RTC) that reproduces the viral gRNA for subsequent propagation. Therefore preventing Nsp9 recruitment in RTC would represent an efficient antiviral strategy that could be applied to different coronaviruses, given the Nsp9 relative invariance. The NMR results were consistent with a previous characterization suggesting a 4:4 Nsp9-to-nanobody stoichiometry with the occurrence of two epitope pairs on each of the Nsp9 units that establish the inter-dimer contacts of Nsp9 tetramer. The oligomerization state of Nsp9 was also analyzed by molecular dynamics simulations and both dimers and tetramers resulted plausible. A different distribution of the mapped epitopes on the tetramer surface with respect to the former 4:4 complex could also be possible, as well as different stoichiometries of the Nsp9-nanobody assemblies such as the 2:2 stoichiometry suggested by the recent crystal structure of the Nsp9 complex with 2NSP23 (PDB ID: 8dqu), a nanobody exhibiting essentially the same affinity as 2NSP90. The experimental NMR evidence, however, ruled out the occurrence in liquid state of the relevant Nsp9 conformational change observed in the same crystal structure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gennaro Esposito
- Division of Science, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, Roma, Italy
| | | | | | - Federico Fogolari
- Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, Roma, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Matematiche, Informatiche e Fisiche, Università di Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Tomas Venit
- Division of Science, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | | | - Kristin C. Gunsalus
- Department of Biology and Center Genomics System Biology, NYU, New York, New York, United States of America
- Center Genomics System Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Fabio Piano
- Department of Biology and Center Genomics System Biology, NYU, New York, New York, United States of America
- Center Genomics System Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Piergiorgio Percipalle
- Division of Science, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Center Genomics System Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Shang W, Hu X, Lin X, Li S, Xiong S, Huang B, Wang X. Iterative In Silico Screening for Optimizing Stable Conformation of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Nanobodies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:424. [PMID: 38675386 PMCID: PMC11054880 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Nanobodies (Nbs or VHHs) are single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) derived from camelid heavy-chain antibodies. Nbs have special and unique characteristics, such as small size, good tissue penetration, and cost-effective production, making Nbs a good candidate for the diagnosis and treatment of viruses and other pathologies. Identifying effective Nbs against COVID-19 would help us control this dangerous virus or other unknown variants in the future. Herein, we introduce an in silico screening strategy for optimizing stable conformation of anti-SARS-CoV-2 Nbs. Firstly, various complexes containing nanobodies were downloaded from the RCSB database, which were identified from immunized llamas. The primary docking between Nbs and the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor-binding domain was performed through the ClusPro program, with the manual screening leaving the reasonable conformation to the next step. Then, the binding distances of atoms between the antigen-antibody interfaces were measured through the NeighborSearch algorithm. Finally, filtered nanobodies were acquired according to HADDOCK scores through HADDOCK docking the COVID-19 spike protein with nanobodies under restrictions of calculated molecular distance between active residues and antigenic epitopes less than 4.5 Å. In this way, those nanobodies with more reasonable conformation and stronger neutralizing efficacy were acquired. To validate the efficacy ranking of the nanobodies we obtained, we calculated the binding affinities (∆G) and dissociation constants (Kd) of all screened nanobodies using the PRODIGY web tool and predicted the stability changes induced by all possible point mutations in nanobodies using the MAESTROWeb server. Furthermore, we examined the performance of the relationship between nanobodies' ranking and their number of mutation-sensitive sites (Spearman correlation > 0.68); the results revealed a robust correlation, indicating that the superior nanobodies identified through our screening process exhibited fewer mutation hotspots and higher stability. This correlation analysis demonstrates the validity of our screening criteria, underscoring the suitability of these nanobodies for future development and practical implementation. In conclusion, this three-step screening strategy iteratively in silico greatly improved the accuracy of screening desired nanobodies compared to using only ClusPro docking or default HADDOCK docking settings. It provides new ideas for the screening of novel antibodies and computer-aided screening methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Bingding Huang
- College of Big Data and Internet, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China; (W.S.); (X.H.); (X.L.); (S.L.); (S.X.)
| | - Xin Wang
- College of Big Data and Internet, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China; (W.S.); (X.H.); (X.L.); (S.L.); (S.X.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abdolvahab MH, Karimi P, Mohajeri N, Abedini M, Zare H. Targeted drug delivery using nanobodies to deliver effective molecules to breast cancer cells: the most attractive application of nanobodies. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:67. [PMID: 38341580 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03259-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeted drug delivery is one of the attractive ways in which cancer treatment can significantly reduce side effects. In the last two decades, the use of antibodies as a tool for accurate detection of cancer has been noted. On the other hand, the binding of drugs and carriers containing drugs to the specific antibodies of cancer cells can specifically target only these cells. However, the use of whole antibodies brings challenges, including their large size, the complexity of conjugation, the high cost of production, and the creation of immunogenic reactions in the body. The use of nanobodies, or VHHs, which are a small part of camel heavy chain antibodies, is very popular due to their small size, high craftsmanship, and low production cost. In this article, in addition to a brief overview of the structure and characteristics of nanobodies, the use of this molecule in the targeted drug delivery of breast cancer has been reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohadeseh Haji Abdolvahab
- Recombinant Proteins Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pegah Karimi
- Recombinant Proteins Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasrin Mohajeri
- Recombinant Proteins Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Abedini
- Recombinant Proteins Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Zare
- Recombinant Proteins Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pondé RADA. Physicochemical effects of emerging exchanges on the spike protein's RBM of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants BA.1-BA.5 and its influence on the biological properties and attributes developed by these subvariants. Virology 2023; 587:109850. [PMID: 37562286 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.109850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Emerging in South Africa, SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant was marked by the expression of an exaggerated number of mutations throughout its genome and by the emergence of subvariants, whose attributes developed by them have been associated with amino acid exchanges that occur mainly in the RBM region of the spike protein. The RBM comprises a region within the RBD and is directly involved in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interaction with the host cell ACE2 receptor, during the infection mechanism and viral transmission. Defined as the region from aa 437 to aa 508, there are several residues in certain positions that interact directly with the human ACE-2 receptor during these processes. The occurrence of amino acid exchanges in these positions causes physicochemical alterations in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which confer additional advantages and attributes to the agent. In addition, these exchanges serve as a basis for the characterization of new variants and subvariants of SARS-CoV-2. In this review, the amino acid exchanges that have occurred in the RBM of the subvariants BA.1 to BA.5 of SARS-CoV-2 that emerged from the Omicron are described. The physicochemical effects caused by them on spike protein are also described, as well as their influence on the biological properties and attributes developed by the subvariants BA.1, BA.2, BA.3, BA.4 and BA.5.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robério Amorim de Almeida Pondé
- Secretaria de Estado da Saúde -SES/Superintendência de Vigilância em Saúde-SUVISA/GO, Gerência de Vigilância Epidemiológica de Doenças Transmissíveis-GVEDT/Coordenação de Análises e Pesquisas-CAP, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil; Laboratory of Human Virology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kunz S, Durandy M, Seguin L, Feral CC. NANOBODY ® Molecule, a Giga Medical Tool in Nanodimensions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13229. [PMID: 37686035 PMCID: PMC10487883 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Although antibodies remain the most widely used tool for biomedical research, antibody technology is not flawless. Innovative alternatives, such as Nanobody® molecules, were developed to address the shortcomings of conventional antibodies. Nanobody® molecules are antigen-binding variable-domain fragments derived from the heavy-chain-only antibodies of camelids (VHH) and combine the advantageous properties of small molecules and monoclonal antibodies. Nanobody® molecules present a small size (~15 kDa, 4 nm long and 2.5 nm wide), high solubility, stability, specificity, and affinity, ease of cloning, and thermal and chemical resistance. Recombinant production in microorganisms is cost-effective, and VHH are also building blocks for multidomain constructs. These unique features led to numerous applications in fundamental research, diagnostics, and therapy. Nanobody® molecules are employed as biomarker probes and, when fused to radioisotopes or fluorophores, represent ideal non-invasive in vivo imaging agents. They can be used as neutralizing agents, receptor-ligand antagonists, or in targeted vehicle-based drug therapy. As early as 2018, the first Nanobody®, Cablivi (caplacizumab), a single-domain antibody (sdAb) drug developed by French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi for the treatment of adult patients with acquired thrombocytopenic purpura (aTTP), was launched. Nanobody® compounds are ideal tools for further development in clinics for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kunz
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS UMR7284, INSERM U1081, IRCAN, 06107 Nice, France; (S.K.); (M.D.); (L.S.)
- Department of Oncology, Sanofi Research Center, 94400 Vitry-sur-Seine, France
| | - Manon Durandy
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS UMR7284, INSERM U1081, IRCAN, 06107 Nice, France; (S.K.); (M.D.); (L.S.)
| | - Laetitia Seguin
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS UMR7284, INSERM U1081, IRCAN, 06107 Nice, France; (S.K.); (M.D.); (L.S.)
| | - Chloe C. Feral
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS UMR7284, INSERM U1081, IRCAN, 06107 Nice, France; (S.K.); (M.D.); (L.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yang X, Duan H, Liu X, Zhang X, Pan S, Zhang F, Gao P, Liu B, Yang J, Chi X, Yang W. Broad Sarbecovirus Neutralizing Antibodies Obtained by Computational Design and Synthetic Library Screening. J Virol 2023:e0061023. [PMID: 37367229 PMCID: PMC10373554 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00610-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Members of the Sarbecovirus subgenus of Coronaviridae have twice caused deadly threats to humans. There is increasing concern about the rapid mutation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which has evolved into multiple generations of epidemic variants in 3 years. Broad neutralizing antibodies are of great importance for pandemic preparedness against SARS-CoV-2 variants and divergent zoonotic sarbecoviruses. Here, we analyzed the structural conservation of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) from representative sarbecoviruses and chose S2H97, a previously reported RBD antibody with ideal breadth and resistance to escape, as a template for computational design to enhance the neutralization activity and spectrum. A total of 35 designs were purified for evaluation. The neutralizing activity of a large proportion of these designs against multiple variants was increased from several to hundreds of times. Molecular dynamics simulation suggested that extra interface contacts and enhanced intermolecular interactions between the RBD and the designed antibodies are established. After light and heavy chain reconstitution, AI-1028, with five complementarity determining regions optimized, showed the best neutralizing activity across all tested sarbecoviruses, including SARS-CoV, multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants, and bat-derived viruses. AI-1028 recognized the same cryptic RBD epitope as the parental prototype antibody. In addition to computational design, chemically synthesized nanobody libraries are also a precious resource for rapid antibody development. By applying distinct RBDs as baits for reciprocal screening, we identified two novel nanobodies with broad activities. These findings provide potential pan-sarbecovirus neutralizing drugs and highlight new pathways to rapidly optimize therapeutic candidates when novel SARS-CoV-2 escape variants or new zoonotic coronaviruses emerge. IMPORTANCE The subgenus Sarbecovirus includes human SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and hundreds of genetically related bat viruses. The continuous evolution of SARS-CoV-2 has led to the striking evasion of neutralizing antibody (NAb) drugs and convalescent plasma. Antibodies with broad activity across sarbecoviruses would be helpful to combat current SARS-CoV-2 mutations and longer term animal virus spillovers. The study of pan-sarbecovirus NAbs described here is significant for the following reasons. First, we established a structure-based computational pipeline to design and optimize NAbs to obtain more potent and broader neutralizing activity across multiple sarbecoviruses. Second, we screened and identified nanobodies from a highly diversified synthetic library with a broad neutralizing spectrum using an elaborate screening strategy. These methodologies provide guidance for the rapid development of antibody therapeutics against emerging pathogens with highly variable characteristics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuehua Yang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Huarui Duan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuying Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xinhui Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shengnan Pan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Fangyuan Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Peixiang Gao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Yang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojing Chi
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Yang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yong Joon Kim J, Sang Z, Xiang Y, Shen Z, Shi Y. Nanobodies: Robust miniprotein binders in biomedicine. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 195:114726. [PMID: 36754285 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Variable domains of heavy chain-only antibodies (VHH), also known as nanobodies (Nbs), are monomeric antigen-binding domains derived from the camelid heavy chain-only antibodies. Nbs are characterized by small size, high target selectivity, and marked solubility and stability, which collectively facilitate high-quality drug development. In addition, Nbs are readily expressed from various expression systems, including E. coli and yeast cells. For these reasons, Nbs have emerged as preferred antibody fragments for protein engineering, disease diagnosis, and treatment. To date, two Nb-based therapies have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Numerous candidates spanning a wide spectrum of diseases such as cancer, immune disorders, infectious diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders are under preclinical and clinical investigation. Here, we discuss the structural features of Nbs that allow for specific, versatile, and strong target binding. We also summarize emerging technologies for identification, structural analysis, and humanization of Nbs. Our main focus is to review recent advances in using Nbs as a modular scaffold to facilitate the engineering of multivalent polymers for cutting-edge applications. Finally, we discuss remaining challenges for Nb development and envision new opportunities in Nb-based research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Yong Joon Kim
- Center of Protein Engineering and Therapeutics, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1, Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY 10029, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Zhe Sang
- Center of Protein Engineering and Therapeutics, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1, Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Yufei Xiang
- Center of Protein Engineering and Therapeutics, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1, Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Zhuolun Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Shi
- Center of Protein Engineering and Therapeutics, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1, Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bhattacharya M, Chatterjee S, Lee SS, Chakraborty C. Therapeutic applications of nanobodies against SARS-CoV-2 and other viral infections: Current update. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 229:70-80. [PMID: 36586649 PMCID: PMC9797221 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.12.284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
In the last two years, the world encountered the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is still dominating the population due to the absence of a viable treatment. To eradicate the global pandemic, scientists, doctors, and researchers took an exceptionally significant initiative towards the development of effective therapeutics to save many lifes. This review discusses about the single-domain antibodies (sdAbs), also called nanobodies, their structure, and their types against the infections of dreadful SARS-CoV-2 virus. A precise description highlights the nanobodies and their therapeutic application against the other selected viruses. It aims to focus on the extraordinary features of these antibodies compared to the conventional therapeutics like mAbs, convalescent plasma therapy, and vaccines. The stable structure of these nanobodies along with the suitable mechanism of action also confers greater resistance to the evolving variants with numerous mutations. The nanobodies developed against SARS-CoV-2 and its mutant variants have shown the greater neutralization potential than the primitive ones. Engineering of these specialized antibodies by modern biotechnological approaches will surely be more beneficial in treating this COVID-19 pandemic along with certain other viral infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manojit Bhattacharya
- Department of Zoology, Fakir Mohan University, Vyasa Vihar, Balasore 756020, Odisha, India
| | - Srijan Chatterjee
- Institute for Skeletal Aging & Orthopaedic Surgery, Hallym University-Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Chuncheon-si 24252, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Soo Lee
- Institute for Skeletal Aging & Orthopaedic Surgery, Hallym University-Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Chuncheon-si 24252, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Chiranjib Chakraborty
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Adamas University, Kolkata, West Bengal 700126, India.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Clancy J, Hoffmann CS, Pickett BE. Transcriptomics secondary analysis of severe human infection with SARS-CoV-2 identifies gene expression changes and predicts three transcriptional biomarkers in leukocytes. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:1403-1413. [PMID: 36785619 PMCID: PMC9908618 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of COVID-19, which has greatly affected human health since it first emerged. Defining the human factors and biomarkers that differentiate severe SARS-CoV-2 infection from mild infection has become of increasing interest to clinicians. To help address this need, we retrieved 269 public RNA-seq human transcriptome samples from GEO that had qualitative disease severity metadata. We then subjected these samples to a robust RNA-seq data processing workflow to calculate gene expression in PBMCs, whole blood, and leukocytes, as well as to predict transcriptional biomarkers in PBMCs and leukocytes. This process involved using Salmon for read mapping, edgeR to calculate significant differential expression levels, and gene ontology enrichment using Camera. We then performed a random forest machine learning analysis on the read counts data to identify genes that best classified samples based on the COVID-19 severity phenotype. This approach produced a ranked list of leukocyte genes based on their Gini values that includes TGFBI, TTYH2, and CD4, which are associated with both the immune response and inflammation. Our results show that these three genes can potentially classify samples with severe COVID-19 with accuracy of ∼88% and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 92.6--indicating acceptable specificity and sensitivity. We expect that our findings can help contribute to the development of improved diagnostics that may aid in identifying severe COVID-19 cases, guide clinical treatment, and improve mortality rates.
Collapse
|
12
|
Bakherad H, Ghasemi F, Hosseindokht M, Zare H. Nanobodies; new molecular instruments with special specifications for targeting, diagnosis and treatment of triple-negative breast cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:245. [PMID: 35933373 PMCID: PMC9357333 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02665-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer death in female. Triple-negative breast cancer has a more aggressive proliferation and a poorer clinical diagnosis than other breast cancers. The most common treatments for TNBC are chemotherapy, surgical removal, and radiation therapy, which impose many side effects and costs on patients. Nanobodies have superior advantages, which makes them attractive for use in therapeutic agents and diagnostic kits. There are numerous techniques suggested by investigators for early detection of breast cancer. Nevertheless, there are fewer molecular diagnostic methods in the case of TNBC due to the lack of expression of famous breast cancer antigens in TNBC. Although conventional antibodies have a high ability to detect tumor cell markers, their large size, instability, and costly production cause a lot of problems. Since the HER-2 do not express in TNBC diagnosis, the production of nanobodies for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer cells should be performed against other antigens expressed in TNBC. In this review, nanobodies which developed against triple negative breast cancer, were classified based on type of antigen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Bakherad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Isfahan Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fahimeh Ghasemi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Maryam Hosseindokht
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cosmetic Products Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hamed Zare
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cosmetic Products Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Xiang Y, Huang W, Liu H, Sang Z, Nambulli S, Tubiana J, Williams KL, Duprex WP, Schneidman-Duhovny D, Wilson IA, Taylor DJ, Shi Y. Superimmunity by pan-sarbecovirus nanobodies. Cell Rep 2022; 39:111004. [PMID: 35738279 PMCID: PMC9174178 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccine boosters and infection can facilitate the development of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies with improved potency and breadth. Here, we observe superimmunity in a camelid extensively immunized with the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD). We rapidly isolate a large repertoire of specific ultra-high-affinity nanobodies that bind strongly to all known sarbecovirus clades using integrative proteomics. These pan-sarbecovirus nanobodies (psNbs) are highly effective against SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron, with the best median neutralization potency at single-digit nanograms per milliliter. A highly potent, inhalable, and bispecific psNb (PiN-31) is also developed. Structural determinations of 13 psNbs with the SARS-CoV-2 spike or RBD reveal five epitope classes, providing insights into the mechanisms and evolution of their broad activities. The highly evolved psNbs target small, flat, and flexible epitopes that contain over 75% of conserved RBD surface residues. Their potencies are strongly and negatively correlated with the distance of the epitopes from the receptor binding sites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yufei Xiang
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Hejun Liu
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Zhe Sang
- The University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University Program for Computational Biology, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Sham Nambulli
- Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Jérôme Tubiana
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel; Blavatnik School of Computer Science, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Kevin L Williams
- Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - W Paul Duprex
- Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Dina Schneidman-Duhovny
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ian A Wilson
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Derek J Taylor
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Yi Shi
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; The University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University Program for Computational Biology, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Mahmud N, Anik MI, Hossain MK, Khan MI, Uddin S, Ashrafuzzaman M, Rahaman MM. Advances in Nanomaterial-Based Platforms to Combat COVID-19: Diagnostics, Preventions, Therapeutics, and Vaccine Developments. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2022; 5:2431-2460. [PMID: 35583460 PMCID: PMC9128020 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.2c00123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2, a ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus that emerged less than two years ago but has caused nearly 6.1 million deaths to date. Recently developed variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus have been shown to be more potent and expanded at a faster rate. Until now, there is no specific and effective treatment for SARS-CoV-2 in terms of reliable and sustainable recovery. Precaution, prevention, and vaccinations are the only ways to keep the pandemic situation under control. Medical and scientific professionals are now focusing on the repurposing of previous technology and trying to develop more fruitful methodologies to detect the presence of viruses, treat the patients, precautionary items, and vaccine developments. Nanomedicine or nanobased platforms can play a crucial role in these fronts. Researchers are working on many effective approaches by nanosized particles to combat SARS-CoV-2. The role of a nanobased platform to combat SARS-CoV-2 is extremely diverse (i.e., mark to personal protective suit, rapid diagnostic tool to targeted treatment, and vaccine developments). Although there are many theoretical possibilities of a nanobased platform to combat SARS-CoV-2, until now there is an inadequate number of research targeting SARS-CoV-2 to explore such scenarios. This unique mini-review aims to compile and elaborate on the recent advances of nanobased approaches from prevention, diagnostics, treatment to vaccine developments against SARS-CoV-2, and associated challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niaz Mahmud
- Department of Biomedical Engineering,
Military Institute of Science and Technology, Dhaka 1216,
Bangladesh
| | - Muzahidul I. Anik
- Department of Chemical Engineering,
University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island 02881,
United States
| | - M. Khalid Hossain
- Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Engineering
Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 816-8580,
Japan
- Atomic Energy Research Establishment,
Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, Dhaka 1349,
Bangladesh
| | - Md Ishak Khan
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of
Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United
States
| | - Shihab Uddin
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of
Engineering, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395,
Japan
- Department of Chemical Engineering,
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge
Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Md. Ashrafuzzaman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering,
Military Institute of Science and Technology, Dhaka 1216,
Bangladesh
| | - Md Mushfiqur Rahaman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, NYU
Langone Health, New York, New York 10016, United
States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Verkhivker G. Structural and Computational Studies of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Binding Mechanisms with Nanobodies: From Structure and Dynamics to Avidity-Driven Nanobody Engineering. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23062928. [PMID: 35328351 PMCID: PMC8951411 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23062928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanobodies provide important advantages over traditional antibodies, including their smaller size and robust biochemical properties such as high thermal stability, high solubility, and the ability to be bioengineered into novel multivalent, multi-specific, and high-affinity molecules, making them a class of emerging powerful therapies against SARS-CoV-2. Recent research efforts on the design, protein engineering, and structure-functional characterization of nanobodies and their binding with SARS-CoV-2 S proteins reflected a growing realization that nanobody combinations can exploit distinct binding epitopes and leverage the intrinsic plasticity of the conformational landscape for the SARS-CoV-2 S protein to produce efficient neutralizing and mutation resistant characteristics. Structural and computational studies have also been instrumental in quantifying the structure, dynamics, and energetics of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binding with nanobodies. In this review, a comprehensive analysis of the current structural, biophysical, and computational biology investigations of SARS-CoV-2 S proteins and their complexes with distinct classes of nanobodies targeting different binding sites is presented. The analysis of computational studies is supplemented by an in-depth examination of mutational scanning simulations and identification of binding energy hotspots for distinct nanobody classes. The review is focused on the analysis of mechanisms underlying synergistic binding of multivalent nanobodies that can be superior to single nanobodies and conventional nanobody cocktails in combating escape mutations by effectively leveraging binding avidity and allosteric cooperativity. We discuss how structural insights and protein engineering approaches together with computational biology tools can aid in the rational design of synergistic combinations that exhibit superior binding and neutralization characteristics owing to avidity-mediated mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gennady Verkhivker
- Graduate Program in Computational and Data Sciences, Keck Center for Science and Engineering, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, CA 92866, USA; ; Tel.: +1-714-516-4586
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ameratunga R, Woon ST, Lea E, Steele R, Lehnert K, Leung E, Brooks AES. The (apparent) antibody paradox in COVID-19. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2022; 18:335-345. [PMID: 35184669 PMCID: PMC8935454 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2022.2044797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Ameratunga
- Department of Clinical immunology, Auckland Hospital, Park Rd, Grafton 1010, Auckland New Zealand
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Auckland Hospital, Park Rd, Grafton 1010, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland
| | - See-Tarn Woon
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Auckland Hospital, Park Rd, Grafton 1010, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland
| | - Edward Lea
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Auckland Hospital, Park Rd, Grafton 1010, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Richard Steele
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Auckland Hospital, Park Rd, Grafton 1010, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Wellington Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Klaus Lehnert
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Symonds St, Auckland, New Zealand Wilkins Centre, University of Auckland
| | - Euphemia Leung
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Anna E. S. Brooks
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Symonds St, Auckland, New Zealand Wilkins Centre, University of Auckland
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Allosteric Determinants of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Binding with Nanobodies: Examining Mechanisms of Mutational Escape and Sensitivity of the Omicron Variant. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042172. [PMID: 35216287 PMCID: PMC8877688 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Structural and biochemical studies have recently revealed a range of rationally engineered nanobodies with efficient neutralizing capacity against the SARS-CoV-2 virus and resilience against mutational escape. In this study, we performed a comprehensive computational analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 spike trimer complexes with single nanobodies Nb6, VHH E, and complex with VHH E/VHH V nanobody combination. We combined coarse-grained and all-atom molecular simulations and collective dynamics analysis with binding free energy scanning, perturbation-response scanning, and network centrality analysis to examine mechanisms of nanobody-induced allosteric modulation and cooperativity in the SARS-CoV-2 spike trimer complexes with these nanobodies. By quantifying energetic and allosteric determinants of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binding with nanobodies, we also examined nanobody-induced modulation of escaping mutations and the effect of the Omicron variant on nanobody binding. The mutational scanning analysis supported the notion that E484A mutation can have a significant detrimental effect on nanobody binding and result in Omicron-induced escape from nanobody neutralization. Our findings showed that SARS-CoV-2 spike protein might exploit the plasticity of specific allosteric hotspots to generate escape mutants that alter response to binding without compromising activity. The network analysis supported these findings showing that VHH E/VHH V nanobody binding can induce long-range couplings between the cryptic binding epitope and ACE2-binding site through a broader ensemble of communication paths that is less dependent on specific mediating centers and therefore may be less sensitive to mutational perturbations of functional residues. The results suggest that binding affinity and long-range communications of the SARS-CoV-2 complexes with nanobodies can be determined by structurally stable regulatory centers and conformationally adaptable hotspots that are allosterically coupled and collectively control resilience to mutational escape.
Collapse
|