1
|
Deng S, Xu Z, Wang M, Hu J, Liu Z, Zhu F, Zheng P, Kombe Kombe AJ, Zhang H, Wu S, Jin T. Structural insights into immune escape at killer T cell epitope by SARS-CoV-2 Spike Y453F variants. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107563. [PMID: 39002680 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107563] [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: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
CD8+ T cell immunity, mediated by human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and T cell receptor (TCR), plays a critical role in conferring immune memory and protection against viral pathogens. The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants poses a serious challenge to the efficacy of current vaccines. Whereas numerous SARS-CoV-2 mutations associated with immune escape from CD8+ T cells have been documented, the molecular effects of most mutations on epitope-specific TCR recognition remain largely unexplored. Here, we studied an HLA-A24-restricted NYN epitope (Spike448-456) that elicits broad CD8+ T cell responses in COVID-19 patients characterized by a common TCR repertoire. Four natural mutations, N450K, L452Q, L452R, and Y453F, arose within the NYN epitope and have been transmitted in certain viral lineages. Our findings indicate that these mutations have minimal impact on the epitope's presentation by cell surface HLA, yet they diminish the affinities of their respective peptide-HLA complexes (pHLAs) for NYN peptide-specific TCRs, particularly L452R and Y453F. Furthermore, we determined the crystal structure of HLA-A24 loaded with the Y453F peptide (NYNYLFRLF), and subsequently a ternary structure of the public TCRNYN-I complexed to the original NYN-HLA-A24 (NYNYLYRLF). Our structural analysis unveiled that despite competent presentation by HLA, the mutant Y453F peptide failed to establish a stable TCR-pHLA ternary complex due to reduced peptide: TCR contacts. This study supports the idea that cellular immunity restriction is an important driving force behind viral evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Deng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Zhihao Xu
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Meihua Wang
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jing Hu
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhuan Liu
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Fang Zhu
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Peiyi Zheng
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Arnaud John Kombe Kombe
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | | | - Songquan Wu
- College of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, China
| | - Tengchuan Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China; Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China; College of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, China; Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, Anhui, China; Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, China; Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rudar J, Kruczkiewicz P, Vernygora O, Golding GB, Hajibabaei M, Lung O. Sequence signatures within the genome of SARS-CoV-2 can be used to predict host source. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0358423. [PMID: 38436242 PMCID: PMC10986507 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03584-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
We conducted an in silico analysis to better understand the potential factors impacting host adaptation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in white-tailed deer, humans, and mink due to the strong evidence of sustained transmission within these hosts. Classification models trained on single nucleotide and amino acid differences between samples effectively identified white-tailed deer-, human-, and mink-derived SARS-CoV-2. For example, the balanced accuracy score of Extremely Randomized Trees classifiers was 0.984 ± 0.006. Eighty-eight commonly identified predictive mutations are found at sites under strong positive and negative selective pressure. A large fraction of sites under selection (86.9%) or identified by machine learning (87.1%) are found in genes other than the spike. Some locations encoded by these gene regions are predicted to be B- and T-cell epitopes or are implicated in modulating the immune response suggesting that host adaptation may involve the evasion of the host immune system, modulation of the class-I major-histocompatibility complex, and the diminished recognition of immune epitopes by CD8+ T cells. Our selection and machine learning analysis also identified that silent mutations, such as C7303T and C9430T, play an important role in discriminating deer-derived samples across multiple clades. Finally, our investigation into the origin of the B.1.641 lineage from white-tailed deer in Canada discovered an additional human sequence from Michigan related to the B.1.641 lineage sampled near the emergence of this lineage. These findings demonstrate that machine-learning approaches can be used in combination with evolutionary genomics to identify factors possibly involved in the cross-species transmission of viruses and the emergence of novel viral lineages.IMPORTANCESevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly transmissible virus capable of infecting and establishing itself in human and wildlife populations, such as white-tailed deer. This fact highlights the importance of developing novel ways to identify genetic factors that contribute to its spread and adaptation to new host species. This is especially important since these populations can serve as reservoirs that potentially facilitate the re-introduction of new variants into human populations. In this study, we apply machine learning and phylogenetic methods to uncover biomarkers of SARS-CoV-2 adaptation in mink and white-tailed deer. We find evidence demonstrating that both non-synonymous and silent mutations can be used to differentiate animal-derived sequences from human-derived ones and each other. This evidence also suggests that host adaptation involves the evasion of the immune system and the suppression of antigen presentation. Finally, the methods developed here are general and can be used to investigate host adaptation in viruses other than SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josip Rudar
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Integrative Biology & Centre for Biodiversity Genomics, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Kruczkiewicz
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Oksana Vernygora
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - G. Brian Golding
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mehrdad Hajibabaei
- Department of Integrative Biology & Centre for Biodiversity Genomics, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Oliver Lung
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gan M, Cao J, Zhang Y, Fu H, Lin X, Ouyang Q, Xu X, Yuan Y, Fan X. Landscape of T cell epitopes displays hot mutations of SARS-CoV-2 variant spikes evading cellular immunity. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29452. [PMID: 38314852 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29452] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
The continuous evolution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been accompanied by the emergence of viral mutations that pose a great challenge to existing vaccine strategies. It is not fully understood with regard to the role of mutations on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein from emerging viral variants in T cell immunity. In the current study, recombinant eukaryotic plasmids were constructed as DNA vaccines to express the spike protein from multiple SARS-CoV-2 strains. These DNA vaccines were used to immunize BALB/c mice, and cross-T cell responses to the spike protein from these viral strains were quantitated using interferon-γ (IFN-γ) Elispot. Peptides covering the full-length spike protein from different viral strains were used to detect epitope-specific IFN-γ+ CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron BA.1 strains were found to have broad T cell cross-reactivity, followed by the Beta strain. The landscapes of T cell epitopes on the spike protein demonstrated that at least 30 mutations emerging from Alpha to Omicron BA.5 can mediate the escape of T cell immunity. Omicron and its sublineages have 19 out of these 30 mutations, most of which are new, and a few are inherited from ancient circulating variants of concerns. The cross-T cell immunity between SARS-CoV-2 prototype strain and Omicron strains can be attributed to the T cell epitopes located in the N-terminal domain (181-246 aa [amino acids], 271-318 aa) and C-terminal domain (1171-1273 aa) of the spike protein. These findings provide in vivo evidence for optimizing vaccine manufacturing and immunization strategies for current or future viral variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengze Gan
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinge Cao
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yandi Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Fu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaosong Lin
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qi Ouyang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinyue Xu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yin Yuan
- Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xionglin Fan
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hu D, Irving AT. Massively-multiplexed epitope mapping techniques for viral antigen discovery. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1192385. [PMID: 37818363 PMCID: PMC10561112 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1192385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Following viral infection, viral antigens bind specifically to receptors on the surface of lymphocytes thereby activating adaptive immunity in the host. An epitope, the smallest structural and functional unit of an antigen, binds specifically to an antibody or antigen receptor, to serve as key sites for the activation of adaptive immunity. The complexity and diverse range of epitopes are essential to study and map for the diagnosis of disease, the design of vaccines and for immunotherapy. Mapping the location of these specific epitopes has become a hot topic in immunology and immune therapy. Recently, epitope mapping techniques have evolved to become multiplexed, with the advent of high-throughput sequencing and techniques such as bacteriophage-display libraries and deep mutational scanning. Here, we briefly introduce the principles, advantages, and disadvantages of the latest epitope mapping techniques with examples for viral antigen discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diya Hu
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
| | - Aaron T. Irving
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Studies, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Centre for Infection, Immunity & Cancer, Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
- Biomedical and Health Translational Research Centre of Zhejiang Province (BIMET), Haining, China
- College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dang TTT, Anzurez A, Nakayama-Hosoya K, Miki S, Yamashita K, de Souza M, Matano T, Kawana-Tachikawa A. Breadth and Durability of SARS-CoV-2-Specific T Cell Responses following Long-Term Recovery from COVID-19. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0214323. [PMID: 37428088 PMCID: PMC10433967 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02143-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell immunity is crucial for long-term immunological memory, but the profile of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-specific memory T cells in individuals who recovered from COVID-19 (COVID-19-convalescent individuals) is not sufficiently assessed. In this study, the breadth and magnitude of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell responses were determined in COVID-19-convalescent individuals in Japan. Memory T cells against SARS-CoV-2 were detected in all convalescent individuals, and those with more severe disease exhibited a broader T cell response relative to cases with mild symptoms. Comprehensive screening of T cell responses at the peptide level was conducted for spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins, and regions frequently targeted by T cells were identified. Multiple regions in S and N proteins were targeted by memory T cells, with median numbers of target regions of 13 and 4, respectively. A maximum of 47 regions were recognized by memory T cells for an individual. These data indicate that SARS-CoV-2-convalescent individuals maintain a substantial breadth of memory T cells for at least several months following infection. Broader SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4+ T cell responses, relative to CD8+ T cell responses, were observed for the S but not the N protein, suggesting that antigen presentation is different between viral proteins. The binding affinity of predicted CD8+ T cell epitopes to HLA class I molecules in these regions was preserved for the Delta variant and at 94 to 96% for SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants, suggesting that the amino acid changes in these variants do not have a major impact on antigen presentation to SARS-CoV-2-specific CD8+ T cells. IMPORTANCE RNA viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, evade host immune responses through mutations. As broader T cell responses against multiple viral proteins could minimize the impact of each single amino acid mutation, the breadth of memory T cells would be one essential parameter for effective protection. In this study, breadth of memory T cells to S and N proteins was assessed in COVID-19-convalescent individuals. While broad T cell responses were induced against both proteins, the ratio of N to S proteins for breadth of T cell responses was significantly higher in milder cases. The breadth of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses was also significantly different between S and N proteins, suggesting different contributions of N and S protein-specific T cells for COVID-19 control. Most CD8+ T cell epitopes in the immunodominant regions maintained their HLA binding to SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants. Our study provides insights into understanding the protective efficacy of SARS-CoV-2-specific memory T cells against reinfection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thi Thu Thao Dang
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
- Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Alitzel Anzurez
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
- Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | | | - Shoji Miki
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Mark de Souza
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Matano
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
- Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Department of AIDS Vaccine Development, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ai Kawana-Tachikawa
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
- Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Department of AIDS Vaccine Development, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yue C, Wang P, Tian J, Gao GF, Liu K, Liu WJ. Seeing the T cell Immunity of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV: Believing the Epitope-Oriented Vaccines. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:4052-4060. [PMID: 37705735 PMCID: PMC10496500 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.80468] [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: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) at the end of 2019 stimulated vigorous research efforts in immunology and vaccinology. In addition to innate immune responses, both virus-specific humoral and cellular immune responses are of importance for viral clearance. T cell epitopes play a central role in T cell-based immune responses. Herein, we summarized the peptide/major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) structures of the SARS-CoV-2-derived T cell epitopes available in the Protein Data Bank (PDB) and proposed the challenge and opportunities for using of T cell epitopes in future vaccine development efforts. A total of 27 SARS-CoV-2 related pMHC structures and five complexes with T cell receptors were retrieved. The peptides are mainly distributed on spike (S), nucleocapsid (N), and ORF1ab proteins. Most peptides are conserved among variants of concerns (VOCs) for SARS-CoV-2, except for several mutated peptides located in the S protein. The structures of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complexed with seven epitopes derived from SARS-CoV were also retrieved, which showed a potential cross T cell immunity with SARS-CoV-2. Structural studies of antigenic peptides from SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV help to visualize the processes and the mechanisms of cross T cell immunity. T cell epitope-oriented vaccines are potential next-generation vaccines for SARS-CoV-2, which are worthy of further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Can Yue
- CAS Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, National Laboratory of Macromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Pengyan Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology & Microbiology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinmin Tian
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biosafety, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), Beijing, China
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - George F. Gao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biosafety, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), Beijing, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Kefang Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
- Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - William J. Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biosafety, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jiang N, Malone M, Chizari S. Antigen-specific and cross-reactive T cells in protection and disease. Immunol Rev 2023; 316:120-135. [PMID: 37209375 PMCID: PMC10524458 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Human T cells have a diverse T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire that endows them with the ability to identify and defend against a broad spectrum of antigens. The universe of possible antigens that T cells may encounter, however, is even larger. To effectively surveil such a vast universe, the T-cell repertoire must adopt a high degree of cross-reactivity. Likewise, antigen-specific and cross-reactive T-cell responses play pivotal roles in both protective and pathological immune responses in numerous diseases. In this review, we explore the implications of these antigen-driven T-cell responses, with a particular focus on CD8+ T cells, using infection, neurodegeneration, and cancer as examples. We also summarize recent technological advances that facilitate high-throughput profiling of antigen-specific and cross-reactive T-cell responses experimentally, as well as computational biology approaches that predict these interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ning Jiang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104
- Institute for Immunology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104
- Institute for RNA Innovation, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104
| | - Michael Malone
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104
| | - Shahab Chizari
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Duette G, Lee E, Martins Costa Gomes G, Tungatt K, Doyle C, Stylianou VV, Lee A, Maddocks S, Taylor J, Khanna R, Bull RA, Martinello M, Sandgren KJ, Cunningham AL, Palmer S. Highly Networked SARS-CoV-2 Peptides Elicit T Cell Responses with Enhanced Specificity. Immunohorizons 2023; 7:508-527. [PMID: 37358499 PMCID: PMC10580120 DOI: 10.4049/immunohorizons.2300034] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell epitope-derived peptides is critical for the development of effective vaccines and measuring the duration of specific SARS-CoV-2 cellular immunity. In this regard, we previously identified T cell epitope-derived peptides within topologically and structurally essential regions of SARS-CoV-2 spike and nucleocapsid proteins by applying an immunoinformatics pipeline. In this study, we selected 30 spike- and nucleocapsid-derived peptides and assessed whether these peptides induce T cell responses and avoid major mutations found in SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. Our peptide pool was highly specific, with only a single peptide driving cross-reactivity in people unexposed to SARS-COV-2, and immunogenic, inducing a polyfunctional response in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from COVID-19 recovered individuals. All peptides were immunogenic and individuals recognized broad and diverse peptide repertoires. Moreover, our peptides avoided most mutations/deletions associated with all four SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern while retaining their physicochemical properties even when genetic changes are introduced. This study contributes to an evolving definition of individual CD4+ and CD8+ T cell epitopes that can be used for specific diagnostic tools for SARS-CoV-2 T cell responses and is relevant to the development of variant-resistant and durable T cell-stimulating vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Duette
- Centre for Virus Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Eunok Lee
- Centre for Virus Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Katie Tungatt
- Centre for Virus Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Chloe Doyle
- Centre for Virus Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Vicki V. Stylianou
- Centre for Virus Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ashley Lee
- Centre for Virus Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Susan Maddocks
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Janette Taylor
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rajiv Khanna
- QIMR Berghofer Centre for Immunotherapy and Vaccine Development, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rowena A. Bull
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marianne Martinello
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Blacktown & Mount Druitt Hospital, Blacktown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kerrie J. Sandgren
- Centre for Virus Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anthony L. Cunningham
- Centre for Virus Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah Palmer
- Centre for Virus Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tai W, Feng S, Chai B, Lu S, Zhao G, Chen D, Yu W, Ren L, Shi H, Lu J, Cai Z, Pang M, Tan X, Wang P, Lin J, Sun Q, Peng X, Cheng G. An mRNA-based T-cell-inducing antigen strengthens COVID-19 vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 variants. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2962. [PMID: 37221158 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38751-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Herd immunity achieved through mass vaccination is an effective approach to prevent contagious diseases. Nonetheless, emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants with frequent mutations largely evaded humoral immunity induced by Spike-based COVID-19 vaccines. Herein, we develop a lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-formulated mRNA-based T-cell-inducing antigen, which targeted three SARS-CoV-2 proteome regions that enriched human HLA-I epitopes (HLA-EPs). Immunization of HLA-EPs induces potent cellular responses to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection in humanized HLA-A*02:01/DR1 and HLA-A*11:01/DR1 transgenic mice. Of note, the sequences of HLA-EPs are highly conserved among SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. In humanized HLA-transgenic mice and female rhesus macaques, dual immunization with the LNP-formulated mRNAs encoding HLA-EPs and the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.351 variant (RBDbeta) is more efficacious in preventing infection of SARS-CoV-2 Beta and Omicron BA.1 variants than single immunization of LNP-RBDbeta. This study demonstrates the necessity to strengthen the vaccine effectiveness by comprehensively stimulating both humoral and cellular responses, thereby offering insight for optimizing the design of COVID-19 vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wanbo Tai
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518132, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510182, China
| | - Shengyong Feng
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Benjie Chai
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Shuaiyao Lu
- National Kunming High-level Biosafety Primate Research Center, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, 650118, China
| | - Guangyu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Dong Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
- Wenzhou Central Hospital, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Wenhai Yu
- National Kunming High-level Biosafety Primate Research Center, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, 650118, China
| | - Liting Ren
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Huicheng Shi
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Jing Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Zhuming Cai
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518132, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Mujia Pang
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518132, China
| | - Xu Tan
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Penghua Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, the University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - Jinzhong Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Qiangming Sun
- National Kunming High-level Biosafety Primate Research Center, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, 650118, China.
| | - Xiaozhong Peng
- National Kunming High-level Biosafety Primate Research Center, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, 650118, China.
| | - Gong Cheng
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Su M, Zheng G, Xu X, Song H. Antigen epitopes of animal coronaviruses: a mini-review. ANIMAL DISEASES 2023; 3:14. [PMID: 37220551 PMCID: PMC10189233 DOI: 10.1186/s44149-023-00080-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses are widespread in nature and can infect mammals and poultry, making them a public health concern. Globally, prevention and control of emerging and re-emerging animal coronaviruses is a great challenge. The mechanisms of virus-mediated immune responses have important implications for research on virus prevention and control. The antigenic epitope is a chemical group capable of stimulating the production of antibodies or sensitized lymphocytes, playing an important role in antiviral immune responses. Thus, it can shed light on the development of diagnostic methods and novel vaccines. Here, we have reviewed advances in animal coronavirus antigenic epitope research, aiming to provide a reference for the prevention and control of animal and human coronaviruses. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s44149-023-00080-0.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingjun Su
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology On Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center for Animal Health Diagnostics & Advanced Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China-Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine of Zhejiang, A&F University, 666 Wusu Street, Lin’an District, Hangzhou, 311300 Zhejiang Province China
| | - Guanghui Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology On Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center for Animal Health Diagnostics & Advanced Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China-Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine of Zhejiang, A&F University, 666 Wusu Street, Lin’an District, Hangzhou, 311300 Zhejiang Province China
| | - Xiangwen Xu
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology On Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center for Animal Health Diagnostics & Advanced Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China-Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine of Zhejiang, A&F University, 666 Wusu Street, Lin’an District, Hangzhou, 311300 Zhejiang Province China
| | - Houhui Song
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology On Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center for Animal Health Diagnostics & Advanced Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China-Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine of Zhejiang, A&F University, 666 Wusu Street, Lin’an District, Hangzhou, 311300 Zhejiang Province China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wang H, Li T, Gao H, Huang C, Tang B, Tang S, Cheke RA, Zhou W. Lessons drawn from Shanghai for controlling highly transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variants: insights from a modelling study. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:331. [PMID: 37194011 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08316-7] [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: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The continuous emergence of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants with markedly increased transmissibility presents major challenges to the zero-COVID policy in China. It is critical to adjust aspects of the policy about non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) by searching for and implementing more effective ways. We use a mathematical model to mimic the epidemic pattern of the Omicron variant in Shanghai to quantitatively show the control challenges and investigate the feasibility of different control patterns in avoiding other epidemic waves. METHODS We initially construct a dynamic model with a core step-by-step release strategy to reveal its role in controlling the spread of COVID-19, including the city-based pattern and the district-based pattern. We used the least squares method and real reported case data to fit the model for Shanghai and its 16 districts, respectively. Optimal control theory was utilized to explore the quantitative and optimal solutions of the time-varying control strength (i.e., contact rate) to suppress the highly transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variants. RESULTS The necessary period for reaching the zero-COVID goal can be nearly 4 months, and the final epidemic size was 629,625 (95%CI: [608,049, 651,201]). By adopting the city-based pattern, 7 out of 16 strategies released the NPIs more or earlier than the baseline and ensured a zero-resurgence risk at the average cost of 10 to 129 more cases in June. By adopting the district-based pattern, a regional linked release can allow resumption of social activity to ~ 100% in the boundary-region group about 14 days earlier and allow people to flow between different districts without causing infection resurgence. Optimal solutions of the contact rate were obtained with various testing intensities, and higher diagnosis rate correlated with higher optimal contact rate while the number of daily reported cases remained almost unchanged. CONCLUSIONS Shanghai could have been bolder and more flexible in unleashing social activity than they did. The boundary-region group should be relaxed earlier and more attention should be paid to the centre-region group. With a more intensive testing strategy, people could return to normal life as much as possible but still ensure the epidemic was maintained at a relatively low level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, PR China
| | - Tangjuan Li
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China
| | - Huan Gao
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, PR China
| | - Chenxi Huang
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, PR China
| | - Biao Tang
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China
| | - Sanyi Tang
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, PR China
| | - Robert A Cheke
- Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich at Medway, Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB, UK
| | - Weike Zhou
- School of Mathematics, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710127, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wu D, Efimov GA, Bogolyubova AV, Pierce BG, Mariuzza RA. Structural insights into protection against a SARS-CoV-2 spike variant by T cell receptor diversity. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:103035. [PMID: 36806685 PMCID: PMC9934920 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.103035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
T cells play a crucial role in combatting SARS-CoV-2 and forming long-term memory responses to this coronavirus. The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants that can evade T cell immunity has raised concerns about vaccine efficacy and the risk of reinfection. Some SARS-CoV-2 T cell epitopes elicit clonally restricted CD8+ T cell responses characterized by T cell receptors (TCRs) that lack structural diversity. Mutations in such epitopes can lead to loss of recognition by most T cells specific for that epitope, facilitating viral escape. Here, we studied an HLA-A2-restricted spike protein epitope (RLQ) that elicits CD8+ T cell responses in COVID-19 convalescent patients characterized by highly diverse TCRs. We previously reported the structure of an RLQ-specific TCR (RLQ3) with greatly reduced recognition of the most common natural variant of the RLQ epitope (T1006I). Opposite to RLQ3, TCR RLQ7 recognizes T1006I with even higher functional avidity than the WT epitope. To explain the ability of RLQ7, but not RLQ3, to tolerate the T1006I mutation, we determined structures of RLQ7 bound to RLQ-HLA-A2 and T1006I-HLA-A2. These complexes show that there are multiple structural solutions to recognizing RLQ and thereby generating a clonally diverse T cell response to this epitope that assures protection against viral escape and T cell clonal loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daichao Wu
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China; W.M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, Maryland, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Brian G Pierce
- W.M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, Maryland, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Roy A Mariuzza
- W.M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, Maryland, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
He X, He C, Hong W, Yang J, Wei X. Research progress in spike mutations of SARS-CoV-2 variants and vaccine development. Med Res Rev 2023. [PMID: 36929527 DOI: 10.1002/med.21941] [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: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic can hardly end with the emergence of different variants over time. In the past 2 years, several variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), such as the Delta and Omicron variants, have emerged with higher transmissibility, immune evasion and drug resistance, leading to higher morbidity and mortality in the population. The prevalent variants of concern (VOCs) share several mutations on the spike that can affect virus characteristics, including transmissibility, antigenicity, and immune evasion. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that the neutralization capacity of sera from COVID-19 convalescent or vaccinated individuals is decreased against SARS-CoV-2 variants. Moreover, the vaccine effectiveness of current COVID-19 vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 VOCs is not as high as that against wild-type SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, more attention might be paid to how the mutations impact vaccine effectiveness. In this review, we summarized the current studies on the mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 spike, particularly of the receptor binding domain, to elaborate on how the mutations impact the infectivity, transmissibility and immune evasion of the virus. The effects of mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 spike on the current therapeutics were highlighted, and potential strategies for future vaccine development were suggested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei He
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Cai He
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Weiqi Hong
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jingyun Yang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ahmad A, Makhmutova Z, Cao W, Majaz S, Amin A, Xie Y. Androgen receptor, a possible anti-infective therapy target and a potent immune respondent in SARS-CoV-2 spike binding: a computational approach. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2023; 21:317-327. [PMID: 36757420 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2023.2179035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although androgen in gender disparity of COVID-19 has been implied, no direct link has been provided. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Here, we applied AlphaFold multimer, network and single cells database analyses to highlight specificity of Androgen receptor (AR) against spike receptor binding protein (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS LXXL motifs in spike RBD are essential for AR binding. RBD LXXA mutation complex with the AR depicting slightly reduced binding energy, as LXXLL motif usually mediates nuclear receptor binding to coregulators. Moreover, AR preferred to bind a LYRL motif in specificity and interaction interface, and showed reduced affinity against Omicron compared to other variants (alpha, beta, gamma, and delta). Importantly, RBD LYRL motif is a conserved antigenic epitope (9 residues) for T-cell response. Network analysis of AR-related genes against COVID-19 database showed T-cell signaling regulation, and CD8+ T-cell spatial location in AR+ single cells, which is consistent with the AR binding motif LYRL in epitope function. CONCLUSIONS We provided the potent mechanisms of AR binding to RBD linking to immune response and vaccination shift. AR could be an anti-infective therapy target for anti-Omicron new lineages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashfaq Ahmad
- Department of Bioinformatics, Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan
| | - Zhandaulet Makhmutova
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Wenwen Cao
- Respiratory Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Tai'an, Shandong, China
| | - Sidra Majaz
- Department of Bioinformatics, Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan
| | - Amr Amin
- Biology Department, UAE University, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Yingqiu Xie
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Meyer S, Blaas I, Bollineni RC, Delic-Sarac M, Tran TT, Knetter C, Dai KZ, Madssen TS, Vaage JT, Gustavsen A, Yang W, Nissen-Meyer LSH, Douvlataniotis K, Laos M, Nielsen MM, Thiede B, Søraas A, Lund-Johansen F, Rustad EH, Olweus J. Prevalent and immunodominant CD8 T cell epitopes are conserved in SARS-CoV-2 variants. Cell Rep 2023; 42:111995. [PMID: 36656713 PMCID: PMC9826989 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.111995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) is driven by mutations that mediate escape from neutralizing antibodies. There is also evidence that mutations can cause loss of T cell epitopes. However, studies on viral escape from T cell immunity have been hampered by uncertain estimates of epitope prevalence. Here, we map and quantify CD8 T cell responses to SARS-CoV-2-specific minimal epitopes in blood drawn from April to June 2020 from 83 COVID-19 convalescents. Among 37 HLA ligands eluted from five prevalent alleles and an additional 86 predicted binders, we identify 29 epitopes with an immunoprevalence ranging from 3% to 100% among individuals expressing the relevant HLA allele. Mutations in VOC are reported in 10.3% of the epitopes, while 20.6% of the non-immunogenic peptides are mutated in VOC. The nine most prevalent epitopes are conserved in VOC. Thus, comprehensive mapping of epitope prevalence does not provide evidence that mutations in VOC are driven by escape of T cell immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Meyer
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, 0379 Oslo, Norway,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Isaac Blaas
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, 0379 Oslo, Norway,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ravi Chand Bollineni
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, 0379 Oslo, Norway,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Marina Delic-Sarac
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, 0379 Oslo, Norway,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Trung T. Tran
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Cathrine Knetter
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, 0379 Oslo, Norway,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ke-Zheng Dai
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | | | - John T. Vaage
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway,Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Alice Gustavsen
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Weiwen Yang
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, 0379 Oslo, Norway,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Karolos Douvlataniotis
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, 0379 Oslo, Norway,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Maarja Laos
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, 0379 Oslo, Norway,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway,Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Morten Milek Nielsen
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, 0379 Oslo, Norway,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Bernd Thiede
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, 0371 Oslo, Norway
| | - Arne Søraas
- Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Fridtjof Lund-Johansen
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway,ImmunoLingo Convergence Center, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Even H. Rustad
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, 0379 Oslo, Norway,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway,Corresponding author
| | - Johanna Olweus
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, 0379 Oslo, Norway,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway,Corresponding author
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Jin X, Liu X, Shen C. A systemic review of T-cell epitopes defined from the proteome of SARS-CoV-2. Virus Res 2023; 324:199024. [PMID: 36526016 PMCID: PMC9757803 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2022.199024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection remains in a global pandemic, and no eradicative therapy is currently available. Host T cells have been shown to play a crucial role in the antiviral immune protection and pathology in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients; thus, identifying sufficient T-cell epitopes from the SARS-CoV-2 proteome can contribute greatly to the development of T-cell epitope vaccines and the precise evaluation of host SARS-CoV-2-specific cellular immunity. This review presents a comprehensive map of T-cell epitopes functionally validated from SARS-CoV-2 antigens, the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) supertypes to present these epitopes, and the strategies to screen and identify T-cell epitopes. To the best of our knowledge, a total of 1349 CD8+ T-cell epitopes and 790 CD4+ T-cell epitopes have been defined by functional experiments thus far, but most are presented by approximately twenty common HLA supertypes, such as HLA-A0201, A2402, B0702, DR15, DR7 and DR11 molecules, and 74-80% of the T-cell epitopes are derived from S protein and nonstructural protein. These data provide useful insight into the development of vaccines and specific T-cell detection systems. However, the currently defined T-cell epitope repertoire cannot cover the HLA polymorphism of major populations in an indicated geographic region. More research is needed to depict an overall landscape of T-cell epitopes, which covers the overall SARS-CoV-2 proteome and global patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Jin
- Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China 225002; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China 210009
| | - Xiaotao Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China 210009
| | - Chuanlai Shen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China 210009.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Warger J, Gaudieri S. On the Evolutionary Trajectory of SARS-CoV-2: Host Immunity as a Driver of Adaptation in RNA Viruses. Viruses 2022; 15:70. [PMID: 36680110 PMCID: PMC9866609 DOI: 10.3390/v15010070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Host immunity can exert a complex array of selective pressures on a pathogen, which can drive highly mutable RNA viruses towards viral escape. The plasticity of a virus depends on its rate of mutation, as well as the balance of fitness cost and benefit of mutations, including viral adaptations to the host's immune response. Since its emergence, SARS-CoV-2 has diversified into genetically distinct variants, which are characterised often by clusters of mutations that bolster its capacity to escape human innate and adaptive immunity. Such viral escape is well documented in the context of other pandemic RNA viruses such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and influenza virus. This review describes the selection pressures the host's antiviral immunity exerts on SARS-CoV-2 and other RNA viruses, resulting in divergence of viral strains into more adapted forms. As RNA viruses obscure themselves from host immunity, they uncover weak points in their own armoury that can inform more comprehensive, long-lasting, and potentially cross-protective vaccine coverage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Warger
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Silvana Gaudieri
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Mandurah, WA 6150, Australia
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Li Y, Wang X, Shen XR, Geng R, Xie N, Han JF, Zhang QM, Shi ZL, Zhou P. A 1-year longitudinal study on COVID-19 convalescents reveals persistence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 humoral and cellular immunity. Emerg Microbes Infect 2022; 11:902-913. [PMID: 35240947 PMCID: PMC8975172 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2049984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The immune memory of over 400 million COVID-19 convalescents is not completely understood. In this integrated study, we recorded the post-acute sequelae symptoms and tested the immune memories, including circulating antibodies, memory B cell, and memory CD4 or CD8 T cell responses of a cohort of 65 COVID-19 patients over 1-year after infection. Our data show that 48% of them still have one or more sequelae symptoms and all of them maintain at least one of the immune components. The chances of having sequelae symptoms or having better immune memory are associated with peak disease severity. We did four-time points sampling per subject to precisely understand the kinetics of durability of SARS-CoV-2 circulating antibodies. We found that the RBD IgG levels likely reach a stable plateau at around 6 months, albeit it is waning at the first 6 months after infection. At 1-year after infection, more than 90% of the convalescents generated memory CD4 or CD8 T memory responses, preferably against the SARS-CoV-2 M peptide pool. The convalescents also have polyfunctional and central memory T cells that could provide rapid and efficient response to SARS-CoV-2 re-infection. Based on this information, we assessed the immune protection against the Omicron variant and concluded that convalescents should still induce effective T cell immunity against the Omicron. By studying the circulating antibodies and memory B or T cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 in an integrated manner, our study provides insight into the understanding of protective immunity against diseases caused by secondary SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.,Anyang Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Anyang, People's Republic of China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu-Rui Shen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Geng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Nan Xie
- Anyang Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Anyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Feng Han
- Anyang Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Anyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing-Miao Zhang
- Anyang Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Anyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Zheng-Li Shi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Antigen-Specific T Cells and SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Current Approaches and Future Possibilities. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315122. [PMID: 36499448 PMCID: PMC9737069 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315122] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19, a significant global health threat, appears to be an immune-related disease. Failure of effective immune responses in initial stages of infection may contribute to development of cytokine storm and systemic inflammation with organ damage, leading to poor clinical outcomes. Disease severity and the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants highlight the need for new preventative and therapeutic strategies to protect the immunocompromised population. Available data indicate that these people may benefit from adoptive transfer of allogeneic SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells isolated from convalescent individuals. This review first provides an insight into the mechanism of cytokine storm development, as it is directly related to the exhaustion of T cell population, essential for viral clearance and long-term antiviral immunity. Next, we describe virus-specific T lymphocytes as a promising and efficient approach for the treatment and prevention of severe COVID-19. Furthermore, other potential cell-based therapies, including natural killer cells, regulatory T cells and mesenchymal stem cells are mentioned. Additionally, we discuss fast and effective ways of producing clinical-grade antigen-specific T cells which can be cryopreserved and serve as an effective "off-the-shelf" approach for rapid treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection in case of sudden patient deterioration.
Collapse
|
20
|
Li H, Arcalas C, Song J, Rahmati M, Park S, Koyanagi A, Lee SW, Yon DK, Shin JI, Smith L. Genetics, structure, transmission, epidemiology, immune response, and vaccine efficacies of the SARS‐CoV‐2 Delta variant: A comprehensive review. Rev Med Virol 2022; 33:e2408. [PMID: 36420676 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Delta variant (B.1.617.2) was the predominant variant behind the surges of COVID-19 in the United States, Europe, and India in the second half of 2021. The information available regarding the defining mutations and their effects on the structure, transmission, and vaccine efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 is constantly evolving. With waning vaccine immunity and relaxation of social distancing policies across the globe driving the increased spread of the Delta variant, there is a great need for a resource aggregating the most recent information for clinicians and researchers concerning the Delta variant. Accordingly, this narrative review comprehensively reviews the genetics, structure, epidemiology, clinical course, and vaccine efficacy of the Delta variant. Comparison with the omicron variant is also discussed. The Delta variant is defined by 15 mutations in the Spike protein, most of which increase affinity for the ACE-2 receptor or enhance immune escape. The Delta variant causes similar symptoms to prototypical COVID-19, but it is more likely to be severe, with a greater inflammatory phenotype and viral load. The reproduction number is estimated to be approximately twice the prototypical strains present during the early pandemic, and numerous breakthrough infections have been reported. Despite studies demonstrating breakthrough infection and reduced antibody neutralisation, full vaccination effectively reduces the likelihood of severe illness and hospitalisation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han Li
- University of Florida College of Medicine Gainesville Florida USA
| | | | - Junmin Song
- Keimyung University School of Medicine Daegu Republic of Korea
| | - Masoud Rahmati
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences Lorestan University Khoramabad Iran
| | - Seoyeon Park
- Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Ai Koyanagi
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Deu/CIBERSAM Fundacio Sant Joan de Deu Universitat de Barcelona Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona Spain
- ICREA (Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies) Barcelona Spain
| | - Seung Won Lee
- Department of Precision Medicine Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine Suwon Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Keon Yon
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute Kyung Hee University College of Medicine Seoul Republic of Korea
- Department of Pediatrics Kyung Hee University Medical Center Kyung Hee University College of Medicine Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Il Shin
- Department of Pediatrics Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Lee Smith
- Centre for Health, Performance, and Wellbeing Anglia Ruskin University Cambridge UK
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Swaminathan S, Lineburg KE, Panikkar A, Raju J, Murdolo LD, Szeto C, Crooks P, Le Texier L, Rehan S, Dewar-Oldis MJ, Barnard PJ, Ambalathingal GR, Neller MA, Short KR, Gras S, Khanna R, Smith C. Ablation of CD8 + T cell recognition of an immunodominant epitope in SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants BA.1, BA.2 and BA.3. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6387. [PMID: 36302758 PMCID: PMC9607807 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34180-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant has raised concerns of escape from vaccine-induced immunity. A number of studies have demonstrated a reduction in antibody-mediated neutralization of the Omicron variant in vaccinated individuals. Preliminary observations have suggested that T cells are less likely to be affected by changes in Omicron. However, the complexity of human leukocyte antigen genetics and its impact upon immunodominant T cell epitope selection suggests that the maintenance of T cell immunity may not be universal. In this study, we describe the impact that changes in Omicron BA.1, BA.2 and BA.3 have on recognition by spike-specific T cells. These T cells constitute the immunodominant CD8+ T cell response in HLA-A*29:02+ COVID-19 convalescent and vaccinated individuals; however, they fail to recognize the Omicron-encoded sequence. These observations demonstrate that in addition to evasion of antibody-mediated immunity, changes in Omicron variants can also lead to evasion of recognition by immunodominant T cell responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Srividhya Swaminathan
- grid.1049.c0000 0001 2294 1395QIMR Berghofer Centre for Immunotherapy and Vaccine Development and Translational and Human Immunology Laboratory, Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006 Australia ,grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006 Australia
| | - Katie E. Lineburg
- grid.1049.c0000 0001 2294 1395QIMR Berghofer Centre for Immunotherapy and Vaccine Development and Translational and Human Immunology Laboratory, Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006 Australia
| | - Archana Panikkar
- grid.1049.c0000 0001 2294 1395QIMR Berghofer Centre for Immunotherapy and Vaccine Development and Translational and Human Immunology Laboratory, Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006 Australia
| | - Jyothy Raju
- grid.1049.c0000 0001 2294 1395QIMR Berghofer Centre for Immunotherapy and Vaccine Development and Translational and Human Immunology Laboratory, Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006 Australia
| | - Lawton D. Murdolo
- grid.1018.80000 0001 2342 0938Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086 Australia
| | - Christopher Szeto
- grid.1018.80000 0001 2342 0938Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086 Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800 Australia
| | - Pauline Crooks
- grid.1049.c0000 0001 2294 1395QIMR Berghofer Centre for Immunotherapy and Vaccine Development and Translational and Human Immunology Laboratory, Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006 Australia
| | - Laetitia Le Texier
- grid.1049.c0000 0001 2294 1395QIMR Berghofer Centre for Immunotherapy and Vaccine Development and Translational and Human Immunology Laboratory, Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006 Australia
| | - Sweera Rehan
- grid.1049.c0000 0001 2294 1395QIMR Berghofer Centre for Immunotherapy and Vaccine Development and Translational and Human Immunology Laboratory, Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006 Australia
| | - Michael J. Dewar-Oldis
- grid.1018.80000 0001 2342 0938Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086 Australia
| | - Peter J. Barnard
- grid.1018.80000 0001 2342 0938Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086 Australia
| | - George R. Ambalathingal
- grid.1049.c0000 0001 2294 1395QIMR Berghofer Centre for Immunotherapy and Vaccine Development and Translational and Human Immunology Laboratory, Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006 Australia
| | - Michelle A. Neller
- grid.1049.c0000 0001 2294 1395QIMR Berghofer Centre for Immunotherapy and Vaccine Development and Translational and Human Immunology Laboratory, Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006 Australia
| | - Kirsty R. Short
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Stephanie Gras
- grid.1018.80000 0001 2342 0938Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086 Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800 Australia
| | - Rajiv Khanna
- grid.1049.c0000 0001 2294 1395QIMR Berghofer Centre for Immunotherapy and Vaccine Development and Translational and Human Immunology Laboratory, Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006 Australia ,grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006 Australia
| | - Corey Smith
- grid.1049.c0000 0001 2294 1395QIMR Berghofer Centre for Immunotherapy and Vaccine Development and Translational and Human Immunology Laboratory, Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006 Australia ,grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kombe Kombe AJ, Biteghe FAN, Ndoutoume ZN, Jin T. CD8 + T-cell immune escape by SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. Front Immunol 2022; 13:962079. [PMID: 36389664 PMCID: PMC9647062 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.962079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the efficacy of antiviral drug repositioning, convalescent plasma (CP), and the currently available vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the worldwide coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is still challenging because of the ongoing emergence of certain new SARS-CoV-2 strains known as variants of concern (VOCs). Mutations occurring within the viral genome, characterized by these new emerging VOCs, confer on them the ability to efficiently resist and escape natural and vaccine-induced humoral and cellular immune responses. Consequently, these VOCs have enhanced infectivity, increasing their stable spread in a given population with an important fatality rate. While the humoral immune escape process is well documented, the evasion mechanisms of VOCs from cellular immunity are not well elaborated. In this review, we discussed how SARS-CoV-2 VOCs adapt inside host cells and escape anti-COVID-19 cellular immunity, focusing on the effect of specific SARS-CoV-2 mutations in hampering the activation of CD8+ T-cell immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud John Kombe Kombe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | | | - Zélia Nelly Ndoutoume
- The Second Clinical School, Medical Imaging, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tengchuan Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Chinese Academic of Sciences Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Chinese Academic of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Feng XL, Yu D, Zhang M, Li X, Zou QC, Ma W, Han JB, Xu L, Yang C, Qu W, Deng ZH, Long J, Long Y, Li M, Yao YG, Dong XQ, Zeng J, Li MH. Characteristics of replication and pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 Alpha and Delta isolates. Virol Sin 2022; 37:804-812. [PMID: 36167254 PMCID: PMC9507998 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2022.09.007] [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: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The continuously arising of SARS-CoV-2 variants has been posting a great threat to public health safety globally, from B.1.17 (Alpha), B.1.351 (Beta), P.1 (Gamma), B.1.617.2 (Delta) to B.1.1.529 (Omicron). The emerging or re-emerging of the SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern is calling for the constant monitoring of their epidemics, pathogenicity and immune escape. In this study, we aimed to characterize replication and pathogenicity of the Alpha and Delta variant strains isolated from patients infected in Laos. The amino acid mutations within the spike fragment of the isolates were determined via sequencing. The more efficient replication of the Alpha and Delta isolates was documented than the prototyped SARS-CoV-2 in Calu-3 and Caco-2 cells, while such features were not observed in Huh-7, Vero E6 and HPA-3 cells. We utilized both animal models of human ACE2 (hACE2) transgenic mice and hamsters to evaluate the pathogenesis of the isolates. The Alpha and Delta can replicate well in multiple organs and cause moderate to severe lung pathology in these animals. In conclusion, the spike protein of the isolated Alpha and Delta variant strains was characterized, and the replication and pathogenicity of the strains in the cells and animal models were also evaluated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Li Feng
- Kunming National High-level Biosafety Research Center for Non-Human Primates, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650107, China
| | - Dandan Yu
- Kunming National High-level Biosafety Research Center for Non-Human Primates, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650107, China,Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China,National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650107, China
| | - Mi Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Yunnan Provincial Infectious Diseases Hospital, Kunming, 650301, China
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Qing-Cui Zou
- Kunming National High-level Biosafety Research Center for Non-Human Primates, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650107, China
| | - Wentai Ma
- Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, 100101, China,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jian-Bao Han
- Kunming National High-level Biosafety Research Center for Non-Human Primates, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650107, China
| | - Ling Xu
- Kunming National High-level Biosafety Research Center for Non-Human Primates, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650107, China,Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China,National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650107, China
| | - Cuixian Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Yunnan Provincial Infectious Diseases Hospital, Kunming, 650301, China
| | - Wang Qu
- Kunming National High-level Biosafety Research Center for Non-Human Primates, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650107, China
| | - Zhong-Hua Deng
- Kunming National High-level Biosafety Research Center for Non-Human Primates, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650107, China
| | - Junyi Long
- Kunming National High-level Biosafety Research Center for Non-Human Primates, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650107, China
| | - Yanghaopeng Long
- Kunming National High-level Biosafety Research Center for Non-Human Primates, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650107, China
| | - Mingkun Li
- Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, 100101, China,Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Yong-Gang Yao
- Kunming National High-level Biosafety Research Center for Non-Human Primates, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650107, China,Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China,National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650107, China,Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650204, China
| | - Xing-Qi Dong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Yunnan Provincial Infectious Diseases Hospital, Kunming, 650301, China,Corresponding authors.
| | - Jianxiong Zeng
- Kunming National High-level Biosafety Research Center for Non-Human Primates, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650107, China,Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China,National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650107, China,Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650204, China,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Information, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China,Corresponding authors.
| | - Ming-Hua Li
- Kunming National High-level Biosafety Research Center for Non-Human Primates, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650107, China,Corresponding authors.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Long-term memory CD8 + T cells specific for SARS-CoV-2 in individuals who received the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5251. [PMID: 36068240 PMCID: PMC9447987 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32989-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term memory T cells have not been well analyzed in individuals vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine although analysis of these T cells is necessary to evaluate vaccine efficacy. Here, investigate HLA-A*24:02-restricted CD8+ T cells specific for SARS-CoV-2-derived spike (S) epitopes in individuals immunized with the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine. T cells specific for the S-QI9 and S-NF9 immunodominant epitopes have higher ability to recognize epitopes than other epitope-specific T cell populations. This higher recognition of S-QI9-specific T cells is due to the high stability of the S-QI9 peptide for HLA-A*24:02, whereas that of S-NF9-specific T cells results from the high affinity of T cell receptor. T cells specific for S-QI9 and S-NF9 are detectable >30 weeks after the second vaccination, indicating that the vaccine induces long-term memory T cells specific for these epitopes. Because the S-QI9 epitope is highly conserved among SARS-CoV-2 variants, S-QI9-specific T cells may help prevent infection with SARS-CoV-2 variants. mRNA vaccines have been shown to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and reduce hospitalization and mortality rates. Here, the authors show evidence of long-term memory CD8 + T cells in individuals who received the BNT162b2 SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine.
Collapse
|
25
|
Young A. T cells in SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination. Ther Adv Vaccines Immunother 2022; 10:25151355221115011. [PMID: 36051003 PMCID: PMC9425900 DOI: 10.1177/25151355221115011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
While antibodies garner the lion’s share of attention in SARS-CoV-2 immunity, cellular immunity (T cells) may be equally, if not more important, in controlling infection. Both CD8+ and CD4+ T cells are elicited earlier and are associated with milder disease, than antibodies, and T-cell activation appears to be necessary for control of infection. Variants of concern (VOCs) such as Omicron have escaped the neutralizing antibody responses after two mRNA vaccine doses, but T-cell immunity is largely intact. The breadth and patient-specific nature of the latter offers a formidable line of defense that can limit the severity of illness, and are likely to be responsible for most of the protection from natural infection or vaccination against VOCs which have evaded the antibody response. Comprehensive searches for T-cell epitopes, T-cell activation from infection and vaccination of specific patient groups, and elicitation of cellular immunity by various alternative vaccine modalities are here reviewed. Development of vaccines that specifically target T cells is called for, to meet the needs of patient groups for whom cellular immunity is weaker, such as the elderly and the immunosuppressed. While VOCs have not yet fully escaped T-cell immunity elicited by natural infection and vaccines, some early reports of partial escape suggest that future VOCs may achieve the dreaded result, dislodging a substantial proportion of cellular immunity, enough to cause a grave public health burden. A proactive, rather than reactive, solution which identifies and targets immutable sequences in SARS-CoV-2, not just those which are conserved, may be the only recourse humankind has to disarm these future VOCs before they disarm us.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Young
- InvVax, 2265 E. Foohill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Sankaranarayanan S, Mohkhedkar M, Janakiraman V. Mutations in spike protein T cell epitopes of SARS-COV-2 variants: Plausible influence on vaccine efficacy. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166432. [PMID: 35568352 PMCID: PMC9109158 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2022.166432] [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: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
With emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, vaccines approved so far are under scrutiny for long term effectiveness against the circulating strains. There is a prevalent obsession with humoral immunity as in vitro studies have indicated diminished effects of vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies. However, this need not clinically translate to vaccine resistance as immune response against all forms of present vaccine preparations is T dependent unlike that against native viral particles which can induce T independent immune responses. Thus, we focused on this major correlate of protection against infections, T cell response. Using bioinformatics tools, we analyzed SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein T cell epitopes and their diversity across Delta plus/B.1.617.2.1, Gamma/P.1 (variant of concern), B.1.1.429, Zeta/P.2 and Mink cluster 5/B.1.1.298 variants as well as Omicron/B.1.1.529 (variant of concern). We also compared HLA restriction profiles of the mutant epitopes with that of the native epitopes (from Wuhan_hu_1 strain, used in vaccine formulations). Our observations show ~90% conservation of CD4+ and CD8+ epitopes across Delta plus/B.1.617.2.1, Gamma/P.1 (variant of concern), B.1.1.429, Zeta/P.2 and Mink cluster 5/B.1.1.298. For the Omicron/B.1.1.529 variant, ~75% of CD4+ and ~ 87% CD8+ epitopes were conserved. Majority of the mutated CD4+ and CD8+ epitopes of this variant were predicted to retain the HLA restriction pattern as their native epitopes. The results of our bioinformatics analysis suggest largely conserved T cell responses across the studied variants, ability of T cells to tackle new SARS-CoV-2 variants and aid in protection from COVID-19 post vaccination. In conclusion, the results suggest that current vaccines may not be rendered completely ineffective against new variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vani Janakiraman
- Corresponding author at: Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Lower vaccine-acquired immunity in the elderly population following two-dose BNT162b2 vaccination is alleviated by a third vaccine dose. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4615. [PMID: 35941158 PMCID: PMC9358634 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32312-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the impact of age on vaccinations is essential for the design and delivery of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Here, we present findings from a comprehensive analysis of multiple compartments of the memory immune response in 312 individuals vaccinated with the BNT162b2 SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine. Two vaccine doses induce high antibody and T cell responses in most individuals. However, antibody recognition of the Spike protein of the Delta and Omicron variants is less efficient than that of the ancestral Wuhan strain. Age-stratified analyses identify a group of low antibody responders where individuals ≥60 years are overrepresented. Waning of the antibody and cellular responses is observed in 30% of the vaccinees after 6 months. However, age does not influence the waning of these responses. Taken together, while individuals ≥60 years old take longer to acquire vaccine-induced immunity, they develop more sustained acquired immunity at 6 months post-vaccination. A third dose strongly boosts the low antibody responses in the older individuals against the ancestral Wuhan strain, Delta and Omicron variants. Responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in different populations are important to define efficacy. Here the authors show using a cohort in Singapore that two doses of mRNA vaccine is less effective in recipients over 60 years of age and that a further dose of vaccine can improve these antibody levels.
Collapse
|
28
|
Moga E, Lynton-Pons E, Domingo P. The Robustness of Cellular Immunity Determines the Fate of SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Front Immunol 2022; 13:904686. [PMID: 35833134 PMCID: PMC9271749 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.904686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Two years after the appearance of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the causal agent of the current global pandemic, it is time to analyze the evolution of the immune protection that infection and vaccination provide. Cellular immunity plays an important role in limiting disease severity and the resolution of infection. The early appearance, breadth and magnitude of SARS-CoV-2 specific T cell response has been correlated with disease severity and it has been thought that T cell responses may be sufficient to clear infection with minimal disease in COVID-19 patients with X-linked or autosomal recessive agammaglobulinemia. However, our knowledge of the phenotypic and functional diversity of CD8+ cytotoxic lymphocytes, CD4+ T helper cells, mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells and CD4+ T follicular helper (Tfh), which play a critical role in infection control as well as long-term protection, is still evolving. It has been described how CD8+ cytotoxic lymphocytes interrupt viral replication by secreting antiviral cytokines (IFN-γ and TNF-α) and directly killing infected cells, negatively correlating with stages of disease progression. In addition, CD4+ T helper cells have been reported to be key pieces, leading, coordinating and ultimately regulating antiviral immunity. For instance, in some more severe COVID-19 cases a dysregulated CD4+ T cell signature may contribute to the greater production of pro-inflammatory cytokines responsible for pathogenic inflammation. Here we discuss how cellular immunity is the axis around which the rest of the immune system components revolve, since it orchestrates and leads antiviral response by regulating the inflammatory cascade and, as a consequence, the innate immune system, as well as promoting a correct humoral response through CD4+ Tfh cells. This review also analyses the critical role of cellular immunity in modulating the development of high-affinity neutralizing antibodies and germinal center B cell differentiation in memory and long-lived antibody secreting cells. Finally, since there is currently a high percentage of vaccinated population and, in some cases, vaccine booster doses are even being administered in certain countries, we have also summarized newer approaches to long-lasting protective immunity and the cross-protection of cellular immune response against SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esther Moga
- Department of Immunology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain,*Correspondence: Esther Moga,
| | - Elionor Lynton-Pons
- Department of Immunology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pere Domingo
- Unidad de enfermedades infecciosas, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first identified in 2020 and has led to an unprecedented global pandemic. Understanding the virology behind SARS-CoV-2 infection has provided key insights into our efforts to develop antiviral agents and control the COVID-19 pandemic. In this review, the authors focus on the genomic features of SARS-CoV-2, its intrahost and interhost evolution, viral dynamics in respiratory tract, and systemic dissemination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yijia Li
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan Z. Li
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Corresponding author. 65 Landsdowne Street, Room 421 Cambridge, MA 02139
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Xu Z, Liu K, Gao GF. Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 imposes a new challenge for the global public health. BIOSAFETY AND HEALTH 2022; 4:147-149. [PMID: 35072038 PMCID: PMC8767758 DOI: 10.1016/j.bsheal.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Since its first discovery, the Omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has evoked another wave of infection and caused global concern and panic. Moreover, although the data are still limited, Omicron showed highly concerning characteristics, including higher transmissibility, extensive immune escape and potentially altered host range. We interpreted these characteristics based on currently available data and outlined some urgent questions, calling for a more comprehensive investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zepeng Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100101, China
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China
| | - Kefang Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100101, China
| | - George F Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100101, China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Sedegah M, Porter C, Hollingdale MR, Ganeshan H, Huang J, Goforth CW, Belmonte M, Belmonte A, Weir DL, Lizewski RA, Lizewski SE, Sealfon SC, Jani V, Cheng Y, Inoue S, Velasco R, Villasante E, Sun P, Letizia AG. CHARM: COVID-19 Health Action Response for Marines-Association of antigen-specific interferon-gamma and IL2 responses with asymptomatic and symptomatic infections after a positive qPCR SARS-CoV-2 test. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266691. [PMID: 35390102 PMCID: PMC8989306 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 T cell responses are associated with COVID-19 recovery, and Class I- and Class II-restricted epitopes have been identified in the spike (S), nucleocapsid (N) and membrane (M) proteins and others. This prospective COVID-19 Health Action Response for Marines (CHARM) study enabled assessment of T cell responses against S, N and M proteins in symptomatic and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infected participants. At enrollment all participants were negative by qPCR; follow-up occurred biweekly and bimonthly for the next 6 weeks. Study participants who tested positive by qPCR SARS-CoV-2 test were enrolled in an immune response sub-study. FluoroSpot interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and IL2 responses following qPCR-confirmed infection at enrollment (day 0), day 7 and 14 and more than 28 days later were measured using pools of 17mer peptides covering S, N, and M proteins, or CD4+CD8 peptide pools containing predicted epitopes from multiple SARS-CoV-2 antigens. Among 124 asymptomatic and 105 symptomatic participants, SARS-CoV-2 infection generated IFN-γ responses to the S, N and M proteins that persisted longer in asymptomatic cases. IFN-γ responses were significantly (p = 0.001) more frequent to the N pool (51.4%) than the M pool (18.9%) among asymptomatic but not symptomatic subjects. Asymptomatic IFN-γ responders to the CD4+CD8 pool responded more frequently to the S pool (55.6%) and N pool (57.1%), than the M pool (7.1%), but not symptomatic participants. The frequencies of IFN-γ responses to the S and N+M pools peaked 7 days after the positive qPCR test among asymptomatic (S pool: 22.2%; N+M pool: 28.7%) and symptomatic (S pool: 15.3%; N+M pool 21.9%) participants and dropped by >28 days. Magnitudes of post-infection IFN-γ and IL2 responses to the N+M pool were significantly correlated with IFN-γ and IL2 responses to the N and M pools. These data further support the central role of Th1-biased cell mediated immunity IFN-γ and IL2 responses, particularly to the N protein, in controlling COVID-19 symptoms, and justify T cell-based COVID-19 vaccines that include the N and S proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martha Sedegah
- Agile Vaccines and Therapeutics Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
| | - Chad Porter
- Virology Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
| | - Michael R. Hollingdale
- Agile Vaccines and Therapeutics Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Harini Ganeshan
- Agile Vaccines and Therapeutics Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Jun Huang
- Agile Vaccines and Therapeutics Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Carl W. Goforth
- Virology Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
| | - Maria Belmonte
- Agile Vaccines and Therapeutics Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Arnel Belmonte
- Agile Vaccines and Therapeutics Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
- GDIT, MD, United States of America
| | - Dawn L. Weir
- Virology Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
| | | | | | - Stuart C. Sealfon
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Vihasi Jani
- Virology Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Ying Cheng
- Virology Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
- Leidos, Reston, VA, United States of America
| | - Sandra Inoue
- Agile Vaccines and Therapeutics Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
- GDIT, MD, United States of America
| | - Rachael Velasco
- Agile Vaccines and Therapeutics Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
| | - Eileen Villasante
- Agile Vaccines and Therapeutics Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
| | - Peifang Sun
- Virology Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
| | - Andrew G. Letizia
- Virology Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Biswas B, Chattopadhyay S, Hazra S, Hansda AK, Goswami R. COVID-19 pandemic: the delta variant, T-cell responses, and the efficacy of developing vaccines. Inflamm Res 2022; 71:377-396. [PMID: 35292834 PMCID: PMC8923340 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-022-01555-5] [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: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The mayhem COVID-19 that was ushered by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) was declared pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. Since its initial outbreak in late 2019, the virus has affected hundreds of million adults in the world and killing millions in the process. After the approval of newly developed vaccines, severe challenges remain to manufacture and administer them to the adult population globally in quick time. However, we have witnessed several mutations of the virus leading to ‘waves’ of viral spread and mortality. WHO has categorized these mutations as variants of concern (VOCs) and variants of interest (VOIs). The mortality due to COVID-19 has also been associated with various comorbidities and improper immune response. This has created further complications in understanding the nature of the SARS-CoV2–host interaction that has fuelled doubts in the efficacy of the approved vaccines. Whether there is requirement of booster dose and whether the impending wave could affect the children are some of the hotly debated topics. Materials and Methods A systematic literature review of PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar was utilized to understand the nature of Delta variant and how it alters our T-cell responses and cytokine production and neutralizes vaccine-generated antibodies.
Conclusion In this review, we discuss the variants of SARS-CoV2 with specific focus on the Delta variant. We also specifically review the T-cell response against the virus and bring a narrative of various factors that may hold the key to fight against this marauding virus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Biswajit Biswas
- School of Bioscience, IIT Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, West Bengal, India
| | | | - Sayantee Hazra
- School of Bioscience, IIT Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, West Bengal, India
| | | | - Ritobrata Goswami
- School of Bioscience, IIT Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, West Bengal, India.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Cellular therapies for the treatment and prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Blood 2022; 140:208-221. [PMID: 35240679 PMCID: PMC8896869 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021012249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with blood disorders who are immune suppressed are at increased risk for infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Sequelae of infection can include severe respiratory disease and/or prolonged duration of viral shedding. Cellular therapies may protect these vulnerable patients by providing antiviral cellular immunity and/or immune modulation. In this recent review of the field, phase 1/2 trials evaluating adoptive cellular therapies with virus-specific T cells or natural killer cells are described along with trials evaluating the safety, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of immune modulating cellular therapies including regulatory T cells and mesenchymal stromal cells. In addition, the immunologic basis for these therapies is discussed.
Collapse
|
34
|
Müller-Hilke B, Mai F, Müller M, Volzke J, Reisinger EC. Higher SARS-CoV-2 Spike Binding Antibody Levels and Neutralization Capacity 6 Months after Heterologous Vaccination with AZD1222 and BNT162b2. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10020322. [PMID: 35214780 PMCID: PMC8880180 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10020322] [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: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Within a year after the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, several vaccines had been developed, clinically evaluated, proven to be efficacious in preventing symptomatic disease, and licensed for global use. The remaining questions about the vaccines concern the duration of protection offered by vaccination and its efficacy against variants of concern. Therefore, we set out to analyze the humoral and cellular immune responses 6 months into homologous and heterologous prime-boost vaccinations. We recruited 190 health care workers and measured their anti-spike IgG levels, their neutralizing capacities against the Wuhan-Hu-1 strain and the Delta variant using a surrogate viral neutralization test, and their IFNγ-responses towards SARS-CoV-2-derived spike peptides. We here show that IFNγ secretion in response to peptide stimulation was significantly enhanced in all three vaccination groups and comparable in magnitude. In contrast, the heterologous prime-boost regimen using AZD1222 and BNT162b2 yielded the highest anti-spike IgG levels, which were 3–4.5 times more than the levels resulting from homologous AZD1222 and BNT162b2 vaccination, respectively. Likewise, the neutralizing capacity against both the wild type as well as the Delta receptor binding domains was significantly higher following the heterologous prime-boost regimen. In conclusion, our results suggest that mixing different SARS-CoV-2 vaccines might lead to more efficacious and longer-lasting humoral protection against breakthrough infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte Müller-Hilke
- Core Facility for Cell Sorting and Cell Analysis, Rostock University Medical Center, 18055 Rostock, Germany; (F.M.); (M.M.).; (J.V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-381-4945883
| | - Franz Mai
- Core Facility for Cell Sorting and Cell Analysis, Rostock University Medical Center, 18055 Rostock, Germany; (F.M.); (M.M.).; (J.V.)
| | - Michael Müller
- Core Facility for Cell Sorting and Cell Analysis, Rostock University Medical Center, 18055 Rostock, Germany; (F.M.); (M.M.).; (J.V.)
| | - Johann Volzke
- Core Facility for Cell Sorting and Cell Analysis, Rostock University Medical Center, 18055 Rostock, Germany; (F.M.); (M.M.).; (J.V.)
| | - Emil C. Reisinger
- Division of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Center of Internal Medicine II, Rostock University Medical Center, 18055 Rostock, Germany;
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Gustiananda M, Sulistyo BP, Agustriawan D, Andarini S. Immunoinformatics Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 ORF1ab Polyproteins to Identify Promiscuous and Highly Conserved T-Cell Epitopes to Formulate Vaccine for Indonesia and the World Population. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:1459. [PMID: 34960205 PMCID: PMC8704007 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9121459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 and its variants caused the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccines that target conserved regions of SARS-CoV-2 and stimulate protective T-cell responses are important for reducing symptoms and limiting the infection. Seven cytotoxic (CTL) and five helper T-cells (HTL) epitopes from ORF1ab were identified using NetCTLpan and NetMHCIIpan algorithms, respectively. These epitopes were generated from ORF1ab regions that are evolutionary stable as reflected by zero Shannon's entropy and are presented by 56 human leukocyte antigen (HLA) Class I and 22 HLA Class II, ensuring good coverage for the Indonesian and world population. Having fulfilled other criteria such as immunogenicity, IFNγ inducing ability, and non-homology to human and microbiome peptides, the epitopes were assembled into a vaccine construct (VC) together with β-defensin as adjuvant and appropriate linkers. The VC was shown to have good physicochemical characteristics and capability of inducing CTL as well as HTL responses, which stem from the engagement of the vaccine with toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) as revealed by docking simulations. The most promiscuous peptide 899WSMATYYLF907 was shown via docking simulation to interact well with HLA-A*24:07, the most predominant allele in Indonesia. The data presented here will contribute to the in vitro study of T-cell epitope mapping and vaccine design in Indonesia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marsia Gustiananda
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Indonesia International Institute for Life Sciences, Jl. Pulomas Barat Kav 88, Jakarta 13210, Indonesia;
| | - Bobby Prabowo Sulistyo
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Indonesia International Institute for Life Sciences, Jl. Pulomas Barat Kav 88, Jakarta 13210, Indonesia;
| | - David Agustriawan
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Indonesia International Institute for Life Sciences, Jl. Pulomas Barat Kav 88, Jakarta 13210, Indonesia;
| | - Sita Andarini
- Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine University of Indonesia, Persahabatan Hospital, Jl Persahabatan Raya 1, Jakarta 13230, Indonesia;
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
He X, He C, Hong W, Zhang K, Wei X. The challenges of COVID-19 Delta variant: Prevention and vaccine development. MedComm (Beijing) 2021; 2:846-854. [PMID: 34909755 PMCID: PMC8661803 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Several SARS-CoV-2 variants have emerged since the pandemic, bringing about a renewed threat to the public. Delta variant (B.1.617.2) was first detected in October 2020 in India and was characterized as variants of concern (VOC) by WHO on May 11, 2021. Delta variant rapidly outcompeted other variants to become the dominant circulating lineages due to its clear competitive advantage. There is emerging evidence of enhanced transmissibility and reduced vaccine effectiveness (VE) against Delta variant. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the features and phenotypic effects of this variant. Herein, we comprehensively described the evaluation and features of Delta variant, summarized the effects of mutations in spike on the infectivity, transmission ability, immune evasion, and provided a perspective on efficient approaches for preventing and overcoming COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei He
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug TargetState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterNational Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanP. R. China
| | - Cai He
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug TargetState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterNational Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanP. R. China
| | - Weiqi Hong
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug TargetState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterNational Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanP. R. China
| | - Kang Zhang
- Center for Biomedicine and InnovationsFaculty of MedicineMacau University of Science and TechnologyTaipaMacauP. R. China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug TargetState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterNational Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanP. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Mengist HM, Kombe Kombe AJ, Mekonnen D, Abebaw A, Getachew M, Jin T. Mutations of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein: Implications on immune evasion and vaccine-induced immunity. Semin Immunol 2021; 55:101533. [PMID: 34836774 PMCID: PMC8604694 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2021.101533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Responsible for more than 4.9 million deaths so far, COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is instigating devastating effects on the global health care system whose impacts could be longer for the years to come. Acquiring a comprehensive knowledge of host-virus interaction is critical for designing effective vaccines and/or drugs. Understanding the evolution of the virus and the impact of genetic variability on host immune evasion and vaccine efficacy is helpful to design novel strategies to minimize the effects of the emerging variants of concern (VOC). Most vaccines under development and/or in current use target the spike protein owning to its unique function of host receptor binding, relatively conserved nature, potent immunogenicity in inducing neutralizing antibodies, and being a good target of T cell responses. However, emerging SARS-CoV-2 strains are exhibiting variability on the spike protein which could affect the efficacy of vaccines and antibody-based therapies in addition to enhancing viral immune evasion mechanisms. Currently, the degree to which mutations on the spike protein affect immunity and vaccination, and the ability of the current vaccines to confer protection against the emerging variants attracts much attention. This review discusses the implications of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein mutations on immune evasion and vaccine-induced immunity and forward directions which could contribute to future studies focusing on designing effective vaccines and/or immunotherapies to consider viral evolution. Combining vaccines derived from different regions of the spike protein that boost both the humoral and cellular wings of adaptive immunity could be the best options to cope with the emerging VOC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hylemariam Mihiretie Mengist
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Arnaud John Kombe Kombe
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Daniel Mekonnen
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Abtie Abebaw
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Science, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, 269, Ethiopia
| | - Melese Getachew
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Health Science, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, 269, Ethiopia
| | - Tengchuan Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China; Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| |
Collapse
|