1
|
Rastogi A, Gautam S, Kumar M. Bioinformatic elucidation of conserved epitopes to design a potential vaccine candidate against existing and emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. Heliyon 2024; 10:e35129. [PMID: 39157328 PMCID: PMC11328099 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35129] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 poses a significant adverse effects on health and economy globally. Due to mutations in genome, COVID-19 vaccine efficacy decreases. We used immuno-informatics to design a Multi epitope vaccine (MEV) candidate for SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs). Hence, we predicted binders/epitopes MHC-I, CD8+, MHC-II, CD4+, and CTLs from spike, membrane and envelope proteins of VOCs. In addition, we assessed the conservation of these binders and epitopes across different VOCs. Subsequently, we designed MEV by combining the predicted CTL and CD4+ epitopes from spike protein, peptide linkers, and an adjuvant. Further, we evaluated the binding of MEV candidate against immune receptors namely HLA class I histocompatibility antigen, HLA class II histocompatibility antigen, and TLR4, achieving binding scores of -1265.3, -1330.7, and -1337.9. Molecular dynamics and normal mode analysis revealed stable docking complexes. Moreover, immune simulation suggested MEV candidate elicits both innate and adaptive immune response. We anticipate that this conserved MEV candidate will provide protection from VOCs and emerging strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amber Rastogi
- Virology Unit and Bioinformatics Centre, Institute of Microbial Technology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Sector 39A, Chandigarh, 160036, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Sakshi Gautam
- Virology Unit and Bioinformatics Centre, Institute of Microbial Technology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Sector 39A, Chandigarh, 160036, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Virology Unit and Bioinformatics Centre, Institute of Microbial Technology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Sector 39A, Chandigarh, 160036, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shen M, Chen S, Han X, Hao Y, Wang J, Li L, Chen T, Wang B, Zou L, Zhang T, Zhang W, Han X, Wang W, Yu H, Li K, Liu S, Jin A. Identification of an HLA-A*11:01-restricted neoepitope of mutant PIK3CA and its specific T cell receptors for cancer immunotherapy targeting hotspot driver mutations. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:150. [PMID: 38832948 PMCID: PMC11150344 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03729-y] [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: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Hotspot driver mutations presented by human leukocyte antigens might be recognized by anti-tumor T cells. Based on their advantages of tumor-specificity and immunogenicity, neoantigens derived from hotspot mutations, such as PIK3CAH1047L, may serve as emerging targets for cancer immunotherapies. NetMHCpan V4.1 was utilized for predicting neoepitopes of PIK3CA hotspot mutation. Using in vitro stimulation, antigen-specific T cells targeting the HLA-A*11:01-restricted PIK3CA mutation were isolated from healthy donor-derived peripheral blood mononuclear cells. T cell receptors (TCRs) were cloned using single-cell PCR and sequencing. Their functionality was assessed through T cell activation markers, cytokine production and cytotoxic response to cancer cell lines pulsed with peptides or transduced genes of mutant PIK3CA. Immunogenic mutant antigens from PIK3CA and their corresponding CD8+ T cells were identified. These PIK3CA mutation-specific CD8+ T cells were subsequently enriched, and their TCRs were isolated. The TCR clones exhibited mutation-specific and HLA-restricted reactivity, demonstrating varying degrees of functional avidity. Identified TCR genes were transferred into CD8+ Jurkat cells and primary T cells deficient of endogenous TCRs. TCR-expressing cells demonstrated specific recognition and reactivity against the PIK3CAH1047L peptide presented by HLA-A*11:01-expressing K562 cells. Furthermore, mutation-specific TCR-T cells demonstrated an elevation in cytokine production and profound cytotoxic effects against HLA-A*11:01+ malignant cell lines harboring PIK3CAH1047L. Our data demonstrate the immunogenicity of an HLA-A*11:01-restricted PIK3CA hotspot mutation and its targeting therapeutic potential, together with promising candidates of TCR-T cell therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meiying Shen
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Siyin Chen
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaojian Han
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yanan Hao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Junfan Wang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Luo Li
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tong Chen
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bozhi Wang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Zou
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wanli Zhang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaxia Han
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wang Wang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Haochen Yu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Kang Li
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shengchun Liu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Aishun Jin
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chen X, Ma B, Yang Y, Zhang M, Xu F. Predicting the potentially exacerbation of severe viral pneumonia in hospital by MuLBSTA score joint CD4 + and CD8 +T cell counts: construction and verification of risk warning model. BMC Pulm Med 2024; 24:261. [PMID: 38811907 PMCID: PMC11137986 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-024-03073-y] [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: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study mainly focuses on the immune function and introduces CD4+, CD8+ T cells and their ratios based on the MuLBSTA score, a previous viral pneumonia mortality risk warning model, to construct an early warning model of severe viral pneumonia risk. METHODS A retrospective single-center observational study was operated from January 2021 to December 2022 at the People's Hospital of Liangjiang New Area, Chongqing, China. A total of 138 patients who met the criteria for viral pneumonia in hospital were selected and their data, including demographic data, comorbidities, laboratory results, CT scans, immunologic and pathogenic tests, treatment regimens, and clinical outcomes, were collected and statistically analyzed. RESULTS Forty-one patients (29.7%) developed severe or critical illness. A viral pneumonia severe risk warning model was successfully constructed, including eight parameters: age, bacterial coinfection, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+, multiple lung lobe infiltrations, smoking, hypertension, and hospital admission days. The risk score for severe illness in patients was set at 600 points. The model had good predictive performance (AUROC = 0.94397), better than the original MuLBSTA score (AUROC = 0.8241). CONCLUSION A warning system constructed based on immune function has a good warning effect on the risk of severe conversion in patients with viral pneumonia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No.1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, People's Hospital of Chongqing Liangjiang New Area, Chongqing, 401120, China
| | - Bei Ma
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, People's Hospital of Chongqing Liangjiang New Area, Chongqing, 401120, China
| | - Yu Yang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, People's Hospital of Chongqing Liangjiang New Area, Chongqing, 401120, China
| | - Mu Zhang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No.1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Fang Xu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No.1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Paniskaki K, Goretzki S, Anft M, Konik MJ, Lechtenberg K, Vogl M, Meister TL, Pfaender S, Zettler M, Jäger J, Dolff S, Westhoff TH, Rohn H, Felderhoff-Mueser U, Stervbo U, Witzke O, Dohna-Schwake C, Babel N. Fading SARS-CoV-2 humoral VOC cross-reactivity and sustained cellular immunity in convalescent children and adolescents. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:818. [PMID: 37993788 PMCID: PMC10664582 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08805-9] [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: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cross-reactive cellular and humoral immunity can substantially contribute to antiviral defense against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC). While the adult SARS-CoV-2 cellular and humoral immunity and its cross-recognition potential against VOC is broadly analyzed, similar data regarding the pediatric population are missing. In this study, we perform an analysis of the humoral and cellular SARS-CoV-2 response immune of 32 convalescent COVID-19 children (children), 27 convalescent vaccinated adults(C + V+) and 7 unvaccinated convalescent adults (C + V-). Similarly to adults, a significant reduction of cross-reactive neutralizing capacity against delta and omicron VOC was observed 6 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. While SAR-CoV-2 neutralizing capacity was comparable among children and C + V- against all VOC, children demonstrated as expected an inferior humoral response when compared to C + V+. Nevertheless, children generated SARS-CoV-2 reactive T cells with broad cross-recognition potential. When compared to V + C+, children presented even comparable frequencies of WT-reactive CD4 + and CD8 + T cells with high avidity and functionality. Taking into consideration the limitations of study - unknown disease onset for 53% of the asymptomatic pediatric subjects, serological detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection-, our results suggest that following SARS-CoV-2 infection children generate a humoral SARS-CoV-2 response with neutralizing potential comparable to unvaccinated COVID-19 convalescent adults as well a sustained SARS-CoV-2 cellular response cross-reactive to VOC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krystallenia Paniskaki
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
- Center for Translational Medicine and Immune Diagnostics Laboratory, Medical Department I, Marien Hospital Herne, University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Sarah Goretzki
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Moritz Anft
- Center for Translational Medicine and Immune Diagnostics Laboratory, Medical Department I, Marien Hospital Herne, University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Margarethe J Konik
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Klara Lechtenberg
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Melanie Vogl
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Toni L Meister
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Stephanie Pfaender
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Markus Zettler
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jasmin Jäger
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Medicine and Immune Diagnostics Laboratory, Medical Department I, Marien Hospital Herne, University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sebastian Dolff
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Timm H Westhoff
- Medical Department I, Marien Hospital Herne, University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Herne, Germany
| | - Hana Rohn
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ursula Felderhoff-Mueser
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ulrik Stervbo
- Center for Translational Medicine and Immune Diagnostics Laboratory, Medical Department I, Marien Hospital Herne, University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Oliver Witzke
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Christian Dohna-Schwake
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Nina Babel
- Center for Translational Medicine and Immune Diagnostics Laboratory, Medical Department I, Marien Hospital Herne, University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - University Clinic Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT) Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
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
|
Gouttefangeas C, Klein R, Maia A. The good and the bad of T cell cross-reactivity: challenges and opportunities for novel therapeutics in autoimmunity and cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1212546. [PMID: 37409132 PMCID: PMC10319254 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1212546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
T cells are main actors of the immune system with an essential role in protection against pathogens and cancer. The molecular key event involved in this absolutely central task is the interaction of membrane-bound specific T cell receptors with peptide-MHC complexes which initiates T cell priming, activation and recall, and thus controls a range of downstream functions. While textbooks teach us that the repertoire of mature T cells is highly diverse, it is clear that this diversity cannot possibly cover all potential foreign peptides that might be encountered during life. TCR cross-reactivity, i.e. the ability of a single TCR to recognise different peptides, offers the best solution to this biological challenge. Reports have shown that indeed, TCR cross-reactivity is surprisingly high. Hence, the T cell dilemma is the following: be as specific as possible to target foreign danger and spare self, while being able to react to a large spectrum of body-threatening situations. This has major consequences for both autoimmune diseases and cancer, and significant implications for the development of T cell-based therapies. In this review, we will present essential experimental evidence of T cell cross-reactivity, implications for two opposite immune conditions, i.e. autoimmunity vs cancer, and how this can be differently exploited for immunotherapy approaches. Finally, we will discuss the tools available for predicting cross-reactivity and how improvements in this field might boost translational approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Gouttefangeas
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Reinhild Klein
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ana Maia
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Arieta CM, Xie YJ, Rothenberg DA, Diao H, Harjanto D, Meda S, Marquart K, Koenitzer B, Sciuto TE, Lobo A, Zuiani A, Krumm SA, Cadima Couto CI, Hein S, Heinen AP, Ziegenhals T, Liu-Lupo Y, Vogel AB, Srouji JR, Fesser S, Thanki K, Walzer K, Addona TA, Türeci Ö, Şahin U, Gaynor RB, Poran A. The T-cell-directed vaccine BNT162b4 encoding conserved non-spike antigens protects animals from severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. Cell 2023; 186:2392-2409.e21. [PMID: 37164012 PMCID: PMC10099181 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
T cell responses play an important role in protection against beta-coronavirus infections, including SARS-CoV-2, where they associate with decreased COVID-19 disease severity and duration. To enhance T cell immunity across epitopes infrequently altered in SARS-CoV-2 variants, we designed BNT162b4, an mRNA vaccine component that is intended to be combined with BNT162b2, the spike-protein-encoding vaccine. BNT162b4 encodes variant-conserved, immunogenic segments of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid, membrane, and ORF1ab proteins, targeting diverse HLA alleles. BNT162b4 elicits polyfunctional CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses to diverse epitopes in animal models, alone or when co-administered with BNT162b2 while preserving spike-specific immunity. Importantly, we demonstrate that BNT162b4 protects hamsters from severe disease and reduces viral titers following challenge with viral variants. These data suggest that a combination of BNT162b2 and BNT162b4 could reduce COVID-19 disease severity and duration caused by circulating or future variants. BNT162b4 is currently being clinically evaluated in combination with the BA.4/BA.5 Omicron-updated bivalent BNT162b2 (NCT05541861).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yushu Joy Xie
- BioNTech US, 40 Erie Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Huitian Diao
- BioNTech US, 40 Erie Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Dewi Harjanto
- BioNTech US, 40 Erie Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Shirisha Meda
- BioNTech US, 40 Erie Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Adam Zuiani
- BioNTech US, 40 Erie Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - John R Srouji
- BioNTech US, 40 Erie Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Özlem Türeci
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany; HI-TRON - Helmholtz Institute for Translational Oncology Mainz by DKFZ, Obere Zahlbacherstr. 63, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Uğur Şahin
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany; TRON gGmbH - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Freiligrathstraße 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Asaf Poran
- BioNTech US, 40 Erie Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yang G, Wang J, Sun P, Qin J, Yang X, Chen D, Zhang Y, Zhong N, Wang Z. SARS-CoV-2 epitope-specific T cells: Immunity response feature, TCR repertoire characteristics and cross-reactivity. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1146196. [PMID: 36969254 PMCID: PMC10036809 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1146196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The devastating COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 and multiple variants or subvariants remains an ongoing global challenge. SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell responses play a critical role in early virus clearance, disease severity control, limiting the viral transmission and underpinning COVID-19 vaccine efficacy. Studies estimated broad and robust T cell responses in each individual recognized at least 30 to 40 SARS-CoV-2 antigen epitopes and associated with COVID-19 clinical outcome. Several key immunodominant viral proteome epitopes, including S protein- and non-S protein-derived epitopes, may primarily induce potent and long-lasting antiviral protective effects. In this review, we summarized the immune response features of immunodominant epitope-specific T cells targeting different SRAS-CoV-2 proteome structures after infection and vaccination, including abundance, magnitude, frequency, phenotypic features and response kinetics. Further, we analyzed the epitopes immunodominance hierarchy in combination with multiple epitope-specific T cell attributes and TCR repertoires characteristics, and discussed the significant implications of cross-reactive T cells toward HCoVs, SRAS-CoV-2 and variants of concern, especially Omicron. This review may be essential for mapping the landscape of T cell responses toward SARS-CoV-2 and optimizing the current vaccine strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gang Yang
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Junxiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping Sun
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Jian Qin
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Xiaoyun Yang
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Daxiang Chen
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunhui Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Nanshan Zhong
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongfang Wang
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Schroeder SM, Nelde A, Walz JS. Viral T-cell epitopes - Identification, characterization and clinical application. Semin Immunol 2023; 66:101725. [PMID: 36706520 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
T-cell immunity, mediated by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, represents a cornerstone in the control of viral infections. Virus-derived T-cell epitopes are represented by human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-presented viral peptides on the surface of virus-infected cells. They are the prerequisite for the recognition of infected cells by T cells. Knowledge of viral T-cell epitopes provides on the one hand a diagnostic tool to decipher protective T-cell immune responses in the human population and on the other hand various prophylactic and therapeutic options including vaccination approaches and the transfer of virus-specific T cells. Such approaches have already been proven to be effective against various viral infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients lacking sufficient humoral, antibody-based immune response. This review provides an overview on the state of the art as well as current studies regarding the identification and characterization of viral T-cell epitopes and approaches of clinical application. In the first chapter in silico prediction tools and direct, mass spectrometry-based identification of viral T-cell epitopes is compared. The second chapter provides an overview of commonly used assays for further characterization of T-cell responses and phenotypes. The final chapter presents an overview of clinical application of viral T-cell epitopes with a focus on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), being representatives of relevant viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Schroeder
- Department of Peptide-based Immunotherapy, University and University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Department for Otorhinolaryngology, Head, and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Institute for Cell Biology, Department of Immunology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Annika Nelde
- Department of Peptide-based Immunotherapy, University and University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Institute for Cell Biology, Department of Immunology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) 'Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Juliane S Walz
- Department of Peptide-based Immunotherapy, University and University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Institute for Cell Biology, Department of Immunology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) 'Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
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: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [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
|
11
|
Krechetov SP, Vtorushina VV, Inviyaeva EV, Gorodnova EA, Kolesnik SV, Kudlay DA, Borovikov PI, Krechetova LV, Dolgushina NV, Sukhikh GT. T-Cell Immunity in COVID-19-Recovered Individuals and Individuals Vaccinated with the Combined Vector Vaccine Gam-COVID-Vac. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031930. [PMID: 36768254 PMCID: PMC9916700 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031930] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has required extensive research on the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and the creation of new highly effective vaccines. The presence of T-cells in the body that respond to virus antigens suggests adequate antiviral immunity. We investigated T-cell immunity in individuals who recovered from mild and moderate COVID-19 and in individuals vaccinated with the Gam-COVID-Vac combined vector vaccine. The ELISPOT method was used to determine the number of T-cells responding with IFN-γ synthesis to stimulation by peptides containing epitopes of the S-protein or N-, M-, ORF3, and ORF7 proteins, using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). At the same time, the multiplex method was used to determine the accumulation of IFN-γ and other cytokines in the culture medium. According to the data obtained, the proportion of positive conclusions about the T-cell immune response to SARS-CoV-2 antigens in control, recovered, and vaccinated individuals was 12%, 70%, and 52%, respectively. At the same time, more than half of the vaccinated individuals with a T-cell response were sensitized to the antigens of N-, M-, ORF3, and ORF7 proteins not produced by Gam-COVID-Vac, indicating a high likelihood of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Increased IFN-γ release by single sensitized T-cells in response to specific stimulation in recovered and vaccinated individuals did not result in the accumulation of this and other cytokines in the culture medium. These findings suggest a balance between cytokine production and utilization by immunocompetent cells as a prerequisite for providing a controlled cytokine signal and avoiding a "cytokine storm".
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Petrovich Krechetov
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I., Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Valentina Valentinovna Vtorushina
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I., Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Evgenia Vladimirovna Inviyaeva
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I., Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena Aleksandrovna Gorodnova
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I., Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-(916)564-77-69
| | - Svetlana Vladimirovna Kolesnik
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I., Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry Anatolievich Kudlay
- NRC Institute of Immunology FMBA of Russia, 115522 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Pharmacology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Pavel Igorevich Borovikov
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I., Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Liubov Valentinovna Krechetova
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I., Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Nataliya Vitalievna Dolgushina
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I., Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Perinatology and Reproductology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Gennady Tikhonovich Sukhikh
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I., Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Perinatology and Reproductology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
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
|
13
|
Nogimori T, Suzuki K, Masuta Y, Washizaki A, Yagoto M, Ikeda M, Katayama Y, Kanda H, Takada M, Minami S, Kobayashi T, Takahama S, Yoshioka Y, Yamamoto T. Functional changes in cytotoxic CD8+ T-cell cross-reactivity against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant after mRNA vaccination. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1081047. [PMID: 36685601 PMCID: PMC9845949 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1081047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the T-cell responses involved in inhibiting COVID-19 severity is crucial for developing new therapeutic and vaccine strategies. Here, we characterized SARS-CoV-2 spike-specific CD8+ T cells in vaccinees longitudinally. The BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine can induce spike-specific CD8+ T cells cross-reacting to BA.1, whereas the T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire usages decreased with time. Furthermore the mRNA vaccine induced spike-specific CD8+ T cells subpopulation expressing Granzyme A (GZMA), Granzyme B (GZMB) and Perforin simultaneously in healthy donors at 4 weeks after the second vaccination. The induced subpopulation was not maintained at 12 weeks after the second vaccination. Incorporating factors that efficiently induce CD8+ T cells with highly cytotoxic activity could improve future vaccine efficacy against such variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takuto Nogimori
- Laboratory of Immunosenescence, Center for Vaccine and Adjuvant Research, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, Japan,Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Koichiro Suzuki
- The Research Foundation for Microbial Diseases of Osaka University (BIKEN), Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuji Masuta
- Laboratory of Immunosenescence, Center for Vaccine and Adjuvant Research, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, Japan,Laboratory of Aging and Immune Regulation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ayaka Washizaki
- Laboratory of Immunosenescence, Center for Vaccine and Adjuvant Research, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, Japan,Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mika Yagoto
- Laboratory of Immunosenescence, Center for Vaccine and Adjuvant Research, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mami Ikeda
- Laboratory of Immunosenescence, Center for Vaccine and Adjuvant Research, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuki Katayama
- Laboratory of Immunosenescence, Center for Vaccine and Adjuvant Research, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, Japan
| | | | - Minoru Takada
- KINSHUKAI, Hanwa The Second Senboku Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shohei Minami
- Department of Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kobayashi
- Department of Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shokichi Takahama
- Laboratory of Immunosenescence, Center for Vaccine and Adjuvant Research, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, Japan,Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasuo Yoshioka
- The Research Foundation for Microbial Diseases of Osaka University (BIKEN), Osaka, Japan,Vaccine Creation Group, BIKEN Innovative Vaccine Research Alliance Laboratories, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan,Laboratory of Nano-design for innovative drug development, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan,Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takuya Yamamoto
- Laboratory of Immunosenescence, Center for Vaccine and Adjuvant Research, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, Japan,Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan,Laboratory of Aging and Immune Regulation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan,Department of Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan,Department of Virology and Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan,*Correspondence: Takuya Yamamoto,
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Mortezaee K, Majidpoor J. Cellular immune states in SARS-CoV-2-induced disease. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1016304. [PMID: 36505442 PMCID: PMC9726761 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1016304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The general immune state plays important roles against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Cells of the immune system are encountering rapid changes during the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2-induced disease. Reduced fraction of functional CD8+ T cells, disrupted cross-talking between CD8+ T cells with dendritic cells (DCs), and impaired immunological T-cell memory, along with the higher presence of hyperactive neutrophils, high expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and non-classical monocytes, and attenuated cytotoxic capacity of natural killer (NK) cells, are all indicative of low efficient immunity against viral surge within the body. Immune state and responses from pro- or anti-inflammatory cells of the immune system to SARS-CoV-2 are discussed in this review. We also suggest some strategies to enhance the power of immune system against SARS-CoV-2-induced disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keywan Mortezaee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran,*Correspondence: Keywan Mortezaee, ;
| | - Jamal Majidpoor
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Mutations at spike protein L452 are recurrently observed in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOC), including omicron lineages. It remains elusive how amino acid substitutions at L452 are selected in VOC. Here, we characterized all 19 possible mutations at this site and revealed that five mutants expressing the amino acids Q, K, H, M, and R gained greater fusogenicity and pseudovirus infectivity, whereas other mutants failed to maintain steady-state expression levels and/or pseudovirus infectivity. Moreover, the five mutants showed decreased sensitivity toward neutralization by vaccine-induced antisera and conferred escape from T cell recognition. Contrary to expectations, sequence data retrieved from the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) revealed that the naturally occurring L452 mutations were limited to Q, M, and R, all of which can arise from a single nucleotide change. Collectively, these findings highlight that the codon base change mutational barrier is a prerequisite for amino acid substitutions at L452, in addition to the phenotypic advantages of viral fitness and decreased sensitivity to host immunity. IMPORTANCE In a span of less than 3 years since the declaration of the coronavirus pandemic, numerous SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern have emerged all around the globe, fueling a surge in the number of cases and deaths that caused severe strain on the health care system. A major concern is whether viral evolution eventually promotes greater fitness advantages, transmissibility, and immune escape. In this study, we addressed the differential effect of amino acid substitutions at a frequent mutation site, L452 of SARS-CoV-2 spike, on viral antigenic and immunological profiles and demonstrated how the virus evolves to select one amino acid over the others to ensure better viral infectivity and immune evasion. Identifying such virus mutation signatures could be crucial for the preparedness of future interventions to control COVID-19.
Collapse
|
16
|
Motozono C, Toyoda M, Tan TS, Hamana H, Goto Y, Aritsu Y, Miyashita Y, Oshiumi H, Nakamura K, Okada S, Udaka K, Kitamatsu M, Kishi H, Ueno T. The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1 spike G446S mutation potentiates antiviral T-cell recognition. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5440. [PMID: 36130929 PMCID: PMC9492656 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33068-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus shows resistance to neutralizing antibody, it retains susceptibility to the cellular immune response. Here we characterize vaccine-induced T cells specific for various SARS-CoV-2 variants and identified HLA-A*24:02-restricted CD8+ T cells that strongly suppress Omicron BA.1 replication in vitro. Mutagenesis analyses revealed that a G446S mutation, located just outside the N-terminus of the cognate epitope, augmented TCR recognition of this variant. In contrast, no enhanced suppression of replication is observed against cells infected with the prototype, Omicron BA.2, and Delta variants that express G446. The enhancing effect of the G446S mutation is lost when target cells are treated with inhibitors of tripeptidyl peptidase II, a protein that mediates antigen processing. These ex vivo analysis and in vitro results demonstrate that the G446S mutation in the Omicron BA.1 variant affects antigen processing/presentation and potentiates antiviral activity by vaccine-induced T cells, leading to enhanced T cell recognition towards emerging variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chihiro Motozono
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 8600811, Japan.
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, 5650871, Japan.
| | - Mako Toyoda
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 8600811, Japan
| | - Toong Seng Tan
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 8600811, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Hamana
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Toyama, 9300194, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Goto
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 8600811, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 8608556, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Aritsu
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Kindai University, Osaka, 577-8502, Japan
| | - Yusuke Miyashita
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 8608556, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 8608556, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Oshiumi
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 8608556, Japan
| | - Kimitoshi Nakamura
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 8608556, Japan
| | - Seiji Okada
- Division of Hematopoiesis, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 8600811, Japan
| | - Keiko Udaka
- Department of Immunology, Kochi University, Kochi, 783-8505, Japan
| | - Mizuki Kitamatsu
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Kindai University, Osaka, 577-8502, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kishi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Toyama, 9300194, Japan
| | - Takamasa Ueno
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 8600811, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Development of a T Cell-Based COVID-19 Vaccine Using a Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine Viral Vector. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10071142. [PMID: 35891306 PMCID: PMC9318028 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10071142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic emerged in 2020 and has caused an unprecedented burden to all countries in the world. SARS-CoV-2 continues to circulate and antigenically evolve, enabling multiple reinfections. To address the issue of the virus antigenic variability, T cell-based vaccines are being developed, which are directed to more conserved viral epitopes. We used live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) virus vector to generate recombinant influenza viruses expressing various T-cell epitopes of SARS-CoV-2 from either neuraminidase (NA) or non-structural (NS1) genes, via the P2A self-cleavage site. Intranasal immunization of human leukocyte antigen-A*0201 (HLA-A2.1) transgenic mice with these recombinant viruses did not result in significant SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell responses, due to the immunodominance of NP366 influenza T-cell epitope. However, side-by-side stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of COVID-19 convalescents with recombinant viruses and LAIV vector demonstrated activation of memory T cells in samples stimulated with LAIV/SARS-CoV-2, but not LAIV alone. Hamsters immunized with a selected LAIV/SARS-CoV-2 prototype were protected against challenge with influenza virus and a high dose of SARS-CoV-2 of Wuhan and Delta lineages, which was confirmed by reduced weight loss, milder clinical symptoms and less pronounced histopathological signs of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the lungs, compared to LAIV- and mock-immunized animals. Overall, LAIV is a promising platform for the development of a bivalent vaccine against influenza and SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhang Y, Tan W, Lou Z, Huang B, Zhou W, Zhao Y, Zhang J, Liang H, Li N, Zhu X, Ding L, Guo Y, He Z, He Y, Wang Z, Ma B, Ma M, Zhao S, Chang Z, Zhao X, Zheng X, Wu G, Wang H, Yang X. Immunogenicity Evaluating of the Multivalent COVID-19 Inactivated Vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 Variants. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10060956. [PMID: 35746564 PMCID: PMC9228943 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10060956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been reported that the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused more than 286 million cases and 5.4 million deaths to date. Several strategies have been implemented globally, such as social distancing and the development of the vaccines. Several severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants have appeared, such as Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron. With the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus and the rapidly changing mutants, the development of a broad-spectrum multivalent vaccine is considered to be the most effective way to defend against the constantly mutating virus. Here, we evaluated the immunogenicity of the multivalent COVID-19 inactivated vaccine. Mice were immunized by multivalent COVID-19 inactivated vaccine, and the neutralizing antibodies in serum were analyzed. The results show that HB02 + Delta + Omicron trivalent vaccine could provide broad spectrum protection against HB02, Beta, Delta, and Omicron virus. Additionally, the different multivalent COVID-19 inactivated vaccines could enhance cellular immunity. Together, our findings suggest that the multivalent COVID-19 inactivated vaccine can provide broad spectrum protection against HB02 and other virus variants in humoral and cellular immunity, providing new ideas for the development of a broad-spectrum COVID-19 vaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuntao Zhang
- China National Biotec Group Company Limited, Beijing 100024, China;
| | - Wenjie Tan
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), Beijing 102206, China; (W.T.); (B.H.); (W.Z.)
| | - Zhiyong Lou
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China;
| | - Baoying Huang
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), Beijing 102206, China; (W.T.); (B.H.); (W.Z.)
| | - Weimin Zhou
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), Beijing 102206, China; (W.T.); (B.H.); (W.Z.)
| | - Yuxiu Zhao
- Beijing Institute of Biological Products Company Limited, Beijing 100176, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Z.); (H.L.); (N.L.); (X.Z.); (L.D.); (Y.G.); (Z.H.); (Y.H.); (Z.W.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (S.Z.); (Z.C.); (X.Z.); (X.Z.)
| | - Jin Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Biological Products Company Limited, Beijing 100176, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Z.); (H.L.); (N.L.); (X.Z.); (L.D.); (Y.G.); (Z.H.); (Y.H.); (Z.W.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (S.Z.); (Z.C.); (X.Z.); (X.Z.)
| | - Hongyang Liang
- Beijing Institute of Biological Products Company Limited, Beijing 100176, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Z.); (H.L.); (N.L.); (X.Z.); (L.D.); (Y.G.); (Z.H.); (Y.H.); (Z.W.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (S.Z.); (Z.C.); (X.Z.); (X.Z.)
| | - Na Li
- Beijing Institute of Biological Products Company Limited, Beijing 100176, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Z.); (H.L.); (N.L.); (X.Z.); (L.D.); (Y.G.); (Z.H.); (Y.H.); (Z.W.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (S.Z.); (Z.C.); (X.Z.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xiujuan Zhu
- Beijing Institute of Biological Products Company Limited, Beijing 100176, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Z.); (H.L.); (N.L.); (X.Z.); (L.D.); (Y.G.); (Z.H.); (Y.H.); (Z.W.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (S.Z.); (Z.C.); (X.Z.); (X.Z.)
| | - Ling Ding
- Beijing Institute of Biological Products Company Limited, Beijing 100176, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Z.); (H.L.); (N.L.); (X.Z.); (L.D.); (Y.G.); (Z.H.); (Y.H.); (Z.W.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (S.Z.); (Z.C.); (X.Z.); (X.Z.)
| | - Yancen Guo
- Beijing Institute of Biological Products Company Limited, Beijing 100176, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Z.); (H.L.); (N.L.); (X.Z.); (L.D.); (Y.G.); (Z.H.); (Y.H.); (Z.W.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (S.Z.); (Z.C.); (X.Z.); (X.Z.)
| | - Zhenyu He
- Beijing Institute of Biological Products Company Limited, Beijing 100176, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Z.); (H.L.); (N.L.); (X.Z.); (L.D.); (Y.G.); (Z.H.); (Y.H.); (Z.W.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (S.Z.); (Z.C.); (X.Z.); (X.Z.)
| | - Yao He
- Beijing Institute of Biological Products Company Limited, Beijing 100176, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Z.); (H.L.); (N.L.); (X.Z.); (L.D.); (Y.G.); (Z.H.); (Y.H.); (Z.W.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (S.Z.); (Z.C.); (X.Z.); (X.Z.)
| | - Zhanhui Wang
- Beijing Institute of Biological Products Company Limited, Beijing 100176, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Z.); (H.L.); (N.L.); (X.Z.); (L.D.); (Y.G.); (Z.H.); (Y.H.); (Z.W.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (S.Z.); (Z.C.); (X.Z.); (X.Z.)
| | - Bo Ma
- Beijing Institute of Biological Products Company Limited, Beijing 100176, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Z.); (H.L.); (N.L.); (X.Z.); (L.D.); (Y.G.); (Z.H.); (Y.H.); (Z.W.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (S.Z.); (Z.C.); (X.Z.); (X.Z.)
| | - Meng Ma
- Beijing Institute of Biological Products Company Limited, Beijing 100176, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Z.); (H.L.); (N.L.); (X.Z.); (L.D.); (Y.G.); (Z.H.); (Y.H.); (Z.W.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (S.Z.); (Z.C.); (X.Z.); (X.Z.)
| | - Suhua Zhao
- Beijing Institute of Biological Products Company Limited, Beijing 100176, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Z.); (H.L.); (N.L.); (X.Z.); (L.D.); (Y.G.); (Z.H.); (Y.H.); (Z.W.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (S.Z.); (Z.C.); (X.Z.); (X.Z.)
| | - Zhen Chang
- Beijing Institute of Biological Products Company Limited, Beijing 100176, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Z.); (H.L.); (N.L.); (X.Z.); (L.D.); (Y.G.); (Z.H.); (Y.H.); (Z.W.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (S.Z.); (Z.C.); (X.Z.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xue Zhao
- Beijing Institute of Biological Products Company Limited, Beijing 100176, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Z.); (H.L.); (N.L.); (X.Z.); (L.D.); (Y.G.); (Z.H.); (Y.H.); (Z.W.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (S.Z.); (Z.C.); (X.Z.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xiaotong Zheng
- Beijing Institute of Biological Products Company Limited, Beijing 100176, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Z.); (H.L.); (N.L.); (X.Z.); (L.D.); (Y.G.); (Z.H.); (Y.H.); (Z.W.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (S.Z.); (Z.C.); (X.Z.); (X.Z.)
| | - Guizhen Wu
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), Beijing 102206, China; (W.T.); (B.H.); (W.Z.)
- Correspondence: (G.W.); (H.W.); (X.Y.)
| | - Hui Wang
- Beijing Institute of Biological Products Company Limited, Beijing 100176, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Z.); (H.L.); (N.L.); (X.Z.); (L.D.); (Y.G.); (Z.H.); (Y.H.); (Z.W.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (S.Z.); (Z.C.); (X.Z.); (X.Z.)
- Correspondence: (G.W.); (H.W.); (X.Y.)
| | - Xiaoming Yang
- China National Biotec Group Company Limited, Beijing 100024, China;
- Correspondence: (G.W.); (H.W.); (X.Y.)
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell epitope repertoire in convalescent and mRNA-vaccinated individuals. Nat Microbiol 2022; 7:675-679. [PMID: 35484232 PMCID: PMC9064790 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-022-01106-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Continuously emerging variants of concern (VOCs) sustain the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron/B.1.1.529 VOC harbours multiple mutations in the spike protein associated with high infectivity and efficient evasion from humoral immunity induced by previous infection or vaccination. By performing in-depth comparisons of the SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell epitope repertoire after infection and messenger RNA vaccination, we demonstrate that spike-derived epitopes were not dominantly targeted in convalescent individuals compared to non-spike epitopes. In vaccinees, however, we detected a broader spike-specific T-cell response compared to convalescent individuals. Booster vaccination increased the breadth of the spike-specific T-cell response in convalescent individuals but not in vaccinees with complete initial vaccination. In convalescent individuals and vaccinees, the targeted T-cell epitopes were broadly conserved between wild-type SARS-CoV-2 variant B and Omicron/B.1.1.529. Hence, our data emphasize the relevance of vaccine-induced spike-specific CD8+ T-cell responses in combating VOCs including Omicron/B.1.1.529 and support the benefit of boosting convalescent individuals with mRNA vaccines. A comparison of the repertoire of SARS-CoV-2-specific epitopes targeted by T cells induced by vaccination or natural infection reveals that T cells predominantly target non-spike epitopes in convalescent individuals, while there is a broader spike-specific CD8+ T-cell response in vaccinees. Despite differences in T-cell response, the targeted T-cell epitopes were conserved between the wild-type and Omicron variants in both groups.
Collapse
|
20
|
Kimura I, Kosugi Y, Wu J, Zahradnik J, Yamasoba D, Butlertanaka EP, Tanaka YL, Uriu K, Liu Y, Morizako N, Shirakawa K, Kazuma Y, Nomura R, Horisawa Y, Tokunaga K, Ueno T, Takaori-Kondo A, Schreiber G, Arase H, Motozono C, Saito A, Nakagawa S, Sato K. The SARS-CoV-2 Lambda variant exhibits enhanced infectivity and immune resistance. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110218. [PMID: 34968415 DOI: 10.1101/2021.07.28.454085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 Lambda, a variant of interest, has spread in some South American countries; however, its virological features and evolutionary traits remain unclear. In this study, we use pseudoviruses and reveal that the spike protein of the Lambda variant is more infectious than that of other variants due to the T76I and L452Q mutations. The RSYLTPGD246-253N mutation, a unique 7-amino acid deletion in the N-terminal domain of the Lambda spike protein, is responsible for evasion from neutralizing antibodies and further augments antibody-mediated enhancement of infection. Although this mutation generates a nascent N-linked glycosylation site, the additional N-linked glycan is dispensable for the virological property conferred by this mutation. Since the Lambda variant has dominantly spread according to the increasing frequency of the isolates harboring the RSYLTPGD246-253N mutation, our data suggest that the RSYLTPGD246-253N mutation is closely associated with the substantial spread of the Lambda variant in South America.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Izumi Kimura
- Division of Systems Virology, Department of Infectious Disease Control, International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 1088639, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kosugi
- Division of Systems Virology, Department of Infectious Disease Control, International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 1088639, Japan; Laboratory of Systems Virology, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 6068507, Japan; Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 6068501, Japan
| | - Jiaqi Wu
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa 2591193, Japan; CREST, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Saitama 3220012, Japan
| | - Jiri Zahradnik
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Daichi Yamasoba
- Division of Systems Virology, Department of Infectious Disease Control, International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 1088639, Japan; Faculty of Medicine, Kobe University, Hyogo 6500017, Japan
| | - Erika P Butlertanaka
- Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 8892192, Japan
| | - Yuri L Tanaka
- Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 8892192, Japan
| | - Keiya Uriu
- Division of Systems Virology, Department of Infectious Disease Control, International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 1088639, Japan; Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 1130033 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yafei Liu
- Department of Immunochemistry, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 5650871, Japan; Laboratory of Immunochemistry, World Premier International Immunology Frontier Research Centre, Osaka University, Osaka 5650871, Japan
| | - Nanami Morizako
- Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 8892192, Japan
| | - Kotaro Shirakawa
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 6068507, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kazuma
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 6068507, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Nomura
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 6068507, Japan
| | - Yoshihito Horisawa
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 6068507, Japan
| | - Kenzo Tokunaga
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo 1628640, Japan
| | - Takamasa Ueno
- Division of Infection and immunity, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 8600811, Japan
| | - Akifumi Takaori-Kondo
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 6068507, Japan
| | - Gideon Schreiber
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Hisashi Arase
- Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 1130033 Tokyo, Japan; Department of Immunochemistry, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 5650871, Japan; Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Osaka 5650871, Japan
| | - Chihiro Motozono
- Division of Infection and immunity, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 8600811, Japan
| | - Akatsuki Saito
- Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 8892192, Japan; Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 8892192, Japan; Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 8892192, Japan
| | - So Nakagawa
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa 2591193, Japan; CREST, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Saitama 3220012, Japan; Bioinformation and DDBJ Center, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka 4118540, Japan.
| | - Kei Sato
- Division of Systems Virology, Department of Infectious Disease Control, International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 1088639, Japan; CREST, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Saitama 3220012, Japan; Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 1130033 Tokyo, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Gao F, Huang J, Li T, Hu C, Shen M, Mu S, Luo F, Song S, Hao Y, Wang W, Han X, Qian C, Wang Y, Wu R, Li L, Li S, Jin A. A Highly Conserved Peptide Vaccine Candidate Activates Both Humoral and Cellular Immunity Against SARS-CoV-2 Variant Strains. Front Immunol 2021; 12:789905. [PMID: 34950151 PMCID: PMC8688401 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.789905] [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: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Facing the imminent need for vaccine candidates with cross-protection against globally circulating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mutants, we present a conserved antigenic peptide RBD9.1 with both T-cell and B-cell epitopes. RBD9.1 can be recognized by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) convalescent serum, particularly for those with high neutralizing potency. Immunization with RBD9.1 can successfully induce the production of the receptor-binding domain (RBD)-specific antibodies in Balb/c mice. Importantly, the immunized sera exhibit sustained neutralizing efficacy against multiple dominant SARS-CoV-2 variant strains, including B.1.617.2 that carries a point mutation (SL452R) within the sequence of RBD9.1. Specifically, SY451 and SY454 are identified as the key amino acids for the binding of the induced RBD-specific antibodies to RBD9.1. Furthermore, we have confirmed that the RBD9.1 antigenic peptide can induce a S448-456 (NYNYLYRLF)-specific CD8+ T-cell response. Both RBD9.1-specific B cells and the S448-456-specific T cells can still be activated more than 3 months post the last immunization. This study provides a potential vaccine candidate that can generate long-term protective efficacy over SARS-CoV-2 variants, with the unique functional mechanism of activating both humoral and cellular immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fengxia Gao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jingjing Huang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tingting Li
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chao Hu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Meiying Shen
- Department of Endocrine Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Song Mu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Feiyang Luo
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shuyi Song
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yanan Hao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wang Wang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaojian Han
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chen Qian
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yingming Wang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ruixin Wu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Luo Li
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shenglong Li
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Aishun Jin
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kimura I, Kosugi Y, Wu J, Zahradnik J, Yamasoba D, Butlertanaka EP, Tanaka YL, Uriu K, Liu Y, Morizako N, Shirakawa K, Kazuma Y, Nomura R, Horisawa Y, Tokunaga K, Ueno T, Takaori-Kondo A, Schreiber G, Arase H, Motozono C, Saito A, Nakagawa S, Sato K. The SARS-CoV-2 Lambda variant exhibits enhanced infectivity and immune resistance. Cell Rep 2021; 38:110218. [PMID: 34968415 PMCID: PMC8683271 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
|
23
|
Jin X, Ding Y, Sun S, Wang X, Zhou Z, Liu X, Li M, Chen X, Shen A, Wu Y, Liu B, Zhang J, Li J, Yang Y, Qiu H, Shen C, He Y, Zhao G. Screening HLA-A-restricted T cell epitopes of SARS-CoV-2 and the induction of CD8 + T cell responses in HLA-A transgenic mice. Cell Mol Immunol 2021; 18:2588-2608. [PMID: 34728796 PMCID: PMC8561351 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-021-00784-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Since severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)-specific T cells have been found to play essential roles in host immune protection and pathology in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), this study focused on the functional validation of T cell epitopes and the development of vaccines that induce specific T cell responses. A total of 120 CD8+ T cell epitopes from the E, M, N, S, and RdRp proteins were functionally validated. Among these, 110, 15, 6, 14, and 12 epitopes were highly homologous with SARS-CoV, OC43, NL63, HKU1, and 229E, respectively; in addition, four epitopes from the S protein displayed one amino acid that was distinct from the current SARS-CoV-2 variants. Then, 31 epitopes restricted by the HLA-A2 molecule were used to generate peptide cocktail vaccines in combination with Poly(I:C), R848 or poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles, and these vaccines elicited robust and specific CD8+ T cell responses in HLA-A2/DR1 transgenic mice as well as wild-type mice. In contrast to previous research, this study established a modified DC-peptide-PBL cell coculture system using healthy donor PBMCs to validate the in silico predicted epitopes, provided an epitope library restricted by nine of the most prevalent HLA-A allotypes covering broad Asian populations, and identified the HLA-A restrictions of these validated epitopes using competitive peptide binding experiments with HMy2.CIR cell lines expressing the indicated HLA-A allotype, which initially confirmed the in vivo feasibility of 9- or 10-mer peptide cocktail vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. These data will facilitate the design and development of vaccines that induce antiviral CD8+ T cell responses in COVID-19 patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Jin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Ding
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shihui Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Xinyi Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zining Zhou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaotao Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Miaomiao Li
- Blood Component Preparation Section, Jiangsu Province Blood Center, Nanjing, 210042, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xian Chen
- Blood Component Preparation Section, Jiangsu Province Blood Center, Nanjing, 210042, Jiangsu, China
| | - Anran Shen
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yandan Wu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bicheng Liu
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianqiong Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian Li
- Life Science & Technology School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haibo Qiu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chuanlai Shen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yuxian He
- Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Guangyu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Li L, Chen Q, Han X, Shen M, Hu C, Chen S, Zhang J, Wang Y, Li T, Huang J, Li S, Hao Y, Jin A. T Cell Immunity Evaluation and Immunodominant Epitope T Cell Receptor Identification of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Spike Glycoprotein in COVID-19 Convalescent Patients. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:696662. [PMID: 34805136 PMCID: PMC8595245 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.696662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A better understanding of the role of T cells in the immune response to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is helpful not only for vaccine development but also for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. In this study, we determined the existence of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells in the blood of COVID-19 convalescents. Meanwhile, the specific T cell response in the non-RBD region was stronger than in the RBD region. We also found that SARS-CoV-2 S-specific reactive CD4+ T cells exhibited higher frequency than CD8+ T cells in recovered COVID-19 patients, with greater number of corresponding epitopes presented. Importantly, we isolated the SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4+ T cell receptors (TCRs) and inserted the TCRs into allogenic CD4+ T cells. These TCR-T cells can be activated by SARS-CoV-2 spike peptide and produce IFN-γ in vitro. These results might provide valuable information for the development of vaccines and new therapies against COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luo Li
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology Translational Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology Translational Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaojian Han
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology Translational Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Meiying Shen
- Department of Endocrine Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chao Hu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology Translational Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Siyin Chen
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology Translational Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology Translational Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yingming Wang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology Translational Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tingting Li
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology Translational Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jingjing Huang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology Translational Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shenglong Li
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology Translational Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yanan Hao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology Translational Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Aishun Jin
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology Translational Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Motozono C, Toyoda M, Zahradnik J, Saito A, Nasser H, Tan TS, Ngare I, Kimura I, Uriu K, Kosugi Y, Yue Y, Shimizu R, Ito J, Torii S, Yonekawa A, Shimono N, Nagasaki Y, Minami R, Toya T, Sekiya N, Fukuhara T, Matsuura Y, Schreiber G, Ikeda T, Nakagawa S, Ueno T, Sato K. SARS-CoV-2 spike L452R variant evades cellular immunity and increases infectivity. Cell Host Microbe 2021; 29:1124-1136.e11. [PMID: 34171266 PMCID: PMC8205251 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2021.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 352] [Impact Index Per Article: 117.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Many SARS-CoV-2 variants with naturally acquired mutations have emerged. These mutations can affect viral properties such as infectivity and immune resistance. Although the sensitivity of naturally occurring SARS-CoV-2 variants to humoral immunity has been investigated, sensitivity to human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-restricted cellular immunity remains largely unexplored. Here, we demonstrate that two recently emerging mutations in the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, L452R (in B.1.427/429 and B.1.617) and Y453F (in B.1.1.298), confer escape from HLA-A24-restricted cellular immunity. These mutations reinforce affinity toward the host entry receptor ACE2. Notably, the L452R mutation increases spike stability, viral infectivity, viral fusogenicity, and thereby promotes viral replication. These data suggest that HLA-restricted cellular immunity potentially affects the evolution of viral phenotypes and that a further threat of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is escape from cellular immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chihiro Motozono
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 8600811, Japan
| | - Mako Toyoda
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 8600811, Japan
| | - Jiri Zahradnik
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Akatsuki Saito
- Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 8892192, Japan; Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 8892192, Japan; Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 8892192, Japan
| | - Hesham Nasser
- Division of Molecular Virology and Genetics, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 8600811, Japan; Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41511, Egypt
| | - Toong Seng Tan
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 8600811, Japan
| | - Isaac Ngare
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 8600811, Japan
| | - Izumi Kimura
- Division of Systems Virology, Department of Infectious Disease Control, International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 1088639, Japan
| | - Keiya Uriu
- Division of Systems Virology, Department of Infectious Disease Control, International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 1088639, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kosugi
- Division of Systems Virology, Department of Infectious Disease Control, International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 1088639, Japan
| | - Yuan Yue
- Division of Molecular Virology and Genetics, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 8600811, Japan
| | - Ryo Shimizu
- Division of Molecular Virology and Genetics, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 8600811, Japan
| | - Jumpei Ito
- Division of Systems Virology, Department of Infectious Disease Control, International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 1088639, Japan
| | - Shiho Torii
- Department of Molecular Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 5650871, Japan; Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Infectious Diseases Education and Research, Osaka University, Osaka 5650871, Japan; Laboratory of Virus Control, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 5650871, Japan
| | - Akiko Yonekawa
- Department of Medicine and Biosystemic Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 8128582, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Shimono
- Department of Medicine and Biosystemic Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 8128582, Japan
| | - Yoji Nagasaki
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Clinical Research Institute, National Hospitalization Organization, Kyushu Medical Center, Fukuoka 8108563, Japan
| | - Rumi Minami
- Internal Medicine, Clinical Research Institute, National Hospital Organization, Kyushu Medical Center, Fukuoka 8108563, Japan
| | - Takashi Toya
- Hematology Division, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo 1138677, Japan
| | - Noritaka Sekiya
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo 1138677, Japan; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo 1138677, Japan
| | - Takasuke Fukuhara
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 0608638, Japan
| | - Yoshiharu Matsuura
- Department of Molecular Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 5650871, Japan; Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Infectious Diseases Education and Research, Osaka University, Osaka 5650871, Japan; Laboratory of Virus Control, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 5650871, Japan
| | - Gideon Schreiber
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Terumasa Ikeda
- Division of Molecular Virology and Genetics, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 8600811, Japan.
| | - So Nakagawa
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Kanagawa 2591193, Japan; CREST, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Saitama 3220012, Japan.
| | - Takamasa Ueno
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 8600811, Japan.
| | - Kei Sato
- Division of Systems Virology, Department of Infectious Disease Control, International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 1088639, Japan; CREST, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Saitama 3220012, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|