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Verma V, Sinha N, Raja A. Nanoscale warriors against viral invaders: a comprehensive review of Nanobodies as potential antiviral therapeutics. MAbs 2025; 17:2486390. [PMID: 40201976 PMCID: PMC11988260 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2025.2486390] [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: 01/30/2025] [Revised: 03/23/2025] [Accepted: 03/24/2025] [Indexed: 04/10/2025] Open
Abstract
Viral infections remain a significant global health threat, with emerging and reemerging viruses causing epidemics and pandemics. Despite advancements in antiviral therapies, the development of effective treatments is often hindered by challenges, such as viral resistance and the emergence of new strains. In this context, the development of novel therapeutic modalities is essential to combat notorious viruses. While traditional monoclonal antibodies are widely used for the treatment of several diseases, nanobodies derived from heavy chain-only antibodies have emerged as promising "nanoscale warriors" against viral infections. Nanobodies possess unique structural properties that enhance their ability to recognize diverse epitopes. Their small size also imparts properties, such as improved bioavailability, solubility, stability, and proteolytic resistance, making them an ideal class of therapeutics for viral infections. In this review, we discuss the role of nanobodies as antivirals against various viruses. Techniques used for developing nanobodies, delivery strategies are covered, and the challenges and opportunities associated with their use as antiviral therapies are discussed. We also offer insights into the future of nanobody-based antiviral research to support the development of new strategies for managing viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaishali Verma
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Bennett University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Nimisha Sinha
- Department of Biochemistry, Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Abhavya Raja
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Bennett University, Greater Noida, India
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, South, London, UK
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Rizk SS, Moustafa DM, ElBanna SA, Nour El-Din HT, Attia AS. Nanobodies in the fight against infectious diseases: repurposing nature's tiny weapons. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 40:209. [PMID: 38771414 PMCID: PMC11108896 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-024-03990-4] [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: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Nanobodies are the smallest known antigen-binding molecules to date. Their small size, good tissue penetration, high stability and solubility, ease of expression, refolding ability, and negligible immunogenicity in the human body have granted them excellence over conventional antibodies. Those exceptional attributes of nanobodies make them promising candidates for various applications in biotechnology, medicine, protein engineering, structural biology, food, and agriculture. This review presents an overview of their structure, development methods, advantages, possible challenges, and applications with special emphasis on infectious diseases-related ones. A showcase of how nanobodies can be harnessed for applications including neutralization of viruses and combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria is detailed. Overall, the impact of nanobodies in vaccine design, rapid diagnostics, and targeted therapies, besides exploring their role in deciphering microbial structures and virulence mechanisms are highlighted. Indeed, nanobodies are reshaping the future of infectious disease prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soha S Rizk
- Microbiology and Immunology Postgraduate Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, 11562, Egypt
| | - Dina M Moustafa
- Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, The British University in Egypt, El Sherouk City, Cairo, 11837, Egypt
| | - Shahira A ElBanna
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, 11562, Egypt
| | - Hanzada T Nour El-Din
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, 11562, Egypt
| | - Ahmed S Attia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, 11562, Egypt.
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3
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De Greve H, Fioravanti A. Single domain antibodies from camelids in the treatment of microbial infections. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1334829. [PMID: 38827746 PMCID: PMC11140111 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1334829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases continue to pose significant global health challenges. In addition to the enduring burdens of ailments like malaria and HIV, the emergence of nosocomial outbreaks driven by antibiotic-resistant pathogens underscores the ongoing threats. Furthermore, recent infectious disease crises, exemplified by the Ebola and SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks, have intensified the pursuit of more effective and efficient diagnostic and therapeutic solutions. Among the promising options, antibodies have garnered significant attention due to their favorable structural characteristics and versatile applications. Notably, nanobodies (Nbs), the smallest functional single-domain antibodies of heavy-chain only antibodies produced by camelids, exhibit remarkable capabilities in stable antigen binding. They offer unique advantages such as ease of expression and modification and enhanced stability, as well as improved hydrophilicity compared to conventional antibody fragments (antigen-binding fragments (Fab) or single-chain variable fragments (scFv)) that can aggregate due to their low solubility. Nanobodies directly target antigen epitopes or can be engineered into multivalent Nbs and Nb-fusion proteins, expanding their therapeutic potential. This review is dedicated to charting the progress in Nb research, particularly those derived from camelids, and highlighting their diverse applications in treating infectious diseases, spanning both human and animal contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henri De Greve
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Antonella Fioravanti
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Fondazione ParSeC – Parco delle Scienze e della Cultura, Prato, Italy
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Prado NDR, Brilhante-Da-Silva N, Sousa RMO, Morais MSDS, Roberto SA, Luiz MB, Assis LCD, Marinho ACM, Araujo LFLD, Pontes RDS, Stabeli RG, Fernandes CFC, Pereira SDS. Single-domain antibodies applied as antiviral immunotherapeutics. J Virol Methods 2023; 320:114787. [PMID: 37516366 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2023.114787] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Viral infections have been the cause of high mortality rates throughout different periods in history. Over the last two decades, outbreaks caused by zoonotic diseases and transmitted by arboviruses have had a significant impact on human health. The emergence of viral infections in different parts of the world encourages the search for new inputs to fight pathologies of viral origin. Antibodies represent the predominant class of new drugs developed in recent years and approved for the treatment of various human diseases, including cancer, autoimmune and infectious diseases. A promising group of antibodies are single-domain antibodies derived from camelid heavy chain immunoglobulins, or VHHs, are biomolecules with nanometric dimensions and unique pharmaceutical and biophysical properties that can be used in the diagnosis and immunotherapy of viral infections. For viral neutralization to occur, VHHs can act in different stages of the viral cycle, including the actual inhibition of infection, to hindering viral replication or assembly. This review article addresses advances involving the use of VHHs in therapeutic propositions aimed to battle different viruses that affect human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidiane Dantas Reis Prado
- Laboratório de Engenharia de Anticorpos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, unidade Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Nairo Brilhante-Da-Silva
- Laboratório de Engenharia de Anticorpos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, unidade Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, IOC, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rosa Maria Oliveira Sousa
- Laboratório de Engenharia de Anticorpos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, unidade Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | | | - Sibele Andrade Roberto
- Plataforma Bi-institucional de Medicina Translacional, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos Barros Luiz
- Instituto Federal de Rondônia Campus Guajará-Mirim, IFRO, Guajará-Mirim, RO, Brazil
| | - Livia Coelho de Assis
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, IOC, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Laboratório Multiusuário de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz unidade Ceará, Eusebio, CE, Brazil
| | - Anna Carolina M Marinho
- Laboratório Multiusuário de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz unidade Ceará, Eusebio, CE, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Luiz Felipe Lemes de Araujo
- Plataforma Bi-institucional de Medicina Translacional, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Imunologia Básica e Aplicada, Universidade de São Paulo, USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Rafael de Souza Pontes
- Plataforma Bi-institucional de Medicina Translacional, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Imunologia Básica e Aplicada, Universidade de São Paulo, USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Guerino Stabeli
- Plataforma Bi-institucional de Medicina Translacional, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Carla Freire Celedonio Fernandes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, IOC, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Laboratório Multiusuário de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz unidade Ceará, Eusebio, CE, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Soraya Dos Santos Pereira
- Laboratório de Engenharia de Anticorpos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, unidade Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, IOC, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Experimental, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, UNIR, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil.
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Bhattacharya M, Chatterjee S, Lee SS, Chakraborty C. Therapeutic applications of nanobodies against SARS-CoV-2 and other viral infections: Current update. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 229:70-80. [PMID: 36586649 PMCID: PMC9797221 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.12.284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
In the last two years, the world encountered the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is still dominating the population due to the absence of a viable treatment. To eradicate the global pandemic, scientists, doctors, and researchers took an exceptionally significant initiative towards the development of effective therapeutics to save many lifes. This review discusses about the single-domain antibodies (sdAbs), also called nanobodies, their structure, and their types against the infections of dreadful SARS-CoV-2 virus. A precise description highlights the nanobodies and their therapeutic application against the other selected viruses. It aims to focus on the extraordinary features of these antibodies compared to the conventional therapeutics like mAbs, convalescent plasma therapy, and vaccines. The stable structure of these nanobodies along with the suitable mechanism of action also confers greater resistance to the evolving variants with numerous mutations. The nanobodies developed against SARS-CoV-2 and its mutant variants have shown the greater neutralization potential than the primitive ones. Engineering of these specialized antibodies by modern biotechnological approaches will surely be more beneficial in treating this COVID-19 pandemic along with certain other viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manojit Bhattacharya
- Department of Zoology, Fakir Mohan University, Vyasa Vihar, Balasore 756020, Odisha, India
| | - Srijan Chatterjee
- Institute for Skeletal Aging & Orthopaedic Surgery, Hallym University-Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Chuncheon-si 24252, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Soo Lee
- Institute for Skeletal Aging & Orthopaedic Surgery, Hallym University-Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Chuncheon-si 24252, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Chiranjib Chakraborty
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Adamas University, Kolkata, West Bengal 700126, India.
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Moliner-Morro A, McInerney GM, Hanke L. Nanobodies in the limelight: Multifunctional tools in the fight against viruses. J Gen Virol 2022; 103. [PMID: 35579613 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibodies are natural antivirals generated by the vertebrate immune system in response to viral infection or vaccination. Unsurprisingly, they are also key molecules in the virologist's molecular toolbox. With new developments in methods for protein engineering, protein functionalization and application, smaller antibody-derived fragments are moving in focus. Among these, camelid-derived nanobodies play a prominent role. Nanobodies can replace full-sized antibodies in most applications and enable new possible applications for which conventional antibodies are challenging to use. Here we review the versatile nature of nanobodies, discuss their promise as antiviral therapeutics, for diagnostics, and their suitability as research tools to uncover novel aspects of viral infection and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ainhoa Moliner-Morro
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gerald M McInerney
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Potential of cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) in delivery of antiviral therapeutics and vaccines. Eur J Pharm Sci 2021; 169:106094. [PMID: 34896590 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2021.106094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Viral infections are a great threat to human health. Currently, there are no effective vaccines and antiviral drugs against the majority of viral diseases, suggesting the need to develop novel and effective antiviral agents. Since the intracellular delivery of antiviral agents, particularly the impermeable molecules, such as peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids, are essential to exert their therapeutic effects, using a delivery system is highly required. Among various delivery systems, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), a group of short peptides with the unique ability of crossing cell membrane, offer great potential for the intracellular delivery of various biologically active cargoes. The results of numerous in vitro and in vivo studies with CPP conjugates demonstrate their promise as therapeutic agents in various medical fields including antiviral therapy. The CPP-mediated delivery of various antiviral agents including peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, and nanocarriers have been associated with therapeutic efficacy both in vitro and in vivo. This review describes various aspects of viruses including their biology, pathogenesis, and therapy and briefly discusses the concept of CPP and its potential in drug delivery. Particularly, it will highlight a variety of CPP applications in the management of viral infections.
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8
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Rossotti MA, Bélanger K, Henry KA, Tanha J. Immunogenicity and humanization of single‐domain antibodies. FEBS J 2021; 289:4304-4327. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.15809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Martin A. Rossotti
- Life Sciences Division Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre National Research Council Canada Ottawa Canada
| | - Kasandra Bélanger
- Life Sciences Division Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre National Research Council Canada Ottawa Canada
| | - Kevin A. Henry
- Life Sciences Division Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre National Research Council Canada Ottawa Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology Faculty of Medicine University of Ottawa Canada
| | - Jamshid Tanha
- Life Sciences Division Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre National Research Council Canada Ottawa Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology Faculty of Medicine University of Ottawa Canada
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Soetens E, Ballegeer M, Saelens X. An Inside Job: Applications of Intracellular Single Domain Antibodies. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10121663. [PMID: 33322697 PMCID: PMC7764588 DOI: 10.3390/biom10121663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sera of camelid species contain a special kind of antibody that consists only of heavy chains. The variable antigen binding domain of these heavy chain antibodies can be expressed as a separate entity, called a single domain antibody that is characterized by its small size, high solubility and oftentimes exceptional stability. Because of this, most single domain antibodies fold correctly when expressed in the reducing environment of the cytoplasm, and thereby retain their antigen binding specificity. Single domain antibodies can thus be used to target a broad range of intracellular proteins. Such intracellular single domain antibodies are also known as intrabodies, and have proven to be highly useful tools for basic research by allowing visualization, disruption and even targeted degradation of intracellular proteins. Furthermore, intrabodies can be used to uncover prospective new therapeutic targets and have the potential to be applied in therapeutic settings in the future. In this review we provide a brief overview of recent advances in the field of intracellular single domain antibodies, focusing on their use as research tools and potential therapeutic applications. Special attention is given to the available methods that allow delivery of single domain antibodies into cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline Soetens
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium; (E.S.); (M.B.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marlies Ballegeer
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium; (E.S.); (M.B.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Xavier Saelens
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium; (E.S.); (M.B.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Correspondence:
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Marciel MP, Hoffmann PR. Molecular Mechanisms by Which Selenoprotein K Regulates Immunity and Cancer. Biol Trace Elem Res 2019; 192:60-68. [PMID: 31187393 PMCID: PMC6801056 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-019-01774-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Many of the 25 members of the selenoprotein family function as enzymes that utilize their selenocysteine (Sec) residues to catalyze redox-based reactions. However, some selenoproteins likely do not exert enzymatic activity by themselves and selenoprotein K (SELENOK) is one such selenoprotein family member that uses its Sec residue in an alternative manner. SELENOK is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) transmembrane protein that has been shown to be important for ER stress and for calcium-dependent signaling. Molecular mechanisms for the latter have recently been elucidated using knockout mice and genetically manipulated cell lines. These studies have shown that SELENOK interacts with an enzyme in the ER membrane, DHHC6 (letters represent the amino acids aspartic acid, histidine, histidine, and cysteine in the catalytic domain), and the SELENOK/DHHC6 complex catalyzes the transfer of acyl groups such as palmitate to cysteine residues in target proteins, i.e., palmitoylation. One protein palmitoylated by SELENOK/DHHC6 is the calcium channel protein, the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R), which is acylated as a means for stabilizing the tetrameric calcium channel in the ER membrane. Factors that lower SELENOK levels or function impair IP3R-driven calcium flux. This role for SELENOK is important for the activation and proliferation of immune cells, and recently, a critical role for SELENOK in promoting calcium flux for the progression of melanoma has been demonstrated. This review provides a summary of these findings and their implications in terms of designing new therapeutic interventions that target SELENOK for treating cancers like melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Marciel
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Peter R Hoffmann
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA.
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Single-Domain Antibodies Represent Novel Alternatives to Monoclonal Antibodies as Targeting Agents against the Human Papillomavirus 16 E6 Protein. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20092088. [PMID: 31035322 PMCID: PMC6539864 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20092088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately one fifth of all malignancies worldwide are etiologically associated with a persistent viral or bacterial infection. Thus, there is a particular interest in therapeutic molecules which use components of a natural immune response to specifically inhibit oncogenic microbial proteins, as it is anticipated they will elicit fewer off-target effects than conventional treatments. This concept has been explored in the context of human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16)-related cancers, through the development of monoclonal antibodies and fragments thereof against the viral E6 oncoprotein. Challenges related to the biology of E6 as well as the functional properties of the antibodies themselves appear to have precluded their clinical translation. Here, we addressed these issues by exploring the utility of the variable domains of camelid heavy-chain-only antibodies (denoted as VHHs). Through construction and panning of two llama, immune VHH phage display libraries, a pool of potential VHHs was isolated. The interactions of these with recombinant E6 were further characterized using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blotting under denaturing and native conditions, and surface plasmon resonance. Three VHHs were identified that bound recombinant E6 with nanomolar affinities. Our results lead the way for subsequent studies into the ability of these novel molecules to inhibit HPV16-infected cells in vitro and in vivo.
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12
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Single-Domain Antibodies and Their Formatting to Combat Viral Infections. Antibodies (Basel) 2018; 8:antib8010001. [PMID: 31544807 PMCID: PMC6640686 DOI: 10.3390/antib8010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Since their discovery in the 1990s, single-domain antibodies (VHHs), also known as Nanobodies®, have changed the landscape of affinity reagents. The outstanding solubility, stability, and specificity of VHHs, as well as their small size, ease of production and formatting flexibility favor VHHs over conventional antibody formats for many applications. The exceptional ease by which it is possible to fuse VHHs with different molecular modules has been particularly explored in the context of viral infections. In this review, we focus on VHH formats that have been developed to combat viruses including influenza viruses, human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1), and human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Such formats may significantly increase the affinity, half-life, breadth of protection of an antiviral VHH and reduce the risk of viral escape. In addition, VHHs can be equipped with effector functions, for example to guide components of the immune system with high precision to sites of viral infection.
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Chaisri U, Chaicumpa W. Evolution of Therapeutic Antibodies, Influenza Virus Biology, Influenza, and Influenza Immunotherapy. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:9747549. [PMID: 29998138 PMCID: PMC5994580 DOI: 10.1155/2018/9747549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This narrative review article summarizes past and current technologies for generating antibodies for passive immunization/immunotherapy. Contemporary DNA and protein technologies have facilitated the development of engineered therapeutic monoclonal antibodies in a variety of formats according to the required effector functions. Chimeric, humanized, and human monoclonal antibodies to antigenic/epitopic myriads with less immunogenicity than animal-derived antibodies in human recipients can be produced in vitro. Immunotherapy with ready-to-use antibodies has gained wide acceptance as a powerful treatment against both infectious and noninfectious diseases. Influenza, a highly contagious disease, precipitates annual epidemics and occasional pandemics, resulting in high health and economic burden worldwide. Currently available drugs are becoming less and less effective against this rapidly mutating virus. Alternative treatment strategies are needed, particularly for individuals at high risk for severe morbidity. In a setting where vaccines are not yet protective or available, human antibodies that are broadly effective against various influenza subtypes could be highly efficacious in lowering morbidity and mortality and controlling unprecedented epidemic/pandemic. Prototypes of human single-chain antibodies to several conserved proteins of influenza virus with no Fc portion (hence, no ADE effect in recipients) are available. These antibodies have high potential as a novel, safe, and effective anti-influenza agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urai Chaisri
- Department of Tropical Pathology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wanpen Chaicumpa
- Center of Research Excellence on Therapeutic Proteins and Antibody Engineering, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Wu Y, Jiang S, Ying T. Single-Domain Antibodies As Therapeutics against Human Viral Diseases. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1802. [PMID: 29326699 PMCID: PMC5733491 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In full-size formats, monoclonal antibodies have been highly successful as therapeutics against cancer and immune diseases. However, their large size leads to inaccessibility of some epitopes and relatively high production costs. As an alternative, single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) offer special advantages compared to full-size antibodies, including smaller size, larger number of accessible epitopes, relatively low production costs and improved robustness. Currently, sdAbs are being developed against a number of viruses, including human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1), influenza viruses, hepatitis C virus (HCV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and enteric viruses. Although sdAbs are very potent inhibitors of viral infections, no sdAbs have been approved for clinical use against virial infection or any other diseases. In this review, we discuss the current state of research on sdAbs against viruses and their potential as therapeutics against human viral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanling Wu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education and Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shibo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education and Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianlei Ying
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education and Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Darling TL, Sherwood LJ, Hayhurst A. Intracellular Crosslinking of Filoviral Nucleoproteins with Xintrabodies Restricts Viral Packaging. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1197. [PMID: 29021793 PMCID: PMC5623874 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses assemble large macromolecular repeat structures that become part of the infectious particles or virions. Ribonucleocapsids (RNCs) of negative strand RNA viruses are a prime example where repetition of nucleoprotein (NP) along the genome creates a core polymeric helical scaffold that accommodates other nucleocapsid proteins including viral polymerase. The RNCs are transported through the cytosol for packaging into virions through association with viral matrix proteins at cell membranes. We hypothesized that RNC would be ideal targets for crosslinkers engineered to promote aberrant protein–protein interactions, thereby blocking their orderly transport and packaging. Previously, we had generated single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) against Filoviruses that have all targeted highly conserved C-terminal regions of NP known to be repetitively exposed along the length of the RNCs of Marburgvirus (MARV) and Ebolavirus (EBOV). Our crosslinker design consisted of dimeric sdAb expressed intracellularly, which we call Xintrabodies (X- for crosslinking). Electron microscopy of purified NP polymers incubated with purified sdAb constructs showed NP aggregation occurred in a genus-specific manner with dimeric and not monomeric sdAb. A virus-like particle (VLP) assay was used for initial evaluation where we found that dimeric sdAb inhibited NP incorporation into VP40-based VLPs whereas monomeric sdAb did not. Inhibition of NP packaging was genus specific. Confocal microscopy revealed dimeric sdAb was diffuse when expressed alone but focused on pools of NP when the two were coexpressed, while monomeric sdAb showed ambivalent partition. Infection of stable Vero cell lines expressing dimeric sdAb specific for either MARV or EBOV NP resulted in smaller plaques and reduced progeny of cognate virus relative to wild-type Vero cells. Though the impact was marginal at later time-points, the collective data suggest that viral replication can be reduced by crosslinking intracellular NP using relatively small amounts of dimeric sdAb to restrict NP packaging. The stoichiometry and ease of application of the approach would likely benefit from transitioning away from intracellular expression of crosslinking sdAb to exogenous delivery of antibody. By retuning sdAb specificity, the approach of crosslinking highly conserved regions of assembly critical proteins may well be applicable to inhibiting replication processes of a broad spectrum of viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamarand Lee Darling
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, United States.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Laura Jo Sherwood
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Andrew Hayhurst
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, United States
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16
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Li Y, Liu Z, Hui L, Liu X, Feng A, Wang W, Zhang L, Li N, Zhou G, Wang Q, Han Q, Lv Y, Wang Q, Yang G, Wang Y. Transbody against virus core protein potently inhibits hepadnavirus replication in vivo: evidence from a duck model of hepatitis B virus. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:2261-2272. [PMID: 28383135 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2016] [Revised: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The therapeutic management of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections remains challenging, and novel antiviral strategies are urgently required. The HBV transbody, a monoclonal antibody (MAb) against human HBcAg coupled with the trans-activator of transcription protein transduction domain (TAT PTD), was previously shown to possess cell-penetrating ability and potent antiviral activity in vitro. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the antiviral activity of the HBcMAb-TAT PTD conjugate in vivo in a duck model of HBV. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Female Peking ducks were injected i.p. with 0.03-0.3 mg·kg-1 ·day-1 of the DHBV transbody (DHBcMAb-TAT PTD conjugate) for 30 days. Serum DHBV DNA levels and liver DHBV DNA and covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) loads were determined at scheduled time points. Immunohistological examination of DHBcAg in the duck liver was also performed. KEY RESULTS The DHBV transbody significantly reduced the serum and liver DHBV DNA levels at doses of 0.1 and 0.3 mg·kg-1 ·day-1 and liver cccDNA levels at a dose of 0.3 mg·kg-1 ·day-1 after 30 days of treatment. The suppressive effects of the DHBV transbody at 0.3 mg·kg-1 ·day-1 on the serum and liver DHBV DNA and liver cccDNA levels remained significant, even at 15 days after treatment cessation. Similarly, immunohistochemistry of liver sections revealed decreased DHBcAg levels within hepatocytes 15 days after treatment termination. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The DHBV transbody inhibits DHBV replication and possesses potent anti-DHBV activities in vivo. The cell-permeable antibody against the virus core antigen may be developed as a novel treatment for patients with hepadnavirus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiping Li
- School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhengwen Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Institute of Advanced Surgical Technology and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lingyun Hui
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, School of medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xi Liu
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ai Feng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, School of medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, School of medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, School of medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Guoqing Zhou
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Quanli Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qunying Han
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yi Lv
- Institute of Advanced Surgical Technology and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Quanying Wang
- Xi'an Hua Guang Biological Engineering Company, Xi'an, China
| | - Guangxiao Yang
- Xi'an Hua Guang Biological Engineering Company, Xi'an, China
| | - Yawen Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, School of medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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17
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Böldicke T. Single domain antibodies for the knockdown of cytosolic and nuclear proteins. Protein Sci 2017; 26:925-945. [PMID: 28271570 PMCID: PMC5405437 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Single domain antibodies (sdAbs) from camels or sharks comprise only the variable heavy chain domain. Human sdAbs comprise the variable domain of the heavy chain (VH) or light chain (VL) and can be selected from human antibodies. SdAbs are stable, nonaggregating molecules in vitro and in vivo compared to complete antibodies and scFv fragments. They are excellent novel inhibitors of cytosolic/nuclear proteins because they are correctly folded inside the cytosol in contrast to scFv fragments. SdAbs are unique because of their excellent specificity and possibility to target posttranslational modifications such as phosphorylation sites, conformers or interaction regions of proteins that cannot be targeted with genetic knockout techniques and are impossible to knockdown with RNAi. The number of inhibiting cytosolic/nuclear sdAbs is increasing and usage of synthetic single pot single domain antibody libraries will boost the generation of these fascinating molecules without the need of immunization. The most frequently selected antigenic epitopes belong to viral and oncogenic proteins, followed by toxins, proteins of the nervous system as well as plant- and drosophila proteins. It is now possible to select functional sdAbs against virtually every cytosolic/nuclear protein and desired epitope. The development of new endosomal escape protein domains and cell-penetrating peptides for efficient transfection broaden the application of inhibiting sdAbs. Last but not least, the generation of relatively new cell-specific nanoparticles such as polymersomes and polyplexes carrying cytosolic/nuclear sdAb-DNA or -protein will pave the way to apply cytosolic/nuclear sdAbs for inhibition of viral infection and cancer in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Böldicke
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Structure and Function of ProteinsInhoffenstraße 7, D‐38124BraunschweigGermany
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18
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Jittavisutthikul S, Seesuay W, Thanongsaksrikul J, Thueng-in K, Srimanote P, Werner RG, Chaicumpa W. Human Transbodies to HCV NS3/4A Protease Inhibit Viral Replication and Restore Host Innate Immunity. Front Immunol 2016; 7:318. [PMID: 27617013 PMCID: PMC4999588 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A safe and effective direct acting anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) agent is still needed. In this study, human single chain variable fragments of antibody (scFvs) that bound to HCV NS3/4A protein were produced by phage display technology. The engineered scFvs were linked to nonaarginines (R9) for making them cell penetrable. HCV-RNA-transfected Huh7 cells treated with the transbodies produced from four different transformed E. coli clones had reduced HCV-RNA inside the cells and in the cell spent media, as well as fewer HCV foci in the cell monolayer compared to the transfected cells in culture medium alone. The transbodies-treated transfected cells also had up-expression of the genes coding for the host innate immune response, including TRIF, TRAF3, IRF3, IL-28B, and IFN-β. Computerized homology modeling and intermolecular docking predicted that the effective transbodies interacted with several critical residues of the NS3/4A protease, including those that form catalytic triads, oxyanion loop, and S1 and S6 pockets, as well as a zinc-binding site. Although insight into molecular mechanisms of the transbodies need further laboratory investigation, it can be deduced from the current data that the transbodies blocked the HCV NS3/4A protease activities, leading to the HCV replication inhibition and restoration of the virally suppressed host innate immunity. The engineered antibodies should be tested further for treatment of HCV infection either alone, in combination with current therapeutics, or in a mixture with their cognates specific to other HCV proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surasak Jittavisutthikul
- Graduate Program in Immunology, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Center of Research Excellence on Therapeutic Proteins and Antibody Engineering, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Watee Seesuay
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Center of Research Excellence on Therapeutic Proteins and Antibody Engineering, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jeeraphong Thanongsaksrikul
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Center of Research Excellence on Therapeutic Proteins and Antibody Engineering, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathum-thani, Thailand
| | - Kanyarat Thueng-in
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Center of Research Excellence on Therapeutic Proteins and Antibody Engineering, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- School of Pathology, Institute of Medicine, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand
| | - Potjanee Srimanote
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathum-thani, Thailand
| | - Rolf G. Werner
- Industrial Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Wanpen Chaicumpa
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Center of Research Excellence on Therapeutic Proteins and Antibody Engineering, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathum-thani, Thailand
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19
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Niikura K, Horisawa K, Doi N. Endosomal escape efficiency of fusogenic B18 and B55 peptides fused with anti-EGFR single chain Fv as estimated by nuclear translocation. J Biochem 2015; 159:123-32. [PMID: 26338729 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvv083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Although monoclonal antibodies have been used not only as analytical tools but also as biologic therapeutics, they cannot target intracellular proteins due to their large molecular size and low membrane permeability, which limit their applications. During previous attempts to delivery antibodies intracellularly, the low efficiency of escape from endosomes to the cytosol reduced the bioavailability of antibodies or antibody-conjugated effectors. Recently, we found that the fusogenic peptides (FPs) B18 and B55 from bindin, a sea urchin gamete recognition protein, facilitated the endosomal escape of FP-fused enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) and/or of co-administered cargos such as dextrans [Niikura et al. A fusogenic peptide from a sea urchin fertilization protein promotes intracellular delivery of biomacromolecules by facilitating endosomal escape. J. CONTROL Release 2015;212:85-93]. In this study, we constructed FP-fused anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) single-chain Fv (αEGFR[scFv]) proteins and evaluated their endosomal escape efficiency by utilizing a nuclear localization signal). When the FP-fused αEGFR[scFv] proteins were incubated with A431 cells, the estimated endosomal escape efficiency of αEGFR[scFv]-B18 was significantly higher than that of αEGFR[scFv] alone, suggesting that the B18 peptide facilitates endosomal escape of the conjugated scFv in cis. Moreover, αEGFR[scFv]-B55 promoted the intracellular uptake of co-administered eGFP and dextrans in trans. These results imply that B18- and B55-fused antibodies may be useful for the cell-specific intracellular delivery of biomacromolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Niikura
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan
| | - Kenichi Horisawa
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan
| | - Nobuhide Doi
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan
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20
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Thueng-in K, Thanongsaksrikul J, Jittavisutthikul S, Seesuay W, Chulanetra M, Sakolvaree Y, Srimanote P, Chaicumpa W. Interference of HCV replication by cell penetrable human monoclonal scFv specific to NS5B polymerase. MAbs 2015; 6:1327-39. [PMID: 25517317 DOI: 10.4161/mabs.29978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A new class of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-targeted therapeutics that is safe, broadly effective and can cope with virus mutations is needed. The HCV's NS5B is highly conserved and different from human protein, and thus it is an attractive target for anti-HCV therapeutics development. In this study, NS5B bound-phage clones selected from a human single chain variable antibody fragment (scFv) phage display library were used to transform appropriate E. coli bacteria. Two scFv inhibiting HCV polymerase activity were selected. The scFvs were linked to a cell penetrating peptide to make cell penetrable scFvs. The transbodies reduced the HCV RNA and infectious virus particles released into the culture medium and inside hepatic cells transfected with a heterologous HCV replicon. They also rescued the innate immune response of the transfected cells. Phage mimotope search and homology modeling/molecular docking revealed the NS5B subdomains and residues bound by the scFvs. The scFv mimotopes matched residues of the NS5B, which are important for nucleolin binding during HCV replication, as well as residues that interconnect the fingers and thumb domains for forming a polymerase active groove. Both scFvs docked on several residues at the thumb armadillo-like fold that could be the polymerase interactive sites of other viral/host proteins for the formation of the replication complex and replication initiation. In conclusion, human transbodies that inhibited HCV RdRp activity and HCV replication and restored the host innate immune response were produced. They are potentially future interferon-free anti-HCV candidates, particularly in combination with other cognates that are specific to NS5B epitopes and other HCV enzymes.
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Key Words
- ABTS, 2, 2′-Azino-di(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonate)
- AE, adverse effects
- BCIP/NBT, 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl phosphate/nitroblue tetrazolium liquid substrate system
- CDR(s), complementarity determining region(s)
- DMEM, Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium
- DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid
- DTT, dithiothreitol
- E. coli, Escherichia coli
- ELISA, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
- FR(s), immunoglobulin framework region(s)
- Fc, fragment crystallizable of immunoglobulin
- HCV, hepatitis C virus
- HRP, horseradish peroxidase
- Hepatitis C
- IFN-α, interferon-alpha
- IPTG, isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside
- IgG, immunoglobulin G
- LDH, lactic dehydrogenase
- NS, non-structural protein
- NS5B polymerase
- NS5BΔ55, recombinant C-terminally 55 amino acid deleted NS5B
- NTPs, nucleotide triphosphates
- Ni-NTA, nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid
- OD, optical density
- PBS, 0.15 molar phosphate-buffered saline, pH 7.4
- PCR, polymerase chain reaction
- PDB, protein data bank
- PEG, pegylated
- RBV, ribavirin
- RFLP, restriction fragment length polymorphism
- RT-PCR, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction
- RdRp, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase
- SD, standard deviation
- SDS, sodium dodecyl sulfate
- SOC, standard-of-care
- STAT-C, specifically targeted anti-viral therapy for hepatitis C
- SVR, sustained virologic response
- VH, variable heavy chain domain of conventional four-chain IgG
- VHH, variable heavy chain domain of heavy chain antibody
- VL, variable light chain domain
- bp, base pairs
- cDNA, complementary deoxyribonucleic acid
- hepatitis C virus
- human single-chain variable antibody fragments (human scFv)
- kDa, kilo-Daltons
- mM, millimolars
- nM, nanomolars
- nm, nanometers
- pen/PEN, penetratin gene/protein
- phage display
- qPCR, quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction
- scFv, single-chain variable antibody fragments
- scfv, gene sequence coding for scFv
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanyarat Thueng-in
- a Department of Microbiology and Immunology; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine ; Kasetsart University ; Bangkok , Thailand
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21
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Jittavisutthikul S, Thanongsaksrikul J, Thueng-In K, Chulanetra M, Srimanote P, Seesuay W, Malik AA, Chaicumpa W. Humanized-VHH transbodies that inhibit HCV protease and replication. Viruses 2015; 7:2030-56. [PMID: 25903832 PMCID: PMC4411689 DOI: 10.3390/v7042030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Revised: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a need for safe and broadly effective anti-HCV agents that can cope with genetic multiplicity and mutations of the virus. In this study, humanized-camel VHHs to genotype 3a HCV serine protease were produced and were linked molecularly to a cell penetrating peptide, penetratin (PEN). Human hepatic (Huh7) cells transfected with the JFH-1 RNA of HCV genotype 2a and treated with the cell penetrable nanobodies (transbodies) had a marked reduction of the HCV RNA intracellularly and in their culture fluids, less HCV foci inside the cells and less amounts of HCV core antigen in culture supernatants compared with the infected cells cultured in the medium alone. The PEN-VHH-treated-transfected cells also had up-regulation of the genes coding for the host innate immune response (TRIF, TRAF3, IRF3, IL-28B and IFN-β), indicating that the cell penetrable nanobodies rescued the host innate immune response from the HCV mediated-suppression. Computerized intermolecular docking revealed that the VHHs bound to residues of the protease catalytic triad, oxyanion loop and/or the NS3 N-terminal portion important for non-covalent binding of the NS4A protease cofactor protein. The so-produced transbodies have high potential for testing further as a candidate for safe, broadly effective and virus mutation tolerable anti-HCV agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surasak Jittavisutthikul
- Graduate Program in Immunology, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand.
- Laboratory for Research and Technology Development, Department of Parasitology and Center of Excellence on Therapeutic Proteins and Antibody Engineering, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand.
| | - Jeeraphong Thanongsaksrikul
- Laboratory for Research and Technology Development, Department of Parasitology and Center of Excellence on Therapeutic Proteins and Antibody Engineering, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand.
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathum-thani 12120, Thailand.
| | - Kanyarat Thueng-In
- Laboratory for Research and Technology Development, Department of Parasitology and Center of Excellence on Therapeutic Proteins and Antibody Engineering, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand.
| | - Monrat Chulanetra
- Laboratory for Research and Technology Development, Department of Parasitology and Center of Excellence on Therapeutic Proteins and Antibody Engineering, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand.
| | - Potjanee Srimanote
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathum-thani 12120, Thailand.
| | - Watee Seesuay
- Laboratory for Research and Technology Development, Department of Parasitology and Center of Excellence on Therapeutic Proteins and Antibody Engineering, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand.
| | - Aijaz Ahmad Malik
- Graduate Program in Immunology, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand.
- Laboratory for Research and Technology Development, Department of Parasitology and Center of Excellence on Therapeutic Proteins and Antibody Engineering, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand.
| | - Wanpen Chaicumpa
- Laboratory for Research and Technology Development, Department of Parasitology and Center of Excellence on Therapeutic Proteins and Antibody Engineering, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand.
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathum-thani 12120, Thailand.
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Unzippers, resolvers and sensors: a structural and functional biochemistry tale of RNA helicases. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:2269-93. [PMID: 25622248 PMCID: PMC4346836 DOI: 10.3390/ijms16022269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Revised: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The centrality of RNA within the biological world is an irrefutable fact that currently attracts increasing attention from the scientific community. The panoply of functional RNAs requires the existence of specific biological caretakers, RNA helicases, devoted to maintain the proper folding of those molecules, resolving unstable structures. However, evolution has taken advantage of the specific position and characteristics of RNA helicases to develop new functions for these proteins, which are at the interface of the basic processes for transference of information from DNA to proteins. RNA helicases are involved in many biologically relevant processes, not only as RNA chaperones, but also as signal transducers, scaffolds of molecular complexes, and regulatory elements. Structural biology studies during the last decade, founded in X-ray crystallography, have characterized in detail several RNA-helicases. This comprehensive review summarizes the structural knowledge accumulated in the last two decades within this family of proteins, with special emphasis on the structure-function relationships of the most widely-studied families of RNA helicases: the DEAD-box, RIG-I-like and viral NS3 classes.
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Abstract
Over the past two decades, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have become increasingly popular both in research and in application. There have been numerous studies on the physiochemical characteristics and behavior of CPPs in various environments; likewise, the mechanisms of entry and delivery capabilities of these peptides have also been extensively researched. Besides the fundamental issues, there is an enormous interest in the delivery capabilities of the peptides as the family of CPPs is a promising and mostly non-toxic delivery vector candidate for numerous medical applications such as gene silencing, transgene delivery, and splice correction. Lately, however, there has been an emerging field of study besides the high-profile gene therapy applications-the use of peptides and CPPs to combat various infections caused by harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses.In this chapter, we aim to provide a short overview of the history and properties of CPPs which is followed by more thorough descriptions of antimicrobial and antiviral peptides. To achieve this, we analyze the origin of such peptides, give an overview of the mechanisms of action and discuss the various practical applications which are ongoing or have been suggested based on research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalle Pärn
- Laboratory of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Technology, Tartu University, Nooruse 1/517, Tartu, 50411, Estonia,
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