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van Schooten J, van Gils MJ. HIV-1 immunogens and strategies to drive antibody responses towards neutralization breadth. Retrovirology 2018; 15:74. [PMID: 30477581 PMCID: PMC6260891 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-018-0457-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite enormous efforts no HIV-1 vaccine has been developed that elicits broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) to protect against infection to date. The high antigenic diversity and dense N-linked glycan armor, which covers nearly the entire HIV-1 envelope protein (Env), are major roadblocks for the development of bNAbs by vaccination. In addition, the naive human antibody repertoire features a low frequency of exceptionally long heavy chain complementary determining regions (CDRH3s), which is a typical characteristic that many HIV-1 bNAbs use to penetrate the glycan armor. Native-like Env trimer immunogens can induce potent but strain-specific neutralizing antibody responses in animal models but how to overcome the many obstacles towards the development of bNAbs remains a challenge. Here, we review recent HIV-1 Env immunization studies and discuss strategies to guide strain-specific antibody responses towards neutralization breadth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelle van Schooten
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Location AMC, Meibergdreef 9, Room K3-105, 1105AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marit J van Gils
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Location AMC, Meibergdreef 9, Room K3-105, 1105AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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2
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Yacoob C, Lange MD, Cohen K, Lathia K, Feng J, Glenn J, Carbonetti S, Oliver B, Vigdorovich V, Sather DN, Stamatatos L. B cell clonal lineage alterations upon recombinant HIV-1 envelope immunization of rhesus macaques. PLoS Pathog 2018; 14:e1007120. [PMID: 29933399 PMCID: PMC6033445 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Broadly neutralizing HIV-1 antibodies (bNAbs) isolated from infected subjects display protective potential in animal models. Their elicitation by immunization is thus highly desirable. The HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) is the sole viral target of bnAbs, but is also targeted by binding, non-neutralizing antibodies. Env-based immunogens tested so far in various animal species and humans have elicited binding and autologous neutralizing antibodies but not bNAbs (with a few notable exceptions). The underlying reasons for this are not well understood despite intensive efforts to characterize the binding specificities of the elicited antibodies; mostly by employing serologic methodologies and monoclonal antibody isolation and characterization. These approaches provide limited information on the ontogenies and clonal B cell lineages that expand following Env-immunization. Thus, our current understanding on how the expansion of particular B cell lineages by Env may be linked to the development of non-neutralizing antibodies is limited. Here, in addition to serological analysis, we employed high-throughput BCR sequence analysis from the periphery, lymph nodes and bone marrow, as well as B cell- and antibody-isolation and characterization methods, to compare in great detail the B cell and antibody responses elicited in non-human primates by two forms of the clade C HIV Env 426c: one representing the full length extracellular portion of Env while the other lacking the variable domains 1, 2 and 3 and three conserved N-linked glycosylation sites. The two forms were equally immunogenic, but only the latter elicited neutralizing antibodies by stimulating a more restricted expansion of B cells to a narrower set of IGH/IGK/IGL-V genes that represented a small fraction (0.003-0.02%) of total B cells. Our study provides new information on how Env antigenic differences drastically affect the expansion of particular B cell lineages and supports immunogen-design efforts aiming at stimulating the expansion of cells expressing particular B cell receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Yacoob
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Division, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Miles Darnell Lange
- The Center for Infectious Disease Research, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Kristen Cohen
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Division, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Kanan Lathia
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Division, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Junli Feng
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Division, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Jolene Glenn
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Division, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Sara Carbonetti
- The Center for Infectious Disease Research, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Brian Oliver
- The Center for Infectious Disease Research, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Vladimir Vigdorovich
- The Center for Infectious Disease Research, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - David Noah Sather
- The Center for Infectious Disease Research, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DNS); (LS)
| | - Leonidas Stamatatos
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Division, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- University of Washington, Department of Global Health, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DNS); (LS)
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3
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Neutralizing Antibody Responses following Long-Term Vaccination with HIV-1 Env gp140 in Guinea Pigs. J Virol 2018; 92:JVI.00369-18. [PMID: 29643249 PMCID: PMC6002713 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00369-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A vaccination regimen capable of eliciting potent and broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) remains an unachieved goal of the HIV-1 vaccine field. Here, we report the immunogenicity of longitudinal prime/boost vaccination regimens with a panel of HIV-1 envelope (Env) gp140 protein immunogens over a period of 200 weeks in guinea pigs. We assessed vaccine regimens that included a monovalent clade C gp140 (C97ZA012 [C97]), a tetravalent regimen consisting of four clade C gp140s (C97ZA012, 459C, 405C, and 939C [4C]), and a tetravalent regimen consisting of clade A, B, C, and mosaic gp140s (92UG037, PVO.4, C97ZA012, and Mosaic 3.1, respectively [ABCM]). We found that the 4C and ABCM prime/boost regimens were capable of eliciting greater magnitude and breadth of binding antibody responses targeting variable loop 2 (V2) over time than the monovalent C97-only regimen. The longitudinal boosting regimen conducted over more than 2 years increased the magnitude of certain tier 1 NAb responses but did not increase the magnitude or breadth of heterologous tier 2 NAb responses. These data suggest that additional immunogen design strategies are needed to induce broad, high-titer tier 2 NAb responses.IMPORTANCE The elicitation of potent, broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) remains an elusive goal for the HIV-1 vaccine field. In this study, we explored the use of a long-term vaccination regimen with different immunogens to determine if we could elicit bNAbs in guinea pigs. We found that longitudinal boosting over more than 2 years increased tier 1 NAb responses but did not increase the magnitude and breadth of tier 2 NAb responses. These data suggest that additional immunogen designs and vaccination strategies will be necessary to induce broad tier 2 NAb responses.
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4
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Shahzad-Ul-Hussan S, Sastry M, Lemmin T, Soto C, Loesgen S, Scott DA, Davison JR, Lohith K, O'Connor R, Kwong PD, Bewley CA. Insights from NMR Spectroscopy into the Conformational Properties of Man-9 and Its Recognition by Two HIV Binding Proteins. Chembiochem 2017; 18:764-771. [PMID: 28166380 PMCID: PMC5557091 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201600665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Man9 GlcNAc2 (Man-9) present at the surface of HIV makes up the binding sites of several HIV-neutralizing agents and the mammalian lectin DC-SIGN, which is involved in cellular immunity and trans-infections. We describe the conformational properties of Man-9 in its free state and when bound by the HIV entry-inhibitor protein microvirin (MVN), and define the minimum epitopes of both MVN and DC-SIGN by using NMR spectroscopy. To facilitate the implementation of 3D 13 C-edited spectra to deconvolute spectral overlap and to determine the solution structure of Man-9, we developed a robust expression system for the production of 13 C,15 N-labeled glycans in mammalian cells. The studies reveal that Man-9 interacts with HIV-binding proteins through distinct epitopes and adopts diverse conformations in the bound state. In combination with molecular dynamics simulations we observed receptor-bound conformations to be sampled by Man-9 in the free state, thus suggesting a conformational selection mechanism for diverse recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Shahzad-Ul-Hussan
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 8 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- Structural Biology Section, Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, 40 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- Present address: Department of Biology, SBA School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, 54792, Pakistan
| | - Mallika Sastry
- Structural Biology Section, Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, 40 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Thomas Lemmin
- Structural Biology Section, Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, 40 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- Structural Bioinformatics Core Section, Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, 40 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Cinque Soto
- Structural Biology Section, Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, 40 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- Structural Bioinformatics Core Section, Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, 40 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Sandra Loesgen
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 8 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Danielle A Scott
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 8 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Jack R Davison
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 8 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Katheryn Lohith
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 8 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Robert O'Connor
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 8 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Peter D Kwong
- Structural Biology Section, Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, 40 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- Structural Bioinformatics Core Section, Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, 40 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Carole A Bewley
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 8 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
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5
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Abstract
Isotope labeling of biologically interesting proteins is a prerequisite for structural and dynamics studies by NMR spectroscopy. Many of these proteins require mammalian cofactors, chaperons, or posttranslational modifications such as myristoylation, glypiation, disulfide bond formation, or N- or O-linked glycosylation; and mammalian cells have the necessary machinery to produce them in their functional forms. Here, we describe recent advances in mammalian expression, including an efficient adenoviral vector-based system, for the production of isotopically labeled proteins. This system enables expression of mammalian proteins and their complexes, including proteins that require posttranslational modifications. We describe a roadmap to produce isotopically labeled (15)N and (13)C posttranslationally modified proteins, such as the outer domain of HIV-1 gp120, which has four disulfide bonds and 15 potential sites of N-linked glycosylation. These methods should allow NMR spectroscopic analysis of the structure and function of posttranslationally modified and secreted, cytoplasmic, or membrane-bound proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallika Sastry
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
| | - Carole A Bewley
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
| | - Peter D Kwong
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
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6
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Wu X, Zhang Z, Schramm CA, Joyce MG, Kwon YD, Zhou T, Sheng Z, Zhang B, O'Dell S, McKee K, Georgiev IS, Chuang GY, Longo NS, Lynch RM, Saunders KO, Soto C, Srivatsan S, Yang Y, Bailer RT, Louder MK, Mullikin JC, Connors M, Kwong PD, Mascola JR, Shapiro L. Maturation and Diversity of the VRC01-Antibody Lineage over 15 Years of Chronic HIV-1 Infection. Cell 2015; 161:470-485. [PMID: 25865483 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2015.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2014] [Revised: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
HIV-1-neutralizing antibodies develop in most HIV-1-infected individuals, although highly effective antibodies are generally observed only after years of chronic infection. Here, we characterize the rate of maturation and extent of diversity for the lineage that produced the broadly neutralizing antibody VRC01 through longitudinal sampling of peripheral B cell transcripts over 15 years and co-crystal structures of lineage members. Next-generation sequencing identified VRC01-lineage transcripts, which encompassed diverse antibodies organized into distinct phylogenetic clades. Prevalent clades maintained characteristic features of antigen recognition, though each evolved binding loops and disulfides that formed distinct recognition surfaces. Over the course of the study period, VRC01-lineage clades showed continuous evolution, with rates of ∼2 substitutions per 100 nucleotides per year, comparable to that of HIV-1 evolution. This high rate of antibody evolution provides a mechanism by which antibody lineages can achieve extraordinary diversity and, over years of chronic infection, develop effective HIV-1 neutralization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueling Wu
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Zhenhai Zhang
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics and Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China; National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Chaim A Schramm
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics and Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - M Gordon Joyce
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Young Do Kwon
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Tongqing Zhou
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Zizhang Sheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics and Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Baoshan Zhang
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sijy O'Dell
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Krisha McKee
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ivelin S Georgiev
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Gwo-Yu Chuang
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Nancy S Longo
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Rebecca M Lynch
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kevin O Saunders
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Cinque Soto
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sanjay Srivatsan
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yongping Yang
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Robert T Bailer
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mark K Louder
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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- NIH Intramural Sequencing Center, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - James C Mullikin
- NIH Intramural Sequencing Center, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mark Connors
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Peter D Kwong
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - John R Mascola
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Lawrence Shapiro
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics and Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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Specific sequences commonly found in the V3 domain of HIV-1 subtype C isolates affect the overall conformation of native Env and induce a neutralization-resistant phenotype independent of V1/V2 masking. Virology 2013; 448:363-74. [PMID: 24314667 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2013.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Revised: 08/23/2013] [Accepted: 10/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Primary HIV-1 isolates are relatively resistant to neutralization by antibodies commonly induced after infection or vaccination. This is generally attributed to masking of sensitive epitopes by the V1/V2 domain and/or glycans situated at various positions in Env. Here we identified a novel masking effect mediated by subtype C-specific V3 sequences that contributes to the V1/V2-independent and glycan-independent neutralization resistance of chimeric and primary Envs to antibodies directed against multiple neutralization domains. Positions at several conserved charged and hydrophobic sites in the V3 crown and stem were also shown to affect neutralization phenotype. These results indicated that substitutions typically present in subtype C and related V3 sequences influence the overall conformation of native Env in a way that occludes multiple neutralization targets located both within and outside of the V3 domain, and may reflect an alternative mechanism for neutralization resistance that is particularly active in subtype C and related isolates.
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Cruz LJ, Rueda F, Tacken P, Albericio F, Torensma R, Figdor CG. Enhancing immunogenicity and cross-reactivity of HIV-1 antigens by in vivo targeting to dendritic cells. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2013; 7:1591-610. [PMID: 23148541 DOI: 10.2217/nnm.12.131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Current retroviral treatments have reduced AIDS to a chronic disease for most patients. However, given drug-related side effects, the emergence of drug-resistant strains and the persistence of viral replication, the development of alternative treatments is a pressing need. This review focuses on recent developments in HIV immunotherapy treatments, with particular emphasis on current vaccination strategies for optimizing the induction of an effective immune response by the recruitment of dendritic cells. In addition to cell-based therapies, targeted strategies aiming to deliver synthetic HIV peptides to dendritic cell-specific receptors in vivo will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis J Cruz
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Outer domain of HIV-1 gp120: antigenic optimization, structural malleability, and crystal structure with antibody VRC-PG04. J Virol 2012; 87:2294-306. [PMID: 23236069 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02717-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The outer domain of the HIV-1 gp120 envelope glycoprotein contains the epitope for broadly neutralizing antibodies directed to the CD4-binding site, many of which are able to neutralize over 90% of circulating HIV-1 isolates. While the outer domain is conformationally more stable than other portions of the HIV-1 envelope, efforts to express the outer domain as an immunogen for eliciting broadly neutralizing antibodies have not been successful, potentially because natural outer domain variants do not bind strongly to antibodies such as VRC01. In this study, we optimized the antigenic properties of the HIV-1 Env outer domain to generate OD4.2.2, from the KER2018 strain of clade A HIV-1, enabling it to bind antibodies such as VRC01 with nanomolar affinity. The crystal structure of OD4.2.2 in complex with VRC-PG04 was solved at 3.0-Å resolution and compared to known crystal structures including (i) the structure of core gp120 bound by VRC-PG04 and (ii) a circularly permutated version of the outer domain in complex with antibody PGT128. Much of the VRC-PG04 epitope was preserved in the OD4.2.2 structure, though with altered N and C termini conformations. Overall, roughly one-third of the outer domain structure appeared to be fixed in conformation, independent of alterations in termini, clade, or ligand, while other portions of the outer domain displayed substantial structural malleability. The crystal structure of OD4.2.2 with VRC-PG04 provides atomic-level details for an HIV-1 domain recognized by broadly neutralizing antibodies and insights relevant to the rational design of an immunogen that could elicit such antibodies by vaccination.
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10
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW New findings continue to support the notion that broadly crossreactive neutralizing antibody induction is a worthwhile and achievable goal for HIV-1 vaccines. Immunogens are needed that can overcome the genetic variability and complex immune evasion tactics of the virus. Other antibodies might bridge innate and acquired immunity for possible beneficial vaccine effects. This review summarizes progress made over the past year that has enhanced our understanding of humoral immunity as it relates to HIV-1 vaccine development. RECENT FINDINGS Although a clear path to designing an effective neutralizing antibody-based HIV-1 vaccine remains elusive, there is new information on how antibodies neutralize HIV-1, the epitopes involved, and clues to the possible nature of protective immunogens that keep this goal alive. Moreover, there is a greater understanding of HIV-1 diversity and its possible limits under immune pressure. Other antibodies might possess antiviral activity by mechanisms involving Fc receptor engagement or complement activation that would be of value for HIV-1 vaccines. SUMMARY Recent developments strengthen the rationale for antibody-based HIV-1 vaccine immunogens and provide a stronger foundation for vaccine discovery.
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11
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Dey AK, Burke B, Sun Y, Sirokman K, Nandi A, Hartog K, Lian Y, Geonnotti AR, Montefiori D, Franti M, Martin G, Carfi A, Kessler P, Martin L, Srivastava IK, Barnett SW. Elicitation of neutralizing antibodies directed against CD4-induced epitope(s) using a CD4 mimetic cross-linked to a HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein. PLoS One 2012; 7:e30233. [PMID: 22291921 PMCID: PMC3265465 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2011] [Accepted: 12/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) structures that can generate broadly neutralizing antibodies (BNAbs) is pivotal to the development of a successful vaccine against HIV-1 aimed at eliciting effective humoral immune responses. To that end, the production of novel Env structure(s) that might induce BNAbs by presentation of conserved epitopes, which are otherwise occluded, is critical. Here, we focus on a structure that stabilizes Env in a conformation representative of its primary (CD4) receptor-bound state, thereby exposing highly conserved "CD4 induced" (CD4i) epitope(s) known to be important for co-receptor binding and subsequent virus infection. A CD4-mimetic miniprotein, miniCD4 (M64U1-SH), was produced and covalently complexed to recombinant, trimeric gp140 envelope glycoprotein (gp140) using site-specific disulfide linkages. The resulting gp140-miniCD4 (gp140-S-S-M64U1) complex was recognized by CD4i antibodies and the HIV-1 co-receptor, CCR5. The gp140-miniCD4 complex elicited the highest titers of CD4i binding antibodies as well as enhanced neutralizing antibodies against Tier 1 viruses as compared to gp140 protein alone following immunization of rabbits. Neutralization against HIV-2(7312/V434M) and additional serum mapping confirm the specific elicitation of antibodies directed to the CD4i epitope(s). These results demonstrate the utility of structure-based approach in improving immunogenic response against specific region, such as the CD4i epitope(s) here, and its potential role in vaccine application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antu K. Dey
- Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Brian Burke
- Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Yide Sun
- Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Klara Sirokman
- Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Avishek Nandi
- Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Karin Hartog
- Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ying Lian
- Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Anthony R. Geonnotti
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - David Montefiori
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Michael Franti
- Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Grégoire Martin
- CEA, iBiTecS, Service d'Ingénierie Moléculaire des Protéines, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Andrea Carfi
- Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Pascal Kessler
- CEA, iBiTecS, Service d'Ingénierie Moléculaire des Protéines, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Loïc Martin
- CEA, iBiTecS, Service d'Ingénierie Moléculaire des Protéines, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Indresh K. Srivastava
- Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Susan W. Barnett
- Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
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12
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Binding interactions between soluble HIV envelope glycoproteins and quaternary-structure-specific monoclonal antibodies PG9 and PG16. J Virol 2011; 85:7095-107. [PMID: 21543501 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00411-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PG9 and PG16 are antibodies isolated from a subject infected with HIV-1 and display broad anti-HIV neutralizing activities. They recognize overlapping epitopes, which are preferentially expressed on the membrane-anchored trimeric form of the HIV envelope glycoprotein (Env). PG9 and PG16 were reported not to bind to soluble mimetics of Env. The engineering of soluble Env proteins on which the PG9 and PG16 epitopes are optimally exposed will support efforts to elicit broad anti-HIV neutralizing antibodies by immunization. Here, we identified several soluble gp140 Env proteins that are recognized by PG9 and PG16, and we investigated the molecular details of those binding interactions. The IgG versions of PG9 and PG16 recognize the soluble trimeric gp140 form less efficiently than the corresponding monomeric gp140 form. In contrast, the Fab versions of PG9 and PG16 recognized the monomeric and trimeric gp140 forms with identical binding kinetics and with binding affinities similar to the high binding affinity of the anti-V3 antibody 447D to its epitope. Our data also indicate that, depending on the Env backbone, the interactions of PG9 and PG16 with gp140 may be facilitated by the presence of the gp41 ectodomain and are independent of the proper enzymatic cleavage of gp140 into gp120 and gp41. The identification of soluble Env proteins that express the PG9 and PG16 epitopes and the detailed characterization of the molecular interactions between these two antibodies and their ligands provide important and novel information that will assist in improving the engineering of future Env immunogens.
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Alterations in the immunogenic properties of soluble trimeric human immunodeficiency virus type 1 envelope proteins induced by deletion or heterologous substitutions of the V1 loop. J Virol 2010; 84:9932-46. [PMID: 20660181 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00868-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 gp140 envelope immunogens express conserved epitopes that are targeted by broadly cross-reactive neutralizing antibodies, but they fail to elicit similar antibodies upon immunization. The poor immunogenicity of conserved epitopes on gp140 could be linked to the high immunogenicity of variable Env regions on such constructs. Previous studies have shown that the first hypervariable region (V1 loop) is immunogenic on soluble gp140s but elicits type-specific antibodies. To address issues related to the high immunogenicity of the V1 loop, two conceptually opposite approaches were tested. In the first approach, we eliminated the V1 loop from our gp140 construct and examined how V1 deletion altered the immunogenic properties of other Env regions. In the second approach, we took advantage of the high immunogenicity of the V1 loop and engrafted four diverse V1 loops onto a common gp140 Env "scaffold." These four scaffolds were used as a cocktail of immunogens to elicit diverse anti-V1 antibodies, under the hypothesis that eliciting diverse anti-V1 antibodies would expand the neutralizing breadth of immune sera. Our study indicates that three of four heterologous V1 loops were immunogenic on the common Env backbone "scaffold," but heterologous anti-V1 neutralizing responses were observed in only one case. Both types of V1 modification dampened the immunogenicity of the V3 loop, differentially altered the immunogenicity of the transmembrane gp41 subunit, and altered the relative immunogenicities of unknown Env regions, including potentially the CD4-binding site (CD4-bs) and trimer-specific targets, which elicited cross-reactive neutralizing antibodies but of limited breadth.
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14
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Totrov M, Jiang X, Kong XP, Cohen S, Krachmarov C, Salomon A, Williams C, Seaman MS, Abagyan R, Cardozo T, Gorny MK, Wang S, Lu S, Pinter A, Zolla-Pazner S. Structure-guided design and immunological characterization of immunogens presenting the HIV-1 gp120 V3 loop on a CTB scaffold. Virology 2010; 405:513-23. [PMID: 20663531 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2010.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2010] [Revised: 06/04/2010] [Accepted: 06/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
V3 loop is a major neutralizing determinant of the HIV-1 gp120. Using 3D structures of cholera toxin B subunit (CTB), complete V3 in the gp120 context, and V3 bound to a monoclonal antibody (mAb), we designed two V3-scaffold immunogen constructs (V3-CTB). The full-length V3-CTB presenting the complete V3 in a structural context mimicking gp120 was recognized by the large majority of our panel of 24 mAbs. The short V3-CTB presenting a V3 fragment in the conformation observed in the complex with the 447-52D Fab, exhibited high-affinity binding to this mAb. The immunogens were evaluated in rabbits using DNA-prime/protein-boost protocol. Boosting with the full-length V3-CTB induced high anti-V3 titers in sera that potently neutralize multiple HIV virus strains. The short V3-CTB was ineffective. The results suggest that very narrow antigenic profile of an immunogen is associated with poor Ab response. An immunogen with broader antigenic activity elicits robust Ab response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim Totrov
- Molsoft LLC, 3366 N Torrey Pines Ct., La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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15
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Jiang X, Burke V, Totrov M, Williams C, Cardozo T, Gorny MK, Zolla-Pazner S, Kong XP. Conserved structural elements in the V3 crown of HIV-1 gp120. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2010; 17:955-61. [PMID: 20622876 DOI: 10.1038/nsmb.1861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2009] [Accepted: 04/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Binding of the third variable region (V3) of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 to the cell-surface coreceptors CCR5 or CXCR4 during viral entry suggests that there are conserved structural elements in this sequence-variable region. These conserved elements could serve as epitopes to be targeted by a vaccine against HIV-1. Here we perform a systematic structural analysis of representative human anti-V3 monoclonal antibodies in complex with V3 peptides, revealing that the crown of V3 has four conserved structural elements: an arch, a band, a hydrophobic core and the peptide backbone. These are either unaffected by or are subject to minimal sequence variation. As these regions are targeted by cross-clade neutralizing human antibodies, they provide a blueprint for the design of vaccine immunogens that could elicit broadly cross-reactive protective antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xunqing Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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16
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Abstract
Licensed vaccines against viral diseases generate antibodies that neutralize the infecting virus and protect against infection or disease. Similarly, an effective vaccine against HIV-1 will likely need to induce antibodies that prevent initial infection of host cells or that limit early events of viral dissemination. Such antibodies must target the surface envelope glycoproteins of HIV-1, which are highly variable in sequence and structure. The first subunit vaccines to enter clinical trails were safe and immunogenic but unable to elicit antibodies that neutralized most circulating strains of HIV-1. However, potent virus neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) can develop during the course of HIV-1 infection, and this is the type of antibody response that researchers seek to generate with a vaccine. Thus, current vaccine design efforts have focused on a more detailed understanding of these broadly neutralizing antibodies and their epitopes to inform the design of improved vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Mascola
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
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17
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Effective vaccine-elicited immunity against HIV-1 infection will likely require broadly neutralizing antibodies to interrupt the fusion-promoting functions of the viral envelope glycoprotein spikes. Efforts in this area have, however, been fraught with challenges. The handful of existing broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies has provided information on some of the virus' sites of vulnerability, fueling a decade of structure-informed vaccine design. The fact that very few bnmAbs have been recovered to date illustrates the poor immunogenicity of these epitopes. Recognizing that progress may require more basic information, there has been a notable shift in the field toward identifying new chinks in HIV-1's armor. These efforts are based on the observation that some infected patients develop exceptionally broad serum neutralizing antibodies responses, a better understanding of which would be valuable for vaccine efforts aimed at eliciting similar specificities. RECENT FINDINGS New mapping methodologies are now providing an appreciation of the incidence of specificities similar to the existing known bnmAbs as well as some intriguing insights into novel specificities. SUMMARY The new information emerging from mapping efforts should help to sharpen efforts to isolate new bnmAbs and moreover, may provide crucial information for the rational design of novel vaccine candidates.
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18
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Cruz LJ, Cabrales A, Iglesias E, Aguilar JC, González LJ, Reyes O. Enhanced immunogenicity and cross-reactivity of HIV-1 V3-peptide and multiple antigen peptides conjugated to distinct carrier proteins. Int Immunopharmacol 2009; 9:1452-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2009.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2009] [Revised: 07/26/2009] [Accepted: 08/31/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW It has long been known that autologous neutralizing antibodies (AnAbs) exert pressure on the envelope of HIV, resulting in neutralization escape. However, recently, progress has been made in uncovering the precise targets of these potent early antibodies. RECENT FINDINGS AnAbs primarily target variable regions of the HIV-1 envelope, explaining the strain-specificity of these antibodies. Despite high neutralizing potential and cross-reactivity, anti-V3 antibodies do not contribute to autologous neutralization. The V1V2 is commonly immunogenic in early HIV-1 and simian human immunodeficiency virus infections, though the nature of these epitopes remains to be determined. In subtype C viruses, the C3 region is a neutralization target, possibly as a result of its more exposed and amphipathic structure. Autologous neutralization appears to be mediated by very few AnAb specificities that develop sequentially suggesting the possibility of immunological hierarchies for both binding and neutralizing antibodies. The role of AnAbs in preventing superinfection and in restricting virus replication is reexamined in the context of recent data. SUMMARY New studies have greatly contributed toward our understanding of the specificities mediating autologous neutralization and highlighted potential vulnerabilities on transmitted viruses. However, the contribution of AnAbs to the development of neutralization breadth remains to be characterized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penny L Moore
- AIDS Virus Research Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa.
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20
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Moore PL, Ranchobe N, Lambson BE, Gray ES, Cave E, Abrahams MR, Bandawe G, Mlisana K, Abdool Karim SS, Williamson C, Morris L. Limited neutralizing antibody specificities drive neutralization escape in early HIV-1 subtype C infection. PLoS Pathog 2009; 5:e1000598. [PMID: 19763271 PMCID: PMC2742164 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1000598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2009] [Accepted: 08/28/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously showed that HIV-1 subtype C viruses elicit potent but highly type-specific neutralizing antibodies (nAb) within the first year of infection. In order to determine the specificity and evolution of these autologous nAbs, we examined neutralization escape in four individuals whose responses against the earliest envelope differed in magnitude and potency. Neutralization escape occurred in all participants, with later viruses showing decreased sensitivity to contemporaneous sera, although they retained sensitivity to new nAb responses. Early nAb responses were very restricted, occurring sequentially and targeting only two regions of the envelope. In V1V2, limited amino acid changes often involving indels or glycans, mediated partial or complete escape, with nAbs targeting the V1V2 region directly in 2 cases. The alpha-2 helix of C3 was also a nAb target, with neutralization escape associated with changes to positively charged residues. In one individual, relatively high titers of anti-C3 nAbs were required to drive genetic escape, taking up to 7 weeks for the resistant variant to predominate. Thereafter titers waned but were still measurable. Development of this single anti-C3 nAb specificity was associated with a 7-fold drop in HIV-1 viral load and a 4-fold rebound as the escape mutation emerged. Overall, our data suggest the development of a very limited number of neutralizing antibody specificities during the early stages of HIV-1 subtype C infection, with temporal fluctuations in specificities as escape occurs. While the mechanism of neutralization escape appears to vary between individuals, the involvement of limited regions suggests there might be common vulnerabilities in the HIV-1 subtype C transmitted envelope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penny L. Moore
- AIDS Virus Research Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
- University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nthabeleng Ranchobe
- AIDS Virus Research Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Bronwen E. Lambson
- AIDS Virus Research Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Elin S. Gray
- AIDS Virus Research Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Eleanor Cave
- AIDS Virus Research Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Melissa-Rose Abrahams
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gama Bandawe
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Koleka Mlisana
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Salim S. Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Carolyn Williamson
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lynn Morris
- AIDS Virus Research Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
- University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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21
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Honda M, Wang R, Kong WP, Kanekiyo M, Akahata W, Xu L, Matsuo K, Natarajan K, Robinson H, Asher TE, Price DA, Douek DC, Margulies DH, Nabel GJ. Different vaccine vectors delivering the same antigen elicit CD8+ T cell responses with distinct clonotype and epitope specificity. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2009; 183:2425-34. [PMID: 19620307 PMCID: PMC2858449 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0900581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Prime-boost immunization with gene-based vectors has been developed to generate more effective vaccines for AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. Although these vectors elicit potent T cell responses, the mechanisms by which they stimulate immunity are not well understood. In this study, we show that immunization by a single gene product, HIV-1 envelope, with alternative vector combinations elicits CD8(+) cells with different fine specificities and kinetics of mobilization. Vaccine-induced CD8(+) T cells recognized overlapping third V region loop peptides. Unexpectedly, two anchor variants bound H-2D(d) better than the native sequences, and clones with distinct specificities were elicited by alternative vectors. X-ray crystallography revealed major differences in solvent exposure of MHC-bound peptide epitopes, suggesting that processed HIV-1 envelope gave rise to MHC-I/peptide conformations recognized by distinct CD8(+) T cell populations. These findings suggest that different gene-based vectors generate peptides with alternative conformations within MHC-I that elicit distinct T cell responses after vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuo Honda
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rui Wang
- Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Immunology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Wing-Pui Kong
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Masaru Kanekiyo
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Wataru Akahata
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Ling Xu
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Kazuhiro Matsuo
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kannan Natarajan
- Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Immunology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | | | - Tedi E. Asher
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - David A. Price
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Immunology, Cardiff University Medical School, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel C. Douek
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - David H. Margulies
- Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Immunology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Gary J. Nabel
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
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22
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Zolla-Pazner S, Cohen S, Pinter A, Krachmarov C, Wrin T, Wang S, Lu S. Cross-clade neutralizing antibodies against HIV-1 induced in rabbits by focusing the immune response on a neutralizing epitope. Virology 2009; 392:82-93. [PMID: 19632700 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2009.05.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2009] [Revised: 05/18/2009] [Accepted: 05/28/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Studies were performed to induce cross-clade neutralizing antibodies (Abs) by testing various combinations of prime and boost constructs that focus the immune response on structurally-conserved epitopes in the V3 loop of HIV-1 gp120. Rabbits were immunized with gp120 DNA containing a V3 loop characterized by the GPGR motif at its tip, and/or with gp120 DNA with a V3 loop carrying the GPGQ motif. Priming was followed by boosts with V3-fusion proteins (V3-FPs) carrying the V3 sequence from a subtype B virus (GPGR motif), and/or with V3 sequences from subtypes A and C (GPGQ motif). The broadest and most consistent neutralizing responses were generated when using a clade C gp120 DNA prime and with the V3(B)-FP boost. Immune sera displayed neutralizing activity in three assays against pseudoviruses and primary isolates from subtypes A, AG, B, C, and D. Polyclonal Abs in the immune rabbit sera neutralized viruses that were not neutralized by pools of human anti-V3 monoclonal Abs. Greater than 80% of the neutralizing Abs were specific for V3, showing that the immune response could be focused on a neutralizing epitope and that vaccine-induced anti-V3 Abs have cross-clade neutralizing activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Zolla-Pazner
- New York University School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY, USA.
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23
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Granados-González V, Piedrahita LD, Martínez M, Genin C, Riffard S, Urcuqui-Inchima S. [Role of the HIV-1 gp120 V1/V2 domains in the induction of neutralizing antibodies]. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2009; 27:523-30. [PMID: 19409660 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2008.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2007] [Accepted: 02/11/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The development of a preventive vaccine against human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) provides hope for control of the pandemic over the coming years. Nevertheless, it is clear that one of the greatest difficulties in achieving this vaccine is the high mutation rate of the virus, which enables it to evade the host's immune response. The production of neutralizing antibodies (NAb) against the HIV-1 envelope proteins is believed to play an important role in controlling the infection and in providing effective protection following vaccination. Several studies have shown that the V1/V2 domain of the HIV-1 gp120 envelope protein is involved in viral tropism during infection, in masking conserved neutralizing epitopes, in the conformational changes occurring after coreceptor binding, and in NAb induction. Nonetheless, this domain has been poorly investigated. However, because the V1/V2 domain is highly glycosylated, numerous studies have determined the influence of carbohydrates on NAb production. The present review focuses on the importance of NAb directed against epitopes of the variable regions, mainly V1/V2, their importance in protecting against HIV-1 infection, and the role these regions play in evading the immune response. Lastly, we will discuss the importance of NAb in the search for an effective vaccine against HIV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Granados-González
- Groupe Immunité des Muqueuses et Agents Pathogènes, University of Saint Etienne, Saint Etienne, Francia.
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24
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Davis KL, Gray ES, Moore PL, Decker JM, Salomon A, Montefiori DC, Graham BS, Keefer MC, Pinter A, Morris L, Hahn BH, Shaw GM. High titer HIV-1 V3-specific antibodies with broad reactivity but low neutralizing potency in acute infection and following vaccination. Virology 2009; 387:414-26. [PMID: 19298995 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2009.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2008] [Revised: 01/12/2009] [Accepted: 02/10/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Identifying the earliest neutralizing antibody specificities that are elicited following infection or vaccination by HIV-1 is an important objective of current HIV/AIDS vaccine research. We have shown previously that transplantation of HIV-1 V3 epitopes into an HIV-2 envelope (Env) scaffold provides a sensitive and specific means to detect and quantify HIV-1 V3 epitope specific neutralizing antibodies (Nabs) in human sera. Here, we employ this HIV-2/HIV-1 V3 scaffolding strategy to study the kinetics of development and breadth of V3-specific Nabs in longitudinal sera from individuals acutely infected with clade C or clade B HIV-1 and in human subjects immunized with clade B HIV-1 immunogens. HIV-2/HIV-1 chimeras containing V3 sequences matched to virus type (HIV-2 or HIV-1), subtype (clade B or C), or strain (autologous or heterologous) were used as test reagents. We found that by 3-8 weeks post infection, 12 of 14 clade C subjects had a median IC(50) V3-specific Nab titer of 1:700 against chimeric viruses containing a heterologous clade C V3. By 5 months post-infection, all 14 subjects were positive for V3-specific Nabs with median titers of 1:8000 against heterologous clade C V3 and 1:1300 against clade B V3. Two acutely infected clade B patients developed heterologous clade B V3-specific Nabs at titers of 1:300 and 1:1800 by 13 weeks of infection and 1:5000 and 1:11000 by 7 months of infection. Titers were not different against chimeras containing autologous clade B V3 sequences. Each of 10 uninfected normal human volunteers who were immunized with clade B HIV-1 Env immunogens, but none of five sham immunized control subjects, developed V3-specific Nabs titers as high as 1:3000 (median 1:1300; range 1:700-1:3000). None of the HIV-1 infected or vaccinated subjects had antibodies that neutralized primary HIV-1 virus strains. These results indicate that high-titer, broadly reactive V3-specific antibodies are among the first to be elicited during acute and early HIV-1 infection and following vaccination but these antibodies lack neutralizing potency against primary HIV-1 viruses, which effectively shield V3 from antibody binding to the functional Env trimer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie L Davis
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 35294, USA
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25
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Enhanced exposure of the CD4-binding site to neutralizing antibodies by structural design of a membrane-anchored human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gp120 domain. J Virol 2009; 83:5077-86. [PMID: 19264769 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02600-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The broadly neutralizing antibody immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) b12 binds to a conformationally conserved surface on the outer domain of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) gp120 envelope (Env) glycoprotein. To develop outer domain proteins (ODs) that could be recognized selectively by CD4-binding-site (CD4-BS) antibodies, membrane-anchored ODs were generated from an HIV-1 clade B virus, TA1 R3A, which was highly sensitive to neutralization by the IgG1 b12 antibody. A 231-residue fragment of gp120 (residues 252 to 482) linked to transmembrane regions from CD4 showed b12 binding comparable to that of the native Env spike as measured by flow cytometry. Truncation of the beta 20-beta 21 hairpin (residues 422 to 436 to Gly-Gly) improved overall protein expression. Replacement of the immunodominant central 20 amino acids of the V3 loop (residues 302 to 323) with a basic hexapeptide (NTRGRR) increased b12 reactivity further. Surface calculations indicated that the ratio of b12 epitope to exposed immunogenic surface in the optimized OD increased to over 30%. This OD variant [OD(GSL)(Deltabeta 20-21)(hCD4-TM)] was recognized by b12 and another CD4-BS-reactive antibody, b13, but not by eight other CD4-BS antibodies with limited neutralization potency. Furthermore, optimized membrane-anchored OD selectively absorbed neutralizing activity from complex antisera and b12. Structurally designed membrane-anchored ODs represent candidate immunogens to elicit or to allow the detection of broadly neutralizing antibodies to the conserved site of CD4 binding on HIV-1 gp120.
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26
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Binley JM, Lybarger EA, Crooks ET, Seaman MS, Gray E, Davis KL, Decker JM, Wycuff D, Harris L, Hawkins N, Wood B, Nathe C, Richman D, Tomaras GD, Bibollet-Ruche F, Robinson JE, Morris L, Shaw GM, Montefiori DC, Mascola JR. Profiling the specificity of neutralizing antibodies in a large panel of plasmas from patients chronically infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 subtypes B and C. J Virol 2008; 82:11651-68. [PMID: 18815292 PMCID: PMC2583680 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01762-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 307] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2008] [Accepted: 09/18/2008] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying the viral epitopes targeted by broad neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) that sometimes develop in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected subjects should assist in the design of vaccines to elicit similar responses. Here, we investigated the activities of a panel of 24 broadly neutralizing plasmas from subtype B- and C-infected donors using a series of complementary mapping methods, focusing mostly on JR-FL as a prototype subtype B primary isolate. Adsorption with gp120 immobilized on beads revealed that an often large but variable fraction of plasma neutralization was directed to gp120 and that in some cases, neutralization was largely mediated by CD4 binding site (CD4bs) Abs. The results of a native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis assay using JR-FL trimers further suggested that half of the subtype B and a smaller fraction of subtype C plasmas contained a significant proportion of NAbs directed to the CD4bs. Anti-gp41 neutralizing activity was detected in several plasmas of both subtypes, but in all but one case, constituted only a minor fraction of the overall neutralization activity. Assessment of the activities of the subtype B plasmas against chimeric HIV-2 viruses bearing various fragments of the membrane proximal external region (MPER) of HIV-1 gp41 revealed mixed patterns, implying that MPER neutralization was not dominated by any single specificity akin to known MPER-specific monoclonal Abs. V3 and 2G12-like NAbs appeared to make little or no contribution to JR-FL neutralization titers. Overall, we observed significant titers of anti-CD4bs NAbs in several plasmas, but approximately two-thirds of the neutralizing activity remained undefined, suggesting the existence of NAbs with specificities unlike any characterized to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Binley
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, 3550 General Atomics Court, San Diego, California 92121, USA
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27
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Wu X, Sambor A, Nason MC, Yang ZY, Wu L, Zolla-Pazner S, Nabel GJ, Mascola JR. Soluble CD4 broadens neutralization of V3-directed monoclonal antibodies and guinea pig vaccine sera against HIV-1 subtype B and C reference viruses. Virology 2008; 380:285-95. [PMID: 18804254 PMCID: PMC3739291 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2008.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2008] [Revised: 07/02/2008] [Accepted: 07/09/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
To better understand the limits of antigenic reactivity and epitope accessibility of the V3 domain of primary HIV-1 isolates, we evaluated three human anti-V3 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and selected guinea pig vaccine sera for neutralization against reference panels of subtype B and C pseudoviruses derived from early stage infections. The mAbs and vaccine sera potently neutralized several prototype viruses, but displayed substantially less neutralization of most reference strains. In the presence of soluble CD4 (sCD4), the breadth of V3-mediated neutralization was increased; up to 80% and 77% of the subtype B and C viruses respectively were sensitive to V3-mediated neutralization. Unlike sCD4, the reaction of CD4-binding site mAbs b12 and F105 with native virus did not lead to full exposure of the V3 domain. These findings confirm that V3 antibodies recognize most primary viral strains, but that the epitope often has limited accessibility in the context of native envelope spike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueling Wu
- Vaccine Research Center, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Anna Sambor
- Vaccine Research Center, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Martha C. Nason
- Biostatistics Research Branch, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Zhi-Yong Yang
- Vaccine Research Center, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Lan Wu
- Vaccine Research Center, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Susan Zolla-Pazner
- New York Veterans Affairs Medical Center and School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY 10016
| | - Gary J. Nabel
- Vaccine Research Center, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892
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28
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Characterization of neutralizing antibody responses elicited by clade A envelope immunogens derived from early transmitted viruses. J Virol 2008; 82:5912-21. [PMID: 18400850 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00389-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The vast majority of studies with candidate immunogens based on the human immunodeficiency virus envelope (Env) have been conducted with Env proteins derived from clade B viruses isolated during chronic infection. Whether non-clade B Env protein immunogens will elicit antibodies with epitope specificities that are similar to those of antibodies elicited by clade B Envs and whether the antibodies elicited by Envs derived from early transmitted viruses will be similar to those elicited by Envs derived from viruses isolated during chronic infection are currently unknown. Here we performed immunizations with four clade A Envs, cloned directly from the peripheral blood of infected individuals during acute infection, which differed in lengths and extents of glycosylation. The antibody responses elicited by these four Envs were compared to each other and to those elicited by a well-characterized clade B Env immunogen derived from the SF162 virus, which was isolated during chronic infection. Only one clade A Env, the one with the fewer glycosylation sites, elicited homologous neutralizing antibodies (NAbs); these did not target the V1, V2, or V3 regions. In contrast, all four clade A Envs elicited anti-V3 NAbs against "easy-to-neutralize" clade B and clade A isolates, irrespective of the variable region length and extent of glycosylation of the Env used as an immunogen. These anti-V3 NAbs did not access their epitopes on homologous and heterologous clade A, or B, neutralization-resistant viruses. The length and extent of glycosylation of the variable regions on the clade A Env immunogens tested did not affect the breadth of the elicited NAbs. Our data also indicate that the development of cross-reactive NAbs against clade A viruses faces similar hurdles to the development of cross-reactive anti-clade B NAbs.
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29
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Moore PL, Gray ES, Choge IA, Ranchobe N, Mlisana K, Abdool Karim SS, Williamson C, Morris L. The c3-v4 region is a major target of autologous neutralizing antibodies in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 subtype C infection. J Virol 2008; 82:1860-9. [PMID: 18057243 PMCID: PMC2258729 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02187-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2007] [Accepted: 11/19/2007] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The early autologous neutralizing antibody response in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) subtype C infections is often characterized by high titers, but the response is type specific with little to no cross-neutralizing activity. The specificities of these early neutralizing antibodies are not known; however, the type specificity suggests that they may target the variable regions of the envelope. Here, we show that cross-reactive anti-V3 antibodies developed within 3 to 12 weeks in six individuals but did not mediate autologous neutralization. Using a series of chimeric viruses, we found that antibodies directed at the V1V2, V4, and V5 regions contributed to autologous neutralization in some individuals, with V1V2 playing a more substantial role. However, these antibodies did not account for the total neutralizing capacity of these sera against the early autologous virus. Antibodies directed against the C3-V4 region were involved in autologous neutralization in all four sera studied. In two sera, transfer of the C3-V4 region rendered the chimera as sensitive to antibody neutralization as the parental virus. Although the C3 region, which contains the highly variable alpha2-helix was not a direct target in most cases, it contributed to the formation of neutralization epitopes as substitution of this region resulted in neutralization resistance. These data suggest that the C3 and V4 regions combine to form important structural motifs and that epitopes in this region are major targets of the early autologous neutralizing response in HIV-1 subtype C infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penny L Moore
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Private Bag X4, Sandringham 2131, Johannesburg, South Africa.
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30
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The first hypervariable region of the gp120 Env glycoprotein defines the neutralizing susceptibility of heterologous human immunodeficiency virus type 1 isolates to neutralizing antibodies elicited by the SF162gp140 immunogen. J Virol 2007; 82:949-56. [PMID: 18003732 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02143-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Current vaccine efforts to elicit cross-reactive neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) focus on the engineering of soluble mimetics of the trimeric HIV Env glycoprotein (commonly termed gp140 immunogens). Such immunogens are thought to be more effective than previously tested monomeric gp120 immunogens at eliciting cross-reactive NAbs. Still, the breadth of neutralizing antibody responses elicited by gp140 immunogens is narrow. Understanding why antibodies elicited by gp140 immunogens fail to neutralize a wide range of heterologous primary HIV isolates is necessary for improving the design of such immunogens. We previously reported that antibodies elicited in macaques by SF162 Env-derived gp140 immunogens fail to neutralize several heterologous "neutralization-resistant" primary HIV type 1 isolates, such as JRFL, ADA, and YU2. Here we show that by replacing the V1 region of Env on these heterologous viruses with that of SF162, we render them highly susceptible to neutralization by the SF162gp140-elicited antibodies. We observed that viral neutralization was mediated not only by vaccine-elicited anti-V1 but also by anti-V3 antibodies and antibodies directed against as yet unidentified Env regions, depending on the heterologous Env background. Our study indicates that common neutralization epitopes are differentially exposed on diverse primary HIV isolates and that the V1 loop contributes to this differential exposure. Therefore, the antibody responses elicited by soluble gp140 immunogens will have to overcome several distinct obstacles in order to neutralize diverse primary HIV isolates.
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31
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Law M, Cardoso RMF, Wilson IA, Burton DR. Antigenic and immunogenic study of membrane-proximal external region-grafted gp120 antigens by a DNA prime-protein boost immunization strategy. J Virol 2007; 81:4272-85. [PMID: 17267498 PMCID: PMC1866136 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02536-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The membrane-proximal external region (MPER) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) gp41 is a target of broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) 2F5, 4E10, and Z13. Here we engrafted the MPER into the V1/2 region of HIV-1 gp120 to investigate the ability of the engineered antigens to elicit virus-neutralizing antibodies (NAbs). To promote the correct folding and presentation of the helical 4E10 epitope, we flanked the epitope with helical domains and manipulated the helix by sequential deletion of residues preceding the epitope. Binding of the recombinant proteins to MAb 4E10 increased four- to fivefold with the deletion of one or two residues, but it returned to the wild-type level when three residues were deleted, suggesting rotation of the 4E10 epitope along the helix. Immunization of mice and rabbits by electroporation-mediated DNA priming and protein boosting with these constructs elicited high levels of gp120-specific antibodies. A consistent NAb response against the neutralization-resistant, homologous JR-FL virus was detected in rabbits but not in mice. Analysis of the neutralizing activity revealed that the NAbs do not target the MPER or the V1, V2, or V3 region. Through this study, we learned the following. (i) The 4E10 epitope can be manipulated using a "rotate-the-helix" strategy that alters the helix register. However, presentation of this epitope in the immunogenic V1/2 region did not render it immunogenic in mice or rabbits. (ii) DNA vaccination with monomeric gp120-based antigens can elicit a consistent NAb response against the homologous neutralization-resistant virus by targeting epitopes outside the V1, V2, and V3 regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansun Law
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Immunology (IMM-2), 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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