1
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Zhang Q, Pavlinov I, Ye Y, Zheng W. Therapeutic development targeting host heparan sulfate proteoglycan in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1364657. [PMID: 38618194 PMCID: PMC11014733 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1364657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The global pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to an urgent need for effective therapeutic options. SARS-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic that has resulted in significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The virus is known to enter host cells by binding to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, and emerging evidence suggests that heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) play a crucial role in facilitating this process. HSPGs are abundant cell surface proteoglycan present in many tissues, including the lung, and have been shown to interact directly with the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. This review aims to summarize the current understanding of the role of HSPGs in SARS-CoV-2 infection and the potential of developing new therapies targeting HSPGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Therapeutic Development Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Ivan Pavlinov
- Therapeutic Development Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Yihong Ye
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Wei Zheng
- Therapeutic Development Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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2
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Korosec CS, Wahl LM, Heffernan JM. Within-host evolution of SARS-CoV-2: how often are de novo mutations transmitted from symptomatic infections? Virus Evol 2024; 10:veae006. [PMID: 38425472 PMCID: PMC10904108 DOI: 10.1093/ve/veae006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite a relatively low mutation rate, the large number of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections has allowed for substantial genetic change, leading to a multitude of emerging variants. Using a recently determined mutation rate (per site replication), as well as within-host parameter estimates for symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, we apply a stochastic transmission-bottleneck model to describe the survival probability of de novo SARS-CoV-2 mutations as a function of bottleneck size and selection coefficient. For narrow bottlenecks, we find that mutations affecting per-target-cell attachment rate (with phenotypes associated with fusogenicity and ACE2 binding) have similar transmission probabilities to mutations affecting viral load clearance (with phenotypes associated with humoral evasion). We further find that mutations affecting the eclipse rate (with phenotypes associated with reorganization of cellular metabolic processes and synthesis of viral budding precursor material) are highly favoured relative to all other traits examined. We find that mutations leading to reduced removal rates of infected cells (with phenotypes associated with innate immune evasion) have limited transmission advantage relative to mutations leading to humoral evasion. Predicted transmission probabilities, however, for mutations affecting innate immune evasion are more consistent with the range of clinically estimated household transmission probabilities for de novo mutations. This result suggests that although mutations affecting humoral evasion are more easily transmitted when they occur, mutations affecting innate immune evasion may occur more readily. We examine our predictions in the context of a number of previously characterized mutations in circulating strains of SARS-CoV-2. Our work offers both a null model for SARS-CoV-2 mutation rates and predicts which aspects of viral life history are most likely to successfully evolve, despite low mutation rates and repeated transmission bottlenecks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chapin S Korosec
- Modelling Infection and Immunity Lab, Mathematics and Statistics, York University, 4700 Keele St, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
- Centre for Disease Modelling, Mathematics and Statistics, York University, 4700 Keele St, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Lindi M Wahl
- Applied Mathematics, Western University, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Jane M Heffernan
- Modelling Infection and Immunity Lab, Mathematics and Statistics, York University, 4700 Keele St, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
- Centre for Disease Modelling, Mathematics and Statistics, York University, 4700 Keele St, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
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3
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Ghildiyal T, Rai N, Mishra Rawat J, Singh M, Anand J, Pant G, Kumar G, Shidiki A. Challenges in Emerging Vaccines and Future Promising Candidates against SARS-CoV-2 Variants. J Immunol Res 2024; 2024:9125398. [PMID: 38304142 PMCID: PMC10834093 DOI: 10.1155/2024/9125398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) virus has evolved into variants with varied infectivity. Vaccines developed against COVID-19 infection have boosted immunity, but there is still uncertainty on how long the immunity from natural infection or vaccination will last. The present study attempts to outline the present level of information about the contagiousness and spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants of interest and variants of concern (VOCs). The keywords like COVID-19 vaccine types, VOCs, universal vaccines, bivalent, and other relevant terms were searched in NCBI, Science Direct, and WHO databases to review the published literature. The review provides an integrative discussion on the current state of knowledge on the type of vaccines developed against SARS-CoV-2, the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines concerning the VOCs, and prospects of novel universal, chimeric, and bivalent mRNA vaccines efficacy to fend off existing variants and other emerging coronaviruses. Genomic variation can be quite significant, as seen by the notable differences in impact, transmission rate, morbidity, and death during several human coronavirus outbreaks. Therefore, understanding the amount and characteristics of coronavirus genetic diversity in historical and contemporary strains can help researchers get an edge over upcoming variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanmay Ghildiyal
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Nishant Rai
- Department of Biotechnology, Graphic Era Deemed to be University, Dehradun, India
| | - Janhvi Mishra Rawat
- Department of Biotechnology, Graphic Era Deemed to be University, Dehradun, India
| | - Maargavi Singh
- Department of Instrumentation and Control Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Jigisha Anand
- Department of Biotechnology, Graphic Era Deemed to be University, Dehradun, India
| | - Gaurav Pant
- Department of Microbiology, Graphic Era Deemed to be University, Dehradun, India
| | - Gaurav Kumar
- Department of Microbiology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, India
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4
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y Castro TR, Piccoli BC, Vieira AA, Casarin BC, Tessele LF, Salvato RS, Gregianini TS, Martins LG, Resende PC, Pereira EC, Moreira FRR, de Jesus JG, Seerig AP, Lobato MAO, de Campos MMA, Goularte JS, da Silva MS, Demoliner M, Filippi M, Pereira VMAG, Schwarzbold AV, Spilki FR, Trindade PA. Introduction, Dispersal, and Predominance of SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: A Retrospective Analysis. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2938. [PMID: 38138081 PMCID: PMC10745878 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 genome can alter the virus' fitness, leading to the emergence of variants of concern (VOC). In Brazil, the Gamma variant dominated the pandemic in the first half of 2021, and from June onwards, the first cases of Delta infection were documented. Here, we investigate the introduction and dispersal of the Delta variant in the RS state by sequencing 1077 SARS-CoV-2-positive samples from June to October 2021. Of these samples, 34.7% were identified as Gamma and 65.3% as Delta. Notably, 99.2% of Delta sequences were clustered within the 21J lineage, forming a significant Brazilian clade. The estimated clock rate was 5.97 × 10-4 substitutions per site per year. The Delta variant was first reported on 17 June in the Vinhedos Basalto microregion and rapidly spread, accounting for over 70% of cases within nine weeks. Despite this, the number of cases and deaths remained stable, possibly due to vaccination, prior infections, and the continued mandatory mask use. In conclusion, our study provides insights into the Delta variant circulating in the RS state, highlighting the importance of genomic surveillance for monitoring viral evolution, even when the impact of new variants may be less severe in a given region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaís Regina y Castro
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Bioinformática Aplicadas a Microbiologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Bruna C. Piccoli
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Bioinformática Aplicadas a Microbiologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Andressa A. Vieira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Bioinformática Aplicadas a Microbiologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Bruna C. Casarin
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Bioinformática Aplicadas a Microbiologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Luíza F. Tessele
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Bioinformática Aplicadas a Microbiologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Richard S. Salvato
- Centro Estadual de Vigilância em Saúde, Secretaria Estadual da Saúde do Rio Grande do Sul (CEVS/SES-RS), Porto Alegre 90610-000, Brazil
| | - Tatiana S. Gregianini
- Centro Estadual de Vigilância em Saúde, Secretaria Estadual da Saúde do Rio Grande do Sul (CEVS/SES-RS), Porto Alegre 90610-000, Brazil
| | - Leticia G. Martins
- Centro Estadual de Vigilância em Saúde, Secretaria Estadual da Saúde do Rio Grande do Sul (CEVS/SES-RS), Porto Alegre 90610-000, Brazil
| | - Paola Cristina Resende
- Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios e Sarampo, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Elisa C. Pereira
- Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios e Sarampo, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Filipe R. R. Moreira
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline G. de Jesus
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-220, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Seerig
- Vigilância em Saúde, Secretaria Municipal da Saúde de Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97060-001, Brazil
| | - Marcos Antonio O. Lobato
- Departamento de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Marli M. A. de Campos
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Juliana S. Goularte
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Universidade FEEVALE, Novo Hamburgo 93510-235, Brazil
| | - Mariana S. da Silva
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Universidade FEEVALE, Novo Hamburgo 93510-235, Brazil
| | - Meriane Demoliner
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Universidade FEEVALE, Novo Hamburgo 93510-235, Brazil
| | - Micheli Filippi
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Universidade FEEVALE, Novo Hamburgo 93510-235, Brazil
| | | | - Alexandre V. Schwarzbold
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Fernando R. Spilki
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Universidade FEEVALE, Novo Hamburgo 93510-235, Brazil
| | - Priscila A. Trindade
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Bioinformática Aplicadas a Microbiologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil
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5
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Fricke C, Pfaff F, Ulrich L, Halwe NJ, Schön J, Timm L, Hoffmann W, Rauch S, Petsch B, Hoffmann D, Beer M, Corleis B, Dorhoi A. SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern elicit divergent early immune responses in hACE2 transgenic mice. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2250332. [PMID: 37609807 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202250332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge about early immunity to SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern mainly comes from the analysis of human blood. Such data provide limited information about host responses at the site of infection and largely miss the initial events. To gain insights into compartmentalization and the early dynamics of host responses to different SARS-CoV-2 variants, we utilized human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) transgenic mice and tracked immune changes during the first days after infection by RNAseq, multiplex assays, and flow cytometry. Viral challenge infection led to divergent viral loads in the lungs, distinct inflammatory patterns, and innate immune cell accumulation in response to ancestral SARS-CoV-2, Beta (B.1.351) and Delta (B.1.617.2) variant of concern (VOC). Compared to other SARS-CoV-2 variants, infection with Beta (B.1.351) VOC spread promptly to the lungs, leading to increased inflammatory responses. SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies and T cells developed within the first 7 days postinfection and were required to reduce viral spread and replication. Our studies show that VOCs differentially trigger transcriptional profiles and inflammation. This information contributes to the basic understanding of immune responses immediately postexposure to SARS-CoV-2 and is relevant for developing pan-VOC interventions including prophylactic vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlie Fricke
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Florian Pfaff
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Lorenz Ulrich
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Nico Joel Halwe
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Jacob Schön
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Laura Timm
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Weda Hoffmann
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | | | | | - Donata Hoffmann
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin Beer
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Björn Corleis
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Anca Dorhoi
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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6
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Bhattacharya M, Chatterjee S, Lee SS, Dhama K, Chakraborty C. Antibody evasion associated with the RBD significant mutations in several emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and its subvariants. Drug Resist Updat 2023; 71:101008. [PMID: 37757651 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2023.101008] [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: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Since the origin of the wild strain of SARS-CoV-2, several variants have emerged, which were designated as VOC, VOI, and VUM from time to time. The Omicron variant is noted as the recent VOC. After the origin of the Omicron variant on November 2021, several subvariants of Omicron have originated subsequently, like BA.1/2, BA.2.75/2.75.2, BA.4/5, BF.7, BQ.1/1.1, XBB.1/1.5, etc. which are circulated throughout the globe. Scientists reported that antibody escape is a common phenomenon observed in all the previous VOCs, VOIs, including Omicron and its subvariants. The mutations in the NTD (N-terminal domain) and RBD (Receptor-binding domain) of the spike of these variants and subvariants are responsible for antibody escape. At the same time, it has been noted that spike RBD mutations have been increasing in the last few months. This review illustrates significant RBD mutations namely R346T, K417N/T, L452R, N460K E484A/K/Q, and N501Y found in the previous emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron and its subvariants in high frequency and their role in antibody evasion and immune evasion. The review also describes the different classes of nAb responsible for antibody escape in SARS-CoV-2 variants and the molecular perspective of the mutation in nAb escape. It will help the future researchers to develop efficient vaccines which can finally prevent the pandemic.
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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
| | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Chiranjib Chakraborty
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Adamas University, Kolkata 700126, West Bengal, India.
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7
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Sergeeva AP, Katsamba PS, Liao J, Sampson JM, Bahna F, Mannepalli S, Morano NC, Shapiro L, Friesner RA, Honig B. Free Energy Perturbation Calculations of Mutation Effects on SARS-CoV-2 RBD::ACE2 Binding Affinity. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:168187. [PMID: 37355034 PMCID: PMC10286572 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
The strength of binding between human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and the receptor binding domain (RBD) of viral spike protein plays a role in the transmissibility of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In this study we focus on a subset of RBD mutations that have been frequently observed in infected individuals and probe binding affinity changes to ACE2 using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) measurements and free energy perturbation (FEP) calculations. Our SPR results are largely in accord with previous studies but discrepancies do arise due to differences in experimental methods and to protocol differences even when a single method is used. Overall, we find that FEP performance is superior to that of other computational approaches examined as determined by agreement with experiment and, in particular, by its ability to identify stabilizing mutations. Moreover, the calculations successfully predict the observed cooperative stabilization of binding by the Q498R N501Y double mutant present in Omicron variants and offer a physical explanation for the underlying mechanism. Overall, our results suggest that despite the significant computational cost, FEP calculations may offer an effective strategy to understand the effects of interfacial mutations on protein-protein binding affinities and, hence, in a variety of practical applications such as the optimization of neutralizing antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina P Sergeeva
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA. https://twitter.com/AlinaSergeeva
| | - Phinikoula S Katsamba
- Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Junzhuo Liao
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Jared M Sampson
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Schrödinger, Inc., New York, NY 10036, USA
| | - Fabiana Bahna
- Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Seetha Mannepalli
- Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Nicholas C Morano
- Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Lawrence Shapiro
- Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | | | - Barry Honig
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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8
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Sinha A, Sangeet S, Roy S. Evolution of Sequence and Structure of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein: A Dynamic Perspective. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:23283-23304. [PMID: 37426203 PMCID: PMC10324094 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c00944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) enters its host cell through a surface spike protein. The viral spike protein has undergone several modifications/mutations at the genomic level, through which it modulated its structure-function and passed through several variants of concern. Recent advances in high-resolution structure determination and multiscale imaging techniques, cost-effective next-generation sequencing, and development of new computational methods (including information theory, statistical methods, machine learning, and many other artificial intelligence-based techniques) have hugely contributed to the characterization of sequence, structure, function of spike proteins, and its different variants to understand viral pathogenesis, evolutions, and transmission. Laying on the foundation of the sequence-structure-function paradigm, this review summarizes not only the important findings on structure/function but also the structural dynamics of different spike components, highlighting the effects of mutations on them. As dynamic fluctuations of three-dimensional spike structure often provide important clues for functional modulation, quantifying time-dependent fluctuations of mutational events over spike structure and its genetic/amino acidic sequence helps identify alarming functional transitions having implications for enhanced fusogenicity and pathogenicity of the virus. Although these dynamic events are more difficult to capture than quantifying a static, average property, this review encompasses those challenging aspects of characterizing the evolutionary dynamics of spike sequence and structure and their implications for functions.
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9
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Giron CC, Laaksonen A, Barroso da Silva FL. Differences between Omicron SARS-CoV-2 RBD and other variants in their ability to interact with cell receptors and monoclonal antibodies. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:5707-5727. [PMID: 35815535 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2095305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 remains a health threat with the continuous emergence of new variants. This work aims to expand the knowledge about the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) interactions with cell receptors and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). By using constant-pH Monte Carlo simulations, the free energy of interactions between the RBD from different variants and several partners (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE2) polymorphisms and various mAbs) were predicted. Computed RBD-ACE2-binding affinities were higher for two ACE2 polymorphisms (rs142984500 and rs4646116) typically found in Europeans which indicates a genetic susceptibility. This is amplified for Omicron (BA.1) and its sublineages BA.2 and BA.3. The antibody landscape was computationally investigated with the largest set of mAbs so far in the literature. From the 32 studied binders, groups of mAbs were identified from weak to strong binding affinities (e.g. S2K146). These mAbs with strong binding capacity and especially their combination are amenable to experimentation and clinical trials because of their high predicted binding affinities and possible neutralization potential for current known virus mutations and a universal coronavirus.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Corrêa Giron
- Departamento de Ciências Biomoleculares, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Hospital de Clínicas, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Aatto Laaksonen
- Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Arrhenius Laboratory, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, PR China
- Centre of Advanced Research in Bionanoconjugates and Biopolymers, Petru Poni Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Iasi, Romania
- Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics, Division of Energy Science, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Fernando Luís Barroso da Silva
- Departamento de Ciências Biomoleculares, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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10
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Mahalingam G, Arjunan P, Periyasami Y, Dhyani AK, Devaraju N, Rajendiran V, Christopher AC, Kt RD, Dhanasingh I, Thangavel S, Murugesan M, Moorthy M, Srivastava A, Marepally S. Correlating the differences in the receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 spike variants on their interactions with human ACE2 receptor. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8743. [PMID: 37253762 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35070-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 variants plays a critical role in infection and transmission through its interaction with human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) receptors. Prior findings using molecular docking and biomolecular studies reported varied findings on the difference in the interactions among the spike variants with the hACE2 receptors. Hence, it is a prerequisite to understand these interactions in a more precise manner. To this end, firstly, we performed ELISA with trimeric spike glycoproteins of SARS-CoV-2 variants including Wuhan Hu-1(Wild), Delta, C.1.2 and Omicron. Further, to study the interactions in a more specific manner by mimicking the natural infection, we developed hACE2 receptors expressing HEK-293T cell line, evaluated their binding efficiencies and competitive binding of spike variants with D614G spike pseudotyped virus. In line with the existing findings, we observed that Omicron had higher binding efficiency compared to Delta in both ELISA and Cellular models. Intriguingly, we found that cellular models could differentiate the subtle differences between the closely related C.1.2 and Delta in their binding to hACE2 receptors. Our study using the cellular model provides a precise method to evaluate the binding interactions between spike sub-lineages to hACE2 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gokulnath Mahalingam
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) (a Unit of inStem, Bengaluru), CMC Campus, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632002, India
| | - Porkizhi Arjunan
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) (a Unit of inStem, Bengaluru), CMC Campus, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632002, India
| | - Yogapriya Periyasami
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) (a Unit of inStem, Bengaluru), CMC Campus, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632002, India
| | - Ajay Kumar Dhyani
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) (a Unit of inStem, Bengaluru), CMC Campus, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632002, India
| | - Nivedita Devaraju
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) (a Unit of inStem, Bengaluru), CMC Campus, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632002, India
| | - Vignesh Rajendiran
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) (a Unit of inStem, Bengaluru), CMC Campus, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632002, India
| | - Abisha Crystal Christopher
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) (a Unit of inStem, Bengaluru), CMC Campus, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632002, India
| | - Ramya Devi Kt
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Immanuel Dhanasingh
- Centre for Bio-Separation Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Saravanabhavan Thangavel
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) (a Unit of inStem, Bengaluru), CMC Campus, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632002, India
| | - Mohankumar Murugesan
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) (a Unit of inStem, Bengaluru), CMC Campus, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632002, India
| | - Mahesh Moorthy
- Department of Clinical Virology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Alok Srivastava
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) (a Unit of inStem, Bengaluru), CMC Campus, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632002, India
| | - Srujan Marepally
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) (a Unit of inStem, Bengaluru), CMC Campus, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632002, India.
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11
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An Z, Zhang Y, Yu X, Xia J, Yin Y, Li G, Lu J, Fan X, Xu Y. The Screening of Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies Targeting the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein by mRNA Immunization in Mice. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15051412. [PMID: 37242654 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15051412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Neutralizing antibodies (nAbs), the popular antiviral drugs used for the treatment of COVID-19, are effective in reducing viral load and hospitalization. Currently, most nAbs are screened from convalescent or vaccinated individuals through single B-cell sequencing which requires cutting-edge facilities. Moreover, owing to the rapid mutation of SARS-CoV-2, some approved nAbs are no longer effective. In the present study, we designed a new approach to acquiring broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) from mRNA-vaccinated mice. Using the flexibility and speed of mRNA vaccine preparation, we designed a chimeric mRNA vaccine and sequential immunization strategies to acquire bnAbs in mice within a short period. By comparing different vaccination orders, we found that the initially administered vaccine had a greater effect on the neutralizing potency of mouse sera. Ultimately, we screened a strain of bnAb that neutralized wild-type, Beta, and Delta SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviruses. We synthesized the mRNAs of the heavy and light chains of this antibody and verified its neutralizing potency. This study developed a new strategy to screen for bnAbs in mRNA-vaccinated mice and identified a more effective immunization strategy for inducing bnAbs, providing valuable insights for future antibody drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyin An
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xiang Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Jia Xia
- Department of Nephrology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Yanan Yin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Guoming Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Jing Lu
- Shanghai RNACure Biopharma Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Xuemei Fan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yingjie Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
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12
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Rui H, Ashton KS, Min J, Wang C, Potts PR. Protein-protein interfaces in molecular glue-induced ternary complexes: classification, characterization, and prediction. RSC Chem Biol 2023; 4:192-215. [PMID: 36908699 PMCID: PMC9994104 DOI: 10.1039/d2cb00207h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular glues are a class of small molecules that stabilize the interactions between proteins. Naturally occurring molecular glues are present in many areas of biology where they serve as central regulators of signaling pathways. Importantly, several clinical compounds act as molecular glue degraders that stabilize interactions between E3 ubiquitin ligases and target proteins, leading to their degradation. Molecular glues hold promise as a new generation of therapeutic agents, including those molecular glue degraders that can redirect the protein degradation machinery in a precise way. However, rational discovery of molecular glues is difficult in part due to the lack of understanding of the protein-protein interactions they stabilize. In this review, we summarize the structures of known molecular glue-induced ternary complexes and the interface properties. Detailed analysis shows different mechanisms of ternary structure formation. Additionally, we also review computational approaches for predicting protein-protein interfaces and highlight the promises and challenges. This information will ultimately help inform future approaches for rational molecular glue discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Rui
- Center for Research Acceleration by Digital Innovation, Amgen Research Thousand Oaks CA 91320 USA
| | - Kate S Ashton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Amgen Research Thousand Oaks CA 91320 USA
| | - Jaeki Min
- Induced Proximity Platform, Amgen Research Thousand Oaks CA 91320 USA
| | - Connie Wang
- Digital, Technology & Innovation, Amgen Thousand Oaks CA 91320 USA
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13
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González-Vázquez LD, Arenas M. Molecular Evolution of SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:407. [PMID: 36833334 PMCID: PMC9956206 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) produced diverse molecular variants during its recent expansion in humans that caused different transmissibility and severity of the associated disease as well as resistance to monoclonal antibodies and polyclonal sera, among other treatments. In order to understand the causes and consequences of the observed SARS-CoV-2 molecular diversity, a variety of recent studies investigated the molecular evolution of this virus during its expansion in humans. In general, this virus evolves with a moderate rate of evolution, in the order of 10-3-10-4 substitutions per site and per year, which presents continuous fluctuations over time. Despite its origin being frequently associated with recombination events between related coronaviruses, little evidence of recombination was detected, and it was mostly located in the spike coding region. Molecular adaptation is heterogeneous among SARS-CoV-2 genes. Although most of the genes evolved under purifying selection, several genes showed genetic signatures of diversifying selection, including a number of positively selected sites that affect proteins relevant for the virus replication. Here, we review current knowledge about the molecular evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in humans, including the emergence and establishment of variants of concern. We also clarify relationships between the nomenclatures of SARS-CoV-2 lineages. We conclude that the molecular evolution of this virus should be monitored over time for predicting relevant phenotypic consequences and designing future efficient treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Daniel González-Vázquez
- Biomedical Research Center (CINBIO), University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Immunology, University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain
| | - Miguel Arenas
- Biomedical Research Center (CINBIO), University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Immunology, University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain
- Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), 36310 Vigo, Spain
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14
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Bayani F, Safaei Hashkavaei N, Karamian MR, Uskoković V, Sefidbakht Y. In silico design of a multi-epitope vaccine against the spike and the nucleocapsid proteins of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:11748-11762. [PMID: 36703619 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2170470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Computational studies can comprise an effective approach to treating and preventing viral infections. Since 2019, the world has been dealing with the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The most important achievement in this short period of time in the effort to reduce morbidity and mortality was the production of vaccines and effective antiviral drugs. Although the virus has been significantly suppressed, it continues to evolve, spread, and evade the host's immune system. Recently, researchers have turned to immunoinformatics tools to reduce side effects and save the time and cost of traditional vaccine production methods. In the present study, an attempt has been made to design a multi-epitope vaccine with humoral and cellular immune response stimulation against the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 by investigating new mutations in spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins. The population coverage of the vaccine was evaluated as appropriate compared to other studies. The results of molecular dynamics simulation and molecular mechanics/generalized Born surface area (MM/GBSA) calculations predict the stability and proper interaction of the vaccine with Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) as an innate immune receptor. The results of the immune simulation show a significant increase in the coordinated response of IgM and IgG after the third injection of the vaccine. Also, in the continuation of the research, spike proteins from BA.4 and BA.5 lineages were screened by immunoinformatics filters and effective epitopes were suggested for vaccine design. Despite the high precision of computational studies, in-vivo and in-vitro research is needed for final confirmation.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Bayani
- Protein Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Reza Karamian
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vuk Uskoković
- TardigradeNano LLC, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Yahya Sefidbakht
- Protein Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
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15
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Ridgway H, Ntallis C, Chasapis CT, Kelaidonis K, Matsoukas MT, Plotas P, Apostolopoulos V, Moore G, Tsiodras S, Paraskevis D, Mavromoustakos T, Matsoukas JM. Molecular Epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2: The Dominant Role of Arginine in Mutations and Infectivity. Viruses 2023; 15:309. [PMID: 36851526 PMCID: PMC9963001 DOI: 10.3390/v15020309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background, Aims, Methods, Results, Conclusions: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a global challenge due to its ability to mutate into variants that spread more rapidly than the wild-type virus. The molecular biology of this virus has been extensively studied and computational methods applied are an example paradigm for novel antiviral drug therapies. The rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in the human population is driven, in part, by mutations in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike (S-) protein, some of which enable tighter binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2). More stable RBD-ACE2 association is coupled with accelerated hydrolysis by proteases, such as furin, trypsin, and the Transmembrane Serine Protease 2 (TMPRSS2) that augment infection rates, while inhibition of the 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro) can prevent the viral replication. Additionally, non-RBD and non-interfacial mutations may assist the S-protein in adopting thermodynamically favorable conformations for stronger binding. This study aimed to report variant distribution of SARS-CoV-2 across European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA) countries and relate mutations with the driving forces that trigger infections. Variants' distribution data for SARS-CoV-2 across EU/EEA countries were mined from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) based on the sequence or genotyping data that are deposited in the Global Science Initiative for providing genomic data (GISAID) and The European Surveillance System (TESSy) databases. Docking studies performed with AutoDock VINA revealed stabilizing interactions of putative antiviral drugs, e.g., selected anionic imidazole biphenyl tetrazoles, with the ACE2 receptor in the RBD-ACE2 complex. The driving forces of key mutations for Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, Kappa, Lambda, and Omicron variants, which stabilize the RBD-ACE2 complex, were investigated by computational approaches. Arginine is the critical amino acid in the polybasic furin cleavage sites S1/S2 (681-PRRARS-686) S2' (814-KRS-816). Critical mutations into arginine residues that were found in the delta variant (L452R, P681R) and may be responsible for the increased transmissibility and morbidity are also present in two widely spreading omicron variants, named BA.4.6 and BQ.1, where mutation R346T in the S-protein potentially contributes to neutralization escape. Arginine binders, such as Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs), could be a class of novel drugs for treating COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Ridgway
- Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne 8001, VIC, Australia
- AquaMem Consultants, Rodeo, NM 88056, USA
| | - Charalampos Ntallis
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 11635 Athens, Greece
| | - Christos T. Chasapis
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 11635 Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Panagiotis Plotas
- Laboratory of Primary Health Care, School of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne 3030, VIC, Australia
- Immunology Program, Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), Melbourne 3021, VIC, Australia
| | - Graham Moore
- Pepmetics Inc., 772 Murphy Place, Victoria, BC V6Y 3H4, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Sotirios Tsiodras
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Paraskevis
- Department of Hygiene Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Thomas Mavromoustakos
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11571 Athens, Greece
| | - John M. Matsoukas
- NewDrug PC, Patras Science Park, 26504 Patras, Greece
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne 3030, VIC, Australia
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
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16
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S Trimer Derived from SARS-CoV-2 B.1.351 and B.1.618 Induced Effective Immune Response against Multiple SARS-CoV-2 Variants. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11010193. [PMID: 36680037 PMCID: PMC9863711 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11010193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The spread of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants leads to a heavy burden on healthcare and the global economy, highlighting the need for developing vaccines that induce broad immunity against coronavirus. Here, we explored the immunogenicity of monovalent or bivalent spike (S) trimer subunit vaccines derived from SARS-CoV-2 B.1.351 (S1-2P) or/and B.1. 618 (S2-2P) in Balb/c mice. Both S1-2P and S2-2P elicited anti-spike antibody responses, and alum adjuvant induced higher levels of antibodies than Addavax adjuvant. The dose responses of the vaccines on immunogenicity were evaluated in vivo. A low dose of 5 μg monovalent recombinant protein or 2.5 μg bivalent vaccine triggered high-titer antibodies that showed cross-activity to Beta, Delta, and Gamma RBD in mice. The third immunization dose could boost (1.1 to 40.6 times) high levels of cross-binding antibodies and elicit high titers of neutralizing antibodies (64 to 1024) prototype, Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants. Furthermore, the vaccines were able to provoke a Th1-biased cellular immune response. Significantly, at the same antigen dose, S1-2P immune sera induced stronger broadly neutralizing antibodies against prototype, Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants compared to that induced by S2-2P. At the same time, the low dose of bivalent vaccine containing S2-2P and S1-2P (2.5 μg for each antigen) significantly improved the cross-neutralizing antibody responses. In conclusion, our results showed that monovalent S1-2P subunit vaccine or bivalent vaccine (S1-2P and S2-2P) induced potent humoral and cellular responses against multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants and provided valuable information for the development of recombinant protein-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines that protect against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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17
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Widyasari K, Kim J. A Review of the Currently Available Antibody Therapy for the Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Antibodies (Basel) 2023; 12:5. [PMID: 36648889 PMCID: PMC9887598 DOI: 10.3390/antib12010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies are a promising treatment for COVID-19. However, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants raised concerns about these therapies' efficacy and long-term viability. Studies reported several antibodies, that received authorization for COVID-19 treatment, are not effective against new variants or subvariants of SARS-CoV-2, hence their distribution has to be paused. Here, the authors reviewed the status of the currently available monoclonal antibodies for COVID-19 treatment, their potential as a therapeutic agent, and the challenges ahead. To address these issues, the authors presented general information on SARS-CoV-2 and how monoclonal antibodies work against SARS-CoV-2. The authors then focus on the antibodies that have been deployed for COVID-19 treatment and their current status, as well as the evidence supporting their potential as an early intervention against COVID-19. Lastly, the authors discussed some leading obstacles that hinder the development and administration of monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Widyasari
- Gyeongsang Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinnam Kim
- Major of Food Science & Nutrition, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
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18
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Puenpa J, Rattanakomol P, Saengdao N, Chansaenroj J, Yorsaeng R, Suwannakarn K, Thanasitthichai S, Vongpunsawad S, Poovorawan Y. Molecular characterisation and tracking of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in Thailand, 2020-2022. Arch Virol 2023; 168:26. [PMID: 36593392 PMCID: PMC9807426 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-022-05666-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The global COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was first detected in China in December 2019. To date, there have been approximately 3.4 million reported cases of COVID-19 and over 24,000 deaths in Thailand. In this study, we investigated the molecular characteristics and evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in Thailand from 2020 to 2022. Two hundred sixty-eight SARS-CoV-2 isolates, collected mostly in Bangkok from COVID-19 patients, were characterised by partial genome sequencing. Moreover, the viruses in 5,627 positive SARS-CoV-2 samples were identified as viral variants - B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.617.2 (Delta), B.1.1.529 (Omicron/BA.1), or B.1.1.529 (Omicron/BA.2) - by multiplex real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays. The results revealed that B.1.36.16 caused the predominant outbreak in the second wave (December 2020-January 2021), B.1.1.7 (Alpha) in the third wave (April-June 2021), B.1.617.2 (Delta) in the fourth wave (July-December 2021), and B.1.1.529 (Omicron) in the fifth wave (January-March 2022). The evolutionary rate of the viral genome was 2.60 × 10-3 (95% highest posterior density [HPD], 1.72 × 10-3 to 3.62 × 10-3) nucleotide substitutions per site per year. Continued molecular surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial for monitoring emerging variants with the potential to cause new COVID-19 outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiratchaya Puenpa
- grid.7922.e0000 0001 0244 7875Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Patthaya Rattanakomol
- grid.7922.e0000 0001 0244 7875Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nutsada Saengdao
- grid.7922.e0000 0001 0244 7875Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand ,grid.416009.aDepartment of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jira Chansaenroj
- grid.7922.e0000 0001 0244 7875Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ritthideach Yorsaeng
- grid.7922.e0000 0001 0244 7875Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kamol Suwannakarn
- grid.416009.aDepartment of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Somchai Thanasitthichai
- grid.415836.d0000 0004 0576 2573Institute of Medical Research and Technology Assessment, Ministry of Public Health, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sompong Vongpunsawad
- grid.7922.e0000 0001 0244 7875Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yong Poovorawan
- grid.7922.e0000 0001 0244 7875Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand ,grid.512985.2FRS(T), The Royal Society of Thailand, Sanam Sueapa, Dusit, Bangkok, Thailand
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19
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Cancela F, Ramos N, Smyth DS, Etchebehere C, Berois M, Rodríguez J, Rufo C, Alemán A, Borzacconi L, López J, González E, Botto G, Thornhill SG, Mirazo S, Trujillo M. Wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 genomic populations on a country-wide scale through targeted sequencing. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284483. [PMID: 37083889 PMCID: PMC10121012 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 surveillance of viral populations in wastewater samples is recognized as a useful tool for monitoring epidemic waves and boosting health preparedness. Next generation sequencing of viral RNA isolated from wastewater is a convenient and cost-effective strategy to understand the molecular epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 and provide insights on the population dynamics of viral variants at the community level. However, in low- and middle-income countries, isolated groups have performed wastewater monitoring and data has not been extensively shared in the scientific community. Here we report the results of monitoring the co-circulation and abundance of variants of concern (VOCs) of SARS-CoV-2 in Uruguay, a small country in Latin America, between November 2020-July 2021 using wastewater surveillance. RNA isolated from wastewater was characterized by targeted sequencing of the Receptor Binding Domain region within the spike gene. Two computational approaches were used to track the viral variants. The results of the wastewater analysis showed the transition in the overall predominance of viral variants in wastewater from No-VOCs to successive VOCs, in agreement with clinical surveillance from sequencing of nasal swabs. The mutations K417T, E484K and N501Y, that characterize the Gamma VOC, were detected as early as December 2020, several weeks before the first clinical case was reported. Interestingly, a non-synonymous mutation described in the Delta VOC, L452R, was detected at a very low frequency since April 2021 when using a recently described sequence analysis tool (SAM Refiner). Wastewater NGS-based surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 is a reliable and complementary tool for monitoring the introduction and prevalence of VOCs at a community level allowing early public health decisions. This approach allows the tracking of symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, who are generally under-reported in countries with limited clinical testing capacity. Our results suggests that wastewater-based epidemiology can contribute to improving public health responses in low- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florencia Cancela
- Sección Virología, Instituto de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Natalia Ramos
- Sección Virología, Instituto de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Davida S Smyth
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Claudia Etchebehere
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Genómica Microbiana, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Ministerio de Educación y Cultura, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Mabel Berois
- Sección Virología, Instituto de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Jesica Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de Alimentos y Nutrición, Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Caterina Rufo
- Laboratorio de Alimentos y Nutrición, Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Alicia Alemán
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Liliana Borzacconi
- Instituto de Ingeniería Química, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Julieta López
- Departamento de Ingeniería Ambiental, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Elizabeth González
- Departamento de Ingeniería Ambiental, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Germán Botto
- Departamento de Métodos Cuantitativos, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Starla G Thornhill
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Santiago Mirazo
- Sección Virología, Instituto de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Departamento de Bacteriología y Virología, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Mónica Trujillo
- Department of Biological Sciences and Geology, Queensborough Community College of The City University of New York, Queens, New York, United States of America
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20
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Kodchakorn K, Kongtawelert P. Molecular dynamics study on the strengthening behavior of Delta and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD improved receptor-binding affinity. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277745. [PMID: 36395151 PMCID: PMC9671323 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by a virus that can be transmitted from human to human via air droplets has changed the quality of life and economic systems all over the world. The viral DNA has mutated naturally over time leading to the diversity of coronavirus victims which has posed a serious threat to human security on a massive scale. The current variants have developed in a dominant way and are considered "Variants of Concern" by the World Health Organization (WHO). In this work, Kappa (B.1.617.1), Delta (B.1.617.2), and Omicron (B.1.1.529) variants were obtained to evaluate whether naturally occurring mutations have strengthened viral infectivity. We apply reliable in silico structural dynamics and energetic frameworks of the mutated S-RBD protein for ACE2-binding to analyze and compare the structural information related to the wild-type. In particular, the hotspot residues at Q493, Q498, and N501 on the S-RBD protein were determined as contributing factors to the employment stability of the relevant binding interface. The L452R mutation induces an increment of the hydrogen bonds formed by changing the Q493 environment for ACE2 binding. Moreover, the Q493K exchange in Omicron enables the formation of two additional salt bridges, leading to a strong binding affinity by increased electrostatic interaction energy. These results could be used in proposing concrete informative data for a structure-based design engaged in finding better therapeutics against novel variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanchanok Kodchakorn
- Thailand Excellence Center for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Prachya Kongtawelert
- Thailand Excellence Center for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- * E-mail:
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21
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Chavda VP, Bezbaruah R, Deka K, Nongrang L, Kalita T. The Delta and Omicron Variants of SARS-CoV-2: What We Know So Far. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:1926. [PMID: 36423021 PMCID: PMC9698608 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10111926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The world has not yet completely overcome the fear of the havoc brought by SARS-CoV-2. The virus has undergone several mutations since its initial appearance in China in December 2019. Several variations (i.e., B.1.616.1 (Kappa variant), B.1.617.2 (Delta variant), B.1.617.3, and BA.2.75 (Omicron variant)) have emerged throughout the pandemic, altering the virus's capacity to spread, risk profile, and even symptoms. Humanity faces a serious threat as long as the virus keeps adapting and changing its fundamental function to evade the immune system. The Delta variant has two escape alterations, E484Q and L452R, as well as other mutations; the most notable of these is P681R, which is expected to boost infectivity, whereas the Omicron has about 60 mutations with certain deletions and insertions. The Delta variant is 40-60% more contagious in comparison to the Alpha variant. Additionally, the AY.1 lineage, also known as the "Delta plus" variant, surfaced as a result of a mutation in the Delta variant, which was one of the causes of the life-threatening second wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Nevertheless, the recent Omicron variants represent a reminder that the COVID-19 epidemic is far from ending. The wave has sparked a fervor of investigation on why the variant initially appeared to propagate so much more rapidly than the other three variants of concerns (VOCs), whether it is more threatening in those other ways, and how its type of mutations, which induce minor changes in its proteins, can wreck trouble. This review sheds light on the pathogenicity, mutations, treatments, and impact on the vaccine efficacy of the Delta and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek P. Chavda
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, L M College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad 380008, Gujarat, India
| | - Rajashri Bezbaruah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh 786004, Assam, India
| | - Kangkan Deka
- NETES Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Mirza, Guwahati 781125, Assam, India
| | - Lawandashisha Nongrang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh 786004, Assam, India
| | - Tutumoni Kalita
- Girijananda Chowdhury Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Azara, Guwahati 781017, Assam, India
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22
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Coderc de Lacam EG, Blazhynska M, Chen H, Gumbart JC, Chipot C. When the Dust Has Settled: Calculation of Binding Affinities from First Principles for SARS-CoV-2 Variants with Quantitative Accuracy. J Chem Theory Comput 2022; 18:5890-5900. [PMID: 36108303 PMCID: PMC9518821 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.2c00604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Accurate determination of binding free energy is pivotal for the study of many biological processes and has been applied in a number of theoretical investigations to compare the affinity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 variants toward the host cell. Diversity of these variants challenges the development of effective general therapies, their transmissibility relying either on an increased affinity toward their dedicated human receptor, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), or on escaping the immune response. Now that robust structural data are available, we have determined with utmost accuracy the standard binding free energy of the receptor-binding domain to the most widespread variants, namely, Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron BA.2, as well as the wild type (WT) in complex either with ACE2 or with antibodies, namely, S2E12 and H11-D4, using a rigorous theoretical framework that combines molecular dynamics and potential-of-mean-force calculations. Our results show that an appropriate starting structure is crucial to ensure appropriate reproduction of the binding affinity, allowing the variants to be compared. They also emphasize the necessity to apply the relevant methodology, bereft of any shortcut, to account for all the contributions to the standard binding free energy. Our estimates of the binding affinities support the view that while the Alpha and Beta variants lean on an increased affinity toward the host cell, the Delta and Omicron BA.2 variants choose immune escape. Moreover, the S2E12 antibody, already known to be active against the WT (Starr et al., 2021; Mlcochova et al., 2021), proved to be equally effective against the Delta variant. In stark contrast, H11-D4 retains a low affinity toward the WT compared to that of ACE2 for the latter. Assuming robust structural information, the methodology employed herein successfully addresses the challenging protein-protein binding problem in the context of coronavirus disease 2019 while offering promising perspectives for predictive studies of ever-emerging variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Goulard Coderc de Lacam
- Laboratoire International Associé Centre
National de la Recherche Scientifique et University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign,
Unité Mixte de Recherche No 7019, Université de
Lorraine, B.P. 70239, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy Cedex54506,
France
| | - Marharyta Blazhynska
- Laboratoire International Associé Centre
National de la Recherche Scientifique et University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign,
Unité Mixte de Recherche No 7019, Université de
Lorraine, B.P. 70239, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy Cedex54506,
France
| | - Haochuan Chen
- Laboratoire International Associé Centre
National de la Recherche Scientifique et University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign,
Unité Mixte de Recherche No 7019, Université de
Lorraine, B.P. 70239, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy Cedex54506,
France
| | - James C. Gumbart
- School of Physics, Georgia Institute of
Technology, Atlanta, Georgia30332, United States
| | - Christophe Chipot
- Laboratoire International Associé Centre
National de la Recherche Scientifique et University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign,
Unité Mixte de Recherche No 7019, Université de
Lorraine, B.P. 70239, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy Cedex54506,
France
- Theoretical and Computational Biophysics Group, Beckman
Institute, and Department of Physics, University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign, UrbanaIllinois61802, United
States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,
The University of Chicago, 929 E. 57th Street W225, Chicago,
Illinois60637, United States
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23
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Singh R, Kumar A, Rane JS, Khan R, Tripathi G, Ajay AK, Prakash A, Ray S. Arylcoumarin perturbs SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis by targeting the S-protein/ACE2 interaction. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17038. [PMID: 36220880 PMCID: PMC9552724 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20759-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The vaccination drive against COVID-19 worldwide was quite successful. However, the second wave of infections was even more disastrous. There was a rapid increase in reinfections and human deaths due to the appearance of new SARS-CoV-2 variants. The viral genome mutations in the variants were acquired while passing through different human hosts that could escape antibodies in convalescent or vaccinated individuals. The treatment was based on oxygen supplements and supportive protocols due to the lack of a specific drug. In this study, we identified three lead inhibitors of arylated coumarin derivatives 4,6,8-tri(naphthalen-2-yl)-2H-chromen-2-one (NF1), 8-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4,6-di(naphthalen-2-yl)-2H-chromen-2-one (NF12) and 8-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,6-di(naphthalen-2-yl)-2H-chromen-2-one (NF-13) that showed higher binding affinity towards the junction of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein (S-protein) and human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. Using molecular docking analysis, we identified the putative binding sites of these potent inhibitors. Notably, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and MM-PBSA studies confirmed that these inhibitors have the potential ability to bind Spike-protein/ACE2 protein complex with minimal energy. Further, the two major concerns are an adaptive mutation of spike proteins- N501Y and D614G which displayed strong affinity towards NF-13 in docking analysis. Additionally, in vitro and in vivo studies are required to confirm the above findings and develop the inhibitors as potential drugs against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruhar Singh
- School of Computational and Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Abhijeet Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari, 845401, India
| | - Jitendra Subhash Rane
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, 400076, India
| | - Rajni Khan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, 844102, India
| | - Garima Tripathi
- Department of Chemistry, T.N.B. College, Bhagalpur, Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University, Bhagalpur, 812007, India
| | - Amrendra K Ajay
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Amresh Prakash
- Amity Institute of Integrative Sciences and Health, Amity University Haryana, Gurgaon, 122413, India.
| | - Shashikant Ray
- Department of Biotechnology, Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari, 845401, India.
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24
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The Comparison of Mutational Progression in SARS-CoV-2: A Short Updated Overview. JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jmp3040018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the world population adversely, posing a threat to human health. In the past few years, various strains of SARS-CoV-2, each with different mutations in its structure, have impacted human health in negative ways. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mutations influence the virulence, antibody evasion, and Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) affinity of the virus. These mutations are essential to understanding how a new strain of SARS-CoV-2 has changed and its possible effects on the human body. This review provides an insight into the spike mutations of SARS-CoV-2 variants. As the current scientific data offer a scattered outlook on the various type of mutations, we aimed to categorize the mutations of Beta (B.1.351), Gamma (P.1), Delta (B.1.612.2), and Omicron (B.1.1.529) systematically according to their location in the subunit 1 (S1) and subunit 2 (S2) domains and summarized their consequences as a result. We also compared the miscellany of mutations that have emerged in all four variants to date. The comparison shows that mutations such as D614G and N501Y have emerged in all four variants of concern and that all four variants have multiple mutations within the N-terminal domain (NTD), as in the case of the Delta variant. Other mutations are scattered in the receptor binding domain (RBD) and subdomain 2 (SD2) of the S1 domain. Mutations in RBD or NTD are often associated with antibody evasion. Few mutations lie in the S2 domain in the Beta, Gamma, and Delta variants. However, in the Omicron variant many mutations occupy the S2 domain, hinting towards a much more evasive virus.
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25
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Yang Z, Zhang S, Tang YP, Yue SJ, Xu DQ, Fu RJ, Zhang S, Liu QL. Will New Variants Emerge after Delta and Omicron? Aging Dis 2022; 13:1317-1322. [PMID: 36186131 PMCID: PMC9466981 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2022.0307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Yang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, and State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China.
- School of Public Health, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Shuo Zhang
- School of Clinical Medicine (Guang’anmen Hospital), Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Yu-Ping Tang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, and State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Shi-Jun Yue
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, and State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Ding-Qiao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, and State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Rui-Jia Fu
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, and State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Sai Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, and State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Qi-Ling Liu
- School of Public Health, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China.
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26
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Barroso da Silva FL, Giron CC, Laaksonen A. Electrostatic Features for the Receptor Binding Domain of SARS-COV-2 Wildtype and Its Variants. Compass to the Severity of the Future Variants with the Charge-Rule. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:6835-6852. [PMID: 36066414 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c04225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Electrostatic intermolecular interactions are important in many aspects of biology. We have studied the main electrostatic features involved in the interaction of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with the human receptor Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). As the principal computational tool, we have used the FORTE approach, capable to model proton fluctuations and computing free energies for a very large number of protein-protein systems under different physical-chemical conditions, here focusing on the RBD-ACE2 interactions. Both the wild-type and all critical variants are included in this study. From our large ensemble of extensive simulations, we obtain, as a function of pH, the binding affinities, charges of the proteins, their charge regulation capacities, and their dipole moments. In addition, we have calculated the pKas for all ionizable residues and mapped the electrostatic coupling between them. We are able to present a simple predictor for the RBD-ACE2 binding based on the data obtained for Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron variants, as a linear correlation between the total charge of the RBD and the corresponding binding affinity. This "RBD charge rule" should work as a quick test of the degree of severity of the coming SARS-CoV-2 variants in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando L Barroso da Silva
- Departamento de Ciências Biomoleculares, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. café, s/no-campus da USP, BR-14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.,Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Carolina Corrêa Giron
- Departamento de Ciências Biomoleculares, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. café, s/no-campus da USP, BR-14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.,Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Av. Getúlio Guaritá, 38025-440 Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Aatto Laaksonen
- Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Arrhenius Laboratory, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.,State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, P. R. China.,Centre of Advanced Research in Bionanoconjugates and Biopolymers, Petru Poni Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Aleea Grigore Ghica-Voda, 41A, 700487 Iasi, Romania.,Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics, Division of Energy Science, Luleå University of Technology, SE-97187 Luleå, Sweden.,Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, Campus Monserrato, University of Cagliari, SS 554 bivio per Sestu, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
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27
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Candido KL, Eich CR, de Fariña LO, Kadowaki MK, da Conceição Silva JL, Maller A, Simão RDCG. Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 variants: a brief review and practical implications. Braz J Microbiol 2022; 53:1133-1157. [PMID: 35397075 PMCID: PMC8994061 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-022-00743-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The scientific community has been alarmed by the possible immunological evasion, higher infectivity, and severity of disease caused by the newest variants of SARS-CoV-2. The spike protein has an important role in the cellular invasion of viruses and is the target of several vaccines and therapeutic resources, such as monoclonal antibodies. In addition, some of the most relevant mutations in the different variants are on the spike (S) protein gene sequence that leads to structural alterations in the predicted protein, thus causing concern about the protection mediated by vaccines against these new strains. The present review highlights the most recent knowledge about COVID-19 and vaccines, emphasizing the different spike protein structures of SARS-CoV-2 and updating the reader about the emerging viral variants and their classifications, the more common viral mutations described and their distribution in Brazil. It also compiles a table with the most recent knowledge about all of the Omicron spike mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kattlyn Laryssa Candido
- Present Address: Laboratório de Bioquímica Molecular (LaBioqMol), Centro de Ciências Médicas e Farmacêuticas, Unioeste, Cascavel, PR Brazil
| | - Caio Ricardo Eich
- Present Address: Laboratório de Bioquímica Molecular (LaBioqMol), Centro de Ciências Médicas e Farmacêuticas, Unioeste, Cascavel, PR Brazil
| | - Luciana Oliveira de Fariña
- Present Address: Laboratório de Bioquímica Molecular (LaBioqMol), Centro de Ciências Médicas e Farmacêuticas, Unioeste, Cascavel, PR Brazil
| | - Marina Kimiko Kadowaki
- Present Address: Laboratório de Bioquímica Molecular (LaBioqMol), Centro de Ciências Médicas e Farmacêuticas, Unioeste, Cascavel, PR Brazil
| | - José Luis da Conceição Silva
- Present Address: Laboratório de Bioquímica Molecular (LaBioqMol), Centro de Ciências Médicas e Farmacêuticas, Unioeste, Cascavel, PR Brazil
| | - Alexandre Maller
- Present Address: Laboratório de Bioquímica Molecular (LaBioqMol), Centro de Ciências Médicas e Farmacêuticas, Unioeste, Cascavel, PR Brazil
| | - Rita de Cássia Garcia Simão
- Present Address: Laboratório de Bioquímica Molecular (LaBioqMol), Centro de Ciências Médicas e Farmacêuticas, Unioeste, Cascavel, PR Brazil
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28
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Patel RS, Agrawal B. Heterologous immunity induced by 1 st generation COVID-19 vaccines and its role in developing a pan-coronavirus vaccine. Front Immunol 2022; 13:952229. [PMID: 36045689 PMCID: PMC9420909 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.952229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative infectious agent of the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to multiple (4-6) waves of infections worldwide during the past two years. The development of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 has led to successful mass immunizations worldwide, mitigating the worldwide mortality due the pandemic to a great extent. Yet the evolution of new variants highlights a need to develop a universal vaccine which can prevent infections from all virulent SARS-CoV-2. Most of the current first generation COVID-19 vaccines are based on the Spike protein from the original Wuhan-hu-1 virus strain. It is encouraging that they still protect from serious illnesses, hospitalizations and mortality against a number of mutated viral strains, to varying degrees. Understanding the mechanisms by which these vaccines provide heterologous protection against multiple highly mutated variants can reveal strategies to develop a universal vaccine. In addition, many unexposed individuals have been found to harbor T cells that are cross-reactive against SARS-CoV-2 antigens, with a possible protective role. In this review, we will discuss various aspects of natural or vaccine-induced heterologous (cross-reactive) adaptive immunity against SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses, and their role in achieving the concept of a pan-coronavirus vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Babita Agrawal
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Chaudhari AM, Joshi M, Kumar D, Patel A, Lokhande KB, Krishnan A, Hanack K, Filipek S, Liepmann D, Renugopalakrishnan V, Paulmurugan R, Joshi C. Evaluation of immune evasion in SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron variants. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:4501-4516. [PMID: 35965661 PMCID: PMC9359593 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants with higher transmissibility and immune escape remain a persistent threat across the globe. This is evident from the recent outbreaks of the Delta (B.1.617.2) and Omicron variants. These variants have originated from different continents and spread across the globe. In this study, we explored the genomic and structural basis of these variants for their lineage defining mutations of the spike protein through computational analysis, protein modeling, and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations. We further experimentally validated the importance of these deletion mutants for their immune escape using a pseudovirus-based neutralization assay, and an antibody (4A8) that binds directly to the spike protein's NTD. Delta variant with the deletion and mutations in the NTD revealed a better rigidity and reduced flexibility as compared to the wild-type spike protein (Wuhan isolate). Furthermore, computational studies of 4A8 monoclonal antibody (mAb) revealed a reduced binding of Delta variant compared to the wild-type strain. Similarly, the MD simulation data and virus neutralization assays revealed that the Omicron also exhibits immune escape, as antigenic beta-sheets appear to be disrupted. The results of the present study demonstrate the higher possibility of immune escape and thereby achieved better fitness advantages by the Delta and Omicron variants, which warrants further demonstrations through experimental evidences. Our study, based on in-silico computational modelling, simulations, and pseudovirus-based neutralization assay, highlighted and identified the probable mechanism through which the Delta and Omicron variants are more pathogenically evolved with higher transmissibility as compared to the wild-type strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armi M Chaudhari
- Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC), Department of Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat, Gandhinagar 382011, India
| | - Madhvi Joshi
- Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC), Department of Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat, Gandhinagar 382011, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar
- Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC), Department of Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat, Gandhinagar 382011, India
| | - Amrutlal Patel
- Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC), Department of Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat, Gandhinagar 382011, India
| | - Kiran Bharat Lokhande
- Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC), Department of Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat, Gandhinagar 382011, India
| | - Anandi Krishnan
- Cellular Pathway Imaging Laboratory (CPIL), Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States
| | - Katja Hanack
- Immunotechnology Group, Department of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Slawomir Filipek
- Faculty of Chemistry & Biological and Chemical Research, Centre, University of Warsaw, ul, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dorian Liepmann
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| | - Venkatesan Renugopalakrishnan
- Department of Chemistry, Northeastern University, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MGB Center for COVID Innovation, MA 02115, United States
| | - Ramasamy Paulmurugan
- Cellular Pathway Imaging Laboratory (CPIL), Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States
| | - Chaitanya Joshi
- Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC), Department of Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat, Gandhinagar 382011, India
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30
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Chakraborty C, Bhattacharya M, Sharma AR, Mallik B. Omicron (B.1.1.529) - A new heavily mutated variant: Mapped location and probable properties of its mutations with an emphasis on S-glycoprotein. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 219:980-997. [PMID: 35952818 PMCID: PMC9359758 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.07.254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Omicron, another SARS-CoV-2 variant, has been recorded and reported as a VoC. It has already spread across >30 countries and is a highly mutated variant. We tried to understand the role of mutations in the investigated variants by comparison with previous characterized VoC. We have mapped the mutations in Omicron S-glycoprotein's secondary and tertiary structure landscape using bioinformatics tools and statistical software and developed different models. In addition, we analyzed the effect of diverse mutations in antibody binding regions of the S-glycoprotein on the binding affinity of the investigated antibodies. This study has chosen eight significant mutations in Omicron (D614G, E484A, N501Y, Q493K, K417N, S477N, Y505H G496S), and seven of them are located in the RBD region. We also performed a comparative analysis of the ΔΔG score of these mutations to understand the stabilizing or destabilizing properties of the investigated mutations. The analysis outcome shows that D614G, Q493K, and S477N mutations are stable mutations with ΔΔG scores of 0.351 kcal/mol, 0.470 kcal/mol, and 0.628 kcal/mol, respectively, according to DynaMut estimations. While other mutations (E484A, N501Y, K417N, Y505H, G496S) showed destabilizing results. The D614G, E484A, N501Y, K417N, Y505H, and G496S mutations increased the molecular flexibility of S-glycoprotein to interact with the ACE2 receptor, increasing the variant's infectivity. Our study will contribute to research on the SARS-CoV-2 variant, Omicron, by providing information on the mutational pattern and exciting properties of these eight significant mutations, such as antibody escape and infectivity quotient (stabilizing or destabilizing; increased or decreased molecular flexibility of S-glycoprotein to interact with the human ACE2 receptor).
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiranjib Chakraborty
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Adamas University, Kolkata, West Bengal 700126, India.
| | - Manojit Bhattacharya
- Department of Zoology, Fakir Mohan University, Vyasa Vihar, Balasore 756020, Odisha, India
| | - Ashish Ranjan Sharma
- Institute for Skeletal Aging & Orthopaedic Surgery, Hallym University-Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Chuncheon-si 24252, Gangwon-do, South Korea
| | - Bidyut Mallik
- Department of Applied Science, Galgotias College of Engineering and Technology, Knowledge Park-II, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201306, India
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31
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Solanki K, Rajpoot S, Kumar A, J Zhang KY, Ohishi T, Hirani N, Wadhonkar K, Patidar P, Pan Q, Baig MS. Structural analysis of spike proteins from SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern highlighting their functional alterations. Future Virol 2022. [PMID: 35935449 PMCID: PMC9345306 DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2022-0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Aim: Mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein have dramatically changed the transmissibility and pathogenicity of the virus. Therefore, we studied the binding affinity of Omicron spike-receptor binding domain (S-RBD) with human ACE2 receptor. Materials & methods: We used pyDockWEB and HADDOCK 2.4 docking for our study. Results: Computational docking indicated higher binding affinity of Omicron S-RBD as compared with wild-type SARS-CoV-2 and Delta S-RBD with ACE2. Interface analysis suggested four mutated residues of Omicron S-RBD for its enhanced binding. We also showed decreased binding affinity of Omicron and Delta S-RBDs with monoclonal antibodies. Conclusion: Compared with wild-type SARS-CoV-2, Omicron S-RBD exhibit higher binding with ACE2 and lower affinity against monoclonal antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kundan Solanki
- Department of Biosciences & Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol, Indore, 453552, India
| | - Sajjan Rajpoot
- Department of Biosciences & Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol, Indore, 453552, India
| | - Ashutosh Kumar
- Laboratory for Structural Bioinformatics, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Tsurumi, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Kam Y J Zhang
- Laboratory for Structural Bioinformatics, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Tsurumi, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Ohishi
- Institute of Microbial Chemistry, Microbial Chemistry Research Foundation, Numazu-Shi, Shizuoka, 410-0301, Japan
| | - Nik Hirani
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH164TJ, UK
| | - Khandu Wadhonkar
- Department of Biosciences & Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol, Indore, 453552, India
| | - Pramod Patidar
- Department of Biosciences & Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol, Indore, 453552, India
| | - Qiuwei Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mirza S Baig
- Department of Biosciences & Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol, Indore, 453552, India
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32
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Wang WJ, Chen Y, Su WC, Liu YY, Shen WJ, Chang WC, Huang ST, Lin CW, Wang YC, Yang CS, Hou MH, Chou YC, Wu YC, Wang SC, Hung MC. Peimine inhibits variants of SARS-CoV-2 cell entry via blocking the interaction between viral spike protein and ACE2. J Food Biochem 2022; 46:e14354. [PMID: 35894128 PMCID: PMC9353385 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.14354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Several vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 have been approved; however, variants of concern (VOCs) can evade vaccine protection. Therefore, developing small compound drugs that directly block the interaction between the viral spike glycoprotein and ACE2 is urgently needed to provide a complementary or alternative treatment for COVID-19 patients. We developed a viral infection assay to screen a library of approximately 126 small molecules and showed that peimine inhibits VOCs viral infections. In addition, a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay showed that peimine suppresses the interaction of spike and ACE2. Molecular docking analysis revealed that peimine exhibits a higher binding affinity for variant spike proteins and is able to form hydrogen bonds with N501Y in the spike protein. These results suggest that peimine, a compound isolated from Fritillaria, may be a potent inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 variant infection. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In this study, we identified a naturally derived compound of peimine, a major bioactive alkaloid extracted from Fritillaria, that could inhibit SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) viral infection in 293T/ACE2 and Calu-3 lung cells. In addition, peimine blocks viral entry through interruption of spike and ACE2 interaction. Moreover, molecular docking analysis demonstrates that peimine has a higher binding affinity on N501Y in the spike protein. Furthermore, we found that Fritillaria significantly inhibits SARS-CoV-2 viral infection. These results suggested that peimine and Fritillaria could be a potential functional drug and food for COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Jan Wang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yeh Chen
- Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Gradaute Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,New Drug Development Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chi Su
- International Master's Program of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Research Center for Emerging Viruses, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Yi Liu
- Department of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Jou Shen
- College of Medicine, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chao Chang
- Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Teng Huang
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Chinese Medicine, Research Cancer Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,An-Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Wen Lin
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chuan Wang
- Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Gradaute Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,New Drug Development Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Shin Yang
- Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Gradaute Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,New Drug Development Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Hui Hou
- Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Gradaute Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,New Drug Development Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chi Chou
- RNA Technology Platform and Gene Manipulation Core, Biomedical Translation Research Center (BioTReC), Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yang-Chang Wu
- Chinese Medicine Research and Development Center, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Chun Wang
- Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery Ph.D. Program, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Mien-Chie Hung
- Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
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33
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Priya P, Basit A, Bandyopadhyay P. A strategy to optimize the peptide-based inhibitors against different mutants of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022:1-12. [PMID: 35881159 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2103587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus has caused high-priority health concerns at a global level. Vaccines have stalled the proliferation of viruses to some extent. Yet, the emergence of newer, potentially more infectious, and dangerous mutants such as Delta and Omicron are among the major challenges in finding a more permanent solution for this pandemic. The effectiveness of antivirals Molnupiravir and Paxlovid, authorized for emergency use by the FDA, are yet to be assessed on a larger population. Patients with a high risk of disease progression have received treatment with antibody-cocktail. Most of the mutations leading to the new lineage of SARS-CoV-2 are found in the spike protein of this virus that plays a key role in facilitating host entry. The current study has investigated how to modify a promising peptide-based inhibitor of spike protein, LCB3, against common mutations, N501Y and K417N in the target protein so that it retains its efficacy against the spike protein. LCB3 being a prototype for protein-based inhibitors is an ideal testing system to learn about protein-based inhibitors. This study proposes the substitutions of amino acid residues of LCB3 inhibitor using a structure-based approach that considers free energy decomposition of residues, the distance between atoms, and the interaction among amino acids. The binding free energy calculations suggest a possible improvement in the binding affinity of existing inhibitor LCB3 to the mutant forms of the S-protein using simple substitutions at specific positions of the inhibitor. This approach, being general, can be used in different inhibitors and other mutations and help in fighting against SARS-CoV-2.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prerna Priya
- Department of Botany, Purnea Mahila College, Purnea University, Purnia, Bihar, India
| | - Abdul Basit
- School of Computational and Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Pradipta Bandyopadhyay
- School of Computational and Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
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34
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Fibke CD, Joffres Y, Tyson JR, Colijn C, Janjua NZ, Fjell C, Prystajecky N, Jassem A, Sbihi H. Spike Mutation Profiles Associated With SARS-CoV-2 Breakthrough Infections in Delta Emerging and Predominant Time Periods in British Columbia, Canada. Front Public Health 2022; 10:915363. [PMID: 35859775 PMCID: PMC9289444 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.915363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background COVID-19 vaccination is a key public health measure in the pandemic response. The rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants introduce new groups of spike protein mutations. These new mutations are thought to aid in the evasion of vaccine-induced immunity and render vaccines less effective. However, not all spike mutations contribute equally to vaccine escape. Previous studies associate mutations with vaccine breakthrough infections (BTI), but information at the population level remains scarce. We aimed to identify spike mutations associated with SARS-CoV-2 vaccine BTI in a community setting during the emergence and predominance of the Delta-variant. Methods This case-control study used both genomic, and epidemiological data from a provincial COVID-19 surveillance program. Analyses were stratified into two periods approximating the emergence and predominance of the Delta-variant, and restricted to primary SARS-CoV-2 infections from either unvaccinated individuals, or those infected ≥14 days after their second vaccination dose in a community setting. Each sample's spike mutations were concatenated into a unique spike mutation profile (SMP). Penalized logistic regression was used to identify spike mutations and SMPs associated with SARS-CoV-2 vaccine BTI in both time periods. Results and Discussion This study reports population level relative risk estimates, between 2 and 4-folds, of spike mutation profiles associated with BTI during the emergence and predominance of the Delta-variant, which comprised 19,624 and 17,331 observations, respectively. The identified mutations cover multiple spike domains including the N-terminal domain (NTD), receptor binding domain (RBD), S1/S2 cleavage region, fusion peptide and heptad regions. Mutations in these different regions imply various mechanisms contribute to vaccine escape. Our profiling method identifies naturally occurring spike mutations associated with BTI, and can be applied to emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants with novel groups of spike mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad D. Fibke
- BC Centre for Disease Control, UBC BCCDC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Yayuk Joffres
- BC Center for Disease Control, Data and Analytics Services, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - John R. Tyson
- Public Health Laboratory, BC Center for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Caroline Colijn
- Department of Mathematics, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Naveed Z. Janjua
- BC Center for Disease Control, Data and Analytics Services, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Chris Fjell
- Public Health Laboratory, BC Center for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Natalie Prystajecky
- Public Health Laboratory, BC Center for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Agatha Jassem
- Public Health Laboratory, BC Center for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Hind Sbihi
- BC Center for Disease Control, Data and Analytics Services, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Hind Sbihi
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Al-Zyoud W, Haddad H. Potential linear B-cells epitope change to a helix structure in the spike of Omicron 21L or BA.2 predicts increased SARS-CoV-2 antibodies evasion. Virology 2022; 573:84-95. [PMID: 35732100 PMCID: PMC9212391 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2022.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
The world health organization has announced that SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529), including the three versions; 21K (BA.1), 21L (BA.2) and 21M (BA.3) as a variant of concern (VOC) on November 2022. In this study, we used the specialized computational platforms to predict the stability and flexibility of the spike protein of Omicron. The aim of this study was to investigate the expected effect of Omicron spike mutations on its physiochemical properties. Findings of this study revealed 16 stabilizing mutations that might explain a newly gained environmental stability. We expect the new mutations to play a crucial role in changing the physiochemical properties of epitopes of the spike protein. The notable finding of SuerPose work was the potential linear B-cells epitope G252 → S255 that has been changed in the spike protein of the Omicron 21L to a helix structure which might confer an escape from human monoclonal antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walid Al-Zyoud
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Applied Medical Sciences, German Jordanian University, Amman, 11180, Jordan
| | - Hazem Haddad
- Princess Haya Biotechnology Center, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan.
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36
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Hoteit R, Yassine HM. Biological Properties of SARS-CoV-2 Variants: Epidemiological Impact and Clinical Consequences. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:919. [PMID: 35746526 PMCID: PMC9230982 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10060919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a virus that belongs to the coronavirus family and is the cause of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). As of May 2022, it had caused more than 500 million infections and more than 6 million deaths worldwide. Several vaccines have been produced and tested over the last two years. The SARS-CoV-2 virus, on the other hand, has mutated over time, resulting in genetic variation in the population of circulating variants during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has also shown immune-evading characteristics, suggesting that vaccinations against these variants could be potentially ineffective. The purpose of this review article is to investigate the key variants of concern (VOCs) and mutations of the virus driving the current pandemic, as well as to explore the transmission rates of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs in relation to epidemiological factors and to compare the virus's transmission rate to that of prior coronaviruses. We examined and provided key information on SARS-CoV-2 VOCs in this study, including their transmissibility, infectivity rate, disease severity, affinity for angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors, viral load, reproduction number, vaccination effectiveness, and vaccine breakthrough.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem Hoteit
- Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 110236, Lebanon;
| | - Hadi M. Yassine
- Biomedical Research Center and College of Health Sciences-QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
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37
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Ridgway H, Chasapis CT, Kelaidonis K, Ligielli I, Moore GJ, Gadanec LK, Zulli A, Apostolopoulos V, Mavromoustakos T, Matsoukas JM. Understanding the Driving Forces That Trigger Mutations in SARS-CoV-2: Mutational Energetics and the Role of Arginine Blockers in COVID-19 Therapy. Viruses 2022; 14:v14051029. [PMID: 35632769 PMCID: PMC9143829 DOI: 10.3390/v14051029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is a global challenge due to its ability to mutate into variants that spread more rapidly than the wild-type virus. Because the molecular biology of this virus has been studied in such great detail, it represents an archetypal paradigm for research into new antiviral drug therapies. The rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in the human population is driven, in part, by mutations in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike (S-) protein, some of which enable tighter binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2). More stable RBD-ACE2 association is coupled with accelerated hydrolysis of furin and 3CLpro cleavage sites that augment infection. Non-RBD and non-interfacial mutations assist the S-protein in adopting thermodynamically favorable conformations for stronger binding. The driving forces of key mutations for Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Kappa, Lambda and Omicron variants, which stabilize the RBD-ACE2 complex, are investigated by free-energy computational approaches, as well as equilibrium and steered molecular dynamic simulations. Considered also are the structural hydropathy traits of the residues in the interface between SARS-CoV-2 RBD and ACE2 protein. Salt bridges and π-π interactions are critical forces that create stronger complexes between the RBD and ACE2. The trend of mutations is the replacement of non-polar hydrophobic interactions with polar hydrophilic interactions, which enhance binding of RBD with ACE2. However, this is not always the case, as conformational landscapes also contribute to a stronger binding. Arginine, the most polar and hydrophilic among the natural amino acids, is the most aggressive mutant amino acid for stronger binding. Arginine blockers, such as traditional sartans that bear anionic tetrazoles and carboxylates, may be ideal candidate drugs for retarding viral infection by weakening S-protein RBD binding to ACE2 and discouraging hydrolysis of cleavage sites. Based on our computational results it is suggested that a new generation of “supersartans”, called “bisartans”, bearing two anionic biphenyl-tetrazole pharmacophores, are superior to carboxylates in terms of their interactions with viral targets, suggesting their potential as drugs in the treatment of COVID-19. In Brief: This in silico study reviews our understanding of molecular driving forces that trigger mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It also reports further studies on a new class of “supersartans” referred to herein as “bisartans”, bearing two anionic biphenyltetrazole moieties that show potential in models for blocking critical amino acids of mutants, such as arginine, in the Delta variant. Bisartans may also act at other targets essential for viral infection and replication (i.e., ACE2, furin cleavage site and 3CLpro), rendering them potential new drugs for additional experimentation and translation to human clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Ridgway
- AquaMem Consultants, Rodeo, New Mexico, NM 88056, USA
- Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia
- Correspondence: (H.R.); (J.M.M.)
| | - Christos T. Chasapis
- NMR Facility, Instrumental Analysis Laboratory, School of Natural Sciences, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece;
- Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences, Foundation for Research and Technology, Hellas (FORTH/ICE-HT), 26504 Patras, Greece
| | | | - Irene Ligielli
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece; (I.L.); (T.M.)
| | - Graham J. Moore
- Pepmetics Inc., 772 Murphy Place, Victoria, BC V6Y 3H4, Canada;
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Laura Kate Gadanec
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (L.K.G.); (A.Z.); (V.A.)
| | - Anthony Zulli
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (L.K.G.); (A.Z.); (V.A.)
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (L.K.G.); (A.Z.); (V.A.)
- Immunology Program, Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), Melbourne, VIC 3021, Australia
| | - Thomas Mavromoustakos
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece; (I.L.); (T.M.)
| | - John M. Matsoukas
- NewDrug PC, Patras Science Park, 26504 Patras, Greece;
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (L.K.G.); (A.Z.); (V.A.)
- Correspondence: (H.R.); (J.M.M.)
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Jang YR, Kim JM, Rhee JE, Kim D, Lee NJ, Lee H, Kim JH, Kim EJ, Kim JY. Clinical Features and Duration of Viral Shedding Individuals with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant Infection. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac237. [PMID: 35855961 PMCID: PMC9129180 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
We analyzed the duration of infectivity of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant by the viral culture of respiratory samples collected daily from isolated patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The culture positivity rate of the Omicron variant was higher than that of the Delta variant within 8 days after symptom onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young R. Jang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Incheon Medical Center, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Jeong-Min Kim
- Division of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Bureau of Infectious Disease Diagnosis Control, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Jee E. Rhee
- Division of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Bureau of Infectious Disease Diagnosis Control, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Dongju Kim
- Division of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Bureau of Infectious Disease Diagnosis Control, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Nam-Joo Lee
- Division of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Bureau of Infectious Disease Diagnosis Control, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Hyeokjin Lee
- Division of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Bureau of Infectious Disease Diagnosis Control, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Jong-Hun Kim
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Eun-Jin Kim
- Division of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Bureau of Infectious Disease Diagnosis Control, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Jin Y. Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Incheon Medical Center, Incheon, South Korea
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Guo D, Duan H, Cheng Y, Wang Y, Hu J, Shi H. Omicron-included mutation-induced changes in epitopes of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and effectiveness assessments of current antibodies. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2022; 3:12. [PMID: 35461370 PMCID: PMC9034971 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-022-00074-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is spreading globally and continues to rage, posing a serious threat to human health and life quality. Antibody therapy and vaccines both have shown great efficacy in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, whose development progress and adaptation range have attracted wide attention. However, with the emergence of variant strains of SARS-CoV-2, the neutralization activity of therapeutic or vaccine-induced antibodies may be reduced, requiring long-term virus monitoring and drug upgrade in response to its evolution. In this paper, conformational changes including continuous epitopes (CPs), discontinuous epitopes (DPs) and recognition interfaces of the three representative SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (SP) mutants (i.e., the Delta (B.1.617.2), Mu (B.1.621) and Omicron (B.1.1.529) strains), were analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of current mainstream antibodies. The results showed that the conformation of SP wild type (WT) and mutants both remained stable, while the local antigenic epitopes underwent significant changes. Sufficient flexibility of SP CPs is critical for effective antibody recognition. The DPs of Delta, Mu and Omicron variants have showed stronger binding to human angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (hACE2) than WT; the possible drug resistance mechanisms of antibodies against three different epitopes (i.e., NTD_DP, RBD1_DP and RBD2_DP) were also proposed, respectively; the RBD2 of Delta, NTD of Mu, NTD and RBD2 of Omicron are deserve more attention in the subsequent design of next-generation vaccines. The simulation results not only revealed structural characteristics of SP antigenic epitopes, but also provided guidance for antibody modification, vaccine design and effectiveness evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Du Guo
- Laboratory of Tumor Targeted and Immune Therapy, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Huaichuan Duan
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal and Edible Plants Resources Development of Sichuan Education Department, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, China
| | - Yan Cheng
- Laboratory of Tumor Targeted and Immune Therapy, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yueteng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal and Edible Plants Resources Development of Sichuan Education Department, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, China
| | - Jianping Hu
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal and Edible Plants Resources Development of Sichuan Education Department, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, China.
| | - Hubing Shi
- Laboratory of Tumor Targeted and Immune Therapy, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Yang Z, Zhang S, Tang YP, Zhang S, Xu DQ, Yue SJ, Liu QL. Clinical Characteristics, Transmissibility, Pathogenicity, Susceptible Populations, and Re-infectivity of Prominent COVID-19 Variants. Aging Dis 2022; 13:402-422. [PMID: 35371608 PMCID: PMC8947836 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2021.1210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to the rapid, global spread of SARS-CoV-2, new and comparatively more contagious variants are of considerable concern. These emerging mutations have become a threat to the global public health, creating COVID-19 surges in different countries. However, information on these emerging variants is limited and scattered. In this review, we discuss new variants that have emerged worldwide and identify several variants of concern, such as B.1.1.7, B.1.351, P.1, B.1.617.2 and B.1.1.529, and their basic characteristics. Other significant variants such as C.37, B.1.621, B.1.525, B.1.526, AZ.5, C.1.2, and B.1.617.1 are also discussed. This review highlights the clinical characteristics of these variants, including transmissibility, pathogenicity, susceptible population, and re-infectivity. It provides the latest information on the recent variants of SARS-CoV-2. The summary of this information will help researchers formulate reasonable strategies to curb the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Yang
- 1Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, and State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- 2School of Public Health, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- 3School of Clinical Medicine (Guang'anmen Hospital), Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Ping Tang
- 1Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, and State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Sai Zhang
- 1Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, and State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ding-Qiao Xu
- 1Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, and State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shi-Jun Yue
- 1Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, and State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qi-Ling Liu
- 2School of Public Health, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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Wambani J, Okoth P. Scope of SARS-CoV-2 variants, mutations, and vaccine technologies. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE 2022; 34:34. [PMID: 35368846 PMCID: PMC8962228 DOI: 10.1186/s43162-022-00121-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV-2 is disseminated by respiratory aerosols. The virus uses the spike protein to target epithelial cells by binding to the ACE2 receptor on the host cells. As a result, effective vaccines must target the viral spike glycoprotein. However, the appearance of an Omicron variant with 32 mutations in its spike protein raises questions about the vaccine's efficacy. Vaccines are critical in boosting immunity, lowering COVID-19-related illnesses, reducing the infectious burden on the healthcare system, and reducing economic loss, according to current data. An efficient vaccination campaign is projected to increase innate and adaptive immune responses, offering better protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants. Main body The presence of altered SARS-CoV-2 variants circulating around the world puts the effectiveness of vaccines already on the market at risk. The problem is made even worse by the Omicron variant, which has 32 mutations in its spike protein. Experts are currently examining the potential consequences of commercial vaccines on variants. However, there are worries about the vaccines' safety, the protection they provide, and whether future structural changes are required for these vaccines to be more effective. As a result of these concerns, new vaccines based on modern technology should be developed to guard against the growing SARS-CoV-2 variations. Conclusion The choice of a particular vaccine is influenced by several factors including mode of action, storage conditions, group of the vaccinee, immune response mounted, cost, dosage protocol, age, and side effects. Currently, seven SARS-CoV-2 vaccine platforms have been developed. This comprises of inactivated viruses, messenger RNA (mRNA), DNA vaccines, protein subunits, nonreplicating and replicating vector viral-like particles (VLP), and live attenuated vaccines. This review focuses on the SARS-CoV-2 mutations, variants of concern (VOCs), and advances in vaccine technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Wambani
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) HIV Laboratory-Alupe, P.O Box 3-50400, Busia, Kenya
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Public Health, Biomedical Sciences and Technology, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, P.O Box 190, Kakamega, 50100 Kenya
| | - Patrick Okoth
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, P. O Box 190, Kakamega, 50100 Kenya
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Cheng MH, Krieger JM, Banerjee A, Xiang Y, Kaynak B, Shi Y, Arditi M, Bahar I. Impact of new variants on SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and neutralization: A molecular assessment of the alterations in the spike-host protein interactions. iScience 2022; 25:103939. [PMID: 35194576 PMCID: PMC8851820 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.103939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants necessitates rational assessment of their impact on the recognition and neutralization of the virus by the host cell. We present a comparative analysis of the interactions of Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta variants with cognate molecules (ACE2 and/or furin), neutralizing nanobodies (Nbs), and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) using in silico methods, in addition to Nb-binding assays. Our study elucidates the molecular origin of the ability of Beta and Delta variants to evade selected antibodies, such as REGN10933, LY-CoV555, B38, C105, or H11-H4, while being insensitive to others including REGN10987. Experiments confirm that nanobody Nb20 retains neutralizing activity against the Delta variant. The substitutions T478K and L452R in the Delta variant enhance associations with ACE2, whereas P681R promotes recognition by proteases, thus facilitating viral entry. The Ab-specific responses of variants highlight how full-atomic structure and dynamics analyses are required for assessing the response to newly emerging variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Hongying Cheng
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - James M. Krieger
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Anupam Banerjee
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Yufei Xiang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Burak Kaynak
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Yi Shi
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Moshe Arditi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, and Biomedical Sciences, Infectious and Immunologic Diseases Research Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Ivet Bahar
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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Morozova OV, Novikova NA, Epifanova NV, Novikov DV, Mokhonov VV, Sashina TA, Zaytseva NN. [Detection SARS-CoV-2 ( Coronaviridae: Coronavirinae: Betacoronavirus: Sarbecovirus) in children with acute intestinal infection in Nizhny Novgorod during 2020-2021]. Vopr Virusol 2022; 67:69-76. [PMID: 35293190 DOI: 10.36233/0507-4088-95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The novel coronavirus infection COVID-19 is a major public health problem worldwide. Several publications show the presence of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms (nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea) in addition to respiratory disorders.The aim of this study was the monitoring of RNA of COVID-19 pathogen, coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (Coronaviridae: Coronavirinae: Betacoronavirus; Sarbecovirus) in children hospitalized with acute intestinal infection (AII), with following molecular-genetic characterization of detected strains. MATERIAL AND METHODS Fecal samples of children with AII hospitalized in infectious hospital of Nizhny Novgorod (Russia) in the period from 01.07.2020 to 31.10.2021 were used as material for the study. Viral RNA detection was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The nucleotide sequence of S-protein gene fragment was determined by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION SARS-CoV-2 genetic material was detected in 45 out of 2476 fecal samples. The maximum number of samples containing RNA of the virus occurred in November 2020 (detection rate of 12.2%). In 20.0% of cases, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in combination with rota-, noro-, and adenoviruses. 28 nucleotide sequences of S-protein gene fragment complementary DNA (cDNA) were determined. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the studied SARS-CoV-2 strains belonged to two variants. Analysis of the S-protein amino acid sequence of the strains studied showed the absence of the N501Y mutation in the 2020 samples, which is a marker for variants with a high epidemic potential, called variants of concern (VOC) according to the World Health Organization (WHO) definition (lines Alpha B.1.1.7, Beta B.1.351, Gamma P.1). Delta line variant B.1.617.2 was identified in two samples isolated in September 2021. CONCLUSION The detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the fecal samples of children with AII, suggesting that the fecal-oral mechanism of pathogen transmission may exist, determines the necessity to optimize its monitoring and to develop an algorithm of actions with patients with signs of AII under the conditions of a novel coronavirus infection pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- O V Morozova
- FSBI «Academician I.N. Blokhina Nizhny Novgorod Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology» of the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor)
| | - N A Novikova
- FSBI «Academician I.N. Blokhina Nizhny Novgorod Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology» of the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor)
| | - N V Epifanova
- FSBI «Academician I.N. Blokhina Nizhny Novgorod Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology» of the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor)
| | - D V Novikov
- FSBI «Academician I.N. Blokhina Nizhny Novgorod Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology» of the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor)
| | - V V Mokhonov
- FSBI «Academician I.N. Blokhina Nizhny Novgorod Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology» of the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor)
| | - T A Sashina
- FSBI «Academician I.N. Blokhina Nizhny Novgorod Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology» of the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor)
| | - N N Zaytseva
- FSBI «Academician I.N. Blokhina Nizhny Novgorod Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology» of the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor)
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Biswas B, Chattopadhyay S, Hazra S, Hansda AK, Goswami R. COVID-19 pandemic: the delta variant, T-cell responses, and the efficacy of developing vaccines. Inflamm Res 2022; 71:377-396. [PMID: 35292834 PMCID: PMC8923340 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-022-01555-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The mayhem COVID-19 that was ushered by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) was declared pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. Since its initial outbreak in late 2019, the virus has affected hundreds of million adults in the world and killing millions in the process. After the approval of newly developed vaccines, severe challenges remain to manufacture and administer them to the adult population globally in quick time. However, we have witnessed several mutations of the virus leading to ‘waves’ of viral spread and mortality. WHO has categorized these mutations as variants of concern (VOCs) and variants of interest (VOIs). The mortality due to COVID-19 has also been associated with various comorbidities and improper immune response. This has created further complications in understanding the nature of the SARS-CoV2–host interaction that has fuelled doubts in the efficacy of the approved vaccines. Whether there is requirement of booster dose and whether the impending wave could affect the children are some of the hotly debated topics. Materials and Methods A systematic literature review of PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar was utilized to understand the nature of Delta variant and how it alters our T-cell responses and cytokine production and neutralizes vaccine-generated antibodies.
Conclusion In this review, we discuss the variants of SARS-CoV2 with specific focus on the Delta variant. We also specifically review the T-cell response against the virus and bring a narrative of various factors that may hold the key to fight against this marauding virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biswajit Biswas
- School of Bioscience, IIT Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, West Bengal, India
| | | | - Sayantee Hazra
- School of Bioscience, IIT Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, West Bengal, India
| | | | - Ritobrata Goswami
- School of Bioscience, IIT Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, West Bengal, India.
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Haddad M, Gaudreault R, Sasseville G, Nguyen PT, Wiebe H, Van De Ven T, Bourgault S, Mousseau N, Ramassamy C. Molecular Interactions of Tannic Acid with Proteins Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infectivity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:2643. [PMID: 35269785 PMCID: PMC8910432 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The overall impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on our society is unprecedented. The identification of small natural ligands that could prevent the entry and/or replication of the coronavirus remains a pertinent approach to fight the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Previously, we showed that the phenolic compounds corilagin and 1,3,6-tri-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (TGG) inhibit the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the SARS-CoV-2 target receptor on the cell membrane of the host organism. Building on these promising results, we now assess the effects of these phenolic ligands on two other crucial targets involved in SARS-CoV-2 cell entry and replication, respectively: transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) and 3-chymotrypsin like protease (3CLpro) inhibitors. Since corilagin, TGG, and tannic acid (TA) share many physicochemical and structural properties, we investigate the binding of TA to these targets. In this work, a combination of experimental methods (biochemical inhibition assays, surface plasmon resonance, and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring) confirms the potential role of TA in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infectivity through the inhibition of extracellular RBD/ACE2 interactions and TMPRSS2 and 3CLpro activity. Moreover, molecular docking prediction followed by dynamic simulation and molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MMPBSA) free energy calculation also shows that TA binds to RBD, TMPRSS2, and 3CLpro with higher affinities than TGG and corilagin. Overall, these results suggest that naturally occurring TA is a promising candidate to prevent and inhibit the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Haddad
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, 531 Boulevard des Prairies, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada;
- Institute on Nutrition and Functional Foods, Laval University, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Roger Gaudreault
- Succursale Centre-Ville, Départment de Physique, Université de Montréal, Case Postale 6128, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada; (R.G.); (G.S.); (N.M.)
| | - Gabriel Sasseville
- Succursale Centre-Ville, Départment de Physique, Université de Montréal, Case Postale 6128, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada; (R.G.); (G.S.); (N.M.)
| | - Phuong Trang Nguyen
- Département de Chimie, Université du Québec à Montréal, 2101 Rue Jeanne-Mance, Montréal, QC H2X 2J6, Canada; (P.T.N.); (S.B.)
| | - Hannah Wiebe
- Département de Chimie, Université McGill, 3420 Rue University, Montréal, QC H3A 2A7, Canada; (H.W.); (T.V.D.V.)
| | - Theo Van De Ven
- Département de Chimie, Université McGill, 3420 Rue University, Montréal, QC H3A 2A7, Canada; (H.W.); (T.V.D.V.)
| | - Steve Bourgault
- Département de Chimie, Université du Québec à Montréal, 2101 Rue Jeanne-Mance, Montréal, QC H2X 2J6, Canada; (P.T.N.); (S.B.)
| | - Normand Mousseau
- Succursale Centre-Ville, Départment de Physique, Université de Montréal, Case Postale 6128, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada; (R.G.); (G.S.); (N.M.)
| | - Charles Ramassamy
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, 531 Boulevard des Prairies, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada;
- Institute on Nutrition and Functional Foods, Laval University, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
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46
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Wang J, Ishchenko A, Zhang W, Razavi A, Langley D. A highly accurate metadynamics-based Dissociation Free Energy method to calculate protein-protein and protein-ligand binding potencies. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2024. [PMID: 35132139 PMCID: PMC8821539 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05875-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although seeking to develop a general and accurate binding free energy calculation method for protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions has been a continuous effort for decades, only limited successes have been obtained so far. Here, we report the development of a metadynamics-based procedure that calculates Dissociation Free Energy (DFE) and its application to 19 non-congeneric protein-protein complexes and hundreds of protein-ligand complexes covering eight targets. We achieved very high correlations in comparison to experimental binding free energies for these diverse sets of systems, demonstrating the generality and accuracy of the method. Since structures of most proteins are available owing to the recent success of prediction by artificial intelligence, a general free energy method such as DFE, combined with other methods, can make structure-based drug design a widely viable and reliable solution to develop both traditional small molecule drugs and biologic drugs as well as PROTACS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Arvinas, Inc., 5 Science Park, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.
| | | | - Wei Zhang
- Arvinas, Inc., 5 Science Park, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Asghar Razavi
- Arvinas, Inc., 5 Science Park, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - David Langley
- Arvinas, Inc., 5 Science Park, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
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47
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Glocker MO, Opuni KFM, Thiesen HJ. From Free Binding Energy Calculations of SARS-CoV-2-Receptor Interactions to Cellular Immune Responses. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:226. [PMID: 35208550 PMCID: PMC8876798 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58020226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Our study focuses on free energy calculations of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor binding motives (RBMs) from wild type and variants of concern (VOCs), with emphasis on SARS-CoV-2 Omicron. Our computational analysis underlines the occurrence of positive selection processes that specify Omicron host adaption and bring changes on the molecular level into context with clinically relevant observations. Our free energy calculation studies regarding the interaction of Omicron's RBM with human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) indicate weaker binding to the receptor than Alpha's or Delta's RBMs. Upon weaker binding, fewer viruses are predicted to be generated in time per infected cell, resulting in a delayed induction of danger signals as a trade-off. Along with delayed immunogenicity and pathogenicity, more viruses may be produced in the upper respiratory tract, explaining enhanced transmissibility. Since in interdependence on the human leukocyte antigen type (HLA type), more SARS-CoV-2 Omicron viruses are assumed to be required to initiate inflammatory immune responses, and because of pre-existing partial immunity through previous infections and/or vaccinations, which mostly guard the lower respiratory tract, overall disease severity is expected to be reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael O. Glocker
- Proteome Center Rostock, University Medicine Rostock, University of Rostock, Schillingallee 69, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Kwabena F. M. Opuni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Science, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P.O. Box LG43, Ghana;
| | - Hans-Juergen Thiesen
- Institute of Immunology, University Medicine Rostock, Schillingallee 69, 18059 Rostock, Germany;
- Gesellschaft für Individualisierte Medizin mbH (IndyMed), Industriestrasse 15, 18069 Rostock, Germany
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48
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Fratev F. R346K Mutation in the Mu Variant of SARS-CoV-2 Alters the Interactions with Monoclonal Antibodies from Class 2: A Free Energy Perturbation Study. J Chem Inf Model 2022; 62:627-631. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.1c01243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Filip Fratev
- Micar Innovation (Micar21) Ltd., Persenk 34B, 1407 Sofia, Bulgaria
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at El Paso, 1101 N Campbell Street, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
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49
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Mamedov T, Yuksel D, Ilgın M, Gürbüzaslan I, Gulec B, Mammadova G, Ozdarendeli A, Yetiskin H, Kaplan B, Islam Pavel ST, Uygut MA, Hasanova G. Production and Characterization of Nucleocapsid and RBD Cocktail Antigens of SARS-CoV-2 in Nicotiana benthamiana Plant as a Vaccine Candidate against COVID-19. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:1337. [PMID: 34835268 PMCID: PMC8621474 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9111337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has put global public health at high risk, rapidly spreading around the world. Although several COVID-19 vaccines are available for mass immunization, the world still urgently needs highly effective, reliable, cost-effective, and safe SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus vaccines, as well as antiviral and therapeutic drugs, to control the COVID-19 pandemic given the emerging variant strains of the virus. Recently, we successfully produced receptor-binding domain (RBD) variants in the Nicotiana benthamiana plant as promising vaccine candidates against COVID-19 and demonstrated that mice immunized with these antigens elicited a high titer of RBD-specific antibodies with potent neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we engineered the nucleocapsid (N) protein and co-expressed it with RBD of SARS-CoV-2 in Nicotiana benthamiana plant to produce an antigen cocktail. The purification yields were about 22 or 24 mg of pure protein/kg of plant biomass for N or N+RBD antigens, respectively. The purified plant produced N protein was recognized by N protein-specific monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies demonstrating specific reactivity of mAb to plant-produced N protein. In this study, for the first time, we report the co-expression of RBD with N protein to produce a cocktail antigen of SARS-CoV-2, which elicited high-titer antibodies with potent neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2. Thus, obtained data support that a plant-produced antigen cocktail, developed in this study, is a promising vaccine candidate against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarlan Mamedov
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Akdeniz University, Antalya 07058, Turkey; (D.Y.); (M.I.); (I.G.); (B.G.); (G.M.); (G.H.)
| | - Damla Yuksel
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Akdeniz University, Antalya 07058, Turkey; (D.Y.); (M.I.); (I.G.); (B.G.); (G.M.); (G.H.)
| | - Merve Ilgın
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Akdeniz University, Antalya 07058, Turkey; (D.Y.); (M.I.); (I.G.); (B.G.); (G.M.); (G.H.)
| | - Irem Gürbüzaslan
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Akdeniz University, Antalya 07058, Turkey; (D.Y.); (M.I.); (I.G.); (B.G.); (G.M.); (G.H.)
| | - Burcu Gulec
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Akdeniz University, Antalya 07058, Turkey; (D.Y.); (M.I.); (I.G.); (B.G.); (G.M.); (G.H.)
| | - Gulshan Mammadova
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Akdeniz University, Antalya 07058, Turkey; (D.Y.); (M.I.); (I.G.); (B.G.); (G.M.); (G.H.)
| | - Aykut Ozdarendeli
- Department of Microbiology, Medical Faculty, Erciyes University, Kayseri 38280, Turkey; (A.O.); (H.Y.); (B.K.); (S.T.I.P.); (M.A.U.)
- Vaccine Research, Development and Application Center, Erciyes University, Kayseri 38280, Turkey
| | - Hazel Yetiskin
- Department of Microbiology, Medical Faculty, Erciyes University, Kayseri 38280, Turkey; (A.O.); (H.Y.); (B.K.); (S.T.I.P.); (M.A.U.)
- Vaccine Research, Development and Application Center, Erciyes University, Kayseri 38280, Turkey
| | - Busra Kaplan
- Department of Microbiology, Medical Faculty, Erciyes University, Kayseri 38280, Turkey; (A.O.); (H.Y.); (B.K.); (S.T.I.P.); (M.A.U.)
- Vaccine Research, Development and Application Center, Erciyes University, Kayseri 38280, Turkey
| | - Shaikh Terkis Islam Pavel
- Department of Microbiology, Medical Faculty, Erciyes University, Kayseri 38280, Turkey; (A.O.); (H.Y.); (B.K.); (S.T.I.P.); (M.A.U.)
- Vaccine Research, Development and Application Center, Erciyes University, Kayseri 38280, Turkey
| | - Muhammet Ali Uygut
- Department of Microbiology, Medical Faculty, Erciyes University, Kayseri 38280, Turkey; (A.O.); (H.Y.); (B.K.); (S.T.I.P.); (M.A.U.)
| | - Gulnara Hasanova
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Akdeniz University, Antalya 07058, Turkey; (D.Y.); (M.I.); (I.G.); (B.G.); (G.M.); (G.H.)
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50
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Buratto D, Saxena A, Ji Q, Yang G, Pantano S, Zonta F. Rapid Assessment of Binding Affinity of SARS-COV-2 Spike Protein to the Human Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Receptor and to Neutralizing Biomolecules Based on Computer Simulations. Front Immunol 2021; 12:730099. [PMID: 34858396 PMCID: PMC8632240 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.730099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infects humans and causes Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The S1 domain of the spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 binds to human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) via its receptor-binding domain, while the S2 domain facilitates fusion between the virus and the host cell membrane for entry. The spike glycoprotein of circulating SARS-CoV-2 genomes is a mutation hotspot. Some mutations may affect the binding affinity for hACE2, while others may modulate S-glycoprotein expression, or they could result in a virus that can escape from antibodies generated by infection with the original variant or by vaccination. Since a large number of variants are emerging, it is of vital importance to be able to rapidly assess their characteristics: while changes of binding affinity alone do not always cause direct advantages for the virus, they still can provide important insights on where the evolutionary pressure is directed. Here, we propose a simple and cost-effective computational protocol based on Molecular Dynamics simulations to rapidly screen the ability of mutated spike protein to bind to the hACE2 receptor and selected neutralizing biomolecules. Our results show that it is possible to achieve rapid and reliable predictions of binding affinities. A similar approach can be used to perform preliminary screenings of the potential effects of S-RBD mutations, helping to prioritize the more time-consuming and expensive experimental work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damiano Buratto
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Abhishek Saxena
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qun Ji
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sergio Pantano
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Francesco Zonta
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
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