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Green AL, De Bellis D, Cowell E, Lenchine RV, Penn T, Kris LP, McEvoy-May J, Bihari S, Dixon DL, Carr JM. The Y498T499-SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein interacts poorly with rat ACE2 and does not affect the rat lung. Access Microbiol 2024; 6:000839.v3. [PMID: 39346684 PMCID: PMC11432600 DOI: 10.1099/acmi.0.000839.v3] [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: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The rat is a useful laboratory model for respiratory diseases. SARS-CoV-2 proteins, such as the spike (S) protein, can induce inflammation. This study has investigated the ability of the Q498Y, P499T (QP-YT) amino acid change, described in the S-protein of the mouse-adapted laboratory SARS-CoV-2 MA strain, to interact with rat angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) and stimulate responses in rat lungs. A real-time S-ACE2 quantitative fusion assay shows that ancestral and L452R S-proteins fuse with human but not rat ACE2 expressed on HEK293 (human embryonic kidney-293) cells. The QP-YT S-protein retains the ability to fuse with human ACE2 and increases the binding to rat ACE2. Although lower lung of the rat contains both ACE2 and TMPRSS2 (transmembrane serine protease 2) target cells, intratracheal delivery of ancestral or QP-YT S-protein pseudotyped lentivirus did not induce measurable respiratory changes, inflammatory infiltration or innate mRNA responses. Isolation of primary cells from rat alveoli demonstrated the presence of cells expressing ACE2 and TMPRSS2. Infection of these cells, however, with ancestral or QP-YT S-protein pseudotyped lentivirus was not observed, and the QP-YT S-protein pseudotyped lentivirus poorly infected HEK293 cells expressing rat ACE2. Analysis of the amino acid changes across the S-ACE2 interface highlights not only the Y498 interaction with H353 as a likely facilitator of binding to rat ACE2 but also other amino acids that could improve this interaction. Thus, rat lungs contain cells expressing receptors for SARS-CoV-2, and the QP-YT S-protein variant can bind to rat ACE2, but this does not result in infection or stimulate responses in the lung. Further, amino acid changes in S-protein may enhance this interaction to improve the utility of the rat model for defining the role of the S-protein in driving lung inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Green
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Dylan De Bellis
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
| | - Evangeline Cowell
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Roman V Lenchine
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Timothy Penn
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Luke P Kris
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - James McEvoy-May
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
| | - Shailesh Bihari
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
| | - Dani-Louise Dixon
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
| | - Jillian M Carr
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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2
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Cui W, Duan Y, Gao Y, Wang W, Yang H. Structural review of SARS-CoV-2 antiviral targets. Structure 2024; 32:1301-1321. [PMID: 39241763 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2024.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), represents the most disastrous infectious disease pandemic of the past century. As a member of the Betacoronavirus genus, the SARS-CoV-2 genome encodes a total of 29 proteins. The spike protein, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, and proteases play crucial roles in the virus replication process and are promising targets for drug development. In recent years, structural studies of these viral proteins and of their complexes with antibodies and inhibitors have provided valuable insights into their functions and laid a solid foundation for drug development. In this review, we summarize the structural features of these proteins and discuss recent progress in research regarding therapeutic development, highlighting mechanistically representative molecules and those that have already been approved or are under clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Cui
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yinkai Duan
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wei Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
| | - Haitao Yang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai 201203, China.
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3
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Stocks BB, Thibeault MP, L'Abbé D, Umer M, Liu Y, Stuible M, Durocher Y, Melanson JE. Characterization of biotinylated human ACE2 and SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.4/5 spike protein reference materials. Anal Bioanal Chem 2024; 416:4861-4872. [PMID: 38942955 PMCID: PMC11330416 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-024-05413-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Accurate diagnostic and serology assays are required for the continued management of the COVID-19 pandemic yet spike protein mutations and intellectual property concerns with antigens and antibodies used in various test kits render comparability assessments difficult. As the use of common, well-characterized reagents can help address this lack of standardization, the National Research Council Canada has produced two protein reference materials (RMs) for use in SARS-CoV-2 serology assays: biotinylated human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 RM, ACE2-1, and SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.4/5 spike protein RM, OMIC-1. Reference values were assigned through a combination of amino acid analysis via isotope dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry following acid hydrolysis, and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry at 280 nm. Vial-to-vial homogeneity was established using UV-Vis measurements, and protein oligomeric status, monitored by size exclusion liquid chromatography (LC-SEC), was used to evaluate transportation, storage, and freeze-thaw stabilities. The molar protein concentration in ACE2-1 was 25.3 ± 1.7 µmol L-1 (k = 2, 95% CI) and consisted almost exclusively (98%) of monomeric ACE2, while OMIC-1 contained 5.4 ± 0.5 µmol L-1 (k = 2) spike protein in a mostly (82%) trimeric form. Glycoprotein molar mass determination by LC-SEC with multi-angle light scattering detection facilitated calculation of corresponding mass concentrations. To confirm protein functionality, the binding of OMIC-1 to immobilized ACE2-1 was investigated with surface plasmon resonance and the resulting dissociation constant, KD ~ 4.4 nM, was consistent with literature values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley B Stocks
- Metrology, National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0R6, Canada.
| | - Marie-Pier Thibeault
- Metrology, National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Denis L'Abbé
- Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council Canada, 6100 Royalmount Avenue, Montreal, QC, H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Muhammad Umer
- Metrology, National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Yali Liu
- Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council Canada, 6100 Royalmount Avenue, Montreal, QC, H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Matthew Stuible
- Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council Canada, 6100 Royalmount Avenue, Montreal, QC, H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Yves Durocher
- Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council Canada, 6100 Royalmount Avenue, Montreal, QC, H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Jeremy E Melanson
- Metrology, National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0R6, Canada
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4
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Lei G, Huang J, Zhou H, Chen Y, Song J, Xie X, Vasseur L, You M, You S. Polygenic adaptation of a cosmopolitan pest to a novel thermal environment. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 33:387-404. [PMID: 38488345 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
The fluctuation in temperature poses a significant challenge for poikilothermic organisms, notably insects, particularly in the context of changing climatic conditions. In insects, temperature adaptation has been driven by polygenes. In addition to genes that directly affect traits (core genes), other genes (peripheral genes) may also play a role in insect temperature adaptation. This study focuses on two peripheral genes, the GRIP and coiled-coil domain containing 2 (GCC2) and karyopherin subunit beta 1 (KPNB1). These genes are differentially expressed at different temperatures in the cosmopolitan pest, Plutella xylostella. GCC2 and KPNB1 in P. xylostella were cloned, and their relative expression patterns were identified. Reduced capacity for thermal adaptation (development, reproduction and response to temperature extremes) in the GCC2-deficient and KPNB1-deficient P. xylostella strains, which were constructed by CRISPR/Cas9 technique. Deletion of the PxGCC2 or PxKPNB1 genes in P. xylostella also had a differential effect on gene expression for many traits including stress resistance, resistance to pesticides, involved in immunity, trehalose metabolism, fatty acid metabolism and so forth. The ability of the moth to adapt to temperature via different pathways is likely to be key to its ability to remain an important pest species under predicted climate change conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaoke Lei
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jieling Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Huiling Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yanting Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Institute of Plant Protection Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou, China
| | | | | | - Liette Vasseur
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| | - Minsheng You
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shijun You
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- BGI Research, Sanya, China
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5
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Raisinghani N, Alshahrani M, Gupta G, Xiao S, Tao P, Verkhivker G. Exploring conformational landscapes and binding mechanisms of convergent evolution for the SARS-CoV-2 spike Omicron variant complexes with the ACE2 receptor using AlphaFold2-based structural ensembles and molecular dynamics simulations. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:17720-17744. [PMID: 38869513 DOI: 10.1039/d4cp01372g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we combined AlphaFold-based approaches for atomistic modeling of multiple protein states and microsecond molecular simulations to accurately characterize conformational ensembles evolution and binding mechanisms of convergent evolution for the SARS-CoV-2 spike Omicron variants BA.1, BA.2, BA.2.75, BA.3, BA.4/BA.5 and BQ.1.1. We employed and validated several different adaptations of the AlphaFold methodology for modeling of conformational ensembles including the introduced randomized full sequence scanning for manipulation of sequence variations to systematically explore conformational dynamics of Omicron spike protein complexes with the ACE2 receptor. Microsecond atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations provide a detailed characterization of the conformational landscapes and thermodynamic stability of the Omicron variant complexes. By integrating the predictions of conformational ensembles from different AlphaFold adaptations and applying statistical confidence metrics we can expand characterization of the conformational ensembles and identify functional protein conformations that determine the equilibrium dynamics for the Omicron spike complexes with the ACE2. Conformational ensembles of the Omicron RBD-ACE2 complexes obtained using AlphaFold-based approaches for modeling protein states and MD simulations are employed for accurate comparative prediction of the binding energetics revealing an excellent agreement with the experimental data. In particular, the results demonstrated that AlphaFold-generated extended conformational ensembles can produce accurate binding energies for the Omicron RBD-ACE2 complexes. The results of this study suggested complementarities and potential synergies between AlphaFold predictions of protein conformational ensembles and MD simulations showing that integrating information from both methods can potentially yield a more adequate characterization of the conformational landscapes for the Omicron RBD-ACE2 complexes. This study provides insights in the interplay between conformational dynamics and binding, showing that evolution of Omicron variants through acquisition of convergent mutational sites may leverage conformational adaptability and dynamic couplings between key binding energy hotspots to optimize ACE2 binding affinity and enable immune evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishank Raisinghani
- Keck Center for Science and Engineering, Graduate Program in Computational and Data Sciences, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, CA 92866, USA.
| | - Mohammed Alshahrani
- Keck Center for Science and Engineering, Graduate Program in Computational and Data Sciences, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, CA 92866, USA.
| | - Grace Gupta
- Keck Center for Science and Engineering, Graduate Program in Computational and Data Sciences, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, CA 92866, USA.
| | - Sian Xiao
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Research Computing, Center for Drug Discovery, Design, and Delivery (CD4), Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, 75275, USA
| | - Peng Tao
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Research Computing, Center for Drug Discovery, Design, and Delivery (CD4), Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, 75275, USA
| | - Gennady Verkhivker
- Keck Center for Science and Engineering, Graduate Program in Computational and Data Sciences, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, CA 92866, USA.
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
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6
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Singh UB, Deb S, Rani L, Gupta R, Verma S, Kumari L, Bhardwaj D, Bala K, Ahmed J, Gaurav S, Perumalla S, Nizam M, Mishra A, Stephenraj J, Shukla J, Nayer J, Aggarwal P, Kabra M, Ahuja V, Chaudhry R, Sinha S, Guleria R. Phylogeny and evolution of SARS-CoV-2 during Delta and Omicron variant waves in India. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:4769-4781. [PMID: 37318006 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2222832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 evolution has continued to generate variants, responsible for new pandemic waves locally and globally. Varying disease presentation and severity has been ascribed to inherent variant characteristics and vaccine immunity. This study analyzed genomic data from 305 whole genome sequences from SARS-CoV-2 patients before and through the third wave in India. Delta variant was reported in patients without comorbidity (97%), while Omicron BA.2 was reported in patients with comorbidity (77%). Tissue adaptation studies brought forth higher propensity of Omicron variants to bronchial tissue than lung, contrary to observation in Delta variants from Delhi. Study of codon usage pattern distinguished the prevalent variants, clustering them separately, Omicron BA.2 isolated in February grouped away from December strains, and all BA.2 after December acquired a new mutation S959P in ORF1b (44.3% of BA.2 in the study) indicating ongoing evolution. Loss of critical spike mutations in Omicron BA.2 and gain of immune evasion mutations including G142D, reported in Delta but absent in BA.1, and S371F instead of S371L in BA.1 could explain very brief period of BA.1 in December 2021, followed by complete replacement by BA.2. Higher propensity of Omicron variants to bronchial tissue, probably ensured increased transmission while Omicron BA.2 became the prevalent variant possibly due to evolutionary trade-off. Virus evolution continues to shape the epidemic and its culmination.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urvashi B Singh
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sushanta Deb
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Lata Rani
- Central Core Research Facility, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ritu Gupta
- Department of Laboratory Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sunita Verma
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Lata Kumari
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Deepika Bhardwaj
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Kiran Bala
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Jawed Ahmed
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sudesh Gaurav
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sowjanya Perumalla
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Md Nizam
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Anwita Mishra
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - J Stephenraj
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Jyoti Shukla
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Jamshed Nayer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Praveen Aggarwal
- Department of Emergency Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Madhulika Kabra
- Department of Paediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Vineet Ahuja
- Department of Gastroenterology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rama Chaudhry
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Subrata Sinha
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Randeep Guleria
- Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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7
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Liu X, Wang Y, Sun L, Xiao G, Hou N, Chen J, Wang W, Xu X, Gu Y. Screening and optimization of shark nanobodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD. Antiviral Res 2024; 226:105898. [PMID: 38692413 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105898] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 continues to threaten human health, antibody therapy is one way to control the infection. Because new SARS-CoV-2 mutations are constantly emerging, there is an urgent need to develop broadly neutralizing antibodies to block the viral entry into host cells. VNAR from sharks is the smallest natural antigen binding domain, with the advantages of small size, flexible paratopes, good stability, and low manufacturing cost. Here, we used recombinant SARS-CoV-2 Spike-RBD to immunize sharks and constructed a VNAR phage display library. VNAR R1C2, selected from the library, efficiently binds to the RBD domain and blocks the infection of ACE2-positive cells by pseudovirus. Next, homologous bivalent VNARs were constructed through the tandem fusion of two R1C2 units, which enhanced both the affinity and neutralizing activity of R1C2. R1C2 was predicted to bind to a relatively conserved region within the RBD. By introducing mutations at four key binding sites within the CDR3 and HV2 regions of R1C2, the affinity and neutralizing activity of R1C2 were significantly improved. Furthermore, R1C2 also exhibits an effective capacity of binding to the Omicron variants (BA.2 and XBB.1). Together, these results suggest that R1C2 could serve as a valuable candidate for preventing and treating SARS-CoV-2 infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China; Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Qingdao, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Yanqing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Lishan Sun
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Guokai Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Ning Hou
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Jin Chen
- College of Marine Science and Biological Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Ximing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China; Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Qingdao, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| | - Yuchao Gu
- College of Marine Science and Biological Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China.
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8
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Cao B, Wang X, Yin W, Gao Z, Xia B. The human microbiota is a beneficial reservoir for SARS-CoV-2 mutations. mBio 2024; 15:e0318723. [PMID: 38530031 PMCID: PMC11237538 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03187-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mutations are rapidly emerging. In particular, beneficial mutations in the spike (S) protein, which can either make a person more infectious or enable immunological escape, are providing a significant obstacle to the prevention and treatment of pandemics. However, how the virus acquires a high number of beneficial mutations in a short time remains a mystery. We demonstrate here that variations of concern may be mutated due in part to the influence of the human microbiome. We searched the National Center for Biotechnology Information database for homologous fragments (HFs) after finding a mutation and the six neighboring amino acids in a viral mutation fragment. Among the approximate 8,000 HFs obtained, 61 mutations in S and other outer membrane proteins were found in bacteria, accounting for 62% of all mutation sources, which is 12-fold higher than the natural variable proportion. A significant proportion of these bacterial species-roughly 70%-come from the human microbiota, are mainly found in the lung or gut, and share a composition pattern with COVID-19 patients. Importantly, SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase replicates corresponding bacterial mRNAs harboring mutations, producing chimeric RNAs. SARS-CoV-2 may collectively pick up mutations from the human microbiota that change the original virus's binding sites or antigenic determinants. Our study clarifies the evolving mutational mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2. IMPORTANCE Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mutations are rapidly emerging, in particular advantageous mutations in the spike (S) protein, which either increase transmissibility or lead to immune escape and are posing a major challenge to pandemic prevention and treatment. However, how the virus acquires a high number of advantageous mutations in a short time remains a mystery. Here, we provide evidence that the human microbiota is a reservoir of advantageous mutations and aids mutational evolution and host adaptation of SARS-CoV-2. Our findings demonstrate a conceptual breakthrough on the mutational evolution mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 for human adaptation. SARS-CoV-2 may grab advantageous mutations from the widely existing microorganisms in the host, which is undoubtedly an "efficient" manner. Our study might open a new perspective to understand the evolution of virus mutation, which has enormous implications for comprehending the trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birong Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Guangdong Guangya High School, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wanchao Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, China
| | - Zhaobing Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, China
| | - Bingqing Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Ogger PP, Martín MG, Jang S, Zhou J, Brown J, Sukhova K, Furnon W, Patel AH, Cowton V, Palmarini M, Barclay WS, Johansson C. SARS-CoV-2 strains bearing Omicron BA.1 spike replicate in C57BL/6 mice. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1383612. [PMID: 38742107 PMCID: PMC11089223 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1383612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction SARS-CoV-2, the cause of the COVID pandemic, is an RNA virus with a high propensity to mutate. Successive virus variants, including variants of concern (VOC), have emerged with increased transmission or immune escape. The original pandemic virus and early variants replicated poorly, if at all, in mice at least partly due to a mismatch between the receptor binding domain on the viral spike protein and the murine angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Omicron VOC emerged in late 2021 harboring > 50 new mutations, 35 of them in the spike protein. This variant resulted in a very large wave of infections, even in the face of prior immunity, albeit being inherently less severe than earlier variants. Reflecting the lower severity reported in humans, Omicron displayed attenuated infection in hamsters and also in the K18-hACE2 mouse model. K18-hACE2 mice express both the human ACE2 as well as the endogenous mouse ACE2. Methods Here we infected hACE2 knock-in mice that express only human ACE2 and no murine ACE2, or C57BL/6 wildtype mice with SARS-CoV-2 D614G (first-wave isolate), Delta or Omicron BA.1 variants and assessed infectivity and downstream innate immune responses. Results While replication of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron was lower in the lungs of hACE2 knock-in mice compared with SARS-CoV-2 D614G and VOC Delta, it replicated more efficiently than the earlier variants in C57BL/6 wildtype mice. This opens the opportunity to test the effect of host genetics on SARS-CoV-2 infections in wildtype mice. As a proof of principle, we tested Omicron infection in mice lacking expression of the interferon-alpha receptor-1 (IFNAR1). In these mice we found that loss of type I IFN receptor signaling resulted in higher viral loads in the lungs were detected. Finally, using a chimeric virus of first wave SARS-CoV-2 harboring the Omicron spike protein, we show that Omicron spike increase infection of C57BL/6 wildtype mice, but non-spike genes of Omicron confer attenuation of viral replication. Discussion Since this chimeric virus efficiently infected C57BL/6 wildtype mice, and replicated in their lungs, our findings illustrate a pathway for genetic mapping of virushost interactions during SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia P. Ogger
- Section of Respiratory Infections, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Minerva Garcia Martín
- Section of Respiratory Infections, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Soyeon Jang
- Section of Respiratory Infections, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Brown
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ksenia Sukhova
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Wilhelm Furnon
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Arvind H. Patel
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Vanessa Cowton
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Massimo Palmarini
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Wendy S. Barclay
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cecilia Johansson
- Section of Respiratory Infections, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Raisinghani N, Alshahrani M, Gupta G, Xiao S, Tao P, Verkhivker G. Predicting Functional Conformational Ensembles and Binding Mechanisms of Convergent Evolution for SARS-CoV-2 Spike Omicron Variants Using AlphaFold2 Sequence Scanning Adaptations and Molecular Dynamics Simulations. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.02.587850. [PMID: 38617283 PMCID: PMC11014522 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.02.587850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we combined AlphaFold-based approaches for atomistic modeling of multiple protein states and microsecond molecular simulations to accurately characterize conformational ensembles and binding mechanisms of convergent evolution for the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Omicron variants BA.1, BA.2, BA.2.75, BA.3, BA.4/BA.5 and BQ.1.1. We employed and validated several different adaptations of the AlphaFold methodology for modeling of conformational ensembles including the introduced randomized full sequence scanning for manipulation of sequence variations to systematically explore conformational dynamics of Omicron Spike protein complexes with the ACE2 receptor. Microsecond atomistic molecular dynamic simulations provide a detailed characterization of the conformational landscapes and thermodynamic stability of the Omicron variant complexes. By integrating the predictions of conformational ensembles from different AlphaFold adaptations and applying statistical confidence metrics we can expand characterization of the conformational ensembles and identify functional protein conformations that determine the equilibrium dynamics for the Omicron Spike complexes with the ACE2. Conformational ensembles of the Omicron RBD-ACE2 complexes obtained using AlphaFold-based approaches for modeling protein states and molecular dynamics simulations are employed for accurate comparative prediction of the binding energetics revealing an excellent agreement with the experimental data. In particular, the results demonstrated that AlphaFold-generated extended conformational ensembles can produce accurate binding energies for the Omicron RBD-ACE2 complexes. The results of this study suggested complementarities and potential synergies between AlphaFold predictions of protein conformational ensembles and molecular dynamics simulations showing that integrating information from both methods can potentially yield a more adequate characterization of the conformational landscapes for the Omicron RBD-ACE2 complexes. This study provides insights in the interplay between conformational dynamics and binding, showing that evolution of Omicron variants through acquisition of convergent mutational sites may leverage conformational adaptability and dynamic couplings between key binding energy hotspots to optimize ACE2 binding affinity and enable immune evasion.
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11
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He X, Zhang X, Wu B, Deng J, Zhang Y, Zhu A, Yuan Y, Lin Y, Chen A, Feng J, Wang X, Wu S, Liu Y, Liu J, Wang Y, Li R, Liang C, Yuan Q, Liang Y, Fang Q, Xi Z, Li W, Liang L, Zhang Z, Tang H, Peng Y, Ke C, Ma X, Cai W, Pan T, Liu B, Deng K, Chen J, Zhao J, Wei X, Chen R, Zhang Y, Zhang H. The receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants targets Siglec-9 to decrease its immunogenicity by preventing macrophage phagocytosis. Nat Immunol 2024; 25:622-632. [PMID: 38454157 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-024-01776-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The development of a vaccine specific to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Omicron has been hampered due to its low immunogenicity. Here, using reverse mutagenesis, we found that a phenylalanine-to-serine mutation at position 375 (F375S) in the spike protein of Omicron to revert it to the sequence found in Delta and other ancestral strains significantly enhanced the immunogenicity of Omicron vaccines. Sequence FAPFFAF at position 371-377 in Omicron spike had a potent inhibitory effect on macrophage uptake of receptor-binding domain (RBD) nanoparticles or spike-pseudovirus particles containing this sequence. Omicron RBD enhanced binding to Siglec-9 on macrophages to impair phagocytosis and antigen presentation and promote immune evasion, which could be abrogated by the F375S mutation. A bivalent F375S Omicron RBD and Delta-RBD nanoparticle vaccine elicited potent and broad nAbs in mice, rabbits and rhesus macaques. Our research suggested that manipulation of the Siglec-9 pathway could be a promising approach to enhance vaccine response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin He
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, and Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiantao Zhang
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, and Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bolin Wu
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, and Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jieyi Deng
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, and Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongli Zhang
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, and Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Airu Zhu
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Bio-island, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaochang Yuan
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, and Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingtong Lin
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, and Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Achun Chen
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, and Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinzhu Feng
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, and Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiumei Wang
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, and Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shijian Wu
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, and Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingying Liu
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, and Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, and Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yalin Wang
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, and Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rong Li
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, and Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chaofeng Liang
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, and Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Quyu Yuan
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, and Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Liang
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, and Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiannan Fang
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guanzhou, China
| | - Zhihui Xi
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guanzhou, China
| | - Wenjie Li
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, and Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liting Liang
- Qianyang Biomedical Research Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Hui Tang
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, and Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Peng
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, and Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Changwen Ke
- Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiancai Ma
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Bio-island, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weibin Cai
- Laboratory Animal Center, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Pan
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, and Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Center for Infection and Immunity Study, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bingfeng Liu
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, and Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kai Deng
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, and Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, and Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Laboratory Animal Center, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jincun Zhao
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Bio-island, Guangzhou, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xuepeng Wei
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Bio-island, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Ran Chen
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, and Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yiwen Zhang
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, and Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Hui Zhang
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, and Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Bio-island, Guangzhou, China.
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12
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Niu S, Zhao Z, Liu Z, Rong X, Chai Y, Bai B, Han P, Shang G, Ren J, Wang Y, Zhao X, Liu K, Tian WX, Wang Q, Gao GF. Structural basis and analysis of hamster ACE2 binding to different SARS-CoV-2 spike RBDs. J Virol 2024; 98:e0115723. [PMID: 38305152 PMCID: PMC10949455 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01157-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Pet golden hamsters were first identified being infected with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) delta variant of concern (VOC) and transmitted the virus back to humans in Hong Kong in January 2022. Here, we studied the binding of two hamster (golden hamster and Chinese hamster) angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) proteins to the spike protein receptor-binding domains (RBDs) of SARS-CoV-2 prototype and eight variants, including alpha, beta, gamma, delta, and four omicron sub-variants (BA.1, BA.2, BA.3, and BA.4/BA.5). We found that the two hamster ACE2s present slightly lower affinity for the RBDs of all nine SARS-CoV-2 viruses tested than human ACE2 (hACE2). Furthermore, the similar infectivity to host cells expressing hamster ACE2s and hACE2 was confirmed with the nine pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2 viruses. Additionally, we determined two cryo-electron microscopy (EM) complex structures of golden hamster ACE2 (ghACE2)/delta RBD and ghACE2/omicron BA.3 RBD. The residues Q34 and N82, which exist in many rodent ACE2s, are responsible for the lower binding affinity of ghACE2 compared to hACE2. These findings suggest that all SARS-CoV-2 VOCs may infect hamsters, highlighting the necessity of further surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in these animals.IMPORTANCESARS-CoV-2 can infect many domestic animals, including hamsters. There is an urgent need to understand the binding mechanism of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants to hamster receptors. Herein, we showed that two hamster angiotensin-converting enzyme 2s (ACE2s) (golden hamster ACE2 and Chinese hamster ACE2) can bind to the spike protein receptor-binding domains (RBDs) of SARS-CoV-2 prototype and eight variants and that pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2 viruses can infect hamster ACE2-expressing cells. The binding pattern of golden hamster ACE2 to SARS-CoV-2 RBDs is similar to that of Chinese hamster ACE2. The two hamster ACE2s present slightly lower affinity for the RBDs of all nine SARS-CoV-2 viruses tested than human ACE2. We solved the cryo-electron microscopy (EM) structures of golden hamster ACE2 in complex with delta RBD and omicron BA.3 RBD and found that residues Q34 and N82 are responsible for the lower binding affinity of ghACE2 compared to hACE2. Our work provides valuable information for understanding the cross-species transmission mechanism of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Niu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Zhennan Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhimin Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Xiaoyu Rong
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yan Chai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Bai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Pengcheng Han
- School of Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guijun Shang
- Cryo-EM Center, Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jianle Ren
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Ying Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kefang Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-xia Tian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Qihui Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - George Fu Gao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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13
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Mannar D, Saville JW, Poloni C, Zhu X, Bezeruk A, Tidey K, Ahmed S, Tuttle KS, Vahdatihassani F, Cholak S, Cook L, Steiner TS, Subramaniam S. Altered receptor binding, antibody evasion and retention of T cell recognition by the SARS-CoV-2 XBB.1.5 spike protein. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1854. [PMID: 38424106 PMCID: PMC10904792 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46104-2] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The XBB.1.5 variant of SARS-CoV-2 has rapidly achieved global dominance and exhibits a high growth advantage over previous variants. Preliminary reports suggest that the success of XBB.1.5 stems from mutations within its spike glycoprotein, causing immune evasion and enhanced receptor binding. We present receptor binding studies that demonstrate retention of binding contacts with the human ACE2 receptor and a striking decrease in binding to mouse ACE2 due to the revertant R493Q mutation. Despite extensive evasion of antibody binding, we highlight a region on the XBB.1.5 spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD) that is recognized by serum antibodies from a donor with hybrid immunity, collected prior to the emergence of the XBB.1.5 variant. T cell assays reveal high frequencies of XBB.1.5 spike-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells amongst donors with hybrid immunity, with the CD4+ T cells skewed towards a Th1 cell phenotype and having attenuated effector cytokine secretion as compared to ancestral spike protein-specific cells. Thus, while the XBB.1.5 variant has retained efficient human receptor binding and gained antigenic alterations, it remains susceptible to recognition by T cells induced via vaccination and previous infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhiraj Mannar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - James W Saville
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Chad Poloni
- Department of Medicine and BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Xing Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Alison Bezeruk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Keith Tidey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Sana Ahmed
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Katharine S Tuttle
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Faezeh Vahdatihassani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Spencer Cholak
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Laura Cook
- Department of Medicine and BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Department of Critical Care, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Theodore S Steiner
- Department of Medicine and BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Sriram Subramaniam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
- Gandeeva Therapeutics, Inc., Burnaby, BC, V5C 6N5, Canada.
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Shi K, Li L, Luo C, Xu Z, Huang B, Ma S, Liu K, Yu G, Gao GF. Structural basis of increased binding affinities of spikes from SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants to rabbit and hare ACE2s reveals the expanding host tendency. mBio 2024; 15:e0298823. [PMID: 38112468 PMCID: PMC10870819 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02988-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential host range of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been expanding alongside its evolution during the pandemic, with rabbits and hares being considered important potential hosts, supported by a report of rabbit sero-prevalence in nature. We measured the binding affinities of rabbit and hare angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) with receptor-binding domains (RBDs) from SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and its variants and found that rabbit and hare ACE2s had broad variant tropism, with significantly enhanced affinities to Omicron BA.4/5 and its subsequent-emerged sub-variants (>10 fold). The structures of rabbit ACE2 complexed with either SARS-CoV-2 prototype (PT) or Omicron BA.4/5 spike (S) proteins were determined, thereby unveiling the importance of rabbit ACE2 Q34 in RBD-interaction and elucidating the molecular basis of the enhanced binding with Omicron BA.4/5 RBD. These results address the highly enhanced risk of rabbits infecting SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sub-variants and the importance of constant surveillance.IMPORTANCEThe severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has swept the globe and caused immense health and economic damage. SARS-CoV-2 has demonstrated a broad host range, indicating a high risk of interspecies transmission and adaptive mutation. Therefore, constant monitoring for potential hosts is of immense importance. In this study, we found that Omicron BA.4/5 and subsequent-emerged sub-variants exhibited enhanced binding to both rabbit and hare angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), and we elucidated the structural mechanism of their recognition. From the structure, we found that Q34, a unique residue of rabbit ACE2 compared to other ACE2 orthologs, plays an important role in ACE2 recognition. These results address the probability of rabbits/hares being potential hosts of SARS-CoV-2 and broaden our knowledge regarding the molecular mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 interspecies transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyuan Shi
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory for Protection and Application of Special Plants in Wuling Area of China, College of Life Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Linjie Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chunliang Luo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Zepeng Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Baihan Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Sufang Ma
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kefang Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guanghui Yu
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory for Protection and Application of Special Plants in Wuling Area of China, College of Life Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, China
| | - George F. Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Selvavinayagam ST, Suvaithenamudhan S, Yong YK, Hemashree K, Rajeshkumar M, Kumaresan A, Arthydevi P, Kannan M, Gopalan N, Vignesh R, Murugesan A, Sivasankaran MP, Sankar S, Cheedarla N, Anshad AR, Govindaraj S, Zhang Y, Tan HY, Larsson M, Saravanan S, Balakrishnan P, Kulanthaivel L, Singh K, Joseph N, Velu V, Byrareddy SN, Shankar EM, Raju S. Genomic surveillance of omicron B.1.1.529 SARS-CoV-2 and its variants between December 2021 and March 2023 in Tamil Nadu, India-A state-wide prospective longitudinal study. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29456. [PMID: 38329187 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29456] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
A state-wide prospective longitudinal investigation of the genomic surveillance of the omicron B.1.1.529 SARS-CoV-2 variant and its sublineages in Tamil Nadu, India, was conducted between December 2021 and March 2023. The study aimed to elucidate their mutational patterns and their genetic interrelationship in the Indian population. The study identified several unique mutations at different time-points, which likely could attribute to the changing disease characteristics, transmission, and pathogenicity attributes of omicron variants. The study found that the omicron variant is highly competent in its mutating potentials, and that it continues to evolve in the general population, likely escaping from natural as well as vaccine-induced immune responses. Our findings suggest that continuous surveillance of viral variants at the global scenario is warranted to undertake intervention measures against potentially precarious SARS-CoV-2 variants and their evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sivaprakasam T Selvavinayagam
- State Public Health Laboratory, Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, DMS Campus, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Suvaiyarasan Suvaithenamudhan
- Infection and Inflammation, Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, India
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, (Deemed to be University), Pondicherry, India
| | - Yean K Yong
- Laboratory Centre, Xiamen University Malaysia, Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Kelip-kelip! Center of Excellence for Light Enabling Technologies, Xiamen University Malaysia, Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Kannan Hemashree
- State Public Health Laboratory, Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, DMS Campus, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Manivannan Rajeshkumar
- State Public Health Laboratory, Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, DMS Campus, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Anandhazhvar Kumaresan
- State Public Health Laboratory, Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, DMS Campus, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Parthiban Arthydevi
- State Public Health Laboratory, Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, DMS Campus, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Meganathan Kannan
- Blood and Vascular Biology, Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Natarajan Gopalan
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ramachandran Vignesh
- Preclinical Department, Faculty of Medicine, Royal College of Medicine Perak, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Amudhan Murugesan
- Department of Microbiology, The Government Theni Medical College and Hospital, Theni, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Sathish Sankar
- Department of Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Science, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Narayanaiah Cheedarla
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory Vaccine Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Abdul R Anshad
- Infection and Inflammation, Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sakthivel Govindaraj
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory Vaccine Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ying Zhang
- Kelip-kelip! Center of Excellence for Light Enabling Technologies, Xiamen University Malaysia, Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University Malaysia, Sepang, Malaysia
| | - Hong Y Tan
- Laboratory Centre, Xiamen University Malaysia, Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiamen University Malaysia, Sepang, Malaysia
| | - Marie Larsson
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Shanmugam Saravanan
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Pachamuthu Balakrishnan
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Langeswaran Kulanthaivel
- Department of Biomedical Science, Science Campus, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kamalendra Singh
- Bond Life Sciences Center, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Narcisse Joseph
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Vijayakumar Velu
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory Vaccine Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Siddappa N Byrareddy
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Esaki M Shankar
- Infection and Inflammation, Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sivadoss Raju
- State Public Health Laboratory, Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, DMS Campus, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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Raisinghani N, Alshahrani M, Gupta G, Xiao S, Tao P, Verkhivker G. Accurate Characterization of Conformational Ensembles and Binding Mechanisms of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2 and BA.2.86 Spike Protein with the Host Receptor and Distinct Classes of Antibodies Using AlphaFold2-Augmented Integrative Computational Modeling. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.18.567697. [PMID: 38045395 PMCID: PMC10690158 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.18.567697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
The latest wave SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants displayed a growth advantage and the increased viral fitness through convergent evolution of functional hotspots that work synchronously to balance fitness requirements for productive receptor binding and efficient immune evasion. In this study, we combined AlphaFold2-based structural modeling approaches with all-atom MD simulations and mutational profiling of binding energetics and stability for prediction and comprehensive analysis of the structure, dynamics, and binding of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2.86 spike variant with ACE2 host receptor and distinct classes of antibodies. We adapted several AlphaFold2 approaches to predict both structure and conformational ensembles of the Omicron BA.2.86 spike protein in the complex with the host receptor. The results showed that AlphaFold2-predicted conformational ensemble of the BA.2.86 spike protein complex can accurately capture the main dynamics signatures obtained from microscond molecular dynamics simulations. The ensemble-based dynamic mutational scanning of the receptor binding domain residues in the BA.2 and BA.2.86 spike complexes with ACE2 dissected the role of the BA.2 and BA.2.86 backgrounds in modulating binding free energy changes revealing a group of conserved hydrophobic hotspots and critical variant-specific contributions of the BA.2.86 mutational sites R403K, F486P and R493Q. To examine immune evasion properties of BA.2.86 in atomistic detail, we performed large scale structure-based mutational profiling of the S protein binding interfaces with distinct classes of antibodies that displayed significantly reduced neutralization against BA.2.86 variant. The results quantified specific function of the BA.2.86 mutations to ensure broad resistance against different classes of RBD antibodies. This study revealed the molecular basis of compensatory functional effects of the binding hotspots, showing that BA.2.86 lineage may have primarily evolved to improve immune escape while modulating binding affinity with ACE2 through cooperative effect of R403K, F486P and R493Q mutations. The study supports a hypothesis that the impact of the increased ACE2 binding affinity on viral fitness is more universal and is mediated through cross-talk between convergent mutational hotspots, while the effect of immune evasion could be more variant-dependent.
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Balupuri A, Kim JM, Choi KE, No JS, Kim IH, Rhee JE, Kim EJ, Kang NS. Comparative Computational Analysis of Spike Protein Structural Stability in SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Subvariants. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16069. [PMID: 38003257 PMCID: PMC10671153 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The continuous emergence of new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants with multiple spike (S) protein mutations pose serious threats to current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) therapies. A comprehensive understanding of the structural stability of SARS-CoV-2 variants is vital for the development of effective therapeutic strategies as it can offer valuable insights into their potential impact on viral infectivity. S protein mediates a virus' attachment to host cells by binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) through its receptor-binding domain (RBD), and mutations in this protein can affect its stability and binding affinity. We analyzed S protein structural stability in various Omicron subvariants computationally. Notably, the S protein sequences analyzed in this work were obtained directly from our own sample collection. We evaluated the binding free energy between S protein and ACE2 in several complex forms. Additionally, we measured distances between the RBD of each chain in S protein to analyze conformational changes. Unlike most of the prior studies, we analyzed full-length S protein-ACE2 complexes instead of only RBD-ACE2 complexes. Omicron subvariants including BA.1, BA.2, BA.2.12.1, BA.4/BA.5, BA.2.75, BA.2.75_K147E, BA.4.6 and BA.4.6_N658S showed enhanced stability compared to wild type, potentially due to distinct S protein mutations. Among them, BA.2.75 and BA.4.6_N658S exhibited the highest and lowest level of stability, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand Balupuri
- Graduate School of New Drug Discovery and Development, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea; (A.B.); (K.-E.C.)
| | - Jeong-Min Kim
- Division of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Bureau of Infectious Disease Diagnosis Control, Korea Disease, Control and Prevention Agency, 187 Osongsaengmyeong 2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si 28159, Republic of Korea; (J.-M.K.); (J.S.N.); (I.-H.K.); (J.E.R.)
| | - Kwang-Eun Choi
- Graduate School of New Drug Discovery and Development, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea; (A.B.); (K.-E.C.)
| | - Jin Sun No
- Division of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Bureau of Infectious Disease Diagnosis Control, Korea Disease, Control and Prevention Agency, 187 Osongsaengmyeong 2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si 28159, Republic of Korea; (J.-M.K.); (J.S.N.); (I.-H.K.); (J.E.R.)
| | - Il-Hwan Kim
- Division of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Bureau of Infectious Disease Diagnosis Control, Korea Disease, Control and Prevention Agency, 187 Osongsaengmyeong 2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si 28159, Republic of Korea; (J.-M.K.); (J.S.N.); (I.-H.K.); (J.E.R.)
| | - Jee Eun Rhee
- Division of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Bureau of Infectious Disease Diagnosis Control, Korea Disease, Control and Prevention Agency, 187 Osongsaengmyeong 2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si 28159, Republic of Korea; (J.-M.K.); (J.S.N.); (I.-H.K.); (J.E.R.)
| | - Eun-Jin Kim
- Division of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Bureau of Infectious Disease Diagnosis Control, Korea Disease, Control and Prevention Agency, 187 Osongsaengmyeong 2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si 28159, Republic of Korea; (J.-M.K.); (J.S.N.); (I.-H.K.); (J.E.R.)
| | - Nam Sook Kang
- Graduate School of New Drug Discovery and Development, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea; (A.B.); (K.-E.C.)
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Alshahrani M, Gupta G, Xiao S, Tao P, Verkhivker G. Comparative Analysis of Conformational Dynamics and Systematic Characterization of Cryptic Pockets in the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2, BA.2.75 and XBB.1 Spike Complexes with the ACE2 Host Receptor: Confluence of Binding and Structural Plasticity in Mediating Networks of Conserved Allosteric Sites. Viruses 2023; 15:2073. [PMID: 37896850 PMCID: PMC10612107 DOI: 10.3390/v15102073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the current study, we explore coarse-grained simulations and atomistic molecular dynamics together with binding energetics scanning and cryptic pocket detection in a comparative examination of conformational landscapes and systematic characterization of allosteric binding sites in the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2, BA.2.75 and XBB.1 spike full-length trimer complexes with the host receptor ACE2. Microsecond simulations, Markov state models and mutational scanning of binding energies of the SARS-CoV-2 BA.2 and BA.2.75 receptor binding domain complexes revealed the increased thermodynamic stabilization of the BA.2.75 variant and significant dynamic differences between these Omicron variants. Molecular simulations of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron spike full-length trimer complexes with the ACE2 receptor complemented atomistic studies and enabled an in-depth analysis of mutational and binding effects on conformational dynamic and functional adaptability of the Omicron variants. Despite considerable structural similarities, Omicron variants BA.2, BA.2.75 and XBB.1 can induce unique conformational dynamic signatures and specific distributions of the conformational states. Using conformational ensembles of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron spike trimer complexes with ACE2, we conducted a comprehensive cryptic pocket screening to examine the role of Omicron mutations and ACE2 binding on the distribution and functional mechanisms of the emerging allosteric binding sites. This analysis captured all experimentally known allosteric sites and discovered networks of inter-connected and functionally relevant allosteric sites that are governed by variant-sensitive conformational adaptability of the SARS-CoV-2 spike structures. The results detailed how ACE2 binding and Omicron mutations in the BA.2, BA.2.75 and XBB.1 spike complexes modulate the distribution of conserved and druggable allosteric pockets harboring functionally important regions. The results are significant for understanding the functional roles of druggable cryptic pockets that can be used for allostery-mediated therapeutic intervention targeting conformational states of the Omicron variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Alshahrani
- Keck Center for Science and Engineering, Graduate Program in Computational and Data Sciences, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, CA 92866, USA; (M.A.); (G.G.)
| | - Grace Gupta
- Keck Center for Science and Engineering, Graduate Program in Computational and Data Sciences, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, CA 92866, USA; (M.A.); (G.G.)
| | - Sian Xiao
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Research Computing, Center for Drug Discovery, Design, and Delivery (CD4), Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX 75275, USA; (S.X.); (P.T.)
| | - Peng Tao
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Research Computing, Center for Drug Discovery, Design, and Delivery (CD4), Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX 75275, USA; (S.X.); (P.T.)
| | - Gennady Verkhivker
- Keck Center for Science and Engineering, Graduate Program in Computational and Data Sciences, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, CA 92866, USA; (M.A.); (G.G.)
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
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Vardhan S, Sahoo SK. Computational studies on the interaction of Omicron subvariants (BA.1, BA.2, and BA.3) with ACE2 and polyphenols. PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS : PCA 2023; 34:800-815. [PMID: 36606391 DOI: 10.1002/pca.3204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant BA.2 is spreading widely across the globe. The World Health Organization (WHO) designated BA.2 as a variant of concern due to its high transmission rate and pathogenicity. To elucidate the structural changes caused by mutations, we conducted a comparative analysis of BA.2 with variants BA.1 and BA.3. OBJECTIVE In the present study, we aimed to investigate the interactions of the spike glycoprotein receptor-binding domain (SGp RBD) of Omicron variants BA.1, BA.2, and BA.3 with the human receptor hACE2. Further, a library of 233 polyphenols was screened by molecular docking with the SGp RBDs of Omicron variants BA.1, BA.2, and BA.3. METHODS Protein-protein and protein-ligand molecular docking simulations were performed with AutoDock Vina and the ClusPro 2.0 server, respectively. The protein-ligand interactions were evaluated by BIOVIA Discovery Studio and ChimeraX 1.4. The molecular dynamics simulations for 100 ns were performed using GROMACS 2021. RESULTS Compared to other variants of concern, the structural changes in Omicron caused by mutations at key positions improved its ability to cause infection. Despite multiple mutations, many important polyphenols bind effectively at the RBDs of Omicron variants, with the required pharmacokinetic and ADME features and obeying the Lipinski rule. CONCLUSION Even though Omicron variants have multiple mutations and their transmission rate is relatively high, the computed binding affinities of lead polyphenols like epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) and luteolin-7-O-glucuronide (L7G) indicate that traditional medicines and proper immunity booster diets may be useful in the long-term fight against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seshu Vardhan
- Department of Chemistry, Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT), Surat, Gujarat, India
| | - Suban K Sahoo
- Department of Chemistry, Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT), Surat, Gujarat, India
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Verkhivker G, Alshahrani M, Gupta G. Exploring Conformational Landscapes and Cryptic Binding Pockets in Distinct Functional States of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 Trimers: Mutation-Induced Modulation of Protein Dynamics and Network-Guided Prediction of Variant-Specific Allosteric Binding Sites. Viruses 2023; 15:2009. [PMID: 37896786 PMCID: PMC10610873 DOI: 10.3390/v15102009] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A significant body of experimental structures of SARS-CoV-2 spike trimers for the BA.1 and BA.2 variants revealed a considerable plasticity of the spike protein and the emergence of druggable binding pockets. Understanding the interplay of conformational dynamics changes induced by the Omicron variants and the identification of cryptic dynamic binding pockets in the S protein is of paramount importance as exploring broad-spectrum antiviral agents to combat the emerging variants is imperative. In the current study, we explore conformational landscapes and characterize the universe of binding pockets in multiple open and closed functional spike states of the BA.1 and BA.2 Omicron variants. By using a combination of atomistic simulations, a dynamics network analysis, and an allostery-guided network screening of binding pockets in the conformational ensembles of the BA.1 and BA.2 spike conformations, we identified all experimentally known allosteric sites and discovered significant variant-specific differences in the distribution of binding sites in the BA.1 and BA.2 trimers. This study provided a structural characterization of the predicted cryptic pockets and captured the experimentally known allosteric sites, revealing the critical role of conformational plasticity in modulating the distribution and cross-talk between functional binding sites. We found that mutational and dynamic changes in the BA.1 variant can induce the remodeling and stabilization of a known druggable pocket in the N-terminal domain, while this pocket is drastically altered and may no longer be available for ligand binding in the BA.2 variant. Our results predicted the experimentally known allosteric site in the receptor-binding domain that remains stable and ranks as the most favorable site in the conformational ensembles of the BA.2 variant but could become fragmented and less probable in BA.1 conformations. We also uncovered several cryptic pockets formed at the inter-domain and inter-protomer interface, including functional regions of the S2 subunit and stem helix region, which are consistent with the known role of pocket residues in modulating conformational transitions and antibody recognition. The results of this study are particularly significant for understanding the dynamic and network features of the universe of available binding pockets in spike proteins, as well as the effects of the Omicron-variant-specific modulation of preferential druggable pockets. The exploration of predicted druggable sites can present a new and previously underappreciated opportunity for therapeutic interventions for Omicron variants through the conformation-selective and variant-specific targeting of functional sites involved in allosteric changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennady Verkhivker
- Keck Center for Science and Engineering, Graduate Program in Computational and Data Sciences, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, CA 92866, USA; (M.A.); (G.G.)
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
| | - Mohammed Alshahrani
- Keck Center for Science and Engineering, Graduate Program in Computational and Data Sciences, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, CA 92866, USA; (M.A.); (G.G.)
| | - Grace Gupta
- Keck Center for Science and Engineering, Graduate Program in Computational and Data Sciences, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, CA 92866, USA; (M.A.); (G.G.)
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Herranz M, Buenestado-Serrano S, Martín-Escolano J, Molero-Salinas A, Alonso R, Catalán P, Muñoz P, García de Viedma D, Pérez-Lago L. Alternative molecular and genomic strategies to provide a rapid response to alerts concerning the introduction of new emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants: the Omicron alert. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0107523. [PMID: 37737624 PMCID: PMC10586716 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01075-23] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, several SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) of particular relevance emerged. Early detection of VOCs entering a country is essential to control spread. The alert triggered by the first suspected case of the Omicron variant in Spain in a traveler arriving from South Africa in November 2021 provided a unique opportunity to evaluate four different methodological strategies tailored to rapid identification of Omicron. The different approaches were designed to respond to the different technical resources available in different settings. First, we used melting probes in RT-PCR to determine the presence of four Omicron signatures (K417N, E484A, P681H, and absence of L452R): three probes showed deviations in temperature (Tm) values relative to the reference codons (E484K-15.8°C, P681H-5.2°C, and L452R-7.2°C) and one maintained the reference value (K417N). The deviation in Tm of P681H suggested the presence of the characteristic Omicron N679K mutation in the probe hybridization region; these data pointed to the presence of Omicron alleles. Second, the presence of 29 of the 33 characteristic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Omicron variant S-gene was identified by Sanger sequencing of nine amplicons. The final two strategies involved identification of 47 of the 50 non-synonymous and indel mutations attributed to Omicron by rapid nanopore whole genome sequencing (WGS) and by Illumina WGS technology. These strategies enabled us to pre-assign the first Omicron case in Spain with high certainty 2 h after receipt of RNA and to confirm it genomically 3 h later, so that the Public Health authorities could be rapidly notified. IMPORTANCE The study presents different experimental alternatives to identify new variants of concern (VOCs) of SARS-CoV-2 entering a certain population. Early detection of a new VOC is crucial for surveillance and control of spread. The objective is to provide laboratories with tools adapted to their resource capabilities that offer a sufficient level of resolution to rule out, confirm, or pre-assign the presence of a suspected VOC. The study describes four different techniques that were applied simultaneously to the first suspected Omicron case in Spain, highlighting the level of resolution and response time achieved in each case. These techniques are based on the detection of mutations in the S-gene of the virus that can easily adapt to potential emerging variants. The results of the study allow any laboratory to prepare for new alerts of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Herranz
- Servicio de Microbiología Clínica y Enfermedades Infecciosas, Gregorio Marañón General University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Buenestado-Serrano
- Servicio de Microbiología Clínica y Enfermedades Infecciosas, Gregorio Marañón General University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
- Escuela de Doctorado, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Martín-Escolano
- Servicio de Microbiología Clínica y Enfermedades Infecciosas, Gregorio Marañón General University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrea Molero-Salinas
- Servicio de Microbiología Clínica y Enfermedades Infecciosas, Gregorio Marañón General University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Alonso
- Servicio de Microbiología Clínica y Enfermedades Infecciosas, Gregorio Marañón General University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Catalán
- Servicio de Microbiología Clínica y Enfermedades Infecciosas, Gregorio Marañón General University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Muñoz
- Servicio de Microbiología Clínica y Enfermedades Infecciosas, Gregorio Marañón General University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Darío García de Viedma
- Servicio de Microbiología Clínica y Enfermedades Infecciosas, Gregorio Marañón General University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Pérez-Lago
- Servicio de Microbiología Clínica y Enfermedades Infecciosas, Gregorio Marañón General University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Gregorio Marañón Microbiology-ID COVID 19 Study Group
- Servicio de Microbiología Clínica y Enfermedades Infecciosas, Gregorio Marañón General University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain
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Alshahrani M, Gupta G, Xiao S, Tao P, Verkhivker G. Examining Functional Linkages Between Conformational Dynamics, Protein Stability and Evolution of Cryptic Binding Pockets in the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Spike Complexes with the ACE2 Host Receptor: Recombinant Omicron Variants Mediate Variability of Conserved Allosteric Sites and Binding Epitopes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.11.557205. [PMID: 37745525 PMCID: PMC10515794 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.11.557205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
In the current study, we explore coarse-grained simulations and atomistic molecular dynamics together with binding energetics scanning and cryptic pocket detection in a comparative examination of conformational landscapes and systematic characterization of allosteric binding sites in the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2, BA.2.75 and XBB.1 spike full-length trimer complexes with the host receptor ACE2. Microsecond simulations, Markov state models and mutational scanning of binding energies of the SARS-CoV-2 BA.2 and BA.2.75 receptor binding domain complexes revealed the increased thermodynamic stabilization of the BA.2.75 variant and significant dynamic differences between these Omicron variants. Molecular simulations of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron spike full length trimer complexes with the ACE2 receptor complemented atomistic studies and enabled an in-depth analysis of mutational and binding effects on conformational dynamic and functional adaptability of the Omicron variants. Despite considerable structural similarities, Omicron variants BA.2, BA.2.75 and XBB.1 can induce unique conformational dynamic signatures and specific distributions of the conformational states. Using conformational ensembles of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron spike trimer complexes with ACE2, we conducted a comprehensive cryptic pocket screening to examine the role of Omicron mutations and ACE2 binding on the distribution and functional mechanisms of the emerging allosteric binding sites. This analysis captured all experimentally known allosteric sites and discovered networks of inter-connected and functionally relevant allosteric sites that are governed by variant-sensitive conformational adaptability of the SARS-CoV-2 spike structures. The results detailed how ACE2 binding and Omicron mutations in the BA.2, BA.2.75 and XBB.1 spike complexes modulate the distribution of conserved and druggable allosteric pockets harboring functionally important regions. The results of are significant for understanding functional roles of druggable cryptic pockets that can be used for allostery-mediated therapeutic intervention targeting conformational states of the Omicron variants.
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23
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Xiao S, Alshahrani M, Gupta G, Tao P, Verkhivker G. Markov State Models and Perturbation-Based Approaches Reveal Distinct Dynamic Signatures and Hidden Allosteric Pockets in the Emerging SARS-Cov-2 Spike Omicron Variant Complexes with the Host Receptor: The Interplay of Dynamics and Convergent Evolution Modulates Allostery and Functional Mechanisms. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:5272-5296. [PMID: 37549201 PMCID: PMC11162552 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c00778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
The new generation of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants displayed a significant growth advantage and increased viral fitness by acquiring convergent mutations, suggesting that the immune pressure can promote convergent evolution leading to the sudden acceleration of SARS-CoV-2 evolution. In the current study, we combined structural modeling, microsecond molecular dynamics simulations, and Markov state models to characterize conformational landscapes and identify specific dynamic signatures of the SARS-CoV-2 spike complexes with the host receptor ACE2 for the recently emerged highly transmissible XBB.1, XBB.1.5, BQ.1, and BQ.1.1 Omicron variants. Microsecond simulations and Markovian modeling provided a detailed characterization of the functional conformational states and revealed the increased thermodynamic stabilization of the XBB.1.5 subvariant, which can be contrasted to more dynamic BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 subvariants. Despite considerable structural similarities, Omicron mutations can induce unique dynamic signatures and specific distributions of the conformational states. The results suggested that variant-specific changes of the conformational mobility in the functional interfacial loops of the receptor-binding domain in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein can be fine-tuned through crosstalk between convergent mutations which could provide an evolutionary path for modulation of immune escape. By combining atomistic simulations and Markovian modeling analysis with perturbation-based approaches, we determined important complementary roles of convergent mutation sites as effectors and receivers of allosteric signaling involved in modulation of conformational plasticity and regulation of allosteric communications. This study also revealed hidden allosteric pockets and suggested that convergent mutation sites could control evolution and distribution of allosteric pockets through modulation of conformational plasticity in the flexible adaptable regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sian Xiao
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Research Computing, Center for Drug Discovery, Design, and Delivery (CD4), Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas 75275, United States
| | - Mohammed Alshahrani
- Keck Center for Science and Engineering, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, California 92866, United States
| | - Grace Gupta
- Keck Center for Science and Engineering, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, California 92866, United States
| | - Peng Tao
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Research Computing, Center for Drug Discovery, Design, and Delivery (CD4), Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas 75275, United States
| | - Gennady Verkhivker
- Keck Center for Science and Engineering, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, California 92866, United States
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, California 92618, United States
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24
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Verkhivker G, Alshahrani M, Gupta G, Xiao S, Tao P. Probing conformational landscapes of binding and allostery in the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant complexes using microsecond atomistic simulations and perturbation-based profiling approaches: hidden role of omicron mutations as modulators of allosteric signaling and epistatic relationships. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023; 25:21245-21266. [PMID: 37548589 PMCID: PMC10536792 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp02042h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we systematically examine the conformational dynamics, binding and allosteric communications in the Omicron BA.1, BA.2, BA.3 and BA.4/BA.5 spike protein complexes with the ACE2 host receptor using molecular dynamics simulations and perturbation-based network profiling approaches. Microsecond atomistic simulations provided a detailed characterization of the conformational landscapes and revealed the increased thermodynamic stabilization of the BA.2 variant which can be contrasted with the BA.4/BA.5 variants inducing a significant mobility of the complexes. Using the dynamics-based mutational scanning of spike residues, we identified structural stability and binding affinity hotspots in the Omicron complexes. Perturbation response scanning and network-based mutational profiling approaches probed the effect of the Omicron mutations on allosteric interactions and communications in the complexes. The results of this analysis revealed specific roles of Omicron mutations as conformationally plastic and evolutionary adaptable modulators of binding and allostery which are coupled to the major regulatory positions through interaction networks. Through perturbation network scanning of allosteric residue potentials in the Omicron variant complexes performed in the background of the original strain, we characterized regions of epistatic couplings that are centered around the binding affinity hotspots N501Y and Q498R. Our results dissected the vital role of these epistatic centers in regulating protein stability, efficient ACE2 binding and allostery which allows for accumulation of multiple Omicron immune escape mutations at other sites. Through integrative computational approaches, this study provides a systematic analysis of the effects of Omicron mutations on thermodynamics, binding and allosteric signaling in the complexes with ACE2 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennady Verkhivker
- Keck Center for Science and Engineering, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, CA 92866, USA.
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA 92618, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Mohammed Alshahrani
- Keck Center for Science and Engineering, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, CA 92866, USA.
| | - Grace Gupta
- Keck Center for Science and Engineering, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, CA 92866, USA.
| | - Sian Xiao
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Research Computing, Center for Drug Discovery, Design, and Delivery (CD4), Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, 75275, USA.
| | - Peng Tao
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Research Computing, Center for Drug Discovery, Design, and Delivery (CD4), Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, 75275, USA.
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25
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Wrobel AG. Mechanism and evolution of human ACE2 binding by SARS-CoV-2 spike. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2023; 81:102619. [PMID: 37285618 PMCID: PMC10183628 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2023.102619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 mediates viral entry into host cells by facilitating virus attachment and membrane fusion. ACE2 is the main receptor of SARS-CoV-2 and its interaction with spike has shaped the virus' emergence from an animal reservoir and subsequent evolution in the human host. Many structural studies on the spike:ACE2 interaction have provided insights into mechanisms driving viral evolution during the on-going pandemic. This review describes the molecular basis of spike binding to ACE2, outlines mechanisms that have optimised this interaction during viral evolution, and suggests directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoni G Wrobel
- Structural Biology of Disease Processes Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom.
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26
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Zhao Z, Xie Y, Bai B, Luo C, Zhou J, Li W, Meng Y, Li L, Li D, Li X, Li X, Wang X, Sun J, Xu Z, Sun Y, Zhang W, Fan Z, Zhao X, Wu L, Ma J, Li OY, Shang G, Chai Y, Liu K, Wang P, Gao GF, Qi J. Structural basis for receptor binding and broader interspecies receptor recognition of currently circulating Omicron sub-variants. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4405. [PMID: 37479708 PMCID: PMC10362042 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39942-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sub-variants, such as BA.2, BA.2.12.1, BA.4, and BA.5, emerge one after another. BA.5 has become the dominant strain worldwide. Additionally, BA.2.75 is significantly increasing in some countries. Exploring their receptor binding and interspecies transmission risk is urgently needed. Herein, we examine the binding capacities of human and other 28 animal ACE2 orthologs covering nine orders towards S proteins of these sub-variants. The binding affinities between hACE2 and these sub-variants remain in the range as that of previous variants of concerns (VOCs) or interests (VOIs). Notably, R493Q reverse mutation enhances the bindings towards ACE2s from humans and many animals closely related to human life, suggesting an increased risk of cross-species transmission. Structures of S/hACE2 or RBD/hACE2 complexes for these sub-variants and BA.2 S binding to ACE2 of mouse, rat or golden hamster are determined to reveal the molecular basis for receptor binding and broader interspecies recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhennan Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yufeng Xie
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Bai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chunliang Luo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Jingya Zhou
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Research Network of Immunity and Health (RNIH), Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Weiwei Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yumin Meng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Linjie Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dedong Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaomei Li
- Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiaoxiong Li
- Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiaoyun Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Junqing Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Zepeng Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Yeping Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng Fan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Linhuan Wu
- Chinese National Microbiology Data Center (NMDC), Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Juncai Ma
- Chinese National Microbiology Data Center (NMDC), Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Odel Y Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Guijun Shang
- Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yan Chai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kefang Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Peiyi Wang
- Cryo-EM Center, Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
| | - George F Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Research Network of Immunity and Health (RNIH), Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Jianxun Qi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Life Science Academy, Beijing, China.
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27
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Lubin JH, Markosian C, Balamurugan D, Ma MT, Chen CH, Liu D, Pasqualini R, Arap W, Burley SK, Khare SD. Modeling of ACE2 and antibodies bound to SARS-CoV-2 provides insights into infectivity and immune evasion. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e168296. [PMID: 37261904 PMCID: PMC10371346 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.168296] [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: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Given the COVID-19 pandemic, there is interest in understanding ligand-receptor features and targeted antibody-binding attributes against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. Here, we developed a large-scale structure-based pipeline for analysis of protein-protein interactions regulating SARS-CoV-2 immune evasion. First, we generated computed structural models of the Spike protein of 3 SARS-CoV-2 variants (B.1.1.529, BA.2.12.1, and BA.5) bound either to a native receptor (ACE2) or to a large panel of targeted ligands (n = 282), which included neutralizing or therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. Moreover, by using the Barnes classification, we noted an overall loss of interfacial interactions (with gain of new interactions in certain cases) at the receptor-binding domain (RBD) mediated by substituted residues for neutralizing complexes in classes 1 and 2, whereas less destabilization was observed for classes 3 and 4. Finally, an experimental validation of predicted weakened therapeutic antibody binding was performed in a cell-based assay. Compared with the original Omicron variant (B.1.1.529), derivative variants featured progressive destabilization of antibody-RBD interfaces mediated by a larger set of substituted residues, thereby providing a molecular basis for immune evasion. This approach and findings provide a framework for rapidly and efficiently generating structural models for SARS-CoV-2 variants bound to ligands of mechanistic and therapeutic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph H. Lubin
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Christopher Markosian
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, USA
- Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - D. Balamurugan
- Office of Advanced Research Computing, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Radiology
| | - Minh T. Ma
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, and
| | - Chih-Hsiung Chen
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, and
| | - Dongfang Liu
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, and
| | - Renata Pasqualini
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, USA
- Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Wadih Arap
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Stephen K. Burley
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- RCSB Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- RCSB Protein Data Bank, San Diego Supercomputer Center, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Sagar D. Khare
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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28
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Chen G, Zhang Y, Wu K, Jin T, Peng C, Jiang Q, Tian W, Chen Z, Shen Z, Sheng G. Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity of JMB2002-an antibody against COVID-19: a phase 1 clinical trial in healthy Chinese adults. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:437. [PMID: 37370000 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08341-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The emergence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and subsequent Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in a significant global public health burden, leading to an urgent need for effective therapeutic strategies. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are a potentially effective therapeutic option. We identified a potent antibody JMB2002 against the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain. JMB2002 has demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in a SARS-CoV-2 infected rhesus macaque model. METHODS We conducted a randomized, double-blind, phase 1 trial to evaluate the JMB2002's safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity in healthy Chinese adults. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four cohorts with sequential dose, administrated intravenously with JMB2002 or placebo, and followed up for 85 ± 5 days. RESULTS 40 participants were recruited and completed in the study. Eight (25.0%) participants experienced 13 treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) that were drug-related. No serious adverse events (SAEs), dose limiting events (DLTs), or adverse events of special interest (AESIs), such as infusion related/allergic reactions, were observed, and no drop out due to adverse events (AEs) occurred. There was no significant safety difference observed between JMB2002 and the placebo, suggesting it was well tolerated. The AUC0-∞, AUC0 - t of JMB2002 infusion increased dose-dependently from 5 mg/kg to 50 mg/kg while there is also a linear trend between doses and Cmax. CONCLUSION Therefore, JMB2002 was well tolerated after administration of a single dose in the range of 5 mg/kg to 50 mg/kg in healthy Chinese adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION ChiCTR2100042150 at https://www.chictr.org.cn/searchproj.aspx (14/01/2021).
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiling Chen
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Shuren University Shulan International Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Shanghai Jemincare Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Kaiqi Wu
- Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Shuren University Shulan International Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tinghan Jin
- Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Shuren University Shulan International Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Conggao Peng
- Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Shuren University Shulan International Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qi Jiang
- Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Shuren University Shulan International Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenjuan Tian
- Shanghai Jemincare Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Zhong Chen
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | | | - Guoping Sheng
- Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Shuren University Shulan International Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
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29
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Giroux E, Oake A, Lewis T, Martic S. Aptamer-, heparin- or cocktail-based inhibition of S1-ACE2 protein complexes. Anal Biochem 2023:115223. [PMID: 37385465 PMCID: PMC10299842 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2023.115223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
The Spike protein (S1) from the Severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 virus binds to angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor to initiate infection. Hence, antiviral therapeutic targeting the S1-ACE2 interface is of interest. Herein, we compare the inhibition efficacy of an aptamer to heparin or their cocktail, against wild-type (WT), Omicron, Delta, and Lambda S1-ACE2 complexes. The aptamer-protein complexes had the dissociation constant KD values in the 2-13 nM range. The aptamer half-maximal inhibitory concentration against WT S1-ACE was 17 nM, with the % inhibition in the 12-35% range. Several aptamer-S1 protein complexes were also stable at low pH with 60% inhibition. Despite the similarity in S1 sequences, the extent of inhibition (2-27%) with heparin was highly dependent on the type of S1 protein. More importantly, heparin did not inhibit the WT S1-ACE2 complex but was effective with mutants. The aptamer-heparin cocktail was less effective compared to aptamer or heparin, individually. Modelling data show that either a direct or proximal binding to RBD sites by aptamer or heparin prevents the ACE2 binding. Overall, heparin was as an effective inhibitor as aptamer against certain variants, and represents the more cost-effective neutralizing agent against emerging coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Giroux
- Department of Forensic Science, Trent University, Peterborough, Canada
| | - A Oake
- Flemming College, Peterborough, Canada
| | - T Lewis
- Environmental and Life Science Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Canada
| | - S Martic
- Department of Forensic Science, Trent University, Peterborough, Canada; Environmental and Life Science Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Canada.
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30
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Li Y, Shen Y, Zhang Y, Yan R. Structural Basis for the Enhanced Infectivity and Immune Evasion of Omicron Subvariants. Viruses 2023; 15:1398. [PMID: 37376697 PMCID: PMC10304477 DOI: 10.3390/v15061398] [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: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 have emerged as the dominant strains worldwide, causing the COVID-19 pandemic. Each Omicron subvariant contains at least 30 mutations on the spike protein (S protein) compared to the original wild-type (WT) strain. Here we report the cryo-EM structures of the trimeric S proteins from the BA.1, BA.2, BA.3, and BA.4/BA.5 subvariants, with BA.4 and BA.5 sharing the same S protein mutations, each in complex with the surface receptor ACE2. All three receptor-binding domains of the S protein from BA.2 and BA.4/BA.5 are "up", while the BA.1 S protein has two "up" and one "down". The BA.3 S protein displays increased heterogeneity, with the majority in the all "up" RBD state. The different conformations preferences of the S protein are consistent with their varied transmissibility. By analyzing the position of the glycan modification on Asn343, which is located at the S309 epitopes, we have uncovered the underlying immune evasion mechanism of the Omicron subvariants. Our findings provide a molecular basis of high infectivity and immune evasion of Omicron subvariants, thereby offering insights into potential therapeutic interventions against SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaning Li
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yaping Shen
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Renhong Yan
- Key University Laboratory of Metabolism and Health of Guangdong, Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
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31
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Guo Y, Zhang G, Yang Q, Xie X, Lu Y, Cheng X, Wang H, Liang J, Tang J, Gao Y, Shang H, Dai J, Shi Y, Zhou J, Zhou J, Guo H, Yang H, Qi J, Liu L, Ma S, Zhang B, Huo Q, Xie Y, Wu J, Dong F, Zhang S, Lou Z, Gao Y, Song Z, Wang W, Sun Z, Yang X, Xiong D, Liu F, Chen X, Zhu P, Wang X, Cheng T, Rao Z. Discovery and characterization of potent pan-variant SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies from individuals with Omicron breakthrough infection. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3537. [PMID: 37322000 PMCID: PMC10267556 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39267-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant evades most currently approved neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) and caused drastic decrease of plasma neutralizing activity elicited by vaccination or prior infection, urging the need for the development of pan-variant antivirals. Breakthrough infection induces a hybrid immunological response with potentially broad, potent and durable protection against variants, therefore, convalescent plasma from breakthrough infection may provide a broadened repertoire for identifying elite nAbs. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and BCR sequencing (scBCR-seq) of B cells from BA.1 breakthrough-infected patients who received 2 or 3 previous doses of inactivated vaccine. Elite nAbs, mainly derived from the IGHV2-5 and IGHV3-66/53 germlines, showed potent neutralizing activity across Wuhan-Hu-1, Delta, Omicron sublineages BA.1 and BA.2 at picomolar NT50 values. Cryo-EM analysis revealed diverse modes of spike recognition and guides the design of cocktail therapy. A single injection of paired antibodies cocktail provided potent protection in the K18-hACE2 transgenic female mouse model of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Grants
- National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS)
- This work was supported by the National Program on Key Research Project of China (2018YFE0200400, 2021YFE0201900, 2021YFA1100900 and 2018YFA0507200),The Key Program of Natural Science Foundation of Tianjin (20JCYBJC01340), Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem Innovation Fund (22HHXBSS00001),Science and Technology Project of Tianjin (22ZYJDSS00080),the Non-CAMS Fundamental Research Funds for Central Research Institutes (3332021093), Application for Basic and Applied Basic Research Projects of Guangzhou Basic Research Program (SL2023A04J00076), Emergency Key Program of Guangzhou Laboratory (EKPGL2021008), R&D Program of Guangzhou Laboratory (SRPG22-003, SRPG22-002).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin, 300071, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China.
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
- Beijing Institute of Biological Products Company Limited, China National Biotech Group, Beijing, 100176, China.
| | - Guangshun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- CNBG-Nankai Joint Research Center, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Qi Yang
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaowei Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
| | - Yang Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
| | - Xuelian Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Beijing Institute of Biological Products Company Limited, China National Biotech Group, Beijing, 100176, China
- CNBG-Nankai Joint Research Center, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Jingxi Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, P.R. China
| | - Jielin Tang
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuxin Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
- CNBG-Nankai Joint Research Center, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Hang Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
- CNBG-Nankai Joint Research Center, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Jun Dai
- Guangzhou Customs District Technology Center, Guangzhou, 510700, China
| | - Yongxia Shi
- Guangzhou Customs District Technology Center, Guangzhou, 510700, China
| | - Jiaxi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
| | - Hangtian Guo
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, P.R. China
| | - Haitao Yang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, P.R. China
| | - Jianwei Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
| | - Lijun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
| | - Shihui Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
| | - Biao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
| | - Qianyu Huo
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
| | - Yi Xie
- Tianjin Haihe Hospital, Jingu Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Junping Wu
- Tianjin Haihe Hospital, Jingu Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Fang Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Song Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Zhiyong Lou
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Gao
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, P.R. China
| | - Zidan Song
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- CNBG-Nankai Joint Research Center, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Wenming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
- CNBG-Nankai Joint Research Center, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Zixian Sun
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoming Yang
- Beijing Institute of Biological Products Company Limited, China National Biotech Group, Beijing, 100176, China.
- CNBG-Nankai Joint Research Center, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China.
| | - Dongsheng Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China.
| | - Fengjiang Liu
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xinwen Chen
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ping Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China.
| | - Ximo Wang
- Tianjin Haihe Hospital, Jingu Road, Tianjin, 300071, China.
| | - Tao Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China.
| | - Zihe Rao
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin, 300071, China.
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
- CNBG-Nankai Joint Research Center, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China.
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, P.R. China.
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Xiao S, Alshahrani M, Gupta G, Tao P, Verkhivker G. Markov State Models and Perturbation-Based Approaches Reveal Distinct Dynamic Signatures and Hidden Allosteric Pockets in the Emerging SARS-Cov-2 Spike Omicron Variants Complexes with the Host Receptor: The Interplay of Dynamics and Convergent Evolution Modulates Allostery and Functional Mechanisms. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.20.541592. [PMID: 37292827 PMCID: PMC10245745 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.20.541592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The new generation of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants displayed a significant growth advantage and the increased viral fitness by acquiring convergent mutations, suggesting that the immune pressure can promote convergent evolution leading to the sudden acceleration of SARS-CoV-2 evolution. In the current study, we combined structural modeling, extensive microsecond MD simulations and Markov state models to characterize conformational landscapes and identify specific dynamic signatures of the SARS-CoV-2 spike complexes with the host receptor ACE2 for the recently emerged highly transmissible XBB.1, XBB.1.5, BQ.1, and BQ.1.1 Omicron variants. Microsecond simulations and Markovian modeling provided a detailed characterization of the conformational landscapes and revealed the increased thermodynamic stabilization of the XBB.1.5 subvariant which is contrasted to more dynamic BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 subvariants. Despite considerable structural similarities, Omicron mutations can induce unique dynamic signatures and specific distributions of conformational states. The results suggested that variant-specific changes of conformational mobility in the functional interfacial loops of the spike receptor binding domain can be fine-tuned through cross-talk between convergent mutations thereby providing an evolutionary path for modulation of immune escape. By combining atomistic simulations and Markovian modeling analysis with perturbation-based approaches, we determined important complementary roles of convergent mutation sites as effectors and receivers of allosteric signaling involved in modulating conformational plasticity at the binding interface and regulating allosteric responses. This study also characterized the dynamics-induced evolution of allosteric pockets in the Omicron complexes that revealed hidden allosteric pockets and suggested that convergent mutation sites could control evolution and distribution of allosteric pockets through modulation of conformational plasticity in the flexible adaptable regions. Through integrative computational approaches, this investigation provides a systematic analysis and comparison of the effects of Omicron subvariants on conformational dynamics and allosteric signaling in the complexes with the ACE2 receptor. For Table of Contents Use Only
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Verkhivker G, Alshahrani M, Gupta G. Balancing Functional Tradeoffs between Protein Stability and ACE2 Binding in the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2, BA.2.75 and XBB Lineages: Dynamics-Based Network Models Reveal Epistatic Effects Modulating Compensatory Dynamic and Energetic Changes. Viruses 2023; 15:1143. [PMID: 37243229 PMCID: PMC10221141 DOI: 10.3390/v15051143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Evolutionary and functional studies suggested that the emergence of the Omicron variants can be determined by multiple fitness trade-offs including the immune escape, binding affinity for ACE2, conformational plasticity, protein stability and allosteric modulation. In this study, we systematically characterize conformational dynamics, structural stability and binding affinities of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Omicron complexes with the host receptor ACE2 for BA.2, BA.2.75, XBB.1 and XBB.1.5 variants. We combined multiscale molecular simulations and dynamic analysis of allosteric interactions together with the ensemble-based mutational scanning of the protein residues and network modeling of epistatic interactions. This multifaceted computational study characterized molecular mechanisms and identified energetic hotspots that can mediate the predicted increased stability and the enhanced binding affinity of the BA.2.75 and XBB.1.5 complexes. The results suggested a mechanism driven by the stability hotspots and a spatially localized group of the Omicron binding affinity centers, while allowing for functionally beneficial neutral Omicron mutations in other binding interface positions. A network-based community model for the analysis of epistatic contributions in the Omicron complexes is proposed revealing the key role of the binding hotspots R498 and Y501 in mediating community-based epistatic couplings with other Omicron sites and allowing for compensatory dynamics and binding energetic changes. The results also showed that mutations in the convergent evolutionary hotspot F486 can modulate not only local interactions but also rewire the global network of local communities in this region allowing the F486P mutation to restore both the stability and binding affinity of the XBB.1.5 variant which may explain the growth advantages over the XBB.1 variant. The results of this study are consistent with a broad range of functional studies rationalizing functional roles of the Omicron mutation sites that form a coordinated network of hotspots enabling a balance of multiple fitness tradeoffs and shaping up a complex functional landscape of virus transmissibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennady Verkhivker
- Keck Center for Science and Engineering, Graduate Program in Computational and Data Sciences, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, CA 92866, USA; (M.A.); (G.G.)
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
| | - Mohammed Alshahrani
- Keck Center for Science and Engineering, Graduate Program in Computational and Data Sciences, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, CA 92866, USA; (M.A.); (G.G.)
| | - Grace Gupta
- Keck Center for Science and Engineering, Graduate Program in Computational and Data Sciences, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, CA 92866, USA; (M.A.); (G.G.)
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Verkhivker G, Alshahrani M, Gupta G, Xiao S, Tao P. Probing Conformational Landscapes of Binding and Allostery in the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant Complexes Using Microsecond Atomistic Simulations and Perturbation-Based Profiling Approaches: Hidden Role of Omicron Mutations as Modulators of Allosteric Signaling and Epistatic Relationships. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.03.539337. [PMID: 37205479 PMCID: PMC10187228 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.03.539337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we systematically examine the conformational dynamics, binding and allosteric communications in the Omicron BA.1, BA.2, BA.3 and BA.4/BA.5 complexes with the ACE2 host receptor using molecular dynamics simulations and perturbation-based network profiling approaches. Microsecond atomistic simulations provided a detailed characterization of the conformational landscapes and revealed the increased thermodynamic stabilization of the BA.2 variant which is contrasted with the BA.4/BA.5 variants inducing a significant mobility of the complexes. Using ensemble-based mutational scanning of binding interactions, we identified binding affinity and structural stability hotspots in the Omicron complexes. Perturbation response scanning and network-based mutational profiling approaches probed the effect of the Omicron variants on allosteric communications. The results of this analysis revealed specific roles of Omicron mutations as "plastic and evolutionary adaptable" modulators of binding and allostery which are coupled to the major regulatory positions through interaction networks. Through perturbation network scanning of allosteric residue potentials in the Omicron variant complexes, which is performed in the background of the original strain, we identified that the key Omicron binding affinity hotspots N501Y and Q498R could mediate allosteric interactions and epistatic couplings. Our results suggested that the synergistic role of these hotspots in controlling stability, binding and allostery can enable for compensatory balance of fitness tradeoffs with conformationally and evolutionary adaptable immune-escape Omicron mutations. Through integrative computational approaches, this study provides a systematic analysis of the effects of Omicron mutations on thermodynamics, binding and allosteric signaling in the complexes with ACE2 receptor. The findings support a mechanism in which Omicron mutations can evolve to balance thermodynamic stability and conformational adaptability in order to ensure proper tradeoff between stability, binding and immune escape.
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Zuo Y, Zheng Z, Huang Y, He J, Zang L, Ren T, Cao X, Miao Y, Yuan Y, Liu Y, Ma F, Dai J, Tian S, Ding Q, Zheng H. Vitamin C promotes ACE2 degradation and protects against SARS-CoV-2 infection. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e56374. [PMID: 36876523 PMCID: PMC10074088 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202256374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
ACE2 is a major receptor for cellular entry of SARS-CoV-2. Despite advances in targeting ACE2 to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 binding, strategies to flexibly and sufficiently reduce ACE2 levels for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection have not been explored. Here, we reveal vitamin C (VitC) administration as a potent strategy to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection. VitC reduces ACE2 protein levels in a dose-dependent manner, while even a partial reduction in ACE2 levels can greatly inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection. Further studies reveal that USP50 is a crucial regulator of ACE2 levels. VitC blocks the USP50-ACE2 interaction, thus promoting K48-linked polyubiquitination of ACE2 at Lys788 and subsequent degradation of ACE2 without affecting its transcriptional expression. Importantly, VitC administration reduces host ACE2 levels and greatly blocks SARS-CoV-2 infection in mice. This study reveals that ACE2 protein levels are down-regulated by an essential nutrient, VitC, thereby enhancing protection against infection of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibo Zuo
- International Institute of Infection and ImmunityInstitutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Zhijin Zheng
- International Institute of Infection and ImmunityInstitutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Yingkang Huang
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology Regulatory ElementsChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Suzhou Institute of Systems MedicineSuzhouChina
| | - Jiuyi He
- International Institute of Infection and ImmunityInstitutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Lichao Zang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, ChangzhouSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Tengfei Ren
- International Institute of Infection and ImmunityInstitutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Xinhua Cao
- International Institute of Infection and ImmunityInstitutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Ying Miao
- International Institute of Infection and ImmunityInstitutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Yukang Yuan
- International Institute of Infection and ImmunityInstitutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Yanli Liu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Feng Ma
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology Regulatory ElementsChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Suzhou Institute of Systems MedicineSuzhouChina
| | - Jianfeng Dai
- International Institute of Infection and ImmunityInstitutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Sheng Tian
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Qiang Ding
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, School of Medicine, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural BiologyTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Hui Zheng
- International Institute of Infection and ImmunityInstitutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
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Verkhivker G, Alshahrani M, Gupta G. Coarse-Grained Molecular Simulations and Ensemble-Based Mutational Profiling of Protein Stability in the Different Functional Forms of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Trimers: Balancing Stability and Adaptability in BA.1, BA.2 and BA.2.75 Variants. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076642. [PMID: 37047615 PMCID: PMC10094791 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Evolutionary and functional studies have suggested that the emergence of Omicron variants can be determined by multiple fitness tradeoffs including immune escape, binding affinity, conformational plasticity, protein stability, and allosteric modulation. In this study, we embarked on a systematic comparative analysis of the conformational dynamics, electrostatics, protein stability, and allostery in the different functional states of spike trimers for BA.1, BA.2, and BA.2.75 variants. Using efficient and accurate coarse-grained simulations and atomistic reconstruction of the ensembles, we examined the conformational dynamics of the spike trimers that agree with the recent functional studies, suggesting that BA.2.75 trimers are the most stable among these variants. A systematic mutational scanning of the inter-protomer interfaces in the spike trimers revealed a group of conserved structural stability hotspots that play a key role in the modulation of functional dynamics and are also involved in the inter-protomer couplings through local contacts and interaction networks with the Omicron mutational sites. The results of mutational scanning provided evidence that BA.2.75 trimers are more stable than BA.2 and comparable in stability to the BA.1 variant. Using dynamic network modeling of the S Omicron BA.1, BA.2, and BA.2.75 trimers, we showed that the key network mediators of allosteric interactions are associated with the major stability hotspots that are interconnected along potential communication pathways. The network analysis of the BA.1, BA.2, and BA.2.75 trimers suggested that the increased thermodynamic stability of the BA.2.75 variant may be linked with the organization and modularity of the residue interaction network that allows for allosteric communications between structural stability hotspots and Omicron mutational sites. This study provided a plausible rationale for a mechanism in which Omicron mutations may evolve by targeting vulnerable sites of conformational adaptability to elicit immune escape while maintaining their control on balancing protein stability and functional fitness through robust allosteric communications with the stability hotspots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennady Verkhivker
- Keck Center for Science and Engineering, Graduate Program in Computational and Data Sciences, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, CA 92866, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
| | - Mohammed Alshahrani
- Keck Center for Science and Engineering, Graduate Program in Computational and Data Sciences, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, CA 92866, USA
| | - Grace Gupta
- Keck Center for Science and Engineering, Graduate Program in Computational and Data Sciences, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, CA 92866, USA
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Abstract
Millions of Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) inhabit New York City (NYC), presenting the potential for transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from humans to rats. We evaluated SARS-CoV-2 exposure among 79 rats captured from NYC during the fall of 2021. Our results showed that 13 of the 79 rats (16.5%) tested IgG- or IgM-positive, and partial SARS-CoV-2 genomes were recovered from all 4 rats that were qRT-PCR (reverse transcription-quantitative PCR)-positive. Genomic analyses suggest these viruses were associated with genetic lineage B, which was predominant in NYC in the spring of 2020 during the early pandemic period. To further investigate rat susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 variants, we conducted a virus challenge study and showed that Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants can cause infections in wild-type Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, including high replication levels in the upper and lower respiratory tracts and induction of both innate and adaptive immune responses. Additionally, the Delta variant resulted in the highest infectivity. In summary, our results indicate that rats are susceptible to infection with Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants, and wild Norway rats in the NYC municipal sewer systems have been exposed to SARS-CoV-2. Our findings highlight the need for further monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in urban rat populations and for evaluating the potential risk of secondary zoonotic transmission from these rat populations back to humans. IMPORTANCE The host tropism expansion of SARS-CoV-2 raises concern for the potential risk of reverse-zoonotic transmission of emerging variants into rodent species, including wild rat species. In this study, we present both genetic and serological evidence for SARS-CoV-2 exposure to the New York City wild rat population, and these viruses may be linked to the viruses that were circulating during the early stages of the pandemic. We also demonstrated that rats are susceptible to additional variants (i.e., Alpha, Delta, and Omicron) that have been predominant in humans and that susceptibility to infection varies by variant. Our findings highlight the reverse zoonosis of SARS-CoV-2 to urban rats and the need for further monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in rat populations for potential secondary zoonotic transmission to humans.
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Lee M, Major M, Hong H. Distinct Conformations of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Spike Protein and Its Interaction with ACE2 and Antibody. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:3774. [PMID: 36835186 PMCID: PMC9967551 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Since November 2021, Omicron has been the dominant severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant that causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and has continuously impacted human health. Omicron sublineages are still increasing and cause increased transmission and infection rates. The additional 15 mutations on the receptor binding domain (RBD) of Omicron spike proteins change the protein conformation, enabling the Omicron variant to evade neutralizing antibodies. For this reason, many efforts have been made to design new antigenic variants to induce effective antibodies in SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development. However, understanding the different states of Omicron spike proteins with and without external molecules has not yet been addressed. In this review, we analyze the structures of the spike protein in the presence and absence of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and antibodies. Compared to previously determined structures for the wildtype spike protein and other variants such as alpha, beta, delta, and gamma, the Omicron spike protein adopts a partially open form. The open-form spike protein with one RBD up is dominant, followed by the open-form spike protein with two RBD up, and the closed-form spike protein with the RBD down. It is suggested that the competition between antibodies and ACE2 induces interactions between adjacent RBDs of the spike protein, which lead to a partially open form of the Omicron spike protein. The comprehensive structural information of Omicron spike proteins could be helpful for the efficient design of vaccines against the Omicron variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myeongsang Lee
- National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Marian Major
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Huixiao Hong
- National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
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Overduin M, Bhat RK, Kervin TA. SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Subvariants Balance Host Cell Membrane, Receptor, and Antibody Docking via an Overlapping Target Site. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020447. [PMID: 36851661 PMCID: PMC9967007 DOI: 10.3390/v15020447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are emerging rapidly and offer surfaces that are optimized for recognition of host cell membranes while also evading antibodies arising from vaccinations and previous infections. Host cell infection is a multi-step process in which spike heads engage lipid bilayers and one or more angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptors. Here, the membrane binding surfaces of Omicron subvariants are compared using cryo-electron microscopy (cEM) structures of spike trimers from BA.2, BA.2.12.1, BA.2.13, BA.2.75, BA.3, BA.4, and BA.5 viruses. Despite significant differences around mutated sites, they all maintain strong membrane binding propensities that first appeared in BA.1. Both their closed and open states retain elevated membrane docking capacities, although the presence of more closed than open states diminishes opportunities to bind receptors while enhancing membrane engagement. The electrostatic dipoles are generally conserved. However, the BA.2.75 spike dipole is compromised, and its ACE-2 affinity is increased, and BA.3 exhibits the opposite pattern. We propose that balancing the functional imperatives of a stable, readily cleavable spike that engages both lipid bilayers and receptors while avoiding host defenses underlies betacoronavirus evolution. This provides predictive criteria for rationalizing future pandemic waves and COVID-19 transmissibility while illuminating critical sites and strategies for simultaneously combating multiple variants.
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Saville JW, Mannar D, Zhu X, Berezuk AM, Cholak S, Tuttle KS, Vahdatihassani F, Subramaniam S. Structural analysis of receptor engagement and antigenic drift within the BA.2 spike protein. Cell Rep 2023; 42:111964. [PMID: 36640338 PMCID: PMC9812370 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The BA.2 sub-lineage of the Omicron (B.1.1.529) severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant rapidly supplanted the original BA.1 sub-lineage in early 2022. Both lineages threatened the efficacy of vaccine-elicited antibodies and acquired increased binding to several mammalian ACE2 receptors. Cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) analysis of the BA.2 spike (S) glycoprotein in complex with mouse ACE2 (mACE2) identifies BA.1- and BA.2-mutated residues Q493R, N501Y, and Y505H as complementing non-conserved residues between human and mouse ACE2, rationalizing the enhanced S protein-mACE2 interaction for Omicron variants. Cryo-EM structures of the BA.2 S-human ACE2 complex and of the extensively mutated BA.2 amino-terminal domain (NTD) reveal a dramatic reorganization of the highly antigenic N1 loop into a β-strand, providing an explanation for decreased binding of the BA.2 S protein to antibodies isolated from BA.1-convalescent patients. Our analysis reveals structural mechanisms underlying the antigenic drift in the rapidly evolving Omicron variant landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- James W Saville
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Dhiraj Mannar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Xing Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Alison M Berezuk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Spencer Cholak
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Katharine S Tuttle
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Faezeh Vahdatihassani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Sriram Subramaniam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; Gandeeva Therapeutics, Inc., Burnaby, BC V5C 6N5, Canada.
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Porter AF, Purcell DFJ, Howden BP, Duchene S. Evolutionary rate of SARS-CoV-2 increases during zoonotic infection of farmed mink. Virus Evol 2023; 9:vead002. [PMID: 36751428 PMCID: PMC9896948 DOI: 10.1093/ve/vead002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
To investigate genetic signatures of adaptation to the mink host, we characterised the evolutionary rate heterogeneity in mink-associated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2). In 2020, the first detected anthropozoonotic spillover event of SARS-CoV-2 occurred in mink farms throughout Europe and North America. Both spill-back of mink-associated lineages into the human population and the spread into the surrounding wildlife were reported, highlighting the potential formation of a zoonotic reservoir. Our findings suggest that the evolutionary rate of SARS-CoV-2 underwent an episodic increase upon introduction into the mink host before returning to the normal range observed in humans. Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2 lineages could have circulated in the mink population for a month before detection, and during this period, evolutionary rate estimates were between 3 × 10-3 and 1.05 × 10-2 (95 per cent HPD, with a mean rate of 6.59 × 10-3) a four- to thirteen-fold increase compared to that in humans. As there is evidence for unique mutational patterns within mink-associated lineages, we explored the emergence of four mink-specific Spike protein amino acid substitutions Y453F, S1147L, F486L, and Q314K. We found that mutation Y453F emerged early in multiple mink outbreaks and that mutations F486L and Q314K may co-occur. We suggest that SARS-CoV-2 undergoes a brief, but considerable, increase in evolutionary rate in response to greater selective pressures during species jumps, which may lead to the occurrence of mink-specific mutations. These findings emphasise the necessity of ongoing surveillance of zoonotic SARS-CoV-2 infections in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh F Porter
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Damian F J Purcell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Benjamin P Howden
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Sebastian Duchene
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
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Reggiani A, Rugna G, Bonilauri P. SARS-CoV-2 and animals, a long story that doesn't have to end now: What we need to learn from the emergence of the Omicron variant. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1085613. [PMID: 36590812 PMCID: PMC9798331 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1085613] [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: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OIE, the world organization for animal health, recently released an update on the state of the art of knowledge regarding SARS-CoV-2 in animals. For farmed animals, ferrets and minks were found to be highly susceptible to the virus and develop symptomatic disease both in natural conditions and in experimental infections. Lagomorphs of the species Oryctolagus cuniculus are indicated as highly susceptible to the virus under experimental conditions, but show no symptoms of the disease and do not transmit the virus between conspecifics, unlike raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides), which in addition to being highly susceptible to the virus under experimental conditions, can also transmit the virus between conspecifics. Among felines, the circulation of the virus has reached a level of cases such as sometimes suggests the experimental use of vaccines for human use or treatments with monoclonal antibodies. But even among wild animals, several species (White-tailed deer, Egyptian rousettes, and minks) have now been described as potential natural reservoirs of the virus. This proven circulation of SARS-CoV-2 among animals has not been accompanied by the development of an adequate surveillance system that allows following the evolution of the virus among its natural hosts. This will be all the more relevant as the surveillance system in humans inevitably drops and we move to surveillance by sentinels similar to the human flu virus. The lesson that we can draw from the emergence of Omicron and, more than likely, its animal origin must not be lost, and in this mini-review, we explain why.
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SARS-CoV-2 exposure in Norway rats ( Rattus norvegicus) from New York City. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2022.11.18.517156. [PMID: 36451891 PMCID: PMC9709794 DOI: 10.1101/2022.11.18.517156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Millions of Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) inhabit New York City (NYC), presenting the potential for transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from humans to rats and other wildlife. We evaluated SARS-CoV-2 exposure among 79 rats captured from NYC during the fall of 2021. Results showed that 13 of 79 rats (16.5%) tested IgG or IgM positive, and partial genomes of SARS-CoV-2 were recovered from four rats that were qRT-PCR positive. Using a virus challenge study, we also showed that Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants can cause robust infections in wild-type Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, including high level replications in the upper and lower respiratory tracts and induction of both innate and adaptive immune responses. Additionally, the Delta variant resulted in the highest infectivity. In summary, our results indicated that rats are susceptible to infection with Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants, and rats in the NYC municipal sewer systems have been exposed to SARS-CoV-2. Our findings highlight the potential risk of secondary zoonotic transmission from urban rats and the need for further monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in those populations.
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Halfmann PJ, Frey SJ, Loeffler K, Kuroda M, Maemura T, Armbrust T, Yang JE, Hou YJ, Baric R, Wright ER, Kawaoka Y, Kane RS. Multivalent S2-based vaccines provide broad protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and pangolin coronaviruses. EBioMedicine 2022; 86:104341. [PMID: 36375316 PMCID: PMC9651965 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause morbidity and mortality worldwide. Most approved COVID-19 vaccines generate a neutralizing antibody response that primarily targets the highly variable receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein. SARS-CoV-2 "variants of concern" have acquired mutations in this domain allowing them to evade vaccine-induced humoral immunity. Recent approaches to improve the breadth of protection beyond SARS-CoV-2 have required the use of mixtures of RBD antigens from different sarbecoviruses. It may therefore be beneficial to develop a vaccine in which the protective immune response targets a more conserved region of the S protein. METHODS Here we have developed a vaccine based on the conserved S2 subunit of the S protein and optimized the adjuvant and immunization regimen in Syrian hamsters and BALB/c mice. We have characterized the efficacy of the vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 variants and other coronaviruses. FINDINGS Immunization with S2-based constructs elicited a broadly cross-reactive IgG antibody response that recognized the spike proteins of not only SARS-CoV-2 variants, but also SARS-CoV-1, and the four endemic human coronaviruses. Importantly, immunization reduced virus titers in respiratory tissues in vaccinated animals challenged with SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.351 (beta), B.1.617.2 (delta), and BA.1 (omicron) as well as a pangolin coronavirus. INTERPRETATION These results suggest that S2-based constructs can elicit a broadly cross-reactive antibody response resulting in limited virus replication, thus providing a framework for designing vaccines that elicit broad protection against coronaviruses. FUNDING NIH, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Garry Betty/ V Foundation Chair Fund, and NSF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Halfmann
- Influenza Research Institute, Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53711, USA
| | - Steven J Frey
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Kathryn Loeffler
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Makoto Kuroda
- Influenza Research Institute, Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53711, USA
| | - Tadashi Maemura
- Influenza Research Institute, Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53711, USA
| | - Tammy Armbrust
- Influenza Research Institute, Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53711, USA
| | - Jie E Yang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53706, USA; Cryo-EM Research Center, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53706, USA; Midwest Center for Cryo-Electron Tomography, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Yixuan J Hou
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Ralph Baric
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Wright
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53706, USA; Cryo-EM Research Center, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53706, USA; Midwest Center for Cryo-Electron Tomography, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Yoshihiro Kawaoka
- Influenza Research Institute, Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53711, USA; Division of Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan.
| | - Ravi S Kane
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA; Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
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Shen Y, Wang J, Li Y, Zhang Y, Tian R, Yan R. Structures of ACE2-SIT1 recognized by Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2. Cell Discov 2022; 8:123. [PMID: 36384914 PMCID: PMC9667838 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-022-00488-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Shen
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jianhui Wang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Key University Laboratory of Metabolism and Health of Guangdong, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yaning Li
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ruilin Tian
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China.
- Key University Laboratory of Metabolism and Health of Guangdong, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Renhong Yan
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China.
- Key University Laboratory of Metabolism and Health of Guangdong, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China.
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An ACE2-Based Decoy Inhibitor Effectively Neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.5 Variant. Viruses 2022; 14:v14112387. [PMID: 36366484 PMCID: PMC9695261 DOI: 10.3390/v14112387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The recently circulating SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.5 is rampaging the world with elevated transmissibility compared to the original SARS-CoV-2 strain. Immune escape of BA.5 was observed after treatment with many monoclonal antibodies, calling for broad-spectrum, immune-escape-evading therapeutics. In retrospect, we previously reported Kansetin as an ACE2 mimetic and a protein antagonist against SARS-CoV-2, which proved potent neutralization bioactivity on the Reference, Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron strains of SARS-CoV-2. Since BA.5 is expected to rely on the interaction of the Spike complex with human ACE2 for cell entry, we reasonably assumed the lasting efficacy of the ACE2-mimicking Kansetin for neutralizing the new SARS-CoV-2 variant. The investigation was accordingly performed on in vitro Kansetin-Spike binding affinity by SPR and cell infection inhibition ability with pseudovirus and live virus assays. As a result, Kansetin showed dissociation constant KD and half inhibition concentration IC50 at the nanomolar to picomolar level, featuring a competent inhibition effect against the BA.5 sublineage. Conclusively, Kansetin is expected to be a promising therapeutic option against BA.5 and future SARS-CoV-2 sublineages.
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A rational strategy for the maintenance of antiviral immunity to new SARS-CoV-2 strains. КЛИНИЧЕСКАЯ ПРАКТИКА 2022. [DOI: 10.17816/clinpract111120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
New variants of SARS-CoV-2 such as Omicron BA.2, BA.4/5, BA.2.12.1 and BA 2.75 are characterized by higher infectivity and the ability to escape virus-neutralizing antibodies against previous coronavirus variants. The S-trimer of BA.2 and its phylogenetic derivatives are characterized by a predominant Up-conformation, which facilitates the interaction with ACE2 on target cells and promotes the resistance to neutralizing antibodies. The immunity acquired from the infection with earlier strains is non-sterile for both early and later strains; the booster systemic immunization does not significantly affect the effectiveness of antiviral immunity, and its feasibility is currently being questioned. Studies of the mucosal immune response have shown that intranasal immunization with adenovirus vaccines provides more pronounced protective immunity than systemic reimmunization does. A promising approach is the creation of multivalent inhaled next generation vaccines containing immunoadjuvants that activate B- and T-cell mucosal immunity. Currently, a large number of intranasal vaccines are undergoing phase I/II trials, while the preclinical and preliminary clinical results indicate that this method of vaccination provides a better mucosal immune response at the entry site of the virus than systemic immunization does. This strategy may provide a long-term immune protection against the currently existing and yet unknown new strains of SARS-CoV-2.
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da Silva SJR. The emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 omicron subvariants introduces uncertainty about the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:1010489. [PMID: 36300185 PMCID: PMC9590648 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1010489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Pitsillou E, Liang JJ, Beh RC, Hung A, Karagiannis TC. Molecular dynamics simulations highlight the altered binding landscape at the spike-ACE2 interface between the Delta and Omicron variants compared to the SARS-CoV-2 original strain. Comput Biol Med 2022; 149:106035. [PMID: 36055162 PMCID: PMC9420038 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2022.106035] [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: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) B.1.1.529 variant (Omicron), represents a significant deviation in genetic makeup and function compared to previous variants. Following the BA.1 sublineage, the BA.2 and BA.3 Omicron subvariants became dominant, and currently the BA.4 and BA.5, which are quite distinct variants, have emerged. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we investigated the binding characteristics of the Delta and Omicron (BA.1) variants in comparison to wild-type (WT) at the interface of the spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD) and human angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) ectodomain. The primary aim was to compare our molecular modelling systems with previously published observations, to determine the robustness of our approach for rapid prediction of emerging future variants. Delta and Omicron were found to bind to ACE2 with similar affinities (-39.4 and -43.3 kcal/mol, respectively) and stronger than WT (-33.5 kcal/mol). In line with previously published observations, the energy contributions of the non-mutated residues at the interface were largely retained between WT and the variants, with F456, F486, and Y489 having the strongest energy contributions to ACE2 binding. Further, residues N440K, Q498R, and N501Y were predicted to be energetically favourable in Omicron. In contrast to Omicron, which had the E484A and K417N mutations, intermolecular bonds were detected for the residue pairs E484:K31 and K417:D30 in WT and Delta, in accordance with previously published findings. Overall, our simplified molecular modelling approach represents a step towards predictive model systems for rapidly analysing arising variants of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Pitsillou
- Epigenomic Medicine, Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia; School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Julia J Liang
- Epigenomic Medicine, Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia; School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Raymond C Beh
- Epigenomic Medicine, Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia; Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Andrew Hung
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Tom C Karagiannis
- Epigenomic Medicine, Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia; Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
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Ou J, Wu J, Zhang Q. Structural insights into the Omicron spike trimer: tackling the challenges of continuously evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:322. [PMID: 36114171 PMCID: PMC9481628 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01179-5] [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: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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