Monomeric ephrinB2 binding induces allosteric changes in Nipah virus G that precede its full activation

A potent Henipavirus cross-neutralizing antibody reveals a dynamic fusion-triggering pattern of the G-tetramer

The Hendra and Nipah viruses (HNVs) are highly pathogenic pathogens without approved interventions for human use. In addition, the interaction pattern between the attachment (G) and fusion (F) glycoproteins required for virus entry remains unclear. Here, we isolate a panel of Macaca-derived G-specific antibodies that cross-neutralize HNVs via multiple mechanisms. The most potent antibody, 1E5, confers adequate protection against the Nipah virus challenge in female hamsters. Crystallography demonstrates that 1E5 has a highly similar binding pattern to the receptor. In cryo-electron microscopy studies, the tendency of 1E5 to bind to the upper or lower heads results in two distinct quaternary structures of G. Furthermore, we identify the extended outer loop β1S2-β1S3 of G and two pockets on the apical region of fusion (F) glycoprotein as the essential sites for G-F interactions. This work highlights promising drug candidates against HNVs and contributes deeper insights into the viruses.

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Using Henipavirus-Receptor EphrinB2 and Monoclonal Antibodies for Detecting Nipah and Hendra Viruses

The Nipah virus (NiV) and the Hendra virus (HeV) are highly pathogenic zoonotic diseases that can cause fatal infections in humans and animals. Early detection is critical for the control of NiV and HeV infections. We present the development of two antigen-detection ELISAs (AgELISAs) using the henipavirus-receptor EphrinB2 and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to detect NiV and HeV. The NiV AgELISA detected only NiV, whereas the NiV/HeV AgELISA detected both NiV and HeV. The diagnostic specificities of the NiV AgELISA and the NiV/HeV AgELISA were 100% and 97.8%, respectively. Both assays were specific for henipaviruses and showed no cross-reactivity with other viruses. The AgELISAs detected NiV antigen in experimental pig nasal wash samples taken at 4 days post-infection. With the combination of both AgELISAs, NiV can be differentiated from HeV. Complementing other henipavirus detection methods, these two newly developed AgELISAs can rapidly detect NiV and HeV in a large number of samples and are suitable for use in remote areas where other tests are not available.

Structure-guided mutagenesis of Henipavirus receptor-binding proteins reveals molecular determinants of receptor usage and antibody-binding epitopes

Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly lethal, zoonotic Henipavirus (HNV) that causes respiratory and neurological signs and symptoms in humans. Similar to other paramyxoviruses, HNVs mediate entry into host cells through the concerted actions of two surface glycoproteins: a receptor-binding protein (RBP) that mediates attachment and a fusion glycoprotein (F) that triggers fusion in an RBP-dependent manner. NiV uses ephrin-B2 (EFNB2) and ephrin-B3 (EFNB3) as entry receptors. Ghana virus (GhV), a novel HNV identified in a Ghanaian bat, uses EFNB2 but not EFNB3. In this study, we employ a structure-informed approach to identify receptor-interfacing residues and systematically introduce GhV-RBP residues into a NiV-RBP backbone to uncover the molecular determinants of EFNB3 usage. We reveal two regions that severely impair EFNB3 binding by NiV-RBP and EFNB3-mediated entry by NiV pseudotyped viral particles. Further analyses uncovered two-point mutations (NiVN557SGhV and NiVY581TGhV) pivotal for this phenotype. Moreover, we identify NiV interaction with Y120 of EFNB3 as important for the usage of this receptor. Beyond these EFNB3-related findings, we reveal two domains that restrict GhV binding of EFNB2, confirm the HNV-head as an immunodominant target for polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies, and describe putative epitopes for GhV- and NiV-specific monoclonal antibodies. Cumulatively, the work presented here generates useful reagents and tools that shed insight to residues important for NiV usage of EFNB3, reveal regions critical for GhV binding of EFNB2, and describe putative HNV antibody-binding epitopes.

IMPORTANCE

Hendra virus and Nipah virus (NiV) are lethal, zoonotic Henipaviruses (HNVs) that cause respiratory and neurological clinical features in humans. Since their initial outbreaks in the 1990s, several novel HNVs have been discovered worldwide, including Ghana virus. Additionally, there is serological evidence of zoonotic transmission, lending way to concerns about future outbreaks. HNV infection of cells is mediated by the receptor-binding protein (RBP) and the Fusion protein (F). The work presented here identifies NiV RBP amino acids important for the usage of ephrin-B3 (EFNB3), a receptor highly expressed in neurons and predicted to be important for neurological clinical features caused by NiV. This study also characterizes epitopes recognized by antibodies against divergent HNV RBPs. Together, this sheds insight to amino acids critical for HNV receptor usage and antibody binding, which is valuable for future studies investigating determinants of viral pathogenesis and developing antibody therapies.

Structural Studies of Henipavirus Glycoproteins

Henipaviruses are a genus of emerging pathogens that includes the highly virulent Nipah and Hendra viruses that cause reoccurring outbreaks of disease. Henipaviruses rely on two surface glycoproteins, known as the attachment and fusion proteins, to facilitate entry into host cells. As new and divergent members of the genus have been discovered and structurally characterized, key differences and similarities have been noted. This review surveys the available structural information on Henipavirus glycoproteins, complementing this with information from related biophysical and structural studies of the broader Paramyxoviridae family of which Henipaviruses are members. The process of viral entry is a primary focus for vaccine and drug development, and this review aims to identify critical knowledge gaps in our understanding of the mechanisms that drive Henipavirus fusion.

Nipah Virus: A Multidimensional Update

Nipah virus (NiV) is an emerging zoonotic paramyxovirus to which is attributed numerous high mortality outbreaks in South and South-East Asia; Bangladesh's Nipah belt accounts for the vast majority of human outbreaks, reporting regular viral emergency events. The natural reservoir of NiV is the Pteropus bat species, which covers a wide geographical distribution extending over Asia, Oceania, and Africa. Occasionally, human outbreaks have required the presence of an intermediate amplification mammal host between bat and humans. However, in Bangladesh, the viral transmission occurs directly from bat to human mainly by ingestion of contaminated fresh date palm sap. Human infection manifests as a rapidly progressive encephalitis accounting for extremely high mortality rates. Despite that, no therapeutic agents or vaccines have been approved for human use. An updated review of the main NiV infection determinants and current potential therapeutic and preventive strategies is exposed.

Sequence basis for selectivity of ephrin-B2 ligand for Eph receptors and pathogenic henipavirus G glycoproteins

IMPORTANCE

Ephrin-B2 (EFNB2) is a ligand for six Eph receptors in humans and regulates multiple cell developmental and signaling processes. It also functions as the cell entry receptor for Nipah virus and Hendra virus, zoonotic viruses that can cause respiratory and/or neurological symptoms in humans with high mortality. Here, we investigate the sequence basis of EFNB2 specificity for binding the Nipah virus attachment G glycoprotein over Eph receptors. We then use this information to engineer EFNB2 as a soluble decoy receptor that specifically binds the attachment glycoproteins of the Nipah virus and other related henipaviruses to neutralize infection. These findings further mechanistic understanding of protein selectivity and may facilitate the development of diagnostics or therapeutics against henipavirus infection.

Structure guided mutagenesis of Henipavirus Receptor Binding Proteins reveals molecular determinants of receptor usage and antibody binding epitopes

Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly lethal, zoonotic henipavirus (HNV) that causes respiratory and neurological signs and symptoms in humans. Similar to other paramyxoviruses, HNVs mediate entry into host cells through the concerted actions of two surface glycoproteins: a receptor binding protein (RBP) that mediates attachment and a fusion glycoprotein (F) that triggers fusion in an RBP-dependent manner. NiV uses ephrin-B2 (EFNB2) and ephrin-B3 (EFNB3) as entry receptors. Ghana virus (GhV), a novel HNV identified in a Ghanaian bat, use EFNB2 but not EFNB3. In this study, we employ a structure-informed approach to identify receptor interfacing residues and systematically introduce GhV-RBP residues into a NiV-RBP backbone to uncover the molecular determinants of EFNB3 usage. We reveal two regions that severely impair EFNB3 binding by NiV-RBP and EFNB3-mediated entry by NiV pseudotyped viral particles. Further analyses uncovered two point mutations (NiVN557SGhV and NiVY581TGhV) pivotal for this phenotype. Moreover, we identify NiV interaction with Y120 of EFNB3 as important for usage of this receptor. Beyond these EFNB3-related findings, we reveal two domains that restrict GhV binding of EFNB2, identify the HNV-head as an immunodominant target for polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies, and describe putative epitopes for GhV and NiV-specific monoclonal antibodies. Cumulatively, the work presented here generates useful reagents and tools that shed insight to residues important for NiV usage of EFNB3, reveals regions critical for GhV binding of EFNB2, and describes putative HNV antibody binding epitopes.

The Sequence Basis for Selectivity of Ephrin-B2 Ligand for Eph Receptors and Pathogenic Henipavirus G Glycoproteins: Selective Ephrin-B2 Decoys for Nipah and Hendra Virus

Ephrin-B2 (EFNB2) is a ligand for six Eph receptors in humans and functions as a cell entry receptor for several henipaviruses including Nipah virus (NiV), a pathogenic zoonotic virus with pandemic potential. To understand the sequence basis of promiscuity for EFNB2 binding to the attachment glycoprotein of NiV (NiV-G) and Eph receptors, we performed deep mutagenesis on EFNB2 to identify mutations that enhance binding to NiV-G over EphB2, one of the highest affinity Eph receptors. The mutations highlight how different EFNB2 conformations are selected by NiV-G versus EphB2. Specificity mutations are enriched at the base of the G-H binding loop of EFNB2, especially surrounding a phenylalanine hinge upon which the G-H loop pivots, and at a phenylalanine hook that rotates away from the EFNB2 core to engage Eph receptors. One EFNB2 mutant, D62Q, possesses pan-specificity to the attachment glycoproteins of closely related henipaviruses and has markedly diminished binding to the six Eph receptors. However, EFNB2-D62Q has high residual binding to EphB3 and EphB4. A second deep mutational scan of EFNB2 identified combinatorial mutations to further enhance specificity to NiV-G. A triple mutant of soluble EFNB2, D62Q-Q130L-V167L, has minimal binding to Eph receptors but maintains binding, albeit reduced, to NiV-G. Soluble EFNB2 decoy receptors carrying the specificity mutations were potent neutralizers of chimeric henipaviruses. These findings demonstrate how specific residue changes at the shared binding interface of a promiscuous ligand (EFNB2) can influence selectivity for multiple receptors, and may also offer insight towards the development of henipavirus therapeutics and diagnostics.

Establishment of a neutralization assay for Nipah virus using a high-titer pseudovirus system

OBJECTIVE

To construct a high-titer Nipah pseudovirus packaging system using the HIV lentivirus backbone vector and establish a safe neutralization assay for Nipah pseudovirus in biosafety level 2 facilities.

METHODS

Nipah virus (NiV) fusion protein (F) and glycoprotein (G) recombinant expression plasmids, psPAX2, and pLenti CMV Puro LUC (w168-1) were transiently transfected into 293T cells for 72 h for the generation of a NiV pseudovirus. The neutralization ability of Nipah virus F and G protein antibodies was assessed using the pseudovirus.

RESULTS

A NiV pseudovirus was constructed using 293T cells. The ideal mass ratio of plasmid psPAX2: w168-1: F: G for transfection was determined to be 4:4:1:1. The specificity of recombinant F and G protein expression was indicated by indirect immunofluorescence and western blotting. The pseudovirus particles showed obvious spikes under a transmission electron microscope. The NiV pseudovirus titer was 4.73 × 10⁵ median tissue culture infective dose per mL, and the pseudovirus could be effectively neutralized by polyclonal antibodies specifically targeting the F and G proteins respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A NiV pseudovirus was successfully generated using HIV vector systems, and was used as a platform for a safe and reliable pseudovirus-based neutralizing assay that can be performed in biosafety level 2 facilities.

Detection of Nipah and Hendra Viruses Using Recombinant Human Ephrin B2 Capture Virus in Immunoassays

Nipah virus (NiV) and Hendra virus (HeV) are classified as high-consequence zoonotic viruses characterized by high pathogenicity and high mortality in animals and humans. Rapid diagnosis is essential to containing the outbreak. In this study, the henipavirus receptor ephrin B2 was examined to determine whether it could be used as a universal ligand for henipavirus detection in immunoassays. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were developed using recombinant ephrin B2 as the capture ligand and two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) as detection reagents. Using mAb F27NiV-34, which cross-reacts with NiV and HeV, we were able to detect NiV and HeV, while mAb F20NiV-65 was used to detect NiV. Therefore, using these two ELISAs, we were able to differentiate between NiV and HeV. Furthermore, we developed a rapid lateral flow strip test for NiV detection using ephrin B2 as the capture ligand combined with mAb F20NiV-65 as the detector. Taken together, our results show that the combination of ephrin B2 and a specific mAb provides an excellent pairing for NiV and HeV detection.

The Immunobiology of Nipah Virus

Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly lethal zoonotic paramyxovirus that emerged in Malaysia in 1998. It is a human pathogen capable of causing severe respiratory infection and encephalitis. The natural reservoir of NiV, Pteropus fruit bats, remains a continuous virus source for future outbreaks, although infection in the bats is largely asymptomatic. NiV provokes serious disease in various mammalian species. In the recent human NiV outbreaks in Bangladesh and India, both bats-to-human and human-to-human transmissions have been observed. NiV has been demonstrated to interfere with the innate immune response via interferon type I signaling, promoting viral dissemination and preventing antiviral response. Studies of humoral immunity in infected NiV patients and animal models have shown that NiV-specific antibodies were produced upon infection and were protective. Studies on cellular immunity response to NiV infection in human and animal models also found that the adaptive immune response, specifically CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, was stimulated upon NiV infection. The experimental vaccines and therapeutic strategies developed have provided insights into the immunological requirements for the development of successful medical countermeasures against NiV. This review summarizes the current understanding of NiV pathogenesis and innate and adaptive immune responses induced upon infection.

Potent monoclonal antibody-mediated neutralization of a divergent Hendra virus variant

Hendra virus (HeV) and Nipah virus (NiV) are deadly zoonotic Henipaviruses (HNVs) responsible for recurrent outbreaks in humans and domestic species of highly fatal (50 to 95%) disease. A HeV variant (HeV-g2) of unprecedented genetic divergence has been identified in two fatally diseased horses, and in two flying fox species in regions of Australia not previously considered at risk for HeV spillover. Given the HeV-g2 divergence from HeV while retaining equivalent pathogenicity and spillover potential, understanding receptor usage and antigenic properties is urgently required to guide One Health biosecurity. Here, we show that the HeV-g2 G glycoprotein shares a conserved receptor tropism with prototypic HeV and that a panel of monoclonal antibodies recognizing the G and F glycoproteins potently neutralizes HeV-g2– and HeV G/F–mediated entry into cells. We determined a crystal structure of the Fab fragment of the hAH1.3 antibody bound to the HeV G head domain, revealing an antigenic site associated with potent cross-neutralization of both HeV-g2 and HeV. Structure-guided formulation of a tetravalent monoclonal antibody (mAb) mixture, targeting four distinct G head antigenic sites, results in potent neutralization of HeV and HeV-g2 and delineates a path forward for implementing multivalent mAb combinations for postexposure treatment of HNV infections.

Architecture and antigenicity of the Nipah virus attachment glycoprotein

Nipah virus (NiV) and Hendra virus (HeV) are zoonotic henipaviruses (HNVs) responsible for outbreaks of encephalitis and respiratory illness. The entry of HNVs into host cells requires the attachment (G) and fusion (F) glycoproteins, which are the main targets of antibody responses. To understand viral infection and host immunity, we determined a cryo-electron microscopy structure of the NiV G homotetrameric ectodomain in complex with the nAH1.3 broadly neutralizing antibody Fab fragment. We show that a cocktail of two nonoverlapping G-specific antibodies neutralizes NiV and HeV synergistically and limits the emergence of escape mutants. Analysis of polyclonal serum antibody responses elicited by vaccination of macaques with NiV G indicates that the receptor binding head domain is immunodominant. These results pave the way for implementing multipronged therapeutic strategies against these deadly pathogens.

Antivirals targeting paramyxovirus membrane fusion

The Paramyxoviridae family includes enveloped single-stranded negative-sense RNA viruses such as measles, mumps, human parainfluenza, canine distemper, Hendra, and Nipah viruses, which cause a tremendous global health burden. The ability of paramyxoviral glycoproteins to merge viral and host membranes allows entry of the viral genome into host cells, as well as cell-cell fusion, an important contributor to disease progression. Recent molecular and structural advances in our understanding of the paramyxovirus membrane fusion machinery gave rise to various therapeutic approaches aiming at inhibiting viral infection, spread, and cytopathic effects. These therapeutic approaches include peptide mimics, antibodies, and small molecule inhibitors with various levels of success at inhibiting viral entry, increasing the potential of effective antiviral therapeutic development.

Advances in Hydrogen/Deuterium Exchange Mass Spectrometry and the Pursuit of Challenging Biological Systems

Solution-phase hydrogen/deuterium exchange (HDX) coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) is a widespread tool for structural analysis across academia and the biopharmaceutical industry. By monitoring the exchangeability of backbone amide protons, HDX-MS can reveal information about higher-order structure and dynamics throughout a protein, can track protein folding pathways, map interaction sites, and assess conformational states of protein samples. The combination of the versatility of the hydrogen/deuterium exchange reaction with the sensitivity of mass spectrometry has enabled the study of extremely challenging protein systems, some of which cannot be suitably studied using other techniques. Improvements over the past three decades have continually increased throughput, robustness, and expanded the limits of what is feasible for HDX-MS investigations. To provide an overview for researchers seeking to utilize and derive the most from HDX-MS for protein structural analysis, we summarize the fundamental principles, basic methodology, strengths and weaknesses, and the established applications of HDX-MS while highlighting new developments and applications.

Potent Henipavirus Neutralization by Antibodies Recognizing Diverse Sites on Hendra and Nipah Virus Receptor Binding Protein

Hendra (HeV) and Nipah (NiV) viruses are emerging zoonotic pathogens in the Henipavirus genus causing outbreaks of disease with very high case fatality rates. Here, we report the first naturally occurring human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against HeV receptor binding protein (RBP). All isolated mAbs neutralized HeV, and some also neutralized NiV. Epitope binning experiments identified five major antigenic sites on HeV-RBP. Animal studies demonstrated that the most potent cross-reactive neutralizing mAbs, HENV-26 and HENV-32, protected ferrets in lethal models of infection with NiV Bangladesh 3 days after exposure. We solved the crystal structures of mAb HENV-26 in complex with both HeV-RBP and NiV-RBP and of mAb HENV-32 in complex with HeV-RBP. The studies reveal diverse sites of vulnerability on RBP recognized by potent human mAbs that inhibit virus by multiple mechanisms. These studies identify promising prophylactic antibodies and define protective epitopes that can be used in rational vaccine design.

Broadly neutralizing antibody cocktails targeting Nipah virus and Hendra virus fusion glycoproteins

Hendra virus (HeV) and Nipah virus (NiV) are henipaviruses (HNVs) causing respiratory illness and severe encephalitis in humans, with fatality rates of 50-100%. There are no licensed therapeutics or vaccines to protect humans. HeV and NiV use a receptor-binding glycoprotein (G) and a fusion glycoprotein (F) to enter host cells. HNV F and G are the main targets of the humoral immune response, and the presence of neutralizing antibodies is a correlate of protection against NiV and HeV in experimentally infected animals. We describe here two cross-reactive F-specific antibodies, 1F5 and 12B2, that neutralize NiV and HeV through inhibition of membrane fusion. Cryo-electron microscopy structures reveal that 1F5 and 12B2 recognize distinct prefusion-specific, conserved quaternary epitopes and lock F in its prefusion conformation. We provide proof-of-concept for using antibody cocktails for neutralizing NiV and HeV and define a roadmap for developing effective countermeasures against these highly pathogenic viruses.

Molecular basis for higher affinity of SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD for human ACE2 receptor

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has caused substantially more infections, deaths, and economic disruptions than the 2002‐2003 SARS‐CoV. The key to understanding SARS‐CoV‐2's higher infectivity lies partly in its host receptor recognition mechanism. Experiments show that the human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) protein, which serves as the primary receptor for both CoVs, binds to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of CoV‐2's spike protein stronger than SARS‐CoV's spike RBD. The molecular basis for this difference in binding affinity, however, remains unexplained from X‐ray structures. To go beyond insights gained from X‐ray structures and investigate the role of thermal fluctuations in structure, we employ all‐atom molecular dynamics simulations. Microseconds‐long simulations reveal that while CoV and CoV‐2 spike‐ACE2 interfaces have similar conformational binding modes, CoV‐2 spike interacts with ACE2 via a larger combinatorics of polar contacts, and on average, makes 45% more polar contacts. Correlation analysis and thermodynamic calculations indicate that these differences in the density and dynamics of polar contacts arise from differences in spatial arrangements of interfacial residues, and dynamical coupling between interfacial and non‐interfacial residues. These results recommend that ongoing efforts to design spike‐ACE2 peptide blockers will benefit from incorporating dynamical information as well as allosteric coupling effects.

Endothelial Cells in Emerging Viral Infections

There are several reasons to consider the role of endothelial cells in COVID-19 and other emerging viral infections. First, severe cases of COVID-19 show a common breakdown of central vascular functions. Second, SARS-CoV-2 replicates in endothelial cells. Third, prior deterioration of vascular function exacerbates disease, as the most common comorbidities of COVID-19 (obesity, hypertension, and diabetes) are all associated with endothelial dysfunction. Importantly, SARS-CoV-2's ability to infect endothelium is shared by many emerging viruses, including henipaviruses, hantavirus, and highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, all specifically targeting endothelial cells. The ability to infect endothelium appears to support generalised dissemination of infection and facilitate the access to certain tissues. The disturbed vascular function observed in severe COVID-19 is also a prominent feature of many other life-threatening viral diseases, underscoring the need to understand how viruses modulate endothelial function. We here review the role of vascular endothelial cells in emerging viral infections, starting with a summary of endothelial cells as key mediators and regulators of vascular and immune responses in health and infection. Next, we discuss endotheliotropism as a possible virulence factor and detail features that regulate viruses' ability to attach to and enter endothelial cells. We move on to review how endothelial cells detect invading viruses and respond to infection, with particular focus on pathways that may influence vascular function and the host immune system. Finally, we discuss how endothelial cell function can be dysregulated in viral disease, either by viral components or as bystander victims of overshooting or detrimental inflammatory and immune responses. Many aspects of how viruses interact with the endothelium remain poorly understood. Considering the diversity of such mechanisms among different emerging viruses allows us to highlight common features that may be of general validity and point out important challenges.

EphrinB2 clustering by Nipah virus G is required to activate and trap F intermediates at supported lipid bilayer-cell interfaces

Paramyxovirus membrane fusion requires an attachment protein that binds to a host cell receptor and a fusion protein that merges the viral and host membranes. For Nipah virus (NiV), the G attachment protein binds ephrinB2/B3 receptors and activates F-mediated fusion. To visualize dynamic events of these proteins at the membrane interface, we reconstituted NiV fusion activation by overlaying F- and G-expressing cells onto ephrinB2-functionalized supported lipid bilayers and used TIRF microscopy to follow F, G, and ephrinB2. We found that G and ephrinB2 form clusters and that oligomerization of ephrinB2 is necessary for F activation. Single-molecule tracking of F particles revealed accumulation of an immobilized intermediate upon activation. We found no evidence for stable F-G protein complexes before or after activation. These observations lead to a revised model for NiV fusion activation and provide a foundation for investigating other multicomponent viral fusion systems.

Virus-mimetic systems for cancer diagnosis and therapy

Over past decades, various strategies have been developed to enhance the delivery efficiency of therapeutics and imaging agents to tumor tissues. However, the therapeutic outcome of tumors to date have not been significantly improved, which can be partly attributed to the weak targeting ability, fast elimination, and low stability of conventional delivery systems. Viruses are the most efficient agents for gene transfer, serving as a valuable source of inspiration for designing nanoparticle-based delivery systems. Based on the properties of viruses, including well-defined geometry, precise composition, easy modification, stable construction, and specific infection, researchers attempt to design biocompatible delivery vectors by mimicking virus assembly and using the vector system to selectively concentrate drugs or imaging probes in tumors with mitigated toxicity and improved efficacy. In this review, we introduce common viruses features and provide an overview of various virus-mimetic strategies for cancer therapy and diagnosis. The challenges faced by virus-mimetic systems are also discussed. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease.

Phylogenetic and genetic analyses of the emerging Nipah virus from bats to humans

Little is known about the genetic features of Nipah virus (NiV) associated with virulence and transmission. Herein, phylogenetic and genetic analyses for all available NiV strains revealed sequence variations between the two genetic lineages of NiV with pathogenic differences, as well as among different strains within Bangladesh lineage. A total of 143 conserved amino acid differences, distributed among viral nucleocapsid (N), phosphoprotein (P), matrix protein (M), fusion protein (F) and glycoprotein (G), were revealed. Structural modeling revealed one key substitution (S3554N) in the viral G protein that might mediate a 12-amino-acid structural change from a loop into a β sheet. Multiple key amino acids substitutions in viral G protein were observed, which may alter viral fitness and transmissibility from bats to humans.

Differential Features of Fusion Activation within the Paramyxoviridae

Paramyxovirus (PMV) entry requires the coordinated action of two envelope glycoproteins, the receptor binding protein (RBP) and fusion protein (F). The sequence of events that occurs during the PMV entry process is tightly regulated. This regulation ensures entry will only initiate when the virion is in the vicinity of a target cell membrane. Here, we review recent structural and mechanistic studies to delineate the entry features that are shared and distinct amongst the Paramyxoviridae. In general, we observe overarching distinctions between the protein-using RBPs and the sialic acid- (SA-) using RBPs, including how their stalk domains differentially trigger F. Moreover, through sequence comparisons, we identify greater structural and functional conservation amongst the PMV fusion proteins, as compared to the RBPs. When examining the relative contributions to sequence conservation of the globular head versus stalk domains of the RBP, we observe that, for the protein-using PMVs, the stalk domains exhibit higher conservation and find the opposite trend is true for SA-using PMVs. A better understanding of conserved and distinct features that govern the entry of protein-using versus SA-using PMVs will inform the rational design of broader spectrum therapeutics that impede this process.

Nipah virus: epidemiology, pathology, immunobiology and advances in diagnosis, vaccine designing and control strategies - a comprehensive review

Nipah (Nee-pa) viral disease is a zoonotic infection caused by Nipah virus (NiV), a paramyxovirus belonging to the genus Henipavirus of the family Paramyxoviridae. It is a biosafety level-4 pathogen, which is transmitted by specific types of fruit bats, mainly Pteropus spp. which are natural reservoir host. The disease was reported for the first time from the Kampung Sungai Nipah village of Malaysia in 1998. Human-to-human transmission also occurs. Outbreaks have been reported also from other countries in South and Southeast Asia. Phylogenetic analysis affirmed the circulation of two major clades of NiV as based on currently available complete N and G gene sequences. NiV isolates from Malaysia and Cambodia clustered together in NiV-MY clade, whereas isolates from Bangladesh and India clusterered within NiV-BD clade. NiV isolates from Thailand harboured mixed population of sequences. In humans, the virus is responsible for causing rapidly progressing severe illness which might be characterized by severe respiratory illness and/or deadly encephalitis. In pigs below six months of age, respiratory illness along with nervous symptoms may develop. Different types of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays along with molecular methods based on polymerase chain reaction have been developed for diagnostic purposes. Due to the expensive nature of the antibody drugs, identification of broad-spectrum antivirals is essential along with focusing on small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). High pathogenicity of NiV in humans, and lack of vaccines or therapeutics to counter this disease have attracted attention of researchers worldwide for developing effective NiV vaccine and treatment regimens.

Chasing Tails: Cathepsin-L Improves Structural Analysis of Histones by HX-MS

The N-terminal regions (tails) of histone proteins are dynamic elements that protrude from the nucleosome and are involved in many aspects of chromatin organization. Their epigenetic role is well-established, and post-translational modifications present on these regions contribute to transcriptional regulation. Considering their biological significance, relatively few structural details have been established for histone tails, mainly because of their inherently disordered nature. Although hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HX-MS) is well-suited for the analysis of dynamic structures, it has seldom been employed in this context, presumably because of the poor N-terminal coverage provided by pepsin. Inspired from histone-clipping events, we profiled the activity of cathepsin-L under HX-MS quench conditions and characterized its specificity employing the four core histones (H2A, H2B, H3 and H4). Cathepsin-L demonstrated cleavage patterns that were substrate- and pH-dependent. Cathepsin-L generated overlapping N-terminal peptides about 20 amino acids long for H2A, H3, and H4 proving its suitability for the analysis of histone tails dynamics. We developed a comprehensive HX-MS method in combination with pepsin and obtained full sequence coverage for all histones. We employed our method to analyze histones H3 and H4. We observe rapid deuterium exchange of the N-terminal tails and cooperative unfolding (EX1 kinetics) in the histone-fold domains of histone monomers in-solution. Overall, this novel strategy opens new avenues for investigating the dynamic properties of histones that are not apparent from the crystal structures, providing insights into the structural basis of the histone code.

An antibody against the F glycoprotein inhibits Nipah and Hendra virus infections

Nipah virus (NiV) and Hendra virus (HeV) are zoonotic henipaviruses (HNVs) responsible for outbreaks of encephalitis and respiratory illness with fatality rates of 50–100%. No vaccines or licensed therapeutics currently exist to protect humans against NiV or HeV. HNVs enter host cells by fusing the viral and cellular membranes via the concerted action of the attachment (G) and fusion (F) glycoproteins, the main targets of the humoral immune response. Here, we describe the isolation and humanization of a potent monoclonal antibody cross-neutralizing NiV and HeV. Cryo-electron microscopy, triggering and fusion studies show the antibody binds to a prefusion-specific quaternary epitope, conserved in NiV F and HeV F glycoproteins, and prevents membrane fusion and viral entry. This work supports the importance of the HNV prefusion F conformation for eliciting a robust immune response and paves the way for using this antibody for prophylaxis and post-exposure therapy with NiV- and HeV-infected individuals.

An antibody that recognizes the F glycoproteins from Nipah and Hendra viruses can neutralize both viruses and recognizes a quaternary epitope in the prefusion F trimer, preventing conformational changes required for fusion.

Emergence and adaptive evolution of Nipah virus

Since its first emergence in 1998 in Malaysia, Nipah virus (NiV) has become a great threat to domestic animals and humans. Sporadic outbreaks associated with human-to-human transmission caused hundreds of human fatalities. Here, we collected all available NiV sequences and combined phylogenetics, molecular selection, structural biology and receptor analysis to study the emergence and adaptive evolution of NiV. NiV can be divided into two main lineages including the Bangladesh and Malaysia lineages. We formly confirmed a significant association with geography which is probably the result of long-term evolution of NiV in local bat population. The two NiV lineages differ in many amino acids; one change in the fusion protein might be involved in its activation via binding to the G protein. We also identified adaptive and positively selected sites in many viral proteins. In the receptor-binding G protein, we found that sites 384, 386 and especially 498 of G protein might modulate receptor-binding affinity and thus contribute to the host jump from bats to humans via the adaption to bind the human ephrin-B2 receptor. We also found that site 1645 in the connector domain of L was positive selected and involved in adaptive evolution; this site might add methyl groups to the cap structure present at the 5'-end of the RNA and thus modulate its activity. This study provides insight to assist the design of early detection methods for NiV to assess its epidemic potential in humans.

Second harmonic generation detection of Ras conformational changes and discovery of a small molecule binder

Second harmonic generation (SHG) is an emergent biophysical method that sensitively measures real-time conformational change of biomolecules in the presence of biological ligands and small molecules. This study describes the successful implementation of SHG as a primary screening platform to identify fragment ligands to oncogenic Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRas). KRas is the most frequently mutated driver of pancreatic, colon, and lung cancers; however, there are few well-characterized small molecule ligands due to a lack of deep binding pockets. Using SHG, we identified a fragment binder to KRasG12D and used 1H 15N transverse relaxation optimized spectroscopy (TROSY) heteronuclear single-quantum coherence (HSQC) NMR to characterize its binding site as a pocket adjacent to the switch 2 region. The unique sensitivity of SHG furthered our study by revealing distinct conformations induced by our hit fragment compared with 4,6-dichloro-2-methyl-3-aminoethyl-indole (DCAI), a Ras ligand previously described to bind the same pocket. This study highlights SHG as a high-throughput screening platform that reveals structural insights in addition to ligand binding.

Emerging Roles for Eph Receptors and Ephrin Ligands in Immunity

Eph receptors are the largest family of receptor tyrosine kinases and mediate a myriad of essential processes in humans from embryonic development to adult tissue homeostasis through interactions with membrane-bound ephrin ligands. The ubiquitous expression of Eph receptors and ephrin ligands among the cellular players of the immune system underscores the importance of these molecules in orchestrating an optimal immune response. This review provides an overview of the various roles of Eph receptors and ephrin ligands in immune cell development, activation, and migration. We also discuss the role of Eph receptors in disease pathogenesis as well as the implications of Eph receptors as future immunotherapy targets. Given the diverse and critical roles of Eph receptors and ephrin ligands throughout the immune system during both resting and activated states, this review aims to highlight the critical yet underappreciated roles of this family of signaling molecules in the immune system.

Nipah virus: epidemiology, pathology, immunobiology and advances in diagnosis, vaccine designing and control strategies - a comprehensive review

Nipah (Nee-pa) viral disease is a zoonotic infection caused by Nipah virus (NiV), a paramyxovirus belonging to the genus Henipavirus of the family Paramyxoviridae. It is a biosafety level-4 pathogen, which is transmitted by specific types of fruit bats, mainly Pteropus spp. which are natural reservoir host. The disease was reported for the first time from the Kampung Sungai Nipah village of Malaysia in 1998. Human-to-human transmission also occurs. Outbreaks have been reported also from other countries in South and Southeast Asia. Phylogenetic analysis affirmed the circulation of two major clades of NiV as based on currently available complete N and G gene sequences. NiV isolates from Malaysia and Cambodia clustered together in NiV-MY clade, whereas isolates from Bangladesh and India clusterered within NiV-BD clade. NiV isolates from Thailand harboured mixed population of sequences. In humans, the virus is responsible for causing rapidly progressing severe illness which might be characterized by severe respiratory illness and/or deadly encephalitis. In pigs below six months of age, respiratory illness along with nervous symptoms may develop. Different types of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays along with molecular methods based on polymerase chain reaction have been developed for diagnostic purposes. Due to the expensive nature of the antibody drugs, identification of broad-spectrum antivirals is essential along with focusing on small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). High pathogenicity of NiV in humans, and lack of vaccines or therapeutics to counter this disease have attracted attention of researchers worldwide for developing effective NiV vaccine and treatment regimens.

Second-harmonic generation-based methods to detect and characterize ligand-induced RNA conformational changes

Second-harmonic generation (SHG) is a biophysical tool that senses ligand-induced conformational changes in biomolecules. The Biodesy Delta™ has been developed as a high-throughput screening platform to monitor conformational changes in proteins and oligonucleotides by SHG to support drug discovery efforts. This work will outline (1) an overview of this technology, (2) detailed protocols for optimizing screening-ready SHG assays on RNA targets, (3) practical considerations for developing robust and informative SHG measurements, and (4) a case study that demonstrates the application of these recommendations on an RNA target. The previously published theophylline aptamer SHG assay [1] was further optimized to maximize the assay window between the positive control (theophylline) and the negative control (caffeine). Optimization of this assay provides practical considerations for building a robust SHG assay on an RNA target, including testing for specific tethering of the conjugate to the surface as well as testing tool compound response stability, reversibility, and concentration-dependence/affinity. A more robust, better-performing theophylline aptamer SHG assay was achieved that would be more appropriate for conducting a screen.

Accurate Prediction of Amide Exchange in the Fast Limit Reveals Thrombin Allostery

Amide hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDXMS) of proteins has become extremely popular for identifying ligand-binding sites, protein-protein interactions, intrinsic disorder, and allosteric changes upon protein modification. Such phenomena are revealed when amide exchange is measured in the fast limit, that is, within a few minutes of exchange in deuterated buffer. The HDXMS data have a resolution of the length of peptides and are difficult to interpret because many different phenomena lead to changes in hydrogen/deuterium exchange. We present a quantitative analysis of accelerated molecular dynamics simulations that provides impressive agreement with peptide-length HDXMS data. Comparative analysis of thrombin and a single-point mutant reveals that the simulation analysis can distinguish the subtle differences in exchange due to mutation. In addition, the results provide a deeper understanding of the underlying changes in dynamics revealed by the HDXMS that extend far from the site of mutation.

Second-Harmonic Generation (SHG) for Conformational Measurements: Assay Development, Optimization, and Screening

Second-harmonic generation (SHG) has recently emerged as a biophysical tool for conformational sensing of a target biomolecule upon binding to ligands such as small molecules, fragments, proteins, peptides, and oligonucleotides. To date, SHG has been used to measure conformational changes of targets such as soluble proteins, protein complexes, intrinsically disordered proteins, peripheral and integral membrane proteins, peptides, and oligonucleotides upon binding of ligands over a wide range of affinities. In this chapter, we will provide a technology overview, detailed protocols for optimizing assays and screening, practical considerations, and an example case study to guide the reader in developing robust and informative measurements using the Biodesy Delta SHG platform.