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Li L, Shi K, Gu Y, Xu Z, Shu C, Li D, Sun J, Cong M, Li X, Zhao X, Yu G, Hu S, Tan H, Qi J, Ma X, Liu K, Gao GF. Spike structures, receptor binding, and immune escape of recently circulating SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2.86, JN.1, EG.5, EG.5.1, and HV.1 sub-variants. Structure 2024; 32:1055-1067.e6. [PMID: 39013463 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2024.06.012] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
The recently emerged BA.2.86, JN.1, EG.5, EG.5.1, and HV.1 variants have a growth advantage. In this study, we explore the structural bases of receptor binding and immune evasion for the Omicron BA.2.86, JN.1, EG.5, EG.5.1, and HV.1 sub-variants. Our findings reveal that BA.2.86 exhibits strong receptor binding, whereas its JN.1 sub-lineage displays a decreased binding affinity to human ACE2 (hACE2). Through complex structure analyses, we observed that the reversion of R493Q in BA.2.86 receptor binding domain (RBD) plays a facilitating role in receptor binding, while the L455S substitution in JN.1 RBD restores optimal affinity. Furthermore, the structure of monoclonal antibody (mAb) S309 complexed with BA.2.86 RBD highlights the importance of the K356T mutation, which brings a new N-glycosylation motif, altering the binding pattern of mAbs belonging to RBD-5 represented by S309. These findings emphasize the importance of closely monitoring BA.2.86 and its sub-lineages to prevent another wave of SARS-CoV-2 infections.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- SARS-CoV-2/immunology
- SARS-CoV-2/metabolism
- SARS-CoV-2/genetics
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/chemistry
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/genetics
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/metabolism
- Immune Evasion
- Protein Binding
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/chemistry
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/metabolism
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/chemistry
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/genetics
- COVID-19/immunology
- COVID-19/virology
- COVID-19/metabolism
- Binding Sites
- Models, Molecular
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/chemistry
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/metabolism
- Antibodies, Viral/immunology
- Antibodies, Viral/metabolism
- Mutation
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Affiliation(s)
- Linjie Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China; Beijing Life Science Academy, Beijing, China
| | - Kaiyuan Shi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China; 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
| | - Yuhang Gu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China; School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Zepeng Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Chang Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dedong Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Junqing Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | | | - Xiaomei Li
- Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 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
| | - Songnian Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Tan
- Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianxun Qi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Xiaopeng Ma
- Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kefang Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China; Beijing Life Science Academy, Beijing, China
| | - George F Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China; Beijing Life Science Academy, Beijing, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China.
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2
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Li P, Liu ZP. MuToN Quantifies Binding Affinity Changes upon Protein Mutations by Geometric Deep Learning. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2402918. [PMID: 38995072 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202402918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Assessing changes in protein-protein binding affinity due to mutations helps understanding a wide range of crucial biological processes within cells. Despite significant efforts to create accurate computational models, predicting how mutations affect affinity remains challenging due to the complexity of the biological mechanisms involved. In the present work, a geometric deep learning framework called MuToN is introduced for quantifying protein binding affinity change upon residue mutations. The method, designed with geometric attention networks, is mechanism-aware. It captures changes in the protein binding interfaces of mutated complexes and assesses the allosteric effects of amino acids. Experimental results highlight MuToN's superiority compared to existing methods. Additionally, MuToN's flexibility and effectiveness are illustrated by its precise predictions of binding affinity changes between SARS-CoV-2 variants and the ACE2 complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengpai Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Control Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250061, China
| | - Zhi-Ping Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Control Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250061, China
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3
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Deng S, Xu Z, Wang M, Hu J, Liu Z, Zhu F, Zheng P, Kombe Kombe AJ, Zhang H, Wu S, Jin T. Structural insights into immune escape at killer T cell epitope by SARS-CoV-2 Spike Y453F variants. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107563. [PMID: 39002680 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107563] [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: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
CD8+ T cell immunity, mediated by human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and T cell receptor (TCR), plays a critical role in conferring immune memory and protection against viral pathogens. The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants poses a serious challenge to the efficacy of current vaccines. Whereas numerous SARS-CoV-2 mutations associated with immune escape from CD8+ T cells have been documented, the molecular effects of most mutations on epitope-specific TCR recognition remain largely unexplored. Here, we studied an HLA-A24-restricted NYN epitope (Spike448-456) that elicits broad CD8+ T cell responses in COVID-19 patients characterized by a common TCR repertoire. Four natural mutations, N450K, L452Q, L452R, and Y453F, arose within the NYN epitope and have been transmitted in certain viral lineages. Our findings indicate that these mutations have minimal impact on the epitope's presentation by cell surface HLA, yet they diminish the affinities of their respective peptide-HLA complexes (pHLAs) for NYN peptide-specific TCRs, particularly L452R and Y453F. Furthermore, we determined the crystal structure of HLA-A24 loaded with the Y453F peptide (NYNYLFRLF), and subsequently a ternary structure of the public TCRNYN-I complexed to the original NYN-HLA-A24 (NYNYLYRLF). Our structural analysis unveiled that despite competent presentation by HLA, the mutant Y453F peptide failed to establish a stable TCR-pHLA ternary complex due to reduced peptide: TCR contacts. This study supports the idea that cellular immunity restriction is an important driving force behind viral evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Deng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Zhihao Xu
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Meihua Wang
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jing Hu
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhuan Liu
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Fang Zhu
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Peiyi Zheng
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Arnaud John Kombe Kombe
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | | | - Songquan Wu
- College of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, China
| | - Tengchuan Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China; Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China; College of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, China; Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, Anhui, China; Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, China; Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
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4
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Chen J, Sun J, Xu Z, Li L, Kang X, Luo C, Wang Q, Guo X, Li Y, Liu K, Wu Y. The binding and structural basis of fox ACE2 to RBDs from different sarbecoviruses. Virol Sin 2024:S1995-820X(24)00083-X. [PMID: 38866203 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2024.06.004] [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: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Foxes are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 in laboratory settings, and there have also been reports of natural infections of both SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 in foxes. In this study, we assessed the binding capacities of fox ACE2 to important sarbecoviruses, including SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and animal-origin SARS-CoV-2 related viruses. Our findings demonstrated that fox ACE2 exhibits broad binding capabilities to receptor-binding domains (RBDs) of sarbecoviruses. We further determined the cryo-EM structures of fox ACE2 complexed with RBDs of SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 prototype (PT), and Omicron BF.7. Through structural analysis, we identified that the K417 mutation can weaken the ability of SARS-CoV-2 sub-variants to bind to fox ACE2, thereby reducing the susceptibility of foxes to SARS-CoV-2 sub-variants. In addition, the Y498 residue in the SARS-CoV RBD plays a crucial role in forming a vital cation-π interaction with K353 in the fox ACE2 receptor. This interaction is the primary determinant for the higher affinity of the SARS-CoV RBD compared to that of the SARS-CoV-2 PT RBD. These results indicate that foxes serve as potential hosts for numerous sarbecoviruses, highlighting the critical importance of surveillance efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junsen Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Junqing Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Beijing Life Science Academy, Beijing, 102209, China
| | - Zepeng Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, SAR, 999078, China
| | - Linjie Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xinrui Kang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Chunliang Luo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Qi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xueyang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yan Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Kefang Liu
- Beijing Life Science Academy, Beijing, 102209, China.
| | - Ying Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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5
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Iglesias-Caballero M, Mas V, Vázquez-Morón S, Vázquez M, Camarero-Serrano S, Cano O, Palomo C, Ruano MJ, Cano-Gómez C, Infantes-Lorenzo JA, Campoy A, Agüero M, Pozo F, Casas I. Genomic Context of SARS-CoV-2 Outbreaks in Farmed Mink in Spain during Pandemic: Unveiling Host Adaptation Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5499. [PMID: 38791536 PMCID: PMC11122236 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105499] [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: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infects various mammalian species, with farmed minks experiencing the highest number of outbreaks. In Spain, we analyzed 67 whole genome sequences and eight spike sequences from 18 outbreaks, identifying four distinct lineages: B.1, B.1.177, B.1.1.7, and AY.98.1. The potential risk of transmission to humans raises crucial questions about mutation accumulation and its impact on viral fitness. Sequencing revealed numerous not-lineage-defining mutations, suggesting a cumulative mutation process during the outbreaks. We observed that the outbreaks were predominantly associated with different groups of mutations rather than specific lineages. This clustering pattern by the outbreaks could be attributed to the rapid accumulation of mutations, particularly in the ORF1a polyprotein and in the spike protein. Notably, the mutations G37E in NSP9, a potential host marker, and S486L in NSP13 were detected. Spike protein mutations may enhance SARS-CoV-2 adaptability by influencing trimer stability and binding to mink receptors. These findings provide valuable insights into mink coronavirus genetics, highlighting both host markers and viral transmission dynamics within communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Iglesias-Caballero
- Reference and Research Laboratory for Respiratory Virus, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; (V.M.); (S.V.-M.); (F.P.)
| | - Vicente Mas
- Reference and Research Laboratory for Respiratory Virus, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; (V.M.); (S.V.-M.); (F.P.)
| | - Sonia Vázquez-Morón
- Reference and Research Laboratory for Respiratory Virus, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; (V.M.); (S.V.-M.); (F.P.)
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica Vázquez
- Reference and Research Laboratory for Respiratory Virus, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; (V.M.); (S.V.-M.); (F.P.)
| | - Sara Camarero-Serrano
- Reference and Research Laboratory for Respiratory Virus, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; (V.M.); (S.V.-M.); (F.P.)
| | - Olga Cano
- Reference and Research Laboratory for Respiratory Virus, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; (V.M.); (S.V.-M.); (F.P.)
| | - Concepción Palomo
- Reference and Research Laboratory for Respiratory Virus, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; (V.M.); (S.V.-M.); (F.P.)
| | - María José Ruano
- Central Laboratory of Veterinarian (LCV), Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, 28110 Algete, Madrid, Spain; (M.J.R.); (C.C.-G.); (M.A.)
| | - Cristina Cano-Gómez
- Central Laboratory of Veterinarian (LCV), Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, 28110 Algete, Madrid, Spain; (M.J.R.); (C.C.-G.); (M.A.)
| | - José Antonio Infantes-Lorenzo
- Reference and Research Laboratory for Respiratory Virus, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; (V.M.); (S.V.-M.); (F.P.)
| | - Albert Campoy
- Reference and Research Laboratory for Respiratory Virus, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; (V.M.); (S.V.-M.); (F.P.)
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Montserrat Agüero
- Central Laboratory of Veterinarian (LCV), Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, 28110 Algete, Madrid, Spain; (M.J.R.); (C.C.-G.); (M.A.)
| | - Francisco Pozo
- Reference and Research Laboratory for Respiratory Virus, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; (V.M.); (S.V.-M.); (F.P.)
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Casas
- Reference and Research Laboratory for Respiratory Virus, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; (V.M.); (S.V.-M.); (F.P.)
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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6
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Yang R, Han P, Han P, Li D, Zhao R, Niu S, Liu K, Li S, Tian WX, Gao GF. Molecular basis of hippopotamus ACE2 binding to SARS-CoV-2. J Virol 2024; 98:e0045124. [PMID: 38591877 PMCID: PMC11092335 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00451-24] [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: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has a wide range of hosts, including hippopotami, which are semi-aquatic mammals and phylogenetically closely related to Cetacea. In this study, we characterized the binding properties of hippopotamus angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hiACE2) to the spike (S) protein receptor binding domains (RBDs) of the SARS-CoV-2 prototype (PT) and variants of concern (VOCs). Furthermore, the cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of the SARS-CoV-2 PT S protein complexed with hiACE2 was resolved. Structural and mutational analyses revealed that L30 and F83, which are specific to hiACE2, played a crucial role in the hiACE2/SARS-CoV-2 RBD interaction. In addition, comparative and structural analysis of ACE2 orthologs suggested that the cetaceans may have the potential to be infected by SARS-CoV-2. These results provide crucial molecular insights into the susceptibility of hippopotami to SARS-CoV-2 and suggest the potential risk of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs spillover and the necessity for surveillance. IMPORTANCE The hippopotami are the first semi-aquatic artiodactyl mammals wherein SARS-CoV-2 infection has been reported. Exploration of the invasion mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 will provide important information for the surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in hippopotami, as well as other semi-aquatic mammals and cetaceans. Here, we found that hippopotamus ACE2 (hiACE2) could efficiently bind to the RBDs of the SARS-CoV-2 prototype (PT) and variants of concern (VOCs) and facilitate the transduction of SARS-CoV-2 PT and VOCs pseudoviruses into hiACE2-expressing cells. The cryo-EM structure of the SARS-CoV-2 PT S protein complexed with hiACE2 elucidated a few critical residues in the RBD/hiACE2 interface, especially L30 and F83 of hiACE2 which are unique to hiACE2 and contributed to the decreased binding affinity to PT RBD compared to human ACE2. Our work provides insight into cross-species transmission and highlights the necessity for monitoring host jumps and spillover events on SARS-CoV-2 in semi-aquatic/aquatic mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruirui Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Pu Han
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Pengcheng Han
- School of Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dedong Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Runchu Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
- Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, China
| | - Sheng Niu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Kefang Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Shihua Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Xia Tian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, 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 (CAS), Beijing, China
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7
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Guo H, Ha S, Botten JW, Xu K, Zhang N, An Z, Strohl WR, Shiver JW, Fu TM. SARS-CoV-2 Omicron: Viral Evolution, Immune Evasion, and Alternative Durable Therapeutic Strategies. Viruses 2024; 16:697. [PMID: 38793580 PMCID: PMC11125895 DOI: 10.3390/v16050697] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron virus has gained dominance worldwide, its continual evolution with unpredictable mutations and patterns has revoked all authorized immunotherapeutics. Rapid viral evolution has also necessitated several rounds of vaccine updates in order to provide adequate immune protection. It remains imperative to understand how Omicron evolves into different subvariants and causes immune escape as this could help reevaluate the current intervention strategies mostly implemented in the clinics as emergency measures to counter the pandemic and, importantly, develop new solutions. Here, we provide a review focusing on the major events of Omicron viral evolution, including the features of spike mutation that lead to immune evasion against monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy and vaccination, and suggest alternative durable options such as the ACE2-based experimental therapies superior to mAbs to address this unprecedented evolution of Omicron virus. In addition, this type of unique ACE2-based virus-trapping molecules can counter all zoonotic SARS coronaviruses, either from unknown animal hosts or from established wild-life reservoirs of SARS-CoV-2, and even seasonal alpha coronavirus NL63 that depends on human ACE2 for infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailong Guo
- IGM Biosciences, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA
| | - Sha Ha
- IGM Biosciences, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA
| | - Jason W. Botten
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Kai Xu
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ningyan Zhang
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhiqiang An
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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8
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Sultana N, Nagesha SN, Reddy CNL, Ramesh BN, Shyamalamma S, Shashidhara KS, Satish KM, Pradeep C, Vidyadhar GD. Computational analysis of affinity dynamics between the variants of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (RBD) and human ACE-2 receptor. Virol J 2024; 21:88. [PMID: 38641844 PMCID: PMC11031966 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02365-3] [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: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 resulted in a significant worldwide health emergency known as the COVID-19 pandemic. This crisis has been marked by the widespread of various variants, with certain ones causing notable apprehension. In this study, we harnessed computational techniques to scrutinize these Variants of Concern (VOCs), including various Omicron subvariants. Our approach involved the use of protein structure prediction algorithms and molecular docking techniques, we have investigated the effects of mutations within the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 and how these mutations influence its interactions with the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE-2) receptor. Further we have predicted the structural alterations in the RBD of naturally occurring SARS-CoV-2 variants using the tr-Rosetta algorithm. Subsequent docking and binding analysis employing HADDOCK and PRODIGY illuminated crucial interactions occurring at the Receptor-Binding Motif (RBM). Our findings revealed a hierarchy of increased binding affinity between the human ACE2 receptor and the various RBDs, in the order of wild type (Wuhan-strain) < Beta < Alpha < Gamma < Omicron-B.1.1.529 < Delta < Omicron-BA.2.12.1 < Omicron-BA.5.2.1 < Omicron-BA.1.1. Notably, Omicron-BA.1.1 demonstrated the highest binding affinity of -17.4 kcal mol-1 to the hACE2 receptor when compared to all the mutant complexes. Additionally, our examination indicated that mutations occurring in active residues of the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) consistently improved the binding affinity and intermolecular interactions in all mutant complexes. Analysis of the differences among variants has laid a foundation for the structure-based drug design targeting the RBD region of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishad Sultana
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore, 560 065, India
| | - S N Nagesha
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Hassan, UAS, Bangalore, 573 225, India.
| | | | - B N Ramesh
- ICAR-PHT, UAS, GKVK, Bangalore, 560 065, India
| | - S Shyamalamma
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore, 560 065, India
| | - K S Shashidhara
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, Hassan, UAS, Bangalore, 573 225, India
| | - K M Satish
- Department Biotechnology, KSNUAHS, Shivamogga, 577 412, India
| | - C Pradeep
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore, 560 065, India
| | - G D Vidyadhar
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore, 560 065, India
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9
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Peng C, Lv X, Zhang Z, Lin J, Li D. The Recognition Pathway of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Receptor-Binding Domain to Human Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2. Molecules 2024; 29:1875. [PMID: 38675695 PMCID: PMC11054751 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29081875] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 has spread around the world. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 is a critical component that directly interacts with host ACE2. Here, we simulate the ACE2 recognition processes of RBD of the WT, Delta, and OmicronBA.2 variants using our recently developed supervised Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics (Su-GaMD) approach. We show that RBD recognizes ACE2 through three contact regions (regions I, II, and III), which aligns well with the anchor-locker mechanism. The higher binding free energy in State d of the RBDOmicronBA.2-ACE2 system correlates well with the increased infectivity of OmicronBA.2 in comparison with other variants. For RBDDelta, the T478K mutation affects the first step of recognition, while the L452R mutation, through its nearby Y449, affects the RBDDelta-ACE2 binding in the last step of recognition. For RBDOmicronBA.2, the E484A mutation affects the first step of recognition, the Q493R, N501Y, and Y505H mutations affect the binding free energy in the last step of recognition, mutations in the contact regions affect the recognition directly, and other mutations indirectly affect recognition through dynamic correlations with the contact regions. These results provide theoretical insights for RBD-ACE2 recognition and may facilitate drug design against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300350, China; (C.P.); (X.L.)
| | - Xinyue Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300350, China; (C.P.); (X.L.)
| | - Zhiqiang Zhang
- Xiongan Institute of Innovation, Xiong’an New Area 070001, China;
| | - Jianping Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300350, China; (C.P.); (X.L.)
| | - Dongmei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300350, China; (C.P.); (X.L.)
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10
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Li W, Xu Z, Niu T, Xie Y, Zhao Z, Li D, He Q, Sun W, Shi K, Guo W, Chang Z, Liu K, Fan Z, Qi J, Gao GF. Key mechanistic features of the trade-off between antibody escape and host cell binding in the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant spike proteins. EMBO J 2024; 43:1484-1498. [PMID: 38467833 PMCID: PMC11021471 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00062-z] [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: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Since SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant emerged, it is constantly evolving into multiple sub-variants, including BF.7, BQ.1, BQ.1.1, XBB, XBB.1.5 and the recently emerged BA.2.86 and JN.1. Receptor binding and immune evasion are recognized as two major drivers for evolution of the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein. However, the underlying mechanism of interplay between two factors remains incompletely understood. Herein, we determined the structures of human ACE2 complexed with BF.7, BQ.1, BQ.1.1, XBB and XBB.1.5 RBDs. Based on the ACE2/RBD structures of these sub-variants and a comparison with the known complex structures, we found that R346T substitution in the RBD enhanced ACE2 binding upon an interaction with the residue R493, but not Q493, via a mechanism involving long-range conformation changes. Furthermore, we found that R493Q and F486V exert a balanced impact, through which immune evasion capability was somewhat compromised to achieve an optimal receptor binding. We propose a "two-steps-forward and one-step-backward" model to describe such a compromise between receptor binding affinity and immune evasion during RBD evolution of Omicron sub-variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zepeng Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Tianhui Niu
- Air Force Medical University, Air Force Medical center, PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Yufeng Xie
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhennan Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Dedong Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Qingwen He
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Wenqiao Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Kaiyuan Shi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Wenjing Guo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Chang
- Department of Pathogen Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Kefang Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Zheng Fan
- Institutional Core Facility, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China.
| | - Jianxun Qi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - George F Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China.
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11
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Yao Z, Zhang L, Duan Y, Tang X, Lu J. Molecular insights into the adaptive evolution of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. J Infect 2024; 88:106121. [PMID: 38367704 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2024.106121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has substantially damaged the global economy and human health. The spike (S) protein of coronaviruses plays a pivotal role in viral entry by binding to host cell receptors. Additionally, it acts as the primary target for neutralizing antibodies in those infected and is the central focus for currently utilized or researched vaccines. During the virus's adaptation to the human host, the S protein of SARS-CoV-2 has undergone significant evolution. As the COVID-19 pandemic has unfolded, new mutations have arisen and vanished, giving rise to distinctive amino acid profiles within variant of concern strains of SARS-CoV-2. Notably, many of these changes in the S protein have been positively selected, leading to substantial alterations in viral characteristics, such as heightened transmissibility and immune evasion capabilities. This review aims to provide an overview of our current understanding of the structural implications associated with key amino acid changes in the S protein of SARS-CoV-2. These research findings shed light on the intricate and dynamic nature of viral evolution, underscoring the importance of continuous monitoring and analysis of viral genomes. Through these molecular-level investigations, we can attain deeper insights into the virus's adaptive evolution, offering valuable guidance for designing vaccines and developing antiviral drugs to combat the ever-evolving viral threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuocheng Yao
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- College of Fishery, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yuange Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Center for Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xiaolu Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Center for Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jian Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Center for Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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12
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Port JR, Morris DH, Riopelle JC, Yinda CK, Avanzato VA, Holbrook MG, Bushmaker T, Schulz JE, Saturday TA, Barbian K, Russell CA, Perry-Gottschalk R, Shaia C, Martens C, Lloyd-Smith JO, Fischer RJ, Munster VJ. Host and viral determinants of airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the Syrian hamster. eLife 2024; 12:RP87094. [PMID: 38416804 PMCID: PMC10942639 DOI: 10.7554/elife.87094] [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] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
It remains poorly understood how SARS-CoV-2 infection influences the physiological host factors important for aerosol transmission. We assessed breathing pattern, exhaled droplets, and infectious virus after infection with Alpha and Delta variants of concern (VOC) in the Syrian hamster. Both VOCs displayed a confined window of detectable airborne virus (24-48 hr), shorter than compared to oropharyngeal swabs. The loss of airborne shedding was linked to airway constriction resulting in a decrease of fine aerosols (1-10 µm) produced, which are suspected to be the major driver of airborne transmission. Male sex was associated with increased viral replication and virus shedding in the air. Next, we compared the transmission efficiency of both variants and found no significant differences. Transmission efficiency varied mostly among donors, 0-100% (including a superspreading event), and aerosol transmission over multiple chain links was representative of natural heterogeneity of exposure dose and downstream viral kinetics. Co-infection with VOCs only occurred when both viruses were shed by the same donor during an increased exposure timeframe (24-48 hr). This highlights that assessment of host and virus factors resulting in a differential exhaled particle profile is critical for understanding airborne transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia R Port
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Dylan H Morris
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Jade C Riopelle
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Claude Kwe Yinda
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Victoria A Avanzato
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Myndi G Holbrook
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Trenton Bushmaker
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Jonathan E Schulz
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Taylor A Saturday
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Kent Barbian
- Rocky Mountain Research and Technologies Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Colin A Russell
- Department of Medical Microbiology | Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of AmsterdamAmsterdamNetherlands
| | - Rose Perry-Gottschalk
- Rocky Mountain Visual and Medical Arts Unit, Research Technologies Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Carl Shaia
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Craig Martens
- Rocky Mountain Research and Technologies Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - James O Lloyd-Smith
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Robert J Fischer
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Vincent J Munster
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
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13
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Pérez-Massón B, Quintana-Pérez Y, Tundidor Y, Pérez-Martínez D, Castro-Martínez C, Pupo-Meriño M, Orosa I, Relova-Hernández E, Villegas R, Guirola O, Rojas G. Studying SARS-CoV-2 interactions using phage-displayed receptor binding domain as a model protein. Sci Rep 2024; 14:712. [PMID: 38184672 PMCID: PMC10771503 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50450-4] [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: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) mediates viral entry into human cells through its interaction with angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Most neutralizing antibodies elicited by infection or vaccination target this domain. Such a functional relevance, together with large RBD sequence variability arising during viral spreading, point to the need of exploring the complex landscape of interactions between RBD-derived variants, ACE2 and antibodies. The current work was aimed at developing a simple platform to do so. Biologically active and antigenic Wuhan-Hu-1 RBD, as well as mutated RBD variants found in nature, were successfully displayed on filamentous phages. Mutational scanning confirmed the global plasticity of the receptor binding motif within RBD, highlighted residues playing a critical role in receptor binding, and identified mutations strengthening the interaction. The ability of vaccine-induced antibodies to inhibit ACE2 binding of many mutated RBD variants, albeit at different extents, was shown. Amino acid replacements which could compromise such inhibitory potential were underscored. The expansion of our approach could be the starting point for a large-scale phage-based exploration of diversity within RBD of SARS-CoV-2 and related coronaviruses, useful to understand structure-function relationships, to engineer RBD proteins, and to anticipate changes to watch during viral evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Pérez-Massón
- Center of Molecular Immunology, Calle 216 esq 15, apartado 16040, Atabey, Playa, CP 11300, Havana, Cuba
| | - Yazmina Quintana-Pérez
- Center of Molecular Immunology, Calle 216 esq 15, apartado 16040, Atabey, Playa, CP 11300, Havana, Cuba
| | - Yaima Tundidor
- Center of Molecular Immunology, Calle 216 esq 15, apartado 16040, Atabey, Playa, CP 11300, Havana, Cuba
| | - Dayana Pérez-Martínez
- Center of Molecular Immunology, Calle 216 esq 15, apartado 16040, Atabey, Playa, CP 11300, Havana, Cuba
| | - Camila Castro-Martínez
- Center of Molecular Immunology, Calle 216 esq 15, apartado 16040, Atabey, Playa, CP 11300, Havana, Cuba
| | - Mario Pupo-Meriño
- Universidad de Ciencias Informáticas, Carretera a San Antonio de los Baños, km 2 1/2, Torrens, Boyeros, CP 19370, Havana, Cuba
| | - Ivette Orosa
- Center of Molecular Immunology, Calle 216 esq 15, apartado 16040, Atabey, Playa, CP 11300, Havana, Cuba
| | - Ernesto Relova-Hernández
- Center of Molecular Immunology, Calle 216 esq 15, apartado 16040, Atabey, Playa, CP 11300, Havana, Cuba
| | - Rosmery Villegas
- Universidad de Ciencias Informáticas, Carretera a San Antonio de los Baños, km 2 1/2, Torrens, Boyeros, CP 19370, Havana, Cuba
| | - Osmany Guirola
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Ave 31 E/158 y 190, Cubanacán, Playa, CP 11300, Havana, Cuba
| | - Gertrudis Rojas
- Center of Molecular Immunology, Calle 216 esq 15, apartado 16040, Atabey, Playa, CP 11300, Havana, Cuba.
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14
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Biskupek I, Gieldon A. Two-Stage Recognition Mechanism of the SARS-CoV-2 Receptor-Binding Domain to Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE2). Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:679. [PMID: 38203850 PMCID: PMC10779479 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010679] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus, commonly known as COVID-19, occurred in 2019. It is a highly contagious illness with effects ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. It is also one of the best-known pathogens since more than 200,000 scientific papers occurred in the last few years. With the publication of the SARS-CoV-2 (SARS-CoV-2-CTD) spike (S) protein in a complex with human ACE2 (hACE2) (PDB (6LZG)), the molecular analysis of one of the most crucial steps on the infection pathway was possible. The aim of this manuscript is to simulate the most widely spread mutants of SARS-CoV-2, namely Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Omicron, and the first recognized variant (natural wild type). With the wide search of the hypersurface of the potential energy performed using the UNRES force field, the intermediate state of the ACE2-RBD complex was found. R403, K/N/T417, L455, F486, Y489, F495, Y501, and Y505 played a crucial role in the protein recognition mechanism. The intermediate state cannot be very stable since it will prevent the infection cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Artur Gieldon
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, ul. Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland;
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15
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Vieira DFB, Bandeira DM, da Silva MAN, de Almeida ALT, Araújo M, Machado AB, Tort LFL, Nacife VP, Siqueira MM, Motta FC, Pauvolid-Corrêa A, Barth OM. Comparative analysis of SARS-CoV-2 variants Alpha (B.1.1.7), Gamma (P.1), Zeta (P.2) and Delta (B.1.617.2) in Vero-E6 cells: ultrastructural characterization of cytopathology and replication kinetics. Braz J Infect Dis 2024; 28:103706. [PMID: 38081327 PMCID: PMC10776915 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjid.2023.103706] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This study compares the effects of virus-cell interactions among SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) isolated in Brazil in 2021, hypothesizing a correlation between cellular alterations and mortality and between viral load and transmissibility. For this purpose, reference isolates of Alpha, Gamma, Zeta, and Delta variants were inoculated into monolayers of Vero-E6 cells. Viral RNA was quantified in cell supernatants by RT‒PCR, and infected cells were analyzed by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of cellular changes 24, 48, and 72 hours postinfection (hpi). Ultrastructural analyses showed that all variants of SARS-CoV-2 altered the structure and function of mitochondria, nucleus, and rough endoplasmic reticulum of cells. Monolayers infected with the Delta variant showed the highest number of modified cells and the greatest statistically significant differences compared to those of other variants. Viral particles were observed in the cytosol and the cell membrane in 100 % of the cells at 48 hpi. Alpha showed the highest mean particle diameter (79 nm), and Gamma and Delta were the smallest (75 nm). Alpha and Gamma had the highest particle frequency per field at 48 hpi, while the same was observed for Zeta and Delta at 72 hpi and 24 hpi, respectively. The cycle threshold of viral RNA varied among the target protein, VOC, and time of infection. The findings presented here demonstrate that all four VOCs evaluated caused ultrastructural changes in Vero-E6 cells, which were more prominent when infection occured with the Delta variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debora Ferreira Barreto Vieira
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Morfologia e Morfogênese Viral, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Derick Mendes Bandeira
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Morfologia e Morfogênese Viral, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcos Alexandre Nunes da Silva
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Morfologia e Morfogênese Viral, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ana Luisa Teixeira de Almeida
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Morfologia e Morfogênese Viral, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Mia Araújo
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios, Exantemáticos, Enterovírus e Emergências Virais, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ana Beatriz Machado
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios, Exantemáticos, Enterovírus e Emergências Virais, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luis Fernando Lopez Tort
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios, Exantemáticos, Enterovírus e Emergências Virais, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Universidad de la República, Centro Universitario Regional - Litoral Norte, Laboratório de Virologia Molecular, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Salto, Uruguai
| | - Valéria Pereira Nacife
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios, Exantemáticos, Enterovírus e Emergências Virais, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marilda M Siqueira
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios, Exantemáticos, Enterovírus e Emergências Virais, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Fernando Couto Motta
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios, Exantemáticos, Enterovírus e Emergências Virais, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Alex Pauvolid-Corrêa
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios, Exantemáticos, Enterovírus e Emergências Virais, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Departamento de Veterinária, Laboratório de Virologia Veterinária de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Ortrud Monika Barth
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Morfologia e Morfogênese Viral, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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16
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Alfaleh MA, Alsulaiman RM, Almahboub SA, Nezamuldeen L, Zawawi A, Aljehani ND, Yasir M, Abdulal RH, Alkhaldi R, Helal A, Alamri SS, Malki J, Alhabbab RY, Abujamel TS, Alhakamy NA, Alnami A, Algaissi A, Hassanain M, Hashem AM. ACE2-Fc and DPP4-Fc decoy receptors against SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV variants: a quick therapeutic option for current and future coronaviruses outbreaks. Antib Ther 2024; 7:53-66. [PMID: 38371953 PMCID: PMC10873275 DOI: 10.1093/abt/tbad030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) are highly pathogenic human coronaviruses (CoVs). Anti-CoVs mAbs and vaccines may be effective, but the emergence of neutralization escape variants is inevitable. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 enzyme are the getaway receptors for SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV, respectively. Thus, we reformatted these receptors as Fc-fusion decoy receptors. Then, we tested them in parallel with anti-SARS-CoV (ab1-IgG) and anti-MERS-CoV (M336-IgG) mAbs against several variants using pseudovirus neutralization assay. The generated Fc-based decoy receptors exhibited a strong inhibitory effect against all pseudotyped CoVs. Results showed that although mAbs can be effective antiviral drugs, they might rapidly lose their efficacy against highly mutated viruses. We suggest that receptor traps can be engineered as Fc-fusion proteins for highly mutating viruses with known entry receptors, for a faster and effective therapeutic response even against virus harboring antibodies escape mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Alfaleh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem M Alsulaiman
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah A Almahboub
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
| | - Leena Nezamuldeen
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayat Zawawi
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
| | - Najwa D Aljehani
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Yasir
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rwaa H Abdulal
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rami Alkhaldi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
| | - Assala Helal
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sawsan S Alamri
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jana Malki
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rowa Y Alhabbab
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
| | - Turki S Abujamel
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nabil A Alhakamy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aisha Alnami
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Algaissi
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mazen Hassanain
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anwar M Hashem
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
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17
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Zhao J, Kang M, Wu H, Sun B, Baele G, He WT, Lu M, Suchard MA, Ji X, He N, Su S, Veit M. Risk assessment of SARS-CoV-2 replicating and evolving in animals. Trends Microbiol 2024; 32:79-92. [PMID: 37541811 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.07.002] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
The retransmissions of SARS-CoV-2 from several mammals - primarily mink and white-tailed deer - to humans have raised concerns for the emergence of a new animal-derived SARS-CoV-2 variant to worsen the pandemic. Here, we discuss animal species that are susceptible to natural or experimental infection with SARS-CoV-2 and can transmit the virus to mates or humans. We describe cutting-edge techniques to assess the impact of a mutation in the viral spike (S) protein on its receptor and on antibody binding. Our review of spike sequences of animal-derived viruses identified nine unique amino acid exchanges in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) that are not present in any variant of concern (VOC). These mutations are present in SARS-CoV-2 found in companion animals such as dogs and cats, and they exhibit a higher frequency in SARS-CoV-2 found in mink and white-tailed deer, suggesting that sustained transmissions may contribute to maintaining novel mutations. Four of these exchanges, such as Leu452Met, could undermine acquired immune protection in humans while maintaining high affinity for the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. Finally, we discuss important avenues of future research into animal-derived viruses with public health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhao
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mei Kang
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Clinical Research Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongyan Wu
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bowen Sun
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guy Baele
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wan-Ting He
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Meng Lu
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Marc A Suchard
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Biomathematics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xiang Ji
- Department of Mathematics, School of Science and Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Na He
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuo Su
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Michael Veit
- Institute for Virology, Center for Infection Medicine, Veterinary Faculty, Free University Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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18
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Bernardotto S, Frasson I, Faravelli S, Morelli A, Schiavon E, Moscatiello GY, Violatto MB, Pinnola A, Canciani A, Mattarei A, Rossi G, Brini M, Pasetto L, Bonetto V, Bigini P, Forneris F, Richter SN, Morpurgo M. Efficient SARS-CoV-2 infection antagonization by rhACE2 ectodomain multimerized onto the Avidin-Nucleic-Acid-NanoASsembly. Biomaterials 2023; 303:122394. [PMID: 38007919 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122394] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
Nanodecoy systems based on analogues of viral cellular receptors assembled onto fluid lipid-based membranes of nano/extravescicles are potential new tools to complement classic therapeutic or preventive antiviral approaches. The need for lipid-based membranes for transmembrane receptor anchorage may pose technical challenges along industrial translation, calling for alternative geometries for receptor multimerization. Here we developed a semisynthetic self-assembling SARS-CoV-2 nanodecoy by multimerizing the biotin labelled virus cell receptor -ACE2- ectodomain onto a poly-avidin nanoparticle (NP) based on the Avidin-Nucleic-Acid-NanoASsembly-ANANAS. The ability of the assembly to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection in human lung cells and the affinity of the ACE2:viral receptor-binding domain (RBD) interaction were measured at different ACE2:NP ratios. At ACE2:NP = 30, 90 % SARS-CoV-2 infection inhibition at ACE2 nanomolar concentration was registered on both Wuhan and Omicron variants, with ten-fold higher potency than the monomeric protein. Lower and higher ACE2 densities were less efficient suggesting that functional recognition between multi-ligand NPs and multi-receptor virus surfaces requires optimal geometrical relationships. In vivo studies in mice showed that the biodistribution and safety profiles of the nanodecoy are potentially suitable for preventing viral infection upon nasal instillation. Viral receptor multimerization using ANANAS is a convenient process which, in principle, could be rapidly adapted to counteract also other viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Bernardotto
- Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences Dept (DSF), University of Padova, Via Marzolo, 5. 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Ilaria Frasson
- Department of Molecular Medicine (DMM), University of Padova, Via A. Gabelli, 63, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Faravelli
- The Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Structural Biology, Dept. Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9/A, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Annalisa Morelli
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Italy, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156, Milano, Italy; Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Elisa Schiavon
- Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences Dept (DSF), University of Padova, Via Marzolo, 5. 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Giulia Yuri Moscatiello
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Italy, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156, Milano, Italy
| | - Martina Bruna Violatto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Italy, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156, Milano, Italy
| | - Alberta Pinnola
- The Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Structural Biology, Dept. Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9/A, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anselmo Canciani
- The Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Structural Biology, Dept. Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9/A, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Mattarei
- Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences Dept (DSF), University of Padova, Via Marzolo, 5. 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Gianpaolo Rossi
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Marisa Brini
- Department of Biology (DIBIO), Viale G. Colombo, 3, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Laura Pasetto
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Italy, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156, Milano, Italy
| | - Valentina Bonetto
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Italy, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156, Milano, Italy
| | - Paolo Bigini
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Italy, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156, Milano, Italy
| | - Federico Forneris
- The Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Structural Biology, Dept. Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9/A, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Sara N Richter
- Department of Molecular Medicine (DMM), University of Padova, Via A. Gabelli, 63, 35121, Padova, Italy; Microbiology and Virology Unit, Padua University Hospital, 35121, Padua, Italy.
| | - Margherita Morpurgo
- Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences Dept (DSF), University of Padova, Via Marzolo, 5. 35131, Padova, Italy.
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19
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Chinnadurai RK, Ponne S, Chitra L, Kumar R, Thayumanavan P, Subramanian B. Pharmacoinformatic approach to identify potential phytochemicals against SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain in native and variants of concern. Mol Divers 2023; 27:2741-2766. [PMID: 36547813 PMCID: PMC9773690 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-022-10580-9] [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: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pathogenesis is initiated by the binding of SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor (ACE2R) on the host cell surface. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the S protein mediates the binding and is more prone to mutations resulting in the generation of different variants. Recently, molecules with the potential to inhibit the interaction of S protein with ACE2R have been of interest due to their therapeutic value. In this context, the present work was performed to identify potential RBD binders from the Indian medicinal plant's phytochemical database through virtual screening, molecular docking, and molecular dynamic simulation. Briefly, 1578 compounds filtered from 9596 phytochemicals were chosen for screening against the RBD of the native SARS-CoV-2 S protein. Based on the binding energy, the top 30 compounds were selected and re-docked individually against the native and five variants of concern (VOCs: alpha, beta, gamma, delta, and omicron) of SARS-CoV-2. Four phytochemicals, namely withanolide F, serotobenine, orobanchol, and gibberellin A51, were found to be potential RBD binders in native and all SARS-CoV-2 VOCs. Among the four, withanolide F exhibited lower binding energy (- 10.84 to - 8.56 kcal/mol) and better ligand efficiency (- 0.3 to - 0.25) against all forms of RBD and hence was subjected to a 100 ns MD simulation which confirmed its stringent binding to the RBDs in native and VOCs. The study prioritizes withanolide F as a prospective COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease) therapeutic agent based on the observations. It warrants deeper investigations into the four promising leads for understanding their precise therapeutic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj Kumar Chinnadurai
- Mahatma Gandhi Medical Advanced Research Institute, Sri Balaji Vidhyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pondicherry, 607402, India.
| | - Saravanaraman Ponne
- Department of Biotechnology, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry, 605014, India
| | - Loganathan Chitra
- Department of Biochemistry, Periyar University, Salem, Tamil Nadu, 636011, India
| | - Rajender Kumar
- Division of Glycoscience, Department of Chemistry, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Center, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Balanehru Subramanian
- School of Biological Sciences, Sri Balaji Vidhyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pondicherry, 607402, India
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20
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Le K, Kannappan S, Kim T, Lee JH, Lee HR, Kim KK. Structural understanding of SARS-CoV-2 virus entry to host cells. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1288686. [PMID: 38033388 PMCID: PMC10683510 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1288686] [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: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a major global health concern associated with millions of fatalities worldwide. Mutant variants of the virus have further exacerbated COVID-19 mortality and infection rates, emphasizing the urgent need for effective preventive strategies. Understanding the viral infection mechanism is crucial for developing therapeutics and vaccines. The entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells is a key step in the infection pathway and has been targeted for drug development. Despite numerous reviews of COVID-19 and the virus, there is a lack of comprehensive reviews focusing on the structural aspects of viral entry. In this review, we analyze structural changes in Spike proteins during the entry process, dividing the entry process into prebinding, receptor binding, proteolytic cleavage, and membrane fusion steps. By understanding the atomic-scale details of viral entry, we can better target the entry step for intervention strategies. We also examine the impacts of mutations in Spike proteins, including the Omicron variant, on viral entry. Structural information provides insights into the effects of mutations and can guide the development of therapeutics and vaccines. Finally, we discuss available structure-based approaches for the development of therapeutics and vaccines. Overall, this review provides a detailed analysis of the structural aspects of SARS-CoV-2 viral entry, highlighting its significance in the development of therapeutics and vaccines against COVID-19. Therefore, our review emphasizes the importance of structural information in combating SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Le
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Institute of Antibacterial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Shrute Kannappan
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Institute of Antibacterial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Research Center for Advanced Materials Technology Core Research Institute, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Truc Kim
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Institute of Antibacterial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Heon Lee
- Research Center for Advanced Materials Technology Core Research Institute, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- School of Advanced Materials and Science Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Ra Lee
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, College of Science and Technology, Korea University, Sejong, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong Kyu Kim
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Institute of Antibacterial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
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21
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Yu W, Li Y, Liu D, Wang Y, Li J, Du Y, Gao GF, Li Z, Xu Y, Wei J. Evaluation and Mechanistic Investigation of Human Milk Oligosaccharide against SARS-CoV-2. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:16102-16113. [PMID: 37856320 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c04275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Four human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), 3'-sialyllactose (3'-SL), 6'-sialyllactose (6'-SL), 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL), and 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), were assessed for their possible antiviral activity against the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor binding domain (RBD) in vitro. Among them, only 2'-FL/3-FL exhibited obvious antibinding activity against direct binding and trans-binding in competitive immunocytochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The antiviral effects of 2'-FL/3-FL were further confirmed by pseudoviral assays with three SARS-Cov-2 mutants, with a stronger inhibition effect of 2'-FL than 3-FL. Then, 2'-FL/3-FL were studied with molecular docking and microscale thermophoresis analysis, showing that the binding sites of 2'-FL on RBD were involved in receptor binding, in addition to a tighter bond between them, thus enabling 2'-FL to be more effective than 3-FL. Moreover, the immunomodulation effect of 2'-FL was preliminary evaluated and confirmed in a human alveolus chip. These results would open up possible applications of 2'-FL for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infections by competitive binding inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyan Yu
- College of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang Economic and Technological Development Zone, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330045, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongdong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 North Second Street, Zhongguancun, Haidian District, Beijing 100190, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongliang Wang
- Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 95 Yongan Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianjun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 North Second Street, Zhongguancun, Haidian District, Beijing 100190, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuguang Du
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 North Second Street, Zhongguancun, Haidian District, Beijing 100190, People's Republic of China
| | - George Fu Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhimin Li
- College of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang Economic and Technological Development Zone, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330045, People's Republic of China
| | - Yueqiang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 North Second Street, Zhongguancun, Haidian District, Beijing 100190, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinhua Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 North Second Street, Zhongguancun, Haidian District, Beijing 100190, People's Republic of China
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22
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Ghoula M, Deyawe Kongmeneck A, Eid R, Camproux AC, Moroy G. Comparative Study of the Mutations Observed in the SARS-CoV-2 RBD Variants of Concern and Their Impact on the Interaction with the ACE2 Protein. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:8586-8602. [PMID: 37775095 PMCID: PMC10578311 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c01467] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 strains have made an appearance across the globe, causing over 757 million cases and over 6.85 million deaths at the time of writing. The emergence of these variants shows the amplitude of genetic variation to which the wild-type strains have been subjected. The rise of the different SARS-CoV-2 variants resulting from such genetic modification has significantly affected COVD-19's major impact on proliferation, virulence, and clinics. With the emergence of the variants of concern, the spike protein has been identified as a possible therapeutic target due to its critical role in binding to human cells and pathogenesis. These mutations could be linked to functional heterogeneity and use a different infection strategy. For example, the Omicron variant's multiple mutations should be carefully examined, as they represent one of the most widely spread strains and hint to us that there may be more genetic changes in the virus. As a result, we applied a common protocol where we reconstructed SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and performed molecular dynamics simulations to study the stability of the ACE2-RBD complex in each variant. We also carried out free energy calculations to compare the binding and biophysical properties of the different SARS-CoV-2 variants when they interact with ACE2. Therefore, we were able to obtain consistent results and uncover new crucial residues that were essential for preserving a balance between maintaining a high affinity for ACE2 and the capacity to evade RBD-targeted antibodies. Our detailed structural analysis showed that SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern show a higher affinity for ACE2 compared to the Wuhan strain. Additionally, residues K417N and E484K/A might play a crucial role in antibody evasion, whereas Q498R and N501Y are specifically mutated to strengthen RBD affinity to ACE2 and, thereby, increase the viral effect of the COVID-19 virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariem Ghoula
- Université de Paris, CNRS,
INSERM, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Audrey Deyawe Kongmeneck
- Université de Paris, CNRS,
INSERM, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Rita Eid
- Université de Paris, CNRS,
INSERM, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Anne-Claude Camproux
- Université de Paris, CNRS,
INSERM, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Gautier Moroy
- Université de Paris, CNRS,
INSERM, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, F-75013 Paris, France
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23
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Port JR, Morris DH, Riopelle JC, Yinda CK, Avanzato VA, Holbrook MG, Bushmaker T, Schulz JE, Saturday TA, Barbian K, Russell CA, Perry-Gottschalk R, Shaia CI, Martens C, Lloyd-Smith JO, Fischer RJ, Munster VJ. Host and viral determinants of airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the Syrian hamster. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2022.08.15.504010. [PMID: 36032963 PMCID: PMC9413705 DOI: 10.1101/2022.08.15.504010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
It remains poorly understood how SARS-CoV-2 infection influences the physiological host factors important for aerosol transmission. We assessed breathing pattern, exhaled droplets, and infectious virus after infection with Alpha and Delta variants of concern (VOC) in the Syrian hamster. Both VOCs displayed a confined window of detectable airborne virus (24-48 h), shorter than compared to oropharyngeal swabs. The loss of airborne shedding was linked to airway constriction resulting in a decrease of fine aerosols (1-10μm) produced, which are suspected to be the major driver of airborne transmission. Male sex was associated with increased viral replication and virus shedding in the air. Next, we compared the transmission efficiency of both variants and found no significant differences. Transmission efficiency varied mostly among donors, 0-100% (including a superspreading event), and aerosol transmission over multiple chain links was representative of natural heterogeneity of exposure dose and downstream viral kinetics. Co-infection with VOCs only occurred when both viruses were shed by the same donor during an increased exposure timeframe (24-48 h). This highlights that assessment of host and virus factors resulting in a differential exhaled particle profile is critical for understanding airborne transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia R. Port
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Dylan H. Morris
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jade C. Riopelle
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Claude Kwe Yinda
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Victoria A. Avanzato
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Myndi G. Holbrook
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Trenton Bushmaker
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Jonathan E. Schulz
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Taylor A. Saturday
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Kent Barbian
- Rocky Mountain Research and Technologies Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Colin A. Russell
- Department of Medical Microbiology | Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam
| | - Rose Perry-Gottschalk
- Rocky Mountain Visual and Medical Arts Unit, Research Technologies Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Carl I. Shaia
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Craig Martens
- Rocky Mountain Research and Technologies Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - James O. Lloyd-Smith
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Robert J. Fischer
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Vincent J. Munster
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
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24
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Chakraborty S, Saha C. A multi-tier computational screening framework to effectively search the mutational space of SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding motif to identify mutants with enhanced ACE2 binding abilities. Mol Inform 2023; 42:e2300055. [PMID: 37590498 DOI: 10.1002/minf.202300055] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 gained crucial mutations at the receptor binding domain (RBD) that often changed the course of the pandemic leading to new waves with increased case fatality. Variants are observed with enhanced transmission and immune invasion abilities. Thus, predicting future variants with enhanced transmission ability is a problem of utmost research interest. Here, we have developed a multi-tier exhaustive SARS-CoV-2 mutation screening platform combining MM/GBSA, extensive molecular dynamics simulations, and steered molecular dynamics to identify RBD mutants with enhanced ACE2 binding capability. We have identified four RBM mutations (F490K, S494K, G504F, and the P499L) with significantly higher ACE2 binding abilities than wild-type RBD. Compared to wild-type RBD, they all form stable complexes with more hydrogen bonds and salt-bridge interactions with ACE2. Our simulation data suggest that these mutations allosterically alter the packing of the RBM interface of the RBD-ACE2 complex. As a result, the rupture force required to break the RBD-ACE2 contacts is significantly higher for these mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandipan Chakraborty
- Center for Innovation in Molecular and Pharmaceutical Sciences (CIMPS), Dr. Reddy's Institute of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad Campus, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Chiranjeet Saha
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Kolkata, 700135, India
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25
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Pondé RADA. Physicochemical effects of emerging exchanges on the spike protein's RBM of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants BA.1-BA.5 and its influence on the biological properties and attributes developed by these subvariants. Virology 2023; 587:109850. [PMID: 37562286 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.109850] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Emerging in South Africa, SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant was marked by the expression of an exaggerated number of mutations throughout its genome and by the emergence of subvariants, whose attributes developed by them have been associated with amino acid exchanges that occur mainly in the RBM region of the spike protein. The RBM comprises a region within the RBD and is directly involved in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interaction with the host cell ACE2 receptor, during the infection mechanism and viral transmission. Defined as the region from aa 437 to aa 508, there are several residues in certain positions that interact directly with the human ACE-2 receptor during these processes. The occurrence of amino acid exchanges in these positions causes physicochemical alterations in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which confer additional advantages and attributes to the agent. In addition, these exchanges serve as a basis for the characterization of new variants and subvariants of SARS-CoV-2. In this review, the amino acid exchanges that have occurred in the RBM of the subvariants BA.1 to BA.5 of SARS-CoV-2 that emerged from the Omicron are described. The physicochemical effects caused by them on spike protein are also described, as well as their influence on the biological properties and attributes developed by the subvariants BA.1, BA.2, BA.3, BA.4 and BA.5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robério Amorim de Almeida Pondé
- Secretaria de Estado da Saúde -SES/Superintendência de Vigilância em Saúde-SUVISA/GO, Gerência de Vigilância Epidemiológica de Doenças Transmissíveis-GVEDT/Coordenação de Análises e Pesquisas-CAP, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil; Laboratory of Human Virology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.
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26
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Kuroda Y, Watanabe K, Yamamoto T, Suzuki H, Park ES, Ishijima K, Tatemoto K, Virhuez-Mendoza M, Inoue Y, Harada M, Nishino A, Sekizuka T, Kuroda M, Fujimoto T, Ishihara G, Horie R, Kawamoto K, Maeda K. Pet Animals Were Infected with SARS-CoV-2 from Their Owners Who Developed COVID-19: Case Series Study. Viruses 2023; 15:2028. [PMID: 37896805 PMCID: PMC10612050 DOI: 10.3390/v15102028] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among pets owned by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients has been reported around the world. However, how often the animals are exposed to SARS-CoV-2 by their owners is still unclear. We have collected swab samples from COVID-19 patients' pets and performed real-time RT-PCR to detect the viral genome. In total, 8 of 53 dogs (15.1%) and 5 of 34 cats (14.7%) tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 N gene. The result of a virus neutralization (VN) test also showed VN antibodies in four cats and six dogs. Our results indicate that the virus often passed from infected owners to their pets, which then excreted the virus despite having no or mild clinical signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudai Kuroda
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Kei Watanabe
- Anicom Specialty Medical Institute Inc., Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Yamamoto
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Hiroki Suzuki
- Anicom Specialty Medical Institute Inc., Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Eun-sil Park
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Keita Ishijima
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Kango Tatemoto
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Milagros Virhuez-Mendoza
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Yusuke Inoue
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan
| | - Michiko Harada
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan
| | - Ayano Nishino
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Sekizuka
- Pathogen Genomics Center, NIID, Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Makoto Kuroda
- Pathogen Genomics Center, NIID, Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Tsuguto Fujimoto
- Department of Fungal Infection, NIID, Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Genki Ishihara
- Anicom Specialty Medical Institute Inc., Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Ryo Horie
- Anicom Specialty Medical Institute Inc., Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Kosuke Kawamoto
- Anicom Specialty Medical Institute Inc., Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Ken Maeda
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan
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27
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Han P, Meng Y, Zhang D, Xu Z, Li Z, Pan X, Zhao Z, Li L, Tang L, Qi J, Liu K, Gao GF. Structural basis of white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus, ACE2 recognizing all the SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern with high affinity. J Virol 2023; 97:e0050523. [PMID: 37676003 PMCID: PMC10537675 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00505-23] [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: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has been expanding its host range, among which the white-tailed deer (WTD), Odocoileus virginianus, became the first wildlife species infected on a large scale and might serve as a host reservoir for variants of concern (VOCs) in case no longer circulating in humans. In this study, we comprehensively assessed the binding of the WTD angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor to the spike (S) receptor-binding domains (RBDs) from the SARS-CoV-2 prototype (PT) strain and multiple variants. We found that WTD ACE2 could be broadly recognized by all of the tested RBDs. We further determined the complex structures of WTD ACE2 with PT, Omicron BA.1, and BA.4/5 S trimer. Detailed structural comparison revealed the important roles of RBD residues on 486, 498, and 501 sites for WTD ACE2 binding. This study deepens our understanding of the interspecies transmission mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 and further addresses the importance of constant monitoring on SARS-CoV-2 infections in wild animals. IMPORTANCE Even if we manage to eliminate the virus among humans, it will still circulate among wildlife and continuously be transmitted back to humans. A recent study indicated that WTD may serve as reservoir for nearly extinct SARS-CoV-2 strains. Therefore, it is critical to evaluate the binding abilities of SARS-CoV-2 variants to the WTD ACE2 receptor and elucidate the molecular mechanisms of binding of the RBDs to assess the risk of spillback events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu Han
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) , Beijing, China
| | - Yumin Meng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) , Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing, China
| | - Di Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) , Beijing, China
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau , Macau SAR, China
| | - Zepeng Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) , Beijing, China
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau , Macau SAR, China
| | - Zhiyuan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University , Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoqian Pan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) , Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing, China
| | - Zhennan Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) , Beijing, China
| | - Linjie Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) , Beijing, China
| | - Lingfeng Tang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) , Beijing, China
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau , Macau SAR, China
| | - Jianxun Qi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) , Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing, China
| | - Kefang Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) , Beijing, China
- Beijing Life Science Academy , Beijing, China
| | - George F Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) , Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing, China
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28
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Nguyen H, Nguyen HL, Lan PD, Thai NQ, Sikora M, Li MS. Interaction of SARS-CoV-2 with host cells and antibodies: experiment and simulation. Chem Soc Rev 2023; 52:6497-6553. [PMID: 37650302 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs01170g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the devastating global COVID-19 pandemic announced by WHO in March 2020. Through unprecedented scientific effort, several vaccines, drugs and antibodies have been developed, saving millions of lives, but the fight against COVID-19 continues as immune escape variants of concern such as Delta and Omicron emerge. To develop more effective treatments and to elucidate the side effects caused by vaccines and therapeutic agents, a deeper understanding of the molecular interactions of SARS-CoV-2 with them and human cells is required. With special interest in computational approaches, we will focus on the structure of SARS-CoV-2 and the interaction of its spike protein with human angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) as a prime entry point of the virus into host cells. In addition, other possible viral receptors will be considered. The fusion of viral and human membranes and the interaction of the spike protein with antibodies and nanobodies will be discussed, as well as the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on protein synthesis in host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung Nguyen
- Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, al. Lotnikow 32/46, 02-668 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Hoang Linh Nguyen
- Institute of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, Duy Tan University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
- Faculty of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Vietnam
| | - Pham Dang Lan
- Life Science Lab, Institute for Computational Science and Technology, Quang Trung Software City, Tan Chanh Hiep Ward, District 12, 729110 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Faculty of Physics and Engineering Physics, VNUHCM-University of Science, 227, Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 5, 749000 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Quoc Thai
- Dong Thap University, 783 Pham Huu Lau Street, Ward 6, Cao Lanh City, Dong Thap, Vietnam
| | - Mateusz Sikora
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
- Department of Theoretical Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Mai Suan Li
- Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, al. Lotnikow 32/46, 02-668 Warsaw, Poland.
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29
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Yang L, Wang Z. Bench-to-bedside: Innovation of small molecule anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs in China. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 257:115503. [PMID: 37229831 PMCID: PMC10193775 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in millions of deaths globally, highlighting the need to develop potent prophylactic and therapeutic strategies against SARS-CoV-2. Small molecule inhibitors (remdesivir, Paxlovid, and molnupiravir) are essential complements to vaccines and play important roles in clinical treatment of SARS-CoV-2. Many advances have been made in development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors in China, but progress in discovery and characterization of pharmacological activity, antiviral mechanisms, and clinical efficacy are limited. We review development of small molecule anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs (azvudine [approved by the NMPA of China on July 25, 2022], VV116 [approved by the NMPA of China on January 29, 2023], FB2001, WPV01, pentarlandir, and cepharanthine) in China and summarize their pharmacological activity, potential mechanisms of action, clinical trials and use, and important milestones in their discovery. The role of structural biology in drug development is also reviewed. Future studies should focus on development of diverse second-generation inhibitors with excellent oral bioavailability, superior plasma half-life, increased antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, high target specificity, minimal side effects, reduced drug-drug interactions, and improved lung histopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyan Yang
- School of Physics and Physical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, PR China; Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China.
| | - Zhonglei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Green Natural Products and Pharmaceutical Intermediates in Colleges and Universities of Shandong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, PR China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus, Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, PR China.
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30
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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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31
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Ramakrishnan J, Chinnamadhu A, Suresh S, Poomani K. Probing the binding nature and stability of highly transmissible mutated variant alpha to omicron of SARS-CoV-2 RBD with ACE2 via molecular dynamics simulation. J Cell Biochem 2023; 124:1115-1134. [PMID: 37435893 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30432] [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: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Currently, no approved drug is available as a causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) except for some repurposed drugs. The first structure of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was reported in late 2019, based on that some vaccines and repurposed drugs were approved to prevent people from COVID-19 during the pandemic situation. Since then, new types of variants emerged and notably, the receptor binding domain (RBD) adopted different binding modes with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2); this made significant changes in the progression of COVID-19. Some of the new variants are highly infectious spreading fast and dangerous. The present study is focused on understanding the binding mode of the RBD of different mutated SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (alpha to omicron) with the human ACE2 using molecular dynamics simulation. Notably, some variants adopted a new binding mode of RBD with ACE2 and formed different interactions, which is unlike the wild type; this was confirmed from the comparison of interaction between RBD-ACE2 of all variants with its wild-type structure. Binding energy values confirm that some mutated variants exhibit high binding affinity. These findings demonstrate that the variations in the sequence of SARS-CoV-2 S-protein altered the binding mode of RBD; this may be the reason that the virus has high transmissibility and causes new infections. This in-silico study on mutated variants of SARS-CoV-2 RBD with ACE2 insights into their binding mode, binding affinity, and stability. This information may help to understand the RBD-ACE2 binding domains, which allows for designing newer drugs and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaganathan Ramakrishnan
- Laboratory of Biocrystallography and Computational Molecular Biology, Department of Physics, Periyar University, Salem, India
| | - Archana Chinnamadhu
- Laboratory of Biocrystallography and Computational Molecular Biology, Department of Physics, Periyar University, Salem, India
| | - Suganya Suresh
- Laboratory of Biocrystallography and Computational Molecular Biology, Department of Physics, Periyar University, Salem, India
| | - Kumaradhas Poomani
- Laboratory of Biocrystallography and Computational Molecular Biology, Department of Physics, Periyar University, Salem, India
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32
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Wang G, Liu X, Wang K, Gao Y, Li G, Baptista-Hon DT, Yang XH, Xue K, Tai WH, Jiang Z, Cheng L, Fok M, Lau JYN, Yang S, Lu L, Zhang P, Zhang K. Deep-learning-enabled protein-protein interaction analysis for prediction of SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and variant evolution. Nat Med 2023; 29:2007-2018. [PMID: 37524952 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02483-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Host-pathogen interactions and pathogen evolution are underpinned by protein-protein interactions between viral and host proteins. An understanding of how viral variants affect protein-protein binding is important for predicting viral-host interactions, such as the emergence of new pathogenic SARS-CoV-2 variants. Here we propose an artificial intelligence-based framework called UniBind, in which proteins are represented as a graph at the residue and atom levels. UniBind integrates protein three-dimensional structure and binding affinity and is capable of multi-task learning for heterogeneous biological data integration. In systematic tests on benchmark datasets and further experimental validation, UniBind effectively and scalably predicted the effects of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein variants on their binding affinities to the human ACE2 receptor, as well as to SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing monoclonal antibodies. Furthermore, in a cross-species analysis, UniBind could be applied to predict host susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 variants and to predict future viral variant evolutionary trends. This in silico approach has the potential to serve as an early warning system for problematic emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, as well as to facilitate research on protein-protein interactions in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Networking and Switching Technology, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaohong Liu
- Instutite for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Big Data and Biomedical Artificial Intelligence, National Biomedical Imaging Center, College of Future Technology, Peking University and Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanxu Gao
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gen Li
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Daniel T Baptista-Hon
- Instutite for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
- Zhuhai International Eye Center and Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai People's Hospital and the First Affiliated Hospital of Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaohong Helena Yang
- Instutite for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Kanmin Xue
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Wa Hou Tai
- Instutite for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Zeyu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Networking and Switching Technology, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, China
| | - Linling Cheng
- Instutite for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
- Zhuhai International Eye Center and Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai People's Hospital and the First Affiliated Hospital of Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Guangdong, China
| | - Manson Fok
- Instutite for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Johnson Yiu-Nam Lau
- Departments of Biology and Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shengyong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ligong Lu
- Instutite for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
- Zhuhai International Eye Center and Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai People's Hospital and the First Affiliated Hospital of Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Guangdong, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Networking and Switching Technology, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, China
| | - Kang Zhang
- Instutite for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China.
- Department of Big Data and Biomedical Artificial Intelligence, National Biomedical Imaging Center, College of Future Technology, Peking University and Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, China.
- Zhuhai International Eye Center and Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai People's Hospital and the First Affiliated Hospital of Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Guangdong, China.
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33
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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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34
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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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35
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Mani S, Kaur A, Jakhar K, Kumari G, Sonar S, Kumar A, Das S, Kumar S, Kumar V, Kundu R, Pandey AK, Singh UP, Majumdar T. Targeting DPP4-RBD interactions by sitagliptin and linagliptin delivers a potential host-directed therapy against pan-SARS-CoV-2 infections. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 245:125444. [PMID: 37385308 PMCID: PMC10293653 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125444] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Highly mutated SARS-CoV-2 is known aetiological factor for COVID-19. Here, we have demonstrated that the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein can interact with human dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) to facilitate virus entry, in addition to the usual route of ACE2-RBD binding. Significant number of residues of RBD makes hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions with α/β-hydrolase domain of DPP4. With this observation, we created a strategy to combat COVID-19 by circumventing the catalytic activity of DPP4 using its inhibitors. Sitagliptin, linagliptin or in combination disavowed RBD to establish a heterodimer complex with both DPP4 and ACE2 which is requisite strategy for virus entry into the cells. Both gliptins not only impede DPP4 activity, but also prevent ACE2-RBD interaction, crucial for virus growth. Sitagliptin, and linagliptin alone or in combination have avidity to impede the growth of pan-SARS-CoV-2 variants including original SARS-CoV-2, alpha, beta, delta, and kappa in a dose dependent manner. However, these drugs were unable to alter enzymatic activity of PLpro and Mpro. We conclude that viruses hijack DPP4 for cell invasion via RBD binding. Impeding RBD interaction with both DPP4 and ACE2 selectively by sitagliptin and linagliptin is an potential strategy for efficiently preventing viral replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shailendra Mani
- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, India
| | | | - Kamini Jakhar
- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, India
| | | | - Sudipta Sonar
- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, India
| | - Amit Kumar
- National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Sudesna Das
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | | | - Vijay Kumar
- National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Rakesh Kundu
- Department of Zoology, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan, West Bengal, India
| | - Anil Kumar Pandey
- Department of Physiology, ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Faridabad, India
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36
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Lauster D, Osterrieder K, Haag R, Ballauff M, Herrmann A. Respiratory viruses interacting with cells: the importance of electrostatics. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1169547. [PMID: 37440888 PMCID: PMC10333706 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1169547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has rekindled interest in the molecular mechanisms involved in the early steps of infection of cells by viruses. Compared to SARS-CoV-1 which only caused a relatively small albeit deadly outbreak, SARS-CoV-2 has led to fulminant spread and a full-scale pandemic characterized by efficient virus transmission worldwide within a very short time. Moreover, the mutations the virus acquired over the many months of virus transmission, particularly those seen in the Omicron variant, have turned out to result in an even more transmissible virus. Here, we focus on the early events of virus infection of cells. We review evidence that the first decisive step in this process is the electrostatic interaction of the spike protein with heparan sulfate chains present on the surface of target cells: Patches of cationic amino acids located on the surface of the spike protein can interact intimately with the negatively charged heparan sulfate chains, which results in the binding of the virion to the cell surface. In a second step, the specific interaction of the receptor binding domain (RBD) within the spike with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor leads to the uptake of bound virions into the cell. We show that these events can be expressed as a semi-quantitative model by calculating the surface potential of different spike proteins using the Adaptive Poison-Boltzmann-Solver (APBS). This software allows visualization of the positive surface potential caused by the cationic patches, which increased markedly from the original Wuhan strain of SARS-CoV-2 to the Omicron variant. The surface potential thus enhanced leads to a much stronger binding of the Omicron variant as compared to the original wild-type virus. At the same time, data taken from the literature demonstrate that the interaction of the RBD of the spike protein with the ACE2 receptor remains constant within the limits of error. Finally, we briefly digress to other viruses and show the usefulness of these electrostatic processes and calculations for cell-virus interactions more generally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Lauster
- Institut für Pharmazie, Biopharmazeutika, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Rainer Haag
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, SupraFAB, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Ballauff
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, SupraFAB, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Herrmann
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, SupraFAB, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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37
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Sergeeva AP, Katsamba PS, Liao J, Sampson JM, Bahna F, Mannepalli S, Morano NC, Shapiro L, Friesner RA, Honig B. Free Energy Perturbation Calculations of Mutation Effects on SARS-CoV-2 RBD::ACE2 Binding Affinity. J Mol Biol 2023:168187. [PMID: 37355034 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
The strength of binding between human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and the receptor binding domain (RBD) of viral spike protein plays a role in the transmissibility of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In this study we focus on a subset of RBD mutations that have been frequently observed in infected individuals and probe binding affinity changes to ACE2 using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) measurements and free energy perturbation (FEP) calculations. Our SPR results are largely in accord with previous studies but discrepancies do arise due to differences in experimental methods and to protocol differences even when a single method is used. Overall, we find that FEP performance is superior to that of other computational approaches examined as determined by agreement with experiment and, in particular, by its ability to identify stabilizing mutations. Moreover, the calculations successfully predict the observed cooperative stabilization of binding by the Q498R N501Y double mutant present in Omicron variants and offer a physical explanation for the underlying mechanism. Overall, our results suggest that despite the significant computational cost, FEP calculations may offer an effective strategy to understand the effects of interfacial mutations on protein-protein binding affinities and, hence, in a variety of practical applications such as the optimization of neutralizing antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina P Sergeeva
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - Phinikoula S Katsamba
- Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Junzhuo Liao
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Jared M Sampson
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Schrödinger, Inc., New York, NY 10036, USA
| | - Fabiana Bahna
- Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Seetha Mannepalli
- Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Nicholas C Morano
- Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Lawrence Shapiro
- Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | | | - Barry Honig
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032; Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032.
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38
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Italiya J, Bhavsar T, Černý J. Assessment and strategy development for SARS-CoV-2 screening in wildlife: A review. Vet World 2023; 16:1193-1200. [PMID: 37577208 PMCID: PMC10421538 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.1193-1200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses (members of the Coronaviridae family) are prominent in veterinary medicine, with several known infectious agents commonly reported. In contrast, human medicine has disregarded coronaviruses for an extended period. Within the past two decades, coronaviruses have caused three major outbreaks. One such outbreak was the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Over the 3-year COVID-19 outbreak, several instances of zooanthroponosis have been documented, which pose risks for virus modifications and possible re-emergence of the virus into the human population, causing a new epidemic and possible threats for vaccination or treatment failure. Therefore, widespread screening of animals is an essential technique for mitigating future risks and repercussions. However, mass detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wild animals might be challenging. In silico prediction modeling, experimental studies conducted on various animal species, and natural infection episodes recorded in various species might provide information on the potential threats to wildlife. They may be useful for diagnostic and mass screening purposes. In this review, the possible methods of wildlife screening, based on experimental data and environmental elements that might play a crucial role in its effective implementation, are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jignesh Italiya
- Centre for Infectious Animal Diseases, Faculty of Tropical Agrisciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague – Suchdol, Czechia
| | - Tanvi Bhavsar
- Animal Physiology Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Jiří Černý
- Centre for Infectious Animal Diseases, Faculty of Tropical Agrisciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague – Suchdol, Czechia
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39
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Pelucelli A, Peana M, Orzeł B, Piasta K, Gumienna-Kontecka E, Medici S, Zoroddu MA. Zn 2+ and Cu 2+ Interaction with the Recognition Interface of ACE2 for SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119202. [PMID: 37298154 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119202] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The spike protein (S) of SARS-CoV-2 is able to bind to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor with a much higher affinity compared to other coronaviruses. The binding interface between the ACE2 receptor and the spike protein plays a critical role in the entry mechanism of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. There are specific amino acids involved in the interaction between the S protein and the ACE2 receptor. This specificity is critical for the virus to establish a systemic infection and cause COVID-19 disease. In the ACE2 receptor, the largest number of amino acids playing a crucial role in the mechanism of interaction and recognition with the S protein is located in the C-terminal part, which represents the main binding region between ACE2 and S. This fragment is abundant in coordination residues such as aspartates, glutamates, and histidine that could be targeted by metal ions. Zn2+ ions bind to the ACE2 receptor in its catalytic site and modulate its activity, but it could also contribute to the structural stability of the entire protein. The ability of the human ACE2 receptor to coordinate metal ions, such as Zn2+, in the same region where it binds to the S protein could have a crucial impact on the mechanism of recognition and interaction of ACE2-S, with consequences on their binding affinity that deserve to be investigated. To test this possibility, this study aims to characterize the coordination ability of Zn2+, and also Cu2+ for comparison, with selected peptide models of the ACE2 binding interface using spectroscopic and potentiometric techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Pelucelli
- Department of Chemical, Physical, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Peana
- Department of Chemical, Physical, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Bartosz Orzeł
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Karolina Piasta
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Serenella Medici
- Department of Chemical, Physical, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Zoroddu
- Department of Chemical, Physical, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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40
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Peka M, Balatsky V. The impact of mutation sets in receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 variants on the stability of RBD–ACE2 complex. Future Virol 2023. [PMID: 37064325 PMCID: PMC10089296 DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2022-0152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Aim: Bioinformatic analysis of mutation sets in receptor-binding domain (RBD) of currently and previously circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) and interest (VOIs) to assess their ability to bind the ACE2 receptor. Methods: In silico sequence and structure-oriented approaches were used to evaluate the impact of single and multiple mutations. Results: Mutations detected in VOCs and VOIs led to the reduction of binding free energy of the RBD–ACE2 complex, forming additional chemical bonds with ACE2, and to an increase of RBD–ACE2 complex stability. Conclusion: Mutation sets characteristic of SARS-CoV-2 variants have complex effects on the ACE2 receptor-binding affinity associated with amino acid interactions at mutation sites, as well as on the acquisition of other viral adaptive advantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mykyta Peka
- V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Kharkiv, 61022, Ukraine
- Institute of Pig Breeding & Agroindustrial Production, National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, Poltava, 36013, Ukraine
| | - Viktor Balatsky
- V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Kharkiv, 61022, Ukraine
- Institute of Pig Breeding & Agroindustrial Production, National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, Poltava, 36013, Ukraine
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41
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He X, He C, Hong W, Yang J, Wei X. Research progress in spike mutations of SARS-CoV-2 variants and vaccine development. Med Res Rev 2023. [PMID: 36929527 DOI: 10.1002/med.21941] [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: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic can hardly end with the emergence of different variants over time. In the past 2 years, several variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), such as the Delta and Omicron variants, have emerged with higher transmissibility, immune evasion and drug resistance, leading to higher morbidity and mortality in the population. The prevalent variants of concern (VOCs) share several mutations on the spike that can affect virus characteristics, including transmissibility, antigenicity, and immune evasion. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that the neutralization capacity of sera from COVID-19 convalescent or vaccinated individuals is decreased against SARS-CoV-2 variants. Moreover, the vaccine effectiveness of current COVID-19 vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 VOCs is not as high as that against wild-type SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, more attention might be paid to how the mutations impact vaccine effectiveness. In this review, we summarized the current studies on the mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 spike, particularly of the receptor binding domain, to elaborate on how the mutations impact the infectivity, transmissibility and immune evasion of the virus. The effects of mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 spike on the current therapeutics were highlighted, and potential strategies for future vaccine development were suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei He
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Cai He
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Weiqi Hong
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jingyun Yang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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42
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Calvaresi V, Wrobel AG, Toporowska J, Hammerschmid D, Doores KJ, Bradshaw RT, Parsons RB, Benton DJ, Roustan C, Reading E, Malim MH, Gamblin SJ, Politis A. Structural dynamics in the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1421. [PMID: 36918534 PMCID: PMC10013288 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36745-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein mediates receptor binding and subsequent membrane fusion. It exists in a range of conformations, including a closed state unable to bind the ACE2 receptor, and an open state that does so but displays more exposed antigenic surface. Spikes of variants of concern (VOCs) acquired amino acid changes linked to increased virulence and immune evasion. Here, using HDX-MS, we identified changes in spike dynamics that we associate with the transition from closed to open conformations, to ACE2 binding, and to specific mutations in VOCs. We show that the RBD-associated subdomain plays a role in spike opening, whereas the NTD acts as a hotspot of conformational divergence of VOC spikes driving immune evasion. Alpha, beta and delta spikes assume predominantly open conformations and ACE2 binding increases the dynamics of their core helices, priming spikes for fusion. Conversely, substitutions in omicron spike lead to predominantly closed conformations, presumably enabling it to escape antibodies. At the same time, its core helices show characteristics of being pre-primed for fusion even in the absence of ACE2. These data inform on SARS-CoV-2 evolution and omicron variant emergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Calvaresi
- Department of Chemistry, King's College London, SE1 1DB, London, UK.
| | - Antoni G Wrobel
- Structural Biology of Disease Processes Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, NW1 1AT, London, UK.
| | | | | | - Katie J Doores
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, SE1 9RT, London, UK
| | | | | | - Donald J Benton
- Structural Biology of Disease Processes Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, NW1 1AT, London, UK
| | - Chloë Roustan
- Structural Biology Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick Institute, NW1 1AT, London, UK
| | - Eamonn Reading
- Department of Chemistry, King's College London, SE1 1DB, London, UK
| | - Michael H Malim
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, SE1 9RT, London, UK
| | - Steve J Gamblin
- Structural Biology of Disease Processes Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, NW1 1AT, London, UK
| | - Argyris Politis
- Department of Chemistry, King's College London, SE1 1DB, London, UK.
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Manchester, M13 9PT, Manchester, UK.
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, M1 7DN, Manchester, UK.
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43
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Chan MC, Chan KK, Procko E, Shukla D. Machine Learning Guided Design of High-Affinity ACE2 Decoys for SARS-CoV-2 Neutralization. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:1995-2001. [PMID: 36827526 PMCID: PMC9999943 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c00469] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
A potential therapeutic strategy for neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 infection is engineering high-affinity soluble ACE2 decoy proteins to compete for binding to the viral spike (S) protein. Previously, a deep mutational scan of ACE2 was performed and has led to the identification of a triple mutant variant, named sACE22.v.2.4, that exhibits subnanomolar affinity to the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of S. Using a recently developed transfer learning algorithm, TLmutation, we sought to identify other ACE2 variants that may exhibit similar binding affinity with decreased mutational load. Upon training a TLmutation model on the effects of single mutations, we identified multiple ACE2 double mutants that bind SARS-CoV-2 S with tighter affinity as compared to the wild type, most notably L79V;N90D that binds RBD similarly to ACE22.v.2.4. The experimental validation of the double mutants successfully demonstrates the use of machine learning approaches for engineering protein-protein interactions and identifying high-affinity ACE2 peptides for targeting SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C. Chan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61081, USA
| | - Kui. K. Chan
- Cyrus Biotechnology, Inc., Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
| | - Erik Procko
- Cyrus Biotechnology, Inc., Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61081, USA
| | - Diwakar Shukla
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61081, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61081, USA
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61081, USA
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44
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Oudit GY, Wang K, Viveiros A, Kellner MJ, Penninger JM. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2-at the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cell 2023; 186:906-922. [PMID: 36787743 PMCID: PMC9892333 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
ACE2 is the indispensable entry receptor for SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become one of the most therapeutically targeted human molecules in biomedicine. ACE2 serves two fundamental physiological roles: as an enzyme, it alters peptide cascade balance; as a chaperone, it controls intestinal amino acid uptake. ACE2's tissue distribution, affected by co-morbidities and sex, explains the broad tropism of coronaviruses and the clinical manifestations of SARS and COVID-19. ACE2-based therapeutics provide a universal strategy to prevent and treat SARS-CoV-2 infections, applicable to all SARS-CoV-2 variants and other emerging zoonotic coronaviruses exploiting ACE2 as their cellular receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin Y Oudit
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
| | - Kaiming Wang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Anissa Viveiros
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Max J Kellner
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Science, Vienna, Austria
| | - Josef M Penninger
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Science, Vienna, Austria; Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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45
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Ahmad A, Makhmutova Z, Cao W, Majaz S, Amin A, Xie Y. Androgen receptor, a possible anti-infective therapy target and a potent immune respondent in SARS-CoV-2 spike binding: a computational approach. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2023; 21:317-327. [PMID: 36757420 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2023.2179035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although androgen in gender disparity of COVID-19 has been implied, no direct link has been provided. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Here, we applied AlphaFold multimer, network and single cells database analyses to highlight specificity of Androgen receptor (AR) against spike receptor binding protein (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS LXXL motifs in spike RBD are essential for AR binding. RBD LXXA mutation complex with the AR depicting slightly reduced binding energy, as LXXLL motif usually mediates nuclear receptor binding to coregulators. Moreover, AR preferred to bind a LYRL motif in specificity and interaction interface, and showed reduced affinity against Omicron compared to other variants (alpha, beta, gamma, and delta). Importantly, RBD LYRL motif is a conserved antigenic epitope (9 residues) for T-cell response. Network analysis of AR-related genes against COVID-19 database showed T-cell signaling regulation, and CD8+ T-cell spatial location in AR+ single cells, which is consistent with the AR binding motif LYRL in epitope function. CONCLUSIONS We provided the potent mechanisms of AR binding to RBD linking to immune response and vaccination shift. AR could be an anti-infective therapy target for anti-Omicron new lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashfaq Ahmad
- Department of Bioinformatics, Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan
| | - Zhandaulet Makhmutova
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Wenwen Cao
- Respiratory Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Tai'an, Shandong, China
| | - Sidra Majaz
- Department of Bioinformatics, Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan
| | - Amr Amin
- Biology Department, UAE University, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Yingqiu Xie
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
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46
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Shafaati M, Bagherzadeh K, Lotfinia M, Karimi H, Teimoori A, Razazian M, Meidaninikjeh S, Hosseini H, Jamshidi HR, Jalili H, Abdoli A. The protection quest is a primary key to sharing the neutralizing antibody response to cover against all emerging VOCs based on BIV1-CovIran studies. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14108. [PMID: 36873499 PMCID: PMC9968494 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Over time, the antigenic evolution of emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 has demanded the development of potential protective vaccines. Administration of additional doses of current vaccines based on the WT spike protein may boost immunity, but their effectiveness has dwindled for patients with more recent variants. Here, we studied the neutralization activity of post-WT strain-based vaccination and a structural simulation in-silico based on the interactions of the RBD-hACE2 as the key to initiating infection among the VOCs of SARS-CoV-2. Our data display shows that WT sera showed a markedly greater reduction in Delta and Omicron, suggesting that the Wuhan-based vaccines may be more susceptible to breakthrough and new VOCs. According to the MD simulation, mutations of Omicron result in a significant change in the variant charge distribution throughout the binding interface that consequently alters the critical interface electrostatic potential in comparison to other variants. This observation provides new insights into immunization policy and next-generation vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Shafaati
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty Science, Jahrom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Kowsar Bagherzadeh
- Eye Research Center, The Five Senses Health Institute, Rassoul Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Lotfinia
- Physiology Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Hesam Karimi
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Teimoori
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mehdi Razazian
- Universite Paris Saclay, INSERM U1193, AP-HP, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Virology Department, France.,Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenberger Strasse 69, 4040, Linz, Austria
| | - Sepideh Meidaninikjeh
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Hosseini
- Center for Research and Training in Skin Disease and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Jamshidi
- Department of Pharmacology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hasan Jalili
- Department of Life Science Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Asghar Abdoli
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.,Amirabad Virology Laboratory, Vaccine Unit, Tehran, Iran
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47
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Wang Q, Meng F, Xie Y, Wang W, Meng Y, Li L, Liu T, Qi J, Ni X, Zheng S, Huang J, Huang N. In Silico Discovery of Small Molecule Modulators Targeting the Achilles' Heel of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2023; 9:252-265. [PMID: 36844485 PMCID: PMC9924089 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.2c01190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 has been a promising target for developing vaccines and therapeutics due to its crucial role in the viral entry process. Previously reported cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures have revealed that free fatty acids (FFA) bind with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, stabilizing its closed conformation and reducing its interaction with the host cell target in vitro. Inspired by these, we utilized a structure-based virtual screening approach against the conserved FFA-binding pocket to identify small molecule modulators of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which helped us identify six hits with micromolar binding affinities. Further evaluation of their commercially available and synthesized analogs enabled us to discover a series of compounds with better binding affinities and solubilities. Notably, our identified compounds exhibited similar binding affinities against the spike proteins of the prototypic SARS-CoV-2 and a currently circulating Omicron BA.4 variant. Furthermore, the cryo-EM structure of the compound SPC-14 bound spike revealed that SPC-14 could shift the conformational equilibrium of the spike protein toward the closed conformation, which is human ACE2 (hACE2) inaccessible. Our identified small molecule modulators targeting the conserved FFA-binding pocket could serve as the starting point for the future development of broad-spectrum COVID-19 intervention treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Wang
- School
of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- National
Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, Zhongguancun Life Science Park, No. 7 Science Park Road, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Fanhao Meng
- Shuimu
Biosciences, Zhongguancun Life Science Park, No. 7 Science Park Road, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yuting Xie
- National
Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, Zhongguancun Life Science Park, No. 7 Science Park Road, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Wei Wang
- National
Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, Zhongguancun Life Science Park, No. 7 Science Park Road, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yumin Meng
- CAS
Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Linjie Li
- CAS
Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Tsinghua
Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Jianxun Qi
- CAS
Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiaodan Ni
- Shuimu
Biosciences, Zhongguancun Life Science Park, No. 7 Science Park Road, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Sanduo Zheng
- National
Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, Zhongguancun Life Science Park, No. 7 Science Park Road, Beijing 102206, China
- Tsinghua
Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Jianhui Huang
- School
of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Niu Huang
- National
Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, Zhongguancun Life Science Park, No. 7 Science Park Road, Beijing 102206, China
- Tsinghua
Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102206, China
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48
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Hu Y, Liu K, Han P, Xu Z, Zheng A, Pan X, Jia Y, Su C, Tang L, Wu L, Bai B, Zhao X, Tian D, Chen Z, Qi J, Wang Q, Gao GF. Host range and structural analysis of bat-origin RshSTT182/200 coronavirus binding to human ACE2 and its animal orthologs. EMBO J 2023; 42:e111737. [PMID: 36519268 PMCID: PMC9877840 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022111737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bat-origin RshSTT182 and RshSTT200 coronaviruses (CoV) from Rhinolophus shameli in Southeast Asia (Cambodia) share 92.6% whole-genome identity with SARS-CoV-2 and show identical receptor-binding domains (RBDs). In this study, we determined the structure of the RshSTT182/200 receptor binding domain (RBD) in complex with human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) and identified the key residues that influence receptor binding. The binding of the RshSTT182/200 RBD to ACE2 orthologs from 39 animal species, including 18 bat species, was used to evaluate its host range. The RshSTT182/200 RBD broadly recognized 21 of 39 ACE2 orthologs, although its binding affinities for the orthologs were weaker than those of the RBD of SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, RshSTT182 pseudovirus could utilize human, fox, and Rhinolophus affinis ACE2 receptors for cell entry. Moreover, we found that SARS-CoV-2 induces cross-neutralizing antibodies against RshSTT182 pseudovirus. Taken together, these findings indicate that RshSTT182/200 can potentially infect susceptible animals, but requires further evolution to obtain strong interspecies transmission abilities like SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Hu
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of MicrobiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Kefang Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of MicrobiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Pu Han
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of MicrobiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Zepeng Xu
- Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of MacauMacau SARChina
| | - Anqi Zheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of MicrobiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Xiaoqian Pan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of MicrobiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yunfei Jia
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of MicrobiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- College of Veterinary MedicineShanxi Agricultural UniversityJinzhongChina
| | - Chao Su
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of MicrobiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCity University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Lingfeng Tang
- Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of MacauMacau SARChina
| | - Lili Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of MicrobiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Bin Bai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of MicrobiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Xin Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of MicrobiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Di Tian
- Center of Infectious Disease, Beijing Ditan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Zhihai Chen
- Center of Infectious Disease, Beijing Ditan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jianxun Qi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of MicrobiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Qihui Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of MicrobiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - George F Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of MicrobiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
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49
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Kim S, Liu Y, Ziarnik M, Seo S, Cao Y, Zhang XF, Im W. Binding of human ACE2 and RBD of Omicron enhanced by unique interaction patterns among SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. J Comput Chem 2023; 44:594-601. [PMID: 36398990 PMCID: PMC9825653 DOI: 10.1002/jcc.27025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus causing COVID-19, has continued to mutate and spread worldwide despite global vaccination efforts. In particular, the Omicron variant, first identified in South Africa in late November 2021, has become the dominant strain worldwide. Compared to the original strain identified in Wuhan, Omicron features 50 genetic mutations, with 15 mutations in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein, which binds to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor for viral entry. However, it is not completely understood how these mutations alter the interaction and binding strength between the Omicron RBD and ACE2. In this study, we used a combined steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulation and experimental microscale thermophoresis (MST) approach to quantify the interaction between Omicron RBD and ACE2. We report that the Omicron brings an enhanced RBD-ACE2 interface through N501Y, Q498R, and T478K mutations; the changes further lead to unique interaction patterns, reminiscing the features of previously dominated variants, Alpha (N501Y) and Delta (L452R and T478K). Among the Q493K and Q493R, we report that Q493R shows stronger binding to ACE2 than Q493K due to increased interactions. Our MST data confirmed that the Omicron mutations in RBD are associated with a five-fold higher binding affinity to ACE2 compared to the RBD of the original strain. In conclusion, our results could help explain the Omicron variant's prevalence in human populations, as higher interaction forces or affinity for ACE2 likely promote greater viral binding and internalization, leading to increased infectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seonghan Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Bioengineering, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Matthew Ziarnik
- Department of Bioengineering, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangjae Seo
- Korean Institute of Science and Technology Information, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Yiwei Cao
- Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, and Computer Science and Engineering, Lehigh University, 111 Research Dr, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
| | - X. Frank Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Current address: Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 240 Thatcher Road, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Wonpil Im
- Department of Bioengineering, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, and Computer Science and Engineering, Lehigh University, 111 Research Dr, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
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50
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Romagnoli A, D'Agostino M, Pavoni E, Ardiccioni C, Motta S, Crippa P, Biagetti G, Notarstefano V, Rexha J, Perta N, Barocci S, Costabile BK, Colasurdo G, Caucci S, Mencarelli D, Turchetti C, Farina M, Pierantoni L, La Teana A, Al Hadi R, Cicconardi F, Chinappi M, Trucchi E, Mancia F, Menzo S, Morozzo Della Rocca B, D'Annessa I, Di Marino D. SARS-CoV-2 multi-variant rapid detector based on graphene transistor functionalized with an engineered dimeric ACE2 receptor. NANO TODAY 2023; 48:101729. [PMID: 36536857 PMCID: PMC9750890 DOI: 10.1016/j.nantod.2022.101729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Reliable point-of-care (POC) rapid tests are crucial to detect infection and contain the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The emergence of several variants of concern (VOC) can reduce binding affinity to diagnostic antibodies, limiting the efficacy of the currently adopted tests, while showing unaltered or increased affinity for the host receptor, angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). We present a graphene field-effect transistor (gFET) biosensor design, which exploits the Spike-ACE2 interaction, the crucial step for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Extensive computational analyses show that a chimeric ACE2-Fragment crystallizable (ACE2-Fc) construct mimics the native receptor dimeric conformation. ACE2-Fc functionalized gFET allows in vitro detection of the trimeric Spike protein, outperforming functionalization with a diagnostic antibody or with the soluble ACE2 portion, resulting in a sensitivity of 20 pg/mL. Our miniaturized POC biosensor successfully detects B.1.610 (pre-VOC), Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Omicron (i.e., BA.1, BA.2, BA.4, BA.5, BA.2.75 and BQ.1) variants in isolated viruses and patient's clinical nasopharyngeal swabs. The biosensor reached a Limit Of Detection (LOD) of 65 cps/mL in swab specimens of Omicron BA.5. Our approach paves the way for a new and reusable class of highly sensitive, rapid and variant-robust SARS-CoV-2 detection systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Romagnoli
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy
- New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Mattia D'Agostino
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Eleonora Pavoni
- Department of Information Engineering, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Chiara Ardiccioni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
- New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Stefano Motta
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Crippa
- Department of Information Engineering, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Giorgio Biagetti
- Department of Information Engineering, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Valentina Notarstefano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Jesmina Rexha
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy
| | - Nunzio Perta
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy
| | - Simone Barocci
- Department of Clinical Pathology, ASUR Marche AV1, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Brianna K Costabile
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | | - Sara Caucci
- Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, Torrette, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Davide Mencarelli
- Department of Information Engineering, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Claudio Turchetti
- Department of Information Engineering, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Marco Farina
- Department of Information Engineering, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Department of Information Engineering, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Anna La Teana
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy
- New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Richard Al Hadi
- Alcatera Inc., 1401 Westwood Blvd Suite 280, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
| | - Francesco Cicconardi
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Life Sciences Building, 24 Tyndall Ave, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - Mauro Chinappi
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Emiliano Trucchi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Filippo Mancia
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Stefano Menzo
- Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, Torrette, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Blasco Morozzo Della Rocca
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilda D'Annessa
- Institute of Chemical Science and Technologies, SCITEC-CNR, Via Mario Bianco 9, 20131 Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Di Marino
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy
- New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
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