1
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Lu J, Jiang Y, Guo J, Chen L, Liu F, Li Z, Liu X, Du P, Yu Y, Wang R, Yang Z. A human bispecific antibody neutralizes botulinum neurotoxin serotype A. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20806. [PMID: 38012220 PMCID: PMC10681988 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48008-5] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) shows high lethality and toxicity, marking it as an important biological threat. The only effective post-exposure therapy is botulinum antitoxin; however, such products have great potential for improvement. To prevent or treat BoNT, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are promising agents. Herein, we aimed to construct a bispecific antibody (termed LUZ-A1-A3) based on the anti-BoNT/A human monoclonal antibodies (HMAb) A1 and A3. LUZ-A1-A3 binds to the Hc and L-HN domains of BoNT/A, displaying potent neutralization activity against BoNT/A (124 × higher than that of HMAb A1 or HMAb A3 alone and 15 × higher than that of the A1 + A3 combination). LUZ-A1-A3 provided effective protection against BoNT/A in an in vivo mouse model. Mice were protected from infection with 500 × LD50 of BoNT/A by LUZ-A1-A3 from up to 7 days before intraperitoneal administration of BoNT/A. We also demonstrated the effective therapeutic capacity of LUZ-A1-A3 against BoNT/A in a mouse model. LUZ-A1-A3 (5 μg/mouse) neutralized 20 × LD50 of BoNT/A at 3 h after intraperitoneal BoNT/A administration and complete neutralized 20 × LD50 of BoNT/A at 0.5 h after intraperitoneal BoNT/A administration. Thus, LUZ-A1-A3 is a promising agent for the pre-exposure prophylaxis and post-exposure treatment of BoNT/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiansheng Lu
- Laboratory of Protein Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Yujia Jiang
- Laboratory of Protein Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Jiazheng Guo
- Laboratory of Protein Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Laboratory of Protein Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Fujia Liu
- Laboratory of Protein Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiying Li
- Laboratory of Protein Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Xuyang Liu
- Laboratory of Protein Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Du
- Laboratory of Protein Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Yunzhou Yu
- Laboratory of Protein Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China.
| | - Rong Wang
- Laboratory of Protein Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China.
| | - Zhixin Yang
- Laboratory of Protein Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China.
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2
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Harmsen MM, Cornelissen JC, van der Wal FJ, Bergervoet JHW, Koene M. Single-Domain Antibody Multimers for Detection of Botulinum Neurotoxin Serotypes C, D, and Their Mosaics in Endopep-MS. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:573. [PMID: 37755999 PMCID: PMC10535107 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15090573] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are highly toxic proteins that require high-affinity immunocapture reagents for use in endopeptidase-based assays. Here, 30 novel and 2 earlier published llama single-domain antibodies (VHHs) against the veterinary-relevant BoNT serotypes C and D were yeast-produced. These VHHs recognized 10 independent antigenic sites, and many cross-reacted with the BoNT/DC and CD mosaic variants. As VHHs are highly suitable for genetically linking to increase antigen-binding affinity, 52 VHH multimers were produced and their affinity for BoNT/C, D, DC, and CD was determined. A selection of 15 multimers with high affinity (KD < 0.1 nM) was further shown to be resilient to a high salt wash that is used for samples from complex matrices and bound native BoNTs from culture supernatants as shown by Endopep-MS. High-affinity multimers suitable for further development of a highly sensitive Endopep-MS assay include four multimers that bind both BoNT/D and CD with KD of 14-99 pM, one multimer for BoNT/DC (65 pM) that also binds BoNT/C (75 pM), and seven multimers for BoNT/C (<1-19 pM), six of which also bind BoNT/DC with lower affinity (93-508 pM). In addition to application in diagnostic tests, these VHHs could be used for the development of novel therapeutics for animals or humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiel M. Harmsen
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Wageningen University & Research, 8221 RA Lelystad, The Netherlands (F.J.v.d.W.)
| | - Jan C. Cornelissen
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Wageningen University & Research, 8221 RA Lelystad, The Netherlands (F.J.v.d.W.)
| | - Fimme J. van der Wal
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Wageningen University & Research, 8221 RA Lelystad, The Netherlands (F.J.v.d.W.)
| | - Jan H. W. Bergervoet
- Wageningen Plant Research, Wageningen University & Research, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Miriam Koene
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Wageningen University & Research, 8221 RA Lelystad, The Netherlands (F.J.v.d.W.)
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3
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Petersson M, Thrane SW, Gram L, Muyldermans S, Laustsen AH. Orally delivered single-domain antibodies against gastrointestinal pathogens. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:875-886. [PMID: 36774206 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) are exceptionally stable fragments derived from the antigen-binding domains of immunoglobulins. They can withstand extreme pH, high temperature, and proteolysis, making them suitable for controlling gastrointestinal (GI) infections in humans and animals. sdAbs may function in their native soluble form, although different derived protein formats and the use of delivery vehicles can be useful for improved oral delivery. We discuss selected examples of the use of orally delivered sdAbs for protecting humans and animals against GI infections caused by pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and parasites. We finally provide perspectives on how sdAbs may be applied industrially and what challenges should be overcome for orally delivered sdAbs to reach the market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Petersson
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark; Bactolife A/S, Copenhagen East, Denmark
| | | | - Lone Gram
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Serge Muyldermans
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark; Bactolife A/S, Copenhagen East, Denmark.
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4
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Liu Z, Lee PG, Krez N, Lam KH, Liu H, Przykopanski A, Chen P, Yao G, Zhang S, Tremblay JM, Perry K, Shoemaker CB, Rummel A, Dong M, Jin R. Structural basis for botulinum neurotoxin E recognition of synaptic vesicle protein 2. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2338. [PMID: 37095076 PMCID: PMC10125960 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37860-8] [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: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxin E (BoNT/E) is one of the major causes of human botulism and paradoxically also a promising therapeutic agent. Here we determined the co-crystal structures of the receptor-binding domain of BoNT/E (HCE) in complex with its neuronal receptor synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) and a nanobody that serves as a ganglioside surrogate. These structures reveal that the protein-protein interactions between HCE and SV2 provide the crucial location and specificity information for HCE to recognize SV2A and SV2B, but not the closely related SV2C. At the same time, HCE exploits a separated sialic acid-binding pocket to mediate recognition of an N-glycan of SV2. Structure-based mutagenesis and functional studies demonstrate that both the protein-protein and protein-glycan associations are essential for SV2A-mediated cell entry of BoNT/E and for its potent neurotoxicity. Our studies establish the structural basis to understand the receptor-specificity of BoNT/E and to engineer BoNT/E variants for new clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Liu
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Pyung-Gang Lee
- Department of Urology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Nadja Krez
- Institute of Toxicology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, 30623, Germany
| | - Kwok-Ho Lam
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Hao Liu
- Department of Urology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Adina Przykopanski
- Institute of Toxicology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, 30623, Germany
| | - Peng Chen
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Guorui Yao
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Sicai Zhang
- Department of Urology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | | | - Kay Perry
- NE-CAT and Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL, 60439, USA
| | | | - Andreas Rummel
- Institute of Toxicology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, 30623, Germany
| | - Min Dong
- Department of Urology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Rongsheng Jin
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
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5
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Qin Q, Liu H, He W, Guo Y, Zhang J, She J, Zheng F, Zhang S, Muyldermans S, Wen Y. Single Domain Antibody application in bacterial infection diagnosis and neutralization. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1014377. [PMID: 36248787 PMCID: PMC9558170 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1014377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing antibiotic resistance to bacterial infections causes a serious threat to human health. Efficient detection and treatment strategies are the keys to preventing and reducing bacterial infections. Due to the high affinity and antigen specificity, antibodies have become an important tool for diagnosis and treatment of various human diseases. In addition to conventional antibodies, a unique class of “heavy-chain-only” antibodies (HCAbs) were found in the serum of camelids and sharks. HCAbs binds to the antigen through only one variable domain Referred to as VHH (variable domain of the heavy chain of HCAbs). The recombinant format of the VHH is also called single domain antibody (sdAb) or nanobody (Nb). Sharks might also have an ancestor HCAb from where SdAbs or V-NAR might be engineered. Compared with traditional Abs, Nbs have several outstanding properties such as small size, high stability, strong antigen-binding affinity, high solubility and low immunogenicity. Furthermore, they are expressed at low cost in microorganisms and amenable to engineering. These superior properties make Nbs a highly desired alternative to conventional antibodies, which are extensively employed in structural biology, unravelling biochemical mechanisms, molecular imaging, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. In this review, we summarized recent progress of nanobody-based approaches in diagnosis and neutralization of bacterial infection and further discussed the challenges of Nbs in these fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Qin
- Department of General Surgery, Center for Microbiome Research of Med-X Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- The Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Disease of Ministry of Education, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Future Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Wenbo He
- Department of General Surgery, Center for Microbiome Research of Med-X Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yucheng Guo
- The Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Disease of Ministry of Education, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Disease of Ministry of Education, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Junjun She
- Department of General Surgery, Center for Microbiome Research of Med-X Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fang Zheng
- The Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Disease of Ministry of Education, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Sicai Zhang
- Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Future Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Serge Muyldermans
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yurong Wen
- Department of General Surgery, Center for Microbiome Research of Med-X Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- The Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Disease of Ministry of Education, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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6
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Lam KH, Tremblay JM, Perry K, Ichtchenko K, Shoemaker CB, Jin R. Probing the structure and function of the protease domain of botulinum neurotoxins using single-domain antibodies. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010169. [PMID: 34990480 PMCID: PMC8769338 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are among the deadliest of bacterial toxins. BoNT serotype A and B in particular pose the most serious threat to humans because of their high potency and persistence. To date, there is no effective treatment for late post-exposure therapy of botulism patients. Here, we aim to develop single-domain variable heavy-chain (VHH) antibodies targeting the protease domains (also known as the light chain, LC) of BoNT/A and BoNT/B as antidotes for post-intoxication treatments. Using a combination of X-ray crystallography and biochemical assays, we investigated the structures and inhibition mechanisms of a dozen unique VHHs that recognize four and three non-overlapping epitopes on the LC of BoNT/A and BoNT/B, respectively. We show that the VHHs that inhibit the LC activity occupy the extended substrate-recognition exosites or the cleavage pocket of LC/A or LC/B and thus block substrate binding. Notably, we identified several VHHs that recognize highly conserved epitopes across BoNT/A or BoNT/B subtypes, suggesting that these VHHs exhibit broad subtype efficacy. Further, we identify two novel conformations of the full-length LC/A, that could aid future development of inhibitors against BoNT/A. Our studies lay the foundation for structure-based engineering of protein- or peptide-based BoNT inhibitors with enhanced potencies and cross-subtypes properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwok-ho Lam
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Jacqueline M. Tremblay
- Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kay Perry
- NE-CAT, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Konstantin Ichtchenko
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Charles B. Shoemaker
- Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Rongsheng Jin
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America
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7
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Abstract
Ricin is a plant-derived toxin with a history as a biothreat agent. The toxin's enzymatic subunit, ricin toxin A chain (RTA), is a ribosome-inactivating protein that, when delivered into the cytoplasm of mammalian cells, arrests protein synthesis with extraordinary efficiency. Once within the cytoplasm, RTA is shielded from circulating toxin-neutralizing antibodies. Here, we describe methods we developed to neutralize RTA within the cytoplasm of Vero cells using DNA-based delivery of alpaca-derived single-domain antibodies (VHHs) targeting RTA's active site. We describe the design of the VHH expression vectors, assessment of transient expression of VHHs in Vero cells by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blotting, and cytotoxicity studies. While the protocols here are specific to ricin, they are easily modified for other toxins or even intracellular pathogens such as viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy F Czajka
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany School of Public Health, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Nicholas J Mantis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany School of Public Health, Albany, NY, USA.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center, Albany, NY, USA.
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8
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Brier S, Rasetti-Escargueil C, Wijkhuisen A, Simon S, Marechal M, Lemichez E, Popoff MR. Characterization of a highly neutralizing single monoclonal antibody to botulinum neurotoxin type A. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21540. [PMID: 33817838 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002492r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Compared to conventional antisera strategies, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) represent an alternative and safer way to treat botulism, a fatal flaccid paralysis due to botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs). In addition, mAbs offer the advantage to be produced in a reproducible manner. We previously identified a unique and potent mouse mAb (TA12) targeting BoNT/A1 with high affinity and neutralizing activity. In this study, we characterized the molecular basis of TA12 neutralization by combining Hydrogen/Deuterium eXchange Mass Spectrometry (HDX-MS) with site-directed mutagenesis and functional studies. We found that TA12 recognizes a conformational epitope located at the interface between the HCN and HCC subdomains of the BoNT/A1 receptor-binding domain (HC ). The TA12-binding interface shares common structural features with the ciA-C2 VHH epitope and lies on the face opposite recognized by ciA-C2- and the CR1/CR2-neutralizing mAbs. The single substitution of N1006 was sufficient to affect TA12 binding to HC confirming the position of the epitope. We further uncovered that the TA12 epitope overlaps with the BoNT/A1-binding site for both the neuronal cell surface receptor synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2 isoform C (SV2C) and the GT1b ganglioside. Hence, TA12 potently blocks the entry of BoNT/A1 into neurons by interfering simultaneously with the binding of SV2C and to a lower extent GT1b. Our study reveals the unique neutralization mechanism of TA12 and emphasizes on the potential of using single mAbs for the treatment of botulism type A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Brier
- Biological NMR Technological Platform, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR3528, Paris, France
| | | | - Anne Wijkhuisen
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la santé, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Stéphanie Simon
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la santé, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Maud Marechal
- Institut Pasteur, Unité des Toxines Bactériennes, UMR CNRS 2001, Paris, France
| | - Emmanuel Lemichez
- Institut Pasteur, Unité des Toxines Bactériennes, UMR CNRS 2001, Paris, France
| | - Michel R Popoff
- Institut Pasteur, Unité des Toxines Bactériennes, UMR CNRS 2001, Paris, France
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9
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Lee M, Lu ZH, Shoemaker CB, Tremblay JM, St Croix B, Seaman S, Gonzalez-Pastor R, Kashentseva EA, Dmitriev IP, Curiel DT. Advanced genetic engineering to achieve in vivo targeting of adenovirus utilizing camelid single domain antibody. J Control Release 2021; 334:106-113. [PMID: 33872627 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
For the developing field of gene therapy the successful address of the basic requirement effective gene delivery has remained a critical barrier. In this regard, the "Holy Grail" vector envisioned by the field's pioneers embodied the ability to achieve efficient and specific in vivo gene delivery. Functional linkage of antibody selectivity with viral vector efficiency represented a logical strategy but has been elusive. Here we have addressed this key issue by developing the technical means to pair antibody-based targeting with adenoviral-mediated gene transfer. Our novel method allows efficient and specific gene delivery. Importantly, our studies validated the achievement of this key vectorology mandate in the context of in vivo gene delivery. Vectors capable of effective in vivo delivery embody the potential to dramatically expand the range of successful gene therapy cures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myungeun Lee
- Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Zhi Hong Lu
- Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Charles B Shoemaker
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
| | - Jacqueline M Tremblay
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
| | - Bradley St Croix
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program (MCGP), National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Steven Seaman
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program (MCGP), National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Rebeca Gonzalez-Pastor
- Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Elena A Kashentseva
- Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Igor P Dmitriev
- Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - David T Curiel
- Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Biologic Therapeutics Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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10
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Structural Insights into Rational Design of Single-Domain Antibody-Based Antitoxins against Botulinum Neurotoxins. Cell Rep 2021; 30:2526-2539.e6. [PMID: 32101733 PMCID: PMC7138525 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.01.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is one of the most acutely lethal toxins known to humans, and effective treatment for BoNT intoxication is urgently needed. Single-domain antibodies (VHH) have been examined as a countermeasure for BoNT because of their high stability and ease of production. Here, we investigate the structures and the neutralization mechanisms for six unique VHHs targeting BoNT/A1 or BoNT/B1. These studies reveal diverse neutralizing mechanisms by which VHHs prevent host receptor binding or block transmembrane delivery of the BoNT protease domain. Guided by this knowledge, we design heterodimeric VHHs by connecting two neutralizing VHHs via a flexible spacer so they can bind simultaneously to the toxin. These bifunctional VHHs display much greater potency in a mouse co-intoxication model than similar heterodimers unable to bind simultaneously. Taken together, our studies offer insight into antibody neutralization of BoNTs and advance our ability to design multivalent anti-pathogen VHHs with improved therapeutic properties. Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are extremely toxic biothreats. Lam et al. report the crystal structures and neutralizing mechanisms of six unique antitoxin VHHs against BoNT/A1 and BoNT/B1, the two major human pathogenic BoNTs. They then develop a platform for structure-based rational design of bifunctional VHH heterodimers with superior antitoxin potencies.
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11
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Two VHH Antibodies Neutralize Botulinum Neurotoxin E1 by Blocking Its Membrane Translocation in Host Cells. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12100616. [PMID: 32992561 PMCID: PMC7599855 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12100616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxin serotype E (BoNT/E) is one of the major causes of human botulism, which is a life-threatening disease caused by flaccid paralysis of muscles. After receptor-mediated toxin internalization into motor neurons, the translocation domain (HN) of BoNT/E transforms into a protein channel upon vesicle acidification in endosomes and delivers its protease domain (LC) across membrane to enter the neuronal cytosol. It is believed that the rapid onset of BoNT/E intoxication compared to other BoNT serotypes is related to its swift internalization and translocation. We recently identified two neutralizing single-domain camelid antibodies (VHHs) against BoNT/E1 termed JLE-E5 and JLE-E9. Here, we report the crystal structures of these two VHHs bound to the LCHN domain of BoNT/E1. The structures reveal that these VHHs recognize two distinct epitopes that are partially overlapping with the putative transmembrane regions on HN, and therefore could physically block membrane association of BoNT/E1. This is confirmed by our in vitro studies, which show that these VHHs inhibit the structural change of BoNT/E1 at acidic pH and interfere with BoNT/E1 association with lipid vesicles. Therefore, these two VHHs neutralize BoNT/E1 by preventing the transmembrane delivery of LC. Furthermore, structure-based sequence analyses show that the 3-dimensional epitopes of these two VHHs are largely conserved across many BoNT/E subtypes, suggesting a broad-spectrum protection against the BoNT/E family. In summary, this work improves our understanding of the membrane translocation mechanism of BoNT/E and paves the way for developing VHHs as diagnostics or therapeutics for the treatment of BoNT/E intoxication.
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Godakova SA, Noskov AN, Vinogradova ID, Ugriumova GA, Solovyev AI, Esmagambetov IB, Tukhvatulin AI, Logunov DY, Naroditsky BS, Shcheblyakov DV, Gintsburg AL. Camelid VHHs Fused to Human Fc Fragments Provide Long Term Protection Against Botulinum Neurotoxin A in Mice. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E464. [PMID: 31394847 PMCID: PMC6723419 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11080464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The bacterium Clostridium botulinum is the causative agent of botulism-a severe intoxication caused by botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) and characterized by damage to the nervous system. In an effort to develop novel C. botulinum immunotherapeutics, camelid single-domain antibodies (sdAbs, VHHs, or nanobodies) could be used due to their unique structure and characteristics. In this study, VHHs were produced using phage display technology. A total of 15 different monoclonal VHHs were selected based on their comlementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) sequences. Different toxin lethal dose (LD50) challenges with each selected phage clone were conducted in vivo to check their neutralizing potency. We demonstrated that modification of neutralizing VHHs with a human immunoglobulin G (IgG)1 Fc (fragment crystallizable) fragment (fusionbody, VHH-Fc) significantly increased the circulation time in the blood (up to 14 days). At the same time, VHH-Fc showed the protective activity 1000 times higher than monomeric form when challenged with 5 LD50. Moreover, VHH-Fcs remained protective even 14 days after antibody administration. These results indicate that this VHH-Fc could be used as an effective long term antitoxin protection against botulinum type A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana A Godakova
- Department of Genetics and Bacteria Molecular Biology, Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, 18 Gamaleya Street, Moscow 123098, Russia
| | - Anatoly N Noskov
- Department of Bacteriology, Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, 18 Gamaleya Street, Moscow 123098, Russia
| | - Irina D Vinogradova
- Department of Bacteriology, Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, 18 Gamaleya Street, Moscow 123098, Russia
| | - Galina A Ugriumova
- Department of Bacteriology, Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, 18 Gamaleya Street, Moscow 123098, Russia
| | - Andrey I Solovyev
- Department of Bacteriology, Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, 18 Gamaleya Street, Moscow 123098, Russia
| | - Ilias B Esmagambetov
- Department of Genetics and Bacteria Molecular Biology, Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, 18 Gamaleya Street, Moscow 123098, Russia
| | - Amir I Tukhvatulin
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, 18 Gamaleya Street, Moscow 123098, Russia
| | - Denis Y Logunov
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, 18 Gamaleya Street, Moscow 123098, Russia
| | - Boris S Naroditsky
- Department of Genetics and Bacteria Molecular Biology, Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, 18 Gamaleya Street, Moscow 123098, Russia
| | - Dmitry V Shcheblyakov
- Department of Genetics and Bacteria Molecular Biology, Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, 18 Gamaleya Street, Moscow 123098, Russia.
| | - Aleksandr L Gintsburg
- Department of Genetics and Bacteria Molecular Biology, Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, 18 Gamaleya Street, Moscow 123098, Russia
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del Rio B, Redruello B, Fernandez M, Martin MC, Ladero V, Alvarez MA. Lactic Acid Bacteria as a Live Delivery System for the in situ Production of Nanobodies in the Human Gastrointestinal Tract. Front Microbiol 2019. [PMCID: PMC6346216 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.03179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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King MT, Huh I, Shenai A, Brooks TM, Brooks CL. Structural basis of V HH-mediated neutralization of the food-borne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:13626-13635. [PMID: 29976754 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.003888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 07/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes causes listeriosis, a potentially fatal food-borne disease. The condition is especially harmful to pregnant women. Listeria outbreaks can originate from diverse foods, highlighting the need for novel strategies to improve food safety. The first step in Listeria invasion is internalization of the bacteria, which is mediated by the interaction of the internalin family of virulence factors with host cell receptors. A crucial interaction for Listeria invasion of the placenta, and thus a target for therapeutic intervention, is between internalin B (InlB) and the receptor c-Met. Single-domain antibodies (VHH, also called nanobodies, or sdAbs) from camel heavy-chain antibodies are a novel solution for preventing Listeria infections. The VHH R303, R330, and R326 all bind InlB with high affinity; however, the molecular mechanism behind their mode of action was unknown. We demonstrate that despite a high degree of sequence and structural diversity, the VHH bind a single epitope on InlB. A combination of gentamicin protection assays and florescent microscopy establish that InlB-specific VHH inhibit Listeria invasion of HeLa cells. A high-resolution X-ray structure of VHH R303 in complex with InlB showed that the VHH binds at the c-Met interaction site on InlB, thereby acting as a competitive inhibitor preventing bacterial invasion. These results point to the potential of VHH as a novel class of therapeutics for the prevention of listeriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moeko Toride King
- From the Department of Chemistry, California State University, Fresno, California 93740
| | - Ian Huh
- From the Department of Chemistry, California State University, Fresno, California 93740
| | - Akhilesh Shenai
- From the Department of Chemistry, California State University, Fresno, California 93740
| | - Teresa M Brooks
- From the Department of Chemistry, California State University, Fresno, California 93740
| | - Cory L Brooks
- From the Department of Chemistry, California State University, Fresno, California 93740
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Stern D, Weisemann J, Le Blanc A, von Berg L, Mahrhold S, Piesker J, Laue M, Luppa PB, Dorner MB, Dorner BG, Rummel A. A lipid-binding loop of botulinum neurotoxin serotypes B, DC and G is an essential feature to confer their exquisite potency. PLoS Pathog 2018; 14:e1007048. [PMID: 29718991 PMCID: PMC5951583 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The exceptional toxicity of botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) is mediated by high avidity binding to complex polysialogangliosides and intraluminal segments of synaptic vesicle proteins embedded in the presynaptic membrane. One peculiarity is an exposed hydrophobic loop in the toxin’s cell binding domain HC, which is located between the ganglioside- and protein receptor-binding sites, and that is particularly pronounced in the serotypes BoNT/B, DC, and G sharing synaptotagmin as protein receptor. Here, we provide evidence that this HC loop is a critical component of their tripartite receptor recognition complex. Binding to nanodisc-embedded receptors and toxicity were virtually abolished in BoNT mutants lacking residues at the tip of the HC loop. Surface plasmon resonance experiments revealed that only insertion of the HC loop into the lipid-bilayer compensates for the entropic penalty inflicted by the dual-receptor binding. Our results represent a new paradigm of how BoNT/B, DC, and G employ ternary interactions with a protein, ganglioside, and lipids to mediate their extraordinary neurotoxicity. Botulinum neurotoxins are Janus-faced molecules: due to their exquisite toxicity, botulinum neurotoxins are considered as biological weapons, but they are also highly effective medicines for numerous neurological indications. However, what mediates their exquisite toxicity? The exclusive binding to neurons and the subsequent paralysis cuts off the host’s communication networks. The neurospecific binding is ensured by anchoring to two receptor molecules both embedded in the membrane: a complex ganglioside and a synaptic vesicle protein. Here, we reveal a third interaction between a hydrophobic so-called HC loop protruding from the surface of the serotypes BoNT/B, DC, and G into the lipid membrane. Only this HC loop ensures their high-affinity binding to the neuronal receptors also at physiological temperature (37°C). Hereby, BoNT/B, DC, and G prevent untimely dissociation prior to uptake into the neuron. Therefore, our study provides the mechanistic basis for the development of inhibitors to combat botulism, but it also has implications for engineering toxin—membrane interactions yielding optimized BoNT-based therapeutics to treat neuromuscular dysfunctions successfully. Intriguingly, a broadly neutralizing anti-HIV-1 antibody shares a similar strategy, emphasizing the general relevance of our results for host—pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Stern
- Biological Toxins (ZBS 3), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jasmin Weisemann
- Institut für Toxikologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Alexander Le Blanc
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Laura von Berg
- Biological Toxins (ZBS 3), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Mahrhold
- Institut für Toxikologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Janett Piesker
- Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy (ZBS 4), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Laue
- Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy (ZBS 4), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter B. Luppa
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Martin Bernhard Dorner
- Biological Toxins (ZBS 3), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Brigitte Gertrud Dorner
- Biological Toxins (ZBS 3), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail: (BGD); (AR)
| | - Andreas Rummel
- Institut für Toxikologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany
- * E-mail: (BGD); (AR)
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