1
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Gagne M, Flynn BJ, Honeycutt CC, Flebbe DR, Andrew SF, Provost SJ, McCormick L, Van Ry A, McCarthy E, Todd JPM, Bao S, Teng IT, Marciano S, Rudich Y, Li C, Jain S, Wali B, Pessaint L, Dodson A, Cook A, Lewis MG, Andersen H, Zahradník J, Suthar MS, Nason MC, Foulds KE, Kwong PD, Roederer M, Schreiber G, Seder RA, Douek DC. Variant-proof high affinity ACE2 antagonist limits SARS-CoV-2 replication in upper and lower airways. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6894. [PMID: 39134521 PMCID: PMC11319446 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51046-w] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has the capacity to evolve mutations that escape vaccine- and infection-acquired immunity and antiviral drugs. A variant-agnostic therapeutic agent that protects against severe disease without putting selective pressure on the virus would thus be a valuable biomedical tool that would maintain its efficacy despite the ongoing emergence of new variants. Here, we challenge male rhesus macaques with SARS-CoV-2 Delta-the most pathogenic variant in a highly susceptible animal model. At the time of challenge, we also treat the macaques with aerosolized RBD-62, a protein developed through multiple rounds of in vitro evolution of SARS-CoV-2 RBD to acquire 1000-fold enhanced ACE2 binding affinity. RBD-62 treatment equivalently suppresses virus replication in both upper and lower airways, a phenomenon not previously observed with clinically approved vaccines. Importantly, RBD-62 does not block the development of virus-specific T- and B-cell responses and does not elicit anti-drug immunity. These data provide proof-of-concept that RBD-62 can prevent severe disease from a highly virulent variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Gagne
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Barbara J Flynn
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Christopher Cole Honeycutt
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Dillon R Flebbe
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Shayne F Andrew
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Samantha J Provost
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lauren McCormick
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth McCarthy
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - John-Paul M Todd
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Saran Bao
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - I-Ting Teng
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Shir Marciano
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yinon Rudich
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Chunlin Li
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shilpi Jain
- Center for Childhood Infections and Vaccines, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Bushra Wali
- Center for Childhood Infections and Vaccines, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jiří Zahradník
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Mehul S Suthar
- Center for Childhood Infections and Vaccines, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Martha C Nason
- Biostatistics Research Branch, Division of Clinical Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kathryn E Foulds
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Peter D Kwong
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mario Roederer
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gideon Schreiber
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Robert A Seder
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Daniel C Douek
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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2
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Dick JK, Hicks D, Krishna VD, Sangala JA, Zandstra BT, Baehr C, Verbeek JS, Cragg MS, Cheeran MCJ, Pravetoni M, Hart GT. ACE2 decoy Fc-fusions and bi-specific killer engager (BiKEs) require Fc engagement for in vivo efficacy against SARS-CoV-2. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.20.599956. [PMID: 38948747 PMCID: PMC11212978 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.20.599956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 virus has continued to evolve over time necessitating the adaptation of vaccines to maintain efficacy. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against SARS-CoV-2 were a key line of defense for unvaccinated or immunocompromised individuals. However, these mAbs are now ineffective against current SARS-CoV-2 variants. Here, we tested three aspects of αSARS-CoV-2 therapeutics. First, we tested whether Fc engagement is necessary for in vivo clearance of SARS-CoV-2. Secondly, we tested bi-specific killer engagers (BiKEs) that simultaneously engage SARS-CoV-2 and a specific Fc receptor. Benefits of these engagers include the ease of manufacturing, stability, more cell-specific targeting, and high affinity binding to Fc receptors. Using both mAbs and BiKEs, we found that both neutralization and Fc receptor engagement were necessary for effective SARS-CoV-2 clearance. Thirdly, due to ACE2 being necessary for viral entry, ACE2 will maintain binding to SARS-CoV-2 despite viral evolution. Therefore, we used an ACE2 decoy Fc-fusion or BiKE, instead of an anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody sequence, as a potential therapeutic that would withstand viral evolution. We found that the ACE2 decoy approach also required Fc receptor engagement and, unlike traditional neutralizing antibodies against specific variants, enabled the clearance of two distinct SARS-CoV-2 variants. These data show the importance of Fc engagement for mAbs, the utility of BiKEs as therapies for infectious disease, and the in vivo effectiveness of the ACE2 decoy approach. With further studies, we predict combining neutralization, the cellular response, and this ACE2 decoy approach will benefit individuals with ineffective antibody levels. Abbreviations ACE2, scFv, mAb, BiKE, COVID-19, Fc, CD16, CD32b, CD64, d.p.i. Key points With equal dosing, both neutralization and Fc engagement are necessary for the optimal efficacy of in vivo antibodies and bi-specific killer engagers (BiKEs) against SARS-CoV-2. BiKEs can clear SARS-CoV-2 virus and protect against severe infection in the hACE2-K18 mouse model. ACE2 decoys as part of Fc-fusions or BiKEs provide in vivo clearance of two disparate SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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3
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Hwang J, Kim BK, Moon S, Park W, Kim KW, Yoon JH, Oh H, Jung S, Park Y, Kim S, Kim M, Kim S, Jung Y, Park M, Kim JH, Jung ST, Kim SJ, Kim YS, Chung WJ, Song MS, Kweon DH. Conversion of Host Cell Receptor into Virus Destructor by Immunodisc to Neutralize Diverse SARS-CoV-2 Variants. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302803. [PMID: 38329411 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302803] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The decreasing efficacy of antiviral drugs due to viral mutations highlights the challenge of developing a single agent targeting multiple strains. Using host cell viral receptors as competitive inhibitors is promising, but their low potency and membrane-bound nature have limited this strategy. In this study, the authors show that angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in a planar membrane patch can effectively neutralize all tested severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ACE2-incorporated membrane patch implemented using nanodiscs replicated the spike-mediated membrane fusion process outside the host cell, resulting in virus lysis, extracellular RNA release, and potent antiviral activity. While neutralizing antibodies became ineffective as the SARS-CoV-2 evolved to better penetrate host cells the ACE2-incorporated nanodiscs became more potent, highlighting the advantages of using receptor-incorporated nanodiscs for antiviral purposes. ACE2-incorporated immunodisc, an Fc fusion nanodisc developed in this study, completely protected humanized mice infected with SARS-CoV-2 after prolonged retention in the airways. This study demonstrates that the incorporation of viral receptors into immunodisc transforms the entry gate into a potent virucide for all current and future variants, a concept that can be extended to different viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaehyeon Hwang
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Beom Kyu Kim
- College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Seokoh Moon
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonbeom Park
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong Won Kim
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Hyeon Yoon
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunseok Oh
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
- Research Center, Mvrix Inc., Anyang, 14058, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangwon Jung
- Research Center, Mvrix Inc., Anyang, 14058, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngseo Park
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Suhyun Kim
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Misoo Kim
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Soomin Kim
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Younghun Jung
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Myungseo Park
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Ho Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Taek Jung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Jick Kim
- Synthetic Biology and Bioengineering Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Sung Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Jae Chung
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Suk Song
- College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Hyuk Kweon
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
- Research Center, Mvrix Inc., Anyang, 14058, Republic of Korea
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4
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Wang Z, Hu S, Popowski KD, Liu S, Zhu D, Mei X, Li J, Hu Y, Dinh PUC, Wang X, Cheng K. Inhalation of ACE2-expressing lung exosomes provides prophylactic protection against SARS-CoV-2. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2236. [PMID: 38472181 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45628-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Continued emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern that are capable of escaping vaccine-induced immunity highlights the urgency of developing new COVID-19 therapeutics. An essential mechanism for SARS-CoV-2 infection begins with the viral spike protein binding to the human ACE2. Consequently, inhibiting this interaction becomes a highly promising therapeutic strategy against COVID-19. Herein, we demonstrate that ACE2-expressing human lung spheroid cells (LSC)-derived exosomes (LSC-Exo) could function as a prophylactic agent to bind and neutralize SARS-CoV-2, protecting the host against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Inhalation of LSC-Exo facilitates its deposition and biodistribution throughout the whole lung in a female mouse model. We show that LSC-Exo blocks the interaction of SARS-CoV-2 with host cells in vitro and in vivo by neutralizing the virus. LSC-Exo treatment protects hamsters from SARS-CoV-2-induced disease and reduced viral loads. Furthermore, LSC-Exo intercepts the entry of multiple SARS-CoV-2 variant pseudoviruses in female mice and shows comparable or equal potency against the wild-type strain, demonstrating that LSC-Exo may act as a broad-spectrum protectant against existing and emerging virus variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou, 511442, P.R. China.
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA.
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA.
| | - Shiqi Hu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York, 10032, USA
| | - Kristen D Popowski
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
| | - Shuo Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York, 10032, USA
| | - Dashuai Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York, 10032, USA
| | - Xuan Mei
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
| | - Junlang Li
- Xsome Biotech Inc., Raleigh, North Carolina, 27607, USA
| | - Yilan Hu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York, 10032, USA
| | - Phuong-Uyen C Dinh
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
| | - Xiaojie Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, P.R. China.
- Engineering Research Center of the Chinese Ministry of Education for Bioreactor and Pharmaceutical Development, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, P.R. China.
| | - Ke Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York, 10032, USA.
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5
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Yu B, Drelich A, Hsu J, Tat V, Peng BH, Wei Q, Wang J, Wang H, Wages J, Mendelsohn AR, Larrick JW, Tseng CT. Protective Efficacy of Novel Engineered Human ACE2-Fc Fusion Protein Against Pan-SARS-CoV-2 Infection In Vitro and in Vivo. J Med Chem 2023; 66:16646-16657. [PMID: 38100534 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01201] [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] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Enduring occurrence of severe COVID-19 for unvaccinated, aged, or immunocompromised individuals remains an urgent need. Soluble human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been used as a decoy receptor to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection, which is limited by moderate affinity. We describe an engineered, high-affinity ACE2 that is consistently effective in tissue cultures in neutralizing all strains tested, including Delta and Omicron. We also found that treatment of AC70 hACE2 transgenic mice with hACE2-Fc receptor decoys effectively reduced viral infection, attenuated tissue histopathology, and delayed the onset of morbidity and mortality caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. We believe that using this ACE2-Fc protein would be less likely to promote the escape mutants of SARS-CoV-2 as frequently as did those neutralizing antibody therapies. Together, our results emphasize the suitability of our newly engineered hACE2-Fc fusion protein for further development as a potent antiviral agent against Pan-SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yu
- Larix Bioscience LLC, Sunnyvale, California 94089, United States
| | - Aleksandra Drelich
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Jason Hsu
- Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Vivian Tat
- Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Bi-Hung Peng
- Neuroscience, Cell Biology & Anatomy, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Qisheng Wei
- Larix Bioscience LLC, Sunnyvale, California 94089, United States
| | - Jianming Wang
- Larix Bioscience LLC, Sunnyvale, California 94089, United States
| | - Hong Wang
- Larix Bioscience LLC, Sunnyvale, California 94089, United States
| | - John Wages
- Larix Bioscience LLC, Sunnyvale, California 94089, United States
| | | | - James W Larrick
- Larix Bioscience LLC, Sunnyvale, California 94089, United States
| | - Chien-Te Tseng
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
- Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
- Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
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6
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Song R, Chen X, Li B, Ni J, Zhou Y, Zhang H, Liang X, Zou L, Liu J, Yang F, Li G, Guo X, Liu Z, Mao F, Lei C, Sui J, Li W, Jin R. Nasal spray of an IgM-like ACE2 fusion protein HH-120 prevents SARS-CoV-2 infection: Two investigator-initiated postexposure prophylaxis trials. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29275. [PMID: 38054556 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29275] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
HH-120, an IgM-like angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) fusion protein, has been developed as a nasal spray against Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and is currently undergoing human trials. HH-120 nasal spray was assessed for postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) in two investigator-initiated (NS01 and NS02) trials with different risk levels of SARS-CoV-2 exposure. NS01 enrolled family caregiver participants who had continuous contacts with laboratory-confirmed index cases; NS02 enrolled participants who had general contacts (Part 1) or close contacts (Part 2) with index cases. The primary endpoints were safety and laboratory-confirmed and/or symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. In NS01 trial (14 participants), the SARS-CoV-2 infection rates were 25% in the HH-120 group and 83.3% in the external control group (relative risk reduction [RRR]: 70.0%). In NS02-Part 1 (193 participants), the infection rates were 4% (HH-120) versus 11.3% (placebo), symptomatic infection rates were 0.8% versus 3.5%, hence with a RRR of 64.6% and 77.1%, respectively. In Part 2 (76 participants), the infection rates were 17.1% (HH-120) versus 30.4% (placebo), symptomatic infection rates were 7.5% versus 27.3%, with a RRR of 43.8% and 72.5%, respectively. No HH-120-related serious adverse effects were observed. The HH-120 nasal spray used as PEP was safe and effective in preventing laboratory-confirmed and symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Song
- Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyou Chen
- Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Baoliang Li
- Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Ni
- Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yunao Zhou
- Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | | | | | | | - Juan Liu
- Huahui Health Ltd., Beijing, China
| | | | | | - Xiaodi Guo
- Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhe Liu
- Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Cong Lei
- Huahui Health Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Jianhua Sui
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenhui Li
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ronghua Jin
- Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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7
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Llewellyn GN, Chen HY, Rogers GL, Huang X, Sell PJ, Henley JE, Cannon PM. Comparison of SARS-CoV-2 entry inhibitors based on ACE2 receptor or engineered Spike-binding peptides. J Virol 2023; 97:e0068423. [PMID: 37555663 PMCID: PMC10506483 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00684-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
With increasing resistance of SARS-CoV-2 variants to antibodies, there is interest in developing entry inhibitors that target essential receptor-binding regions of the viral Spike protein and thereby present a high bar for viral resistance. Such inhibitors could be derivatives of the viral receptor, ACE2, or peptides engineered to interact specifically with the Spike receptor-binding pocket. We compared the efficacy of a series of both types of entry inhibitors, constructed as fusions to an antibody Fc domain. Such a design can increase protein stability and act to both neutralize free virus and recruit effector functions to clear infected cells. We tested the reagents against prototype variants of SARS-CoV-2, using both Spike pseudotyped vesicular stomatitis virus vectors and replication-competent viruses. These analyses revealed that an optimized ACE2 derivative could neutralize all variants we tested with high efficacy. In contrast, the Spike-binding peptides had varying activities against different variants, with resistance observed in the Spike proteins from Beta, Gamma, and Omicron (BA.1 and BA.5). The resistance mapped to mutations at Spike residues K417 and N501 and could be overcome for one of the peptides by linking two copies in tandem, effectively creating a tetrameric reagent in the Fc fusion. Finally, both the optimized ACE2 and tetrameric peptide inhibitors provided some protection to human ACE2 transgenic mice challenged with the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant, which typically causes death in this model within 7-9 days. IMPORTANCE The increasing resistance of SARS-CoV-2 variants to therapeutic antibodies has highlighted the need for new treatment options, especially in individuals who do not respond to vaccination. Receptor decoys that block viral entry are an attractive approach because of the presumed high bar to developing viral resistance. Here, we compare two entry inhibitors based on derivatives of the ACE2 receptor, or engineered peptides that bind to the receptor-binding pocket of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. In each case, the inhibitors were fused to immunoglobulin Fc domains, which can further enhance therapeutic properties, and compared for activity against different SARS-CoV-2 variants. Potent inhibition against multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants was demonstrated in vitro, and even relatively low single doses of optimized reagents provided some protection in a mouse model, confirming their potential as an alternative to antibody therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- George N. Llewellyn
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Hsu-Yu Chen
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Geoffrey L. Rogers
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Xiaoli Huang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Philip J. Sell
- The Hastings Foundation and The Wright Foundation Laboratories, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jill E. Henley
- The Hastings Foundation and The Wright Foundation Laboratories, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Paula M. Cannon
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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8
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Gagne M, Flynn BJ, Honeycutt CC, Flebbe DR, Andrew SF, Provost SJ, McCormick L, Van Ry A, McCarthy E, Todd JPM, Bao S, Teng IT, Marciano S, Rudich Y, Li C, Pessaint L, Dodson A, Cook A, Lewis MG, Andersen H, Zahradník J, Nason MC, Foulds KE, Kwong PD, Roederer M, Schreiber G, Seder RA, Douek DC. RBD-based high affinity ACE2 antagonist limits SARS-CoV-2 replication in upper and lower airways. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.09.544432. [PMID: 37503026 PMCID: PMC10370179 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.09.544432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has the capacity to evolve mutations to escape vaccine-and infection-acquired immunity and antiviral drugs. A variant-agnostic therapeutic agent that protects against severe disease without putting selective pressure on the virus would thus be a valuable biomedical tool. Here, we challenged rhesus macaques with SARS-CoV-2 Delta and simultaneously treated them with aerosolized RBD-62, a protein developed through multiple rounds of in vitro evolution of SARS-CoV-2 RBD to acquire 1000-fold enhanced ACE2 binding affinity. RBD-62 treatment gave equivalent protection in upper and lower airways, a phenomenon not previously observed with clinically approved vaccines. Importantly, RBD-62 did not block the development of memory responses to Delta and did not elicit anti-drug immunity. These data provide proof-of-concept that RBD-62 can prevent severe disease from a highly virulent variant.
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9
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Havranek B, Lindsey GW, Higuchi Y, Itoh Y, Suzuki T, Okamoto T, Hoshino A, Procko E, Islam SM. A computationally designed ACE2 decoy has broad efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 omicron variants and related viruses in vitro and in vivo. Commun Biol 2023; 6:513. [PMID: 37173421 PMCID: PMC10177734 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04860-9] [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: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, especially B.1.1.529/omicron and its sublineages, continues to mutate to evade monoclonal antibodies and antibodies elicited by vaccination. Affinity-enhanced soluble ACE2 (sACE2) is an alternative strategy that works by binding the SARS-CoV-2 S protein, acting as a 'decoy' to block the interaction between the S and human ACE2. Using a computational design strategy, we designed an affinity-enhanced ACE2 decoy, FLIF, that exhibited tight binding to SARS-CoV-2 delta and omicron variants. Our computationally calculated absolute binding free energies (ABFE) between sACE2:SARS-CoV-2 S proteins and their variants showed excellent agreement to binding experiments. FLIF displayed robust therapeutic utility against a broad range of SARS-CoV-2 variants and sarbecoviruses, and neutralized omicron BA.5 in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we directly compared the in vivo therapeutic efficacy of wild-type ACE2 (non-affinity enhanced ACE2) against FLIF. A few wild-type sACE2 decoys have shown to be effective against early circulating variants such as Wuhan in vivo. Our data suggest that moving forward, affinity-enhanced ACE2 decoys like FLIF may be required to combat evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants. The approach described herein emphasizes how computational methods have become sufficiently accurate for the design of therapeutics against viral protein targets. Affinity-enhanced ACE2 decoys remain highly effective at neutralizing omicron subvariants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Havranek
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
- ComputePharma, LLC., Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Yusuke Higuchi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Yumi Itoh
- Institute for Advanced Co-Creation Studies, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Suzuki
- Institute for Advanced Co-Creation Studies, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toru Okamoto
- Institute for Advanced Co-Creation Studies, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Atsushi Hoshino
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Erik Procko
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Cyrus Biotechnology, Inc., Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Shahidul M Islam
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA.
- ComputePharma, LLC., Chicago, IL, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, Delaware State University, Dover, DE, 19901, USA.
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10
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Okada S, Muto Y, Zhu B, Ueda H, Nakamura H. Development of a Peptide Sensor Derived from Human ACE2 for Fluorescence Polarization Assays of the SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Binding Domain. Anal Chem 2023; 95:6198-6202. [PMID: 37028948 PMCID: PMC10107661 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c05818] [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: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the continuing emergence of infectious variants have caused a serious pandemic and a global economic slump since 2019. To overcome the situation and prepare for future pandemic-prone diseases, there is a need to establish a convenient diagnostic test that is quickly adaptable to unexpected emergence of virus variants. Here we report a fluorescent peptide sensor 26-Dan and its application to the fluorescence polarization (FP) assay for the highly sensitive and convenient detection of SARS-CoV-2. The 26-Dan sensor was developed by fluorescent labeling of the 26th amino acid of a peptide derived from the N-terminal α-helix of human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) receptor. The 26-Dan sensor maintained the α-helical structure and showed FP changes in a concentration-dependent manner of the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the virus. The half maximal effective concentrations (EC50's) for RBD of Wuhan-Hu-1 strain, Delta (B.1.617.2), and Omicron (BA.5) variants were 51, 5.2, and 2.2 nM, respectively, demonstrating that the 26-Dan-based FP assay can be adaptable to virus variants that evade standard diagnostic tests. The 26-Dan-based FP assay could also be applied to model screening of a small molecule that inhibits RBD binding to hACE2 and identified glycyrrhizin as a potential inhibitor. The combination of the sensor with a portable microfluidic fluorescence polarization analyzer allowed for the detection of RBD in a femtomolar range within 3 min, demonstrating the assay could be a promising step toward a rapid and convenient test for SARS-CoV-2 and other possible future pandemic-prone diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Okada
- Laboratory
for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute
of Innovative Research, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8503, Japan
- School
of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute
of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho,
Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8503, Japan
| | - Yuka Muto
- School
of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute
of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho,
Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8503, Japan
| | - Bo Zhu
- Laboratory
for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute
of Innovative Research, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8503, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ueda
- Laboratory
for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute
of Innovative Research, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8503, Japan
- World
Research Hub Initiative, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8503, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nakamura
- Laboratory
for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute
of Innovative Research, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8503, Japan
- School
of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute
of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho,
Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8503, Japan
- World
Research Hub Initiative, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8503, Japan
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11
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da Costa HHM, Orts DJB, Moura AD, Duarte-Neto AN, Cirqueira CS, Réssio RA, Kanamura CT, Miguita K, Ferreira JE, Santos RTM, Adriani PP, Cunha-Junior JP, Astray RM, Catarino RM, Lancelotti M, Prudencio CR. RBD and Spike DNA-Based Immunization in Rabbits Elicited IgG Avidity Maturation and High Neutralizing Antibody Responses against SARS-CoV-2. Viruses 2023; 15:555. [PMID: 36851769 PMCID: PMC9959588 DOI: 10.3390/v15020555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) are a critical part of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) research as they are used to gain insight into the immune response to severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. Among the technologies available for generating nAbs, DNA-based immunization methods are an alternative to conventional protocols. In this pilot study, we investigated whether DNA-based immunization by needle injection in rabbits was a viable approach to produce a functional antibody response. We demonstrated that three doses of DNA plasmid carrying the gene encoding the full-length spike protein (S) or the receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 induced a time-dependent increase in IgG antibody avidity maturation. Moreover, the IgG antibodies displayed high cross neutralization by live SARS-CoV-2 and pseudoviruses neutralization assays. Thus, we established a simple, low cost and feasible DNA-based immunization protocol in rabbits that elicited high IgG avidity maturation and nAbs production against SARS-CoV-2, highlighting the importance of DNA-based platforms for developing new immunization strategies against SARS-CoV-2 and future emerging epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hernan H. M. da Costa
- Immunology Center, Institute Adolfo Lutz, São Paulo 01246-902, Brazil
- Graduate Program Interunits in Biotechnology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Diego J. B. Orts
- Immunology Center, Institute Adolfo Lutz, São Paulo 01246-902, Brazil
| | - Andrew D. Moura
- Immunology Center, Institute Adolfo Lutz, São Paulo 01246-902, Brazil
| | | | | | - Rodrigo A. Réssio
- Pathology Center, Institute Adolfo Lutz, São Paulo 01246-902, Brazil
| | | | - Karen Miguita
- Pathology Center, Institute Adolfo Lutz, São Paulo 01246-902, Brazil
| | | | | | - Patricia P. Adriani
- Skinzymes Biotechnology Ltd., São Paulo 05441-040, Brazil
- Laboratory of Nanopharmaceuticals and Delivery Systems, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Jair P. Cunha-Junior
- Laboratory of Immunochemistry and Immunotechnology, Department of Immunology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia 38405-317, Brazil
| | - Renato M. Astray
- Multi-Purpose Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | | | - Marcelo Lancelotti
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Campinas State University, Campinas 13083-871, Brazil
| | - Carlos R. Prudencio
- Immunology Center, Institute Adolfo Lutz, São Paulo 01246-902, Brazil
- Graduate Program Interunits in Biotechnology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
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12
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Bodie NM, Hashimoto R, Connolly D, Chu J, Takayama K, Uhal BD. Design of a chimeric ACE-2/Fc-silent fusion protein with ultrahigh affinity and neutralizing capacity for SARS-CoV-2 variants. Antib Ther 2023; 6:59-74. [PMID: 36741194 PMCID: PMC9889962 DOI: 10.1093/abt/tbad001] [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: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background As SARS-CoV-2 continues to mutate into Variants of Concern (VOC), there is growing and urgent need to develop effective antivirals to combat COVID-19. Monoclonal antibodies developed earlier are no longer capable of effectively neutralizing currently active VOCs. This report describes the design of variant-agnostic chimeric molecules consisting of an Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE-2) domain mutated to retain ultrahigh affinity binding to a wide variety of SARS-CoV-2 variants, coupled to an Fc-silent immunoglobulin domain that eliminates antibody-dependent enhancement and extends biological half-life. Methods Molecular modeling, Surrogate Viral Neutralization tests (sVNTs) and infection studies of human airway organoid cultures were performed with synthetic chimeras, SARS-CoV-2 spike protein mimics and SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants B.1.1.214, BA.1, BA.2 and BA.5. Results ACE-2 mutations L27, V34 and E90 resulted in ultrahigh affinity binding of the LVE-ACE-2 domain to the widest variety of VOCs, with KDs of 93 pM and 73 pM for binding to the Alpha B1.1.7 and Omicron B.1.1.529 variants, and notably, 78fM, 133fM and 1.81pM affinities to the Omicron BA.2, BA2.75 and BQ.1.1 subvariants, respectively. sVNT assays revealed titers of ≥4.9 ng/ml, for neutralization of recombinant viral proteins corresponding to the Alpha, Delta and Omicron variants. The values above were obtained with LVE-ACE-2/mAB chimeras containing the FcRn-binding Y-T-E sequence which extends biological half-life 3-4-fold. Conclusions The ACE-2-mutant/Fc silent fusion proteins described have ultrahigh affinity to a wide variety of SARS-CoV-2 variants including Omicron. It is proposed that these chimeric ACE-2/mABs will constitute variant-agnostic and cost-effective prophylactics against SARS-CoV-2, particularly when administered nasally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil M Bodie
- Paradigm Immunotherapeutics Inc., Monrovia, CA 91016, USA
| | - Rina Hashimoto
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto 6068507, Japan
| | - David Connolly
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Jennifer Chu
- Innovation Lab, ACROBiosystems, 1 Innovation Way, Newark, DE 19711, USA
| | - Kazuo Takayama
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Bruce D. Uhal, Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, 3197 Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building, 567 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. and Kazuo Takayama, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto 6068507, Japan.
| | - Bruce D Uhal
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Bruce D. Uhal, Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, 3197 Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building, 567 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. and Kazuo Takayama, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto 6068507, Japan.
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13
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Köchl K, Schopper T, Durmaz V, Parigger L, Singh A, Krassnigg A, Cespugli M, Wu W, Yang X, Zhang Y, Wang WWS, Selluski C, Zhao T, Zhang X, Bai C, Lin L, Hu Y, Xie Z, Zhang Z, Yan J, Zatloukal K, Gruber K, Steinkellner G, Gruber CC. Optimizing variant-specific therapeutic SARS-CoV-2 decoys using deep-learning-guided molecular dynamics simulations. Sci Rep 2023; 13:774. [PMID: 36641503 PMCID: PMC9840421 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-27636-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment of COVID-19 with a soluble version of ACE2 that binds to SARS-CoV-2 virions before they enter host cells is a promising approach, however it needs to be optimized and adapted to emerging viral variants. The computational workflow presented here consists of molecular dynamics simulations for spike RBD-hACE2 binding affinity assessments of multiple spike RBD/hACE2 variants and a novel convolutional neural network architecture working on pairs of voxelized force-fields for efficient search-space reduction. We identified hACE2-Fc K31W and multi-mutation variants as high-affinity candidates, which we validated in vitro with virus neutralization assays. We evaluated binding affinities of these ACE2 variants with the RBDs of Omicron BA.3, Omicron BA.4/BA.5, and Omicron BA.2.75 in silico. In addition, candidates produced in Nicotiana benthamiana, an expression organism for potential large-scale production, showed a 4.6-fold reduction in half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) compared with the same variant produced in CHO cells and an almost six-fold IC50 reduction compared with wild-type hACE2-Fc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Köchl
- Innophore GmbH, 8010, Graz, Austria
- Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | | | | | | | - Amit Singh
- Innophore GmbH, 8010, Graz, Austria
- Institute of Molecular Bioscience, University of Graz, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | | | | | - Wei Wu
- SignalChem Lifesciences Corp., 110-13120 Vanier Place, Richmond, BC, V6V 2J2, Canada
| | - Xiaoli Yang
- SignalChem Lifesciences Corp., 110-13120 Vanier Place, Richmond, BC, V6V 2J2, Canada
| | - Yanchong Zhang
- SignalChem Lifesciences Corp., 110-13120 Vanier Place, Richmond, BC, V6V 2J2, Canada
| | - Welson Wen-Shang Wang
- SignalChem Lifesciences Corp., 110-13120 Vanier Place, Richmond, BC, V6V 2J2, Canada
| | - Crystal Selluski
- SignalChem Lifesciences Corp., 110-13120 Vanier Place, Richmond, BC, V6V 2J2, Canada
| | - Tiehan Zhao
- SignalChem Lifesciences Corp., 110-13120 Vanier Place, Richmond, BC, V6V 2J2, Canada
| | - Xin Zhang
- SignalChem Lifesciences Corp., 110-13120 Vanier Place, Richmond, BC, V6V 2J2, Canada
| | - Caihong Bai
- SignalChem Lifesciences Corp., 110-13120 Vanier Place, Richmond, BC, V6V 2J2, Canada
| | - Leon Lin
- SignalChem Lifesciences Corp., 110-13120 Vanier Place, Richmond, BC, V6V 2J2, Canada
| | - Yuxiang Hu
- SignalChem Lifesciences Corp., 110-13120 Vanier Place, Richmond, BC, V6V 2J2, Canada
| | - Zhiwei Xie
- SignalChem Lifesciences Corp., 110-13120 Vanier Place, Richmond, BC, V6V 2J2, Canada
| | - Zaihui Zhang
- SignalChem Lifesciences Corp., 110-13120 Vanier Place, Richmond, BC, V6V 2J2, Canada
| | - Jun Yan
- SignalChem Lifesciences Corp., 110-13120 Vanier Place, Richmond, BC, V6V 2J2, Canada
| | - Kurt Zatloukal
- Diagnostic- and Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Karl Gruber
- Innophore GmbH, 8010, Graz, Austria
- Institute of Molecular Bioscience, University of Graz, 8010, Graz, Austria
- Field of Excellence BioHealth, University of Graz, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Georg Steinkellner
- Innophore GmbH, 8010, Graz, Austria.
- Institute of Molecular Bioscience, University of Graz, 8010, Graz, Austria.
- Field of Excellence BioHealth, University of Graz, 8010, Graz, Austria.
| | - Christian C Gruber
- Innophore GmbH, 8010, Graz, Austria.
- Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology, 8010, Graz, Austria.
- Institute of Molecular Bioscience, University of Graz, 8010, Graz, Austria.
- Field of Excellence BioHealth, University of Graz, 8010, Graz, Austria.
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14
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Verstraete MM, Heinkel F, Li J, Cao S, Tran A, Halverson EC, Gene R, Stangle E, Silva-Moreno B, Arrafi S, Bavananthasivam J, Fung M, Eji-Lasisi M, Masterman S, Xanthoudakis S, Dixit S, Babcook J, Clavette B, Fogg M, Escobar-Cabrera E. Multivalent IgM scaffold enhances the therapeutic potential of variant-agnostic ACE2 decoys against SARS-CoV-2. MAbs 2023; 15:2212415. [PMID: 37229608 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2023.2212415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
As immunological selection for escape mutants continues to give rise to future SARS-CoV-2 variants, novel universal therapeutic strategies against ACE2-dependent viruses are needed. Here we present an IgM-based decavalent ACE2 decoy that has variant-agnostic efficacy. In immuno-, pseudovirus, and live virus assays, IgM ACE2 decoy had potency comparable or superior to leading SARS-CoV-2 IgG-based mAb therapeutics evaluated in the clinic, which were variant-sensitive in their potency. We found that increased ACE2 valency translated into increased apparent affinity for spike protein and superior potency in biological assays when decavalent IgM ACE2 was compared to tetravalent, bivalent, and monovalent ACE2 decoys. Furthermore, a single intranasal dose of IgM ACE2 decoy at 1 mg/kg conferred therapeutic benefit against SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant infection in a hamster model. Taken together, this engineered IgM ACE2 decoy represents a SARS-CoV-2 variant-agnostic therapeutic that leverages avidity to drive enhanced target binding, viral neutralization, and in vivo respiratory protection against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Anh Tran
- Department of Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, Canada
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15
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Rodriguez JA, Gonzalez J, Arboleda-Bustos CE, Mendoza N, Martinez C, Pinzon A. Computational modeling of the effect of five mutations on the structure of the ACE2 receptor and their correlation with infectivity and virulence of some emerged variants of SARS-CoV-2 suggests mechanisms of binding affinity dysregulation. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 368:110244. [PMID: 36336003 PMCID: PMC9630301 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.110244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Interactions between the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and the RBD region of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein are critical for virus entry into the host cell. The objective of this work was to identify some of the most relevant SARS-CoV-2 Spike variants that emerged during the pandemic and evaluate their binding affinity with human variants of ACE2 since some ACE2 variants can enhance or reduce the affinity of the interaction between the ACE2 and S proteins. However, no information has been sought to extrapolate to different variants of SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, to understand the impact on the affinity of the interaction between ACE2 protein variants and SARS-CoV-2 protein S variants, molecular docking was used in this study to predict the effects of five mutations of ACE2 when they interact with Alpha, Beta, Delta, Omicron variants and a hypothetical variant, which present mutations in the RBD region of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. Our results suggest that these variants could alter the interaction of the Spike and the human ACE2 protein, losing or creating new inter-protein contacts, enhancing viral fitness by improving binding affinity, and leading to an increase in infectivity, virulence, and transmission. This investigation highlighted that the S19P mutation of ACE2 decreases the binding affinity between the ACE2 and Spike proteins in the presence of the Beta variant and the wild-type variant of SARS-CoV-2 isolated in Wuhan-2019. The R115Q mutation of ACE2 lowers the binding affinity of these two proteins in the presence of the Beta and Delta variants. Similarly, the K26R mutation lowers the affinity of the interaction between the ACE2 and Spike proteins in the presence of the Alpha variant. This decrease in binding affinity is probably due to the lack of interaction between some of the key residues of the interaction complex between the ACE2 protein and the RBD region of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. Therefore, ACE2 mutations appear in the presence of these variants, they could suggest an intrinsic resistance to COVID-19 disease. On the other hand, our results suggested that the K26R, M332L, and K341R mutations of ACE2 expressively showed the affinity between the ACE2 and Spike proteins in the Alpha, Beta, and Delta variants. Consequently, these ACE2 mutations in the presence of the Alpha, Beta, and delta variants of SARS-CoV-2 could be more infectious and virulent in human cells compared to the SARS-CoV-2 isolated in Wuhan-2019 and it could have a negative prognosis of the disease. Finally, the Omicron variant in interaction with ACE2 WT, S19P, R115Q, M332L, and K341R mutations of ACE2 showed a significant decrease in binding affinity. This could be consistent that the Omicron variant causes less severe symptoms than previous variants. On the other hand, our results suggested Omicron in the complex with K26R, the binding affinity is increased between ACE2/RBD, which could indicate a negative prognosis of the disease in people with these allelic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Rodriguez
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Laboratory (GIBBS). Instituto de Genética, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Colombia.
| | - J Gonzalez
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica. Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Bogotá, Colombia
| | - C E Arboleda-Bustos
- Neurosciences Group. Instituto de Genética, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Colombia
| | - N Mendoza
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Laboratory (GIBBS). Instituto de Genética, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Colombia
| | - C Martinez
- Neurosciences Group. Instituto de Genética, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Colombia
| | - A Pinzon
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Laboratory (GIBBS). Instituto de Genética, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Colombia
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16
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Zhang L, Narayanan KK, Cooper L, Chan KK, Skeeters SS, Devlin CA, Aguhob A, Shirley K, Rong L, Rehman J, Malik AB, Procko E. An ACE2 decoy can be administered by inhalation and potently targets omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2. EMBO Mol Med 2022. [PMID: 36094679 DOI: 10.1101/2022.03.28.486075v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) neutralize infection and are efficacious for the treatment of COVID-19. However, SARS-CoV-2 variants, notably sublineages of B.1.1.529/omicron, have emerged that escape antibodies in clinical use. As an alternative, soluble decoy receptors based on the host entry receptor ACE2 broadly bind and block S from SARS-CoV-2 variants and related betacoronaviruses. The high-affinity and catalytically active decoy sACE22 .v2.4-IgG1 was previously shown to be effective against SARS-CoV-2 variants when administered intravenously. Here, inhalation of aerosolized sACE22 .v2.4-IgG1 increased survival and ameliorated lung injury in K18-hACE2 mice inoculated with P.1/gamma virus. Loss of catalytic activity reduced the decoy's therapeutic efficacy, which was further confirmed by intravenous administration, supporting dual mechanisms of action: direct blocking of S and turnover of ACE2 substrates associated with lung injury and inflammation. Furthermore, sACE22 .v2.4-IgG1 tightly binds and neutralizes BA.1, BA.2, and BA.4/BA.5 omicron and protects K18-hACE2 mice inoculated with a high dose of BA.1 omicron virus. Overall, the therapeutic potential of sACE22 .v2.4-IgG1 is demonstrated by the inhalation route and broad neutralization potency persists against highly divergent SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianghui Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine and the Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Laura Cooper
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kui K Chan
- Cyrus Biotechnology, Inc., Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Lijun Rong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jalees Rehman
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine and the Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Asrar B Malik
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine and the Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Erik Procko
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
- Cyrus Biotechnology, Inc., Seattle, WA, USA
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17
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Obeng EM, Fianu I, Danquah MK. Multivalent ACE2 engineering-A promising pathway for advanced coronavirus nanomedicine development. NANO TODAY 2022; 46:101580. [PMID: 35942040 PMCID: PMC9350675 DOI: 10.1016/j.nantod.2022.101580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The spread of coronavirus diseases has resulted in a clarion call to develop potent drugs and vaccines even as different strains appear beyond human prediction. An initial step that is integral to the viral entry into host cells results from an active-targeted interaction of the viral spike (S) proteins and the cell surface receptor, called angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Thus, engineered ACE2 has been an interesting decoy inhibitor against emerging coronavirus infestation. This article discusses promising innovative ACE2 engineering pathways for current and emerging coronavirus therapeutic development. First, we provide a brief discussion of some ACE2-associated human coronaviruses and their cell invasion mechanism. Then, we describe and contrast the individual spike proteins and ACE2 receptor interactions, highlighting crucial hotspots across the ACE2-associated coronaviruses. Lastly, we address the importance of multivalency in ACE2 nanomedicine engineering and discuss novel approaches to develop and achieve multivalent therapeutic outcomes. Beyond coronaviruses, these approaches will serve as a paradigm to develop new and improved treatment technologies against pathogens that use ACE2 receptor for invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene M Obeng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Isaac Fianu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Michael K Danquah
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Tennessee, 615 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37403, United States
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18
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Rudi E, Martin Aispuro P, Zurita E, Gonzalez Lopez Ledesma M, Bottero D, Malito J, Gabrielli M, Gaillard E, Stuible M, Durocher Y, Gamarnik A, Wigdorovitz A, Hozbor D. Immunological study of COVID-19 vaccine candidate based on recombinant spike trimer protein from different SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1020159. [PMID: 36248791 PMCID: PMC9560800 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1020159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergency of new SARS-CoV-2 variants that feature increased immune escape marks an urgent demand for better vaccines that will provide broader immunogenicity. Here, we evaluated the immunogenic capacity of vaccine candidates based on the recombinant trimeric spike protein (S) of different SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC), including the ancestral Wuhan, Beta and Delta viruses. In particular, we assessed formulations containing either single or combined S protein variants. Our study shows that the formulation containing the single S protein from the ancestral Wuhan virus at a concentration of 2µg (SW2-Vac 2µg) displayed in the mouse model the highest IgG antibody levels against all the three (Wuhan, Beta, and Delta) SARS-CoV-2 S protein variants tested. In addition, this formulation induced significantly higher neutralizing antibody titers against the three viral variants when compared with authorized Gam-COVID-Vac-rAd26/rAd5 (Sputnik V) or ChAdOx1 (AstraZeneca) vaccines. SW2-Vac 2µg was also able to induce IFN-gamma and IL-17, memory CD4 populations and follicular T cells. Used as a booster dose for schedules performed with different authorized vaccines, SW2-Vac 2µg vaccine candidate also induced higher levels of total IgG and IgG isotypes against S protein from different SARS-CoV-2 variants in comparison with those observed with homologous 3-dose schedule of Sputnik V or AstraZeneca. Moreover, SW2-Vac 2µg booster induced broadly strong neutralizing antibody levels against the three tested SARS-CoV-2 variants. SW2-Vac 2µg booster also induced CD4+ central memory, CD4+ effector and CD8+ populations. Overall, the results demonstrate that SW2-Vac 2 µg is a promising formulation for the development of a next generation COVID-19 vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Rudi
- Laboratorio VacSal, Instituto de Biotecnología y Biología Molecular (IBBM), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Centro Científico Tecnológico – Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CCT-CONICET), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Pablo Martin Aispuro
- Laboratorio VacSal, Instituto de Biotecnología y Biología Molecular (IBBM), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Centro Científico Tecnológico – Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CCT-CONICET), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Eugenia Zurita
- Laboratorio VacSal, Instituto de Biotecnología y Biología Molecular (IBBM), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Centro Científico Tecnológico – Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CCT-CONICET), La Plata, Argentina
| | | | - Daniela Bottero
- Laboratorio VacSal, Instituto de Biotecnología y Biología Molecular (IBBM), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Centro Científico Tecnológico – Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CCT-CONICET), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Juan Malito
- INCUINTA INTA, CONICET, HURLINGHAM, INTA Castelar, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Magali Gabrielli
- Laboratorio VacSal, Instituto de Biotecnología y Biología Molecular (IBBM), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Centro Científico Tecnológico – Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CCT-CONICET), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Emilia Gaillard
- Laboratorio VacSal, Instituto de Biotecnología y Biología Molecular (IBBM), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Centro Científico Tecnológico – Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CCT-CONICET), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Matthew Stuible
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Center, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Yves Durocher
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Center, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Andrés Wigdorovitz
- INCUINTA INTA, CONICET, HURLINGHAM, INTA Castelar, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniela Hozbor
- Laboratorio VacSal, Instituto de Biotecnología y Biología Molecular (IBBM), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Centro Científico Tecnológico – Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CCT-CONICET), La Plata, Argentina
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19
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An albumin-angiotensin converting enzyme 2-based SARS-CoV-2 decoy with FcRn-driven half-life extension. Acta Biomater 2022; 153:411-418. [PMID: 36162760 PMCID: PMC9508356 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.09.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mutants and breakthrough infections despite available coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines calls for antiviral therapeutics. The application of soluble angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a SARS-CoV-2 decoy that reduces cell bound ACE2-mediated virus entry is limited by a short plasma half-life. This work presents a recombinant human albumin ACE2 genetic fusion (rHA-ACE2) to increase the plasma half-life by an FcRn-driven cellular recycling mechanism, investigated using a wild type (WT) albumin sequence and sequence engineered with null FcRn binding (NB). Binding of rHA-ACE2 fusions to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein subdomain 1 (S1) was demonstrated (WT-ACE2 KD = 32.8 nM and NB-ACE2 KD = 31.7 nM) using Bio-Layer Interferometry and dose-dependent in vitro inhibition of host cell infection of pseudotyped viruses displaying surface SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein. FcRn-mediated in vitro recycling was translated to a five times greater plasma half-life of WT-ACE2 (t½ β = 13.5 h) than soluble ACE2 (t½ β = 2.8 h) in humanised FcRn/albumin double transgenic mice. The rHA-ACE2-based SARS-CoV-2 decoy system exhibiting FcRn-driven circulatory half-life extension introduced in this work offers the potential to expand and improve the anti-COVID-19 anti-viral drug armoury. Statement of significance The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for rapid development of efficient antiviral therapeutics to combat SARS-CoV-2 and new mutants to lower morbidity and mortality in severe cases, and for people that are unable to receive a vaccine. Here we report a therapeutic albumin ACE2 fusion protein (rHA-ACE2), that can bind SARS-CoV-2 S protein decorated virus-like particles to inhibit viral infection, and exhibits extended in vivo half-life compared to ACE2 alone. Employing ACE2 as a binding decoy for the virus is expected to efficiently inhibit all SARS-CoV-2 mutants as they all rely on binding with endogenous ACE2 for viral cell entry and, therefore, rHA-ACE2 constitutes a versatile addition to the therapeutic arsenal for combatting COVID-19.
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20
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Kayabolen A, Akcan U, Özturan D, Ulbegi‐Polat H, Sahin GN, Pinarbasi‐Degirmenci N, Bayraktar C, Soyler G, Sarayloo E, Nurtop E, Ozer B, Guney‐Esken G, Barlas T, Yildirim IS, Dogan O, Karahuseyinoglu S, Lack NA, Kaya M, Albayrak C, Can F, Solaroglu I, Bagci‐Onder T. Protein Scaffold-Based Multimerization of Soluble ACE2 Efficiently Blocks SARS-CoV-2 Infection In Vitro and In Vivo. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2201294. [PMID: 35896894 PMCID: PMC9353362 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202201294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Soluble ACE2 (sACE2) decoys are promising agents to inhibit SARS-CoV-2, as their efficiency is unlikely to be affected by escape mutations. However, their success is limited by their relatively poor potency. To address this challenge, multimeric sACE2 consisting of SunTag or MoonTag systems is developed. These systems are extremely effective in neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 in pseudoviral systems and in clinical isolates, perform better than the dimeric or trimeric sACE2, and exhibit greater than 100-fold neutralization efficiency, compared to monomeric sACE2. SunTag or MoonTag fused to a more potent sACE2 (v1) achieves a sub-nanomolar IC50 , comparable with clinical monoclonal antibodies. Pseudoviruses bearing mutations for variants of concern, including delta and omicron, are also neutralized efficiently with multimeric sACE2. Finally, therapeutic treatment of sACE2(v1)-MoonTag provides protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection in an in vivo mouse model. Therefore, highly potent multimeric sACE2 may offer a promising treatment approach against SARS-CoV-2 infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisan Kayabolen
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM)Koç UniversityIstanbul34450Turkey
| | - Ugur Akcan
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM)Koç UniversityIstanbul34450Turkey
| | - Doğancan Özturan
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM)Koç UniversityIstanbul34450Turkey
| | - Hivda Ulbegi‐Polat
- Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology InstituteTUBITAK Marmara Research CenterKocaeli41470Turkey
| | - Gizem Nur Sahin
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM)Koç UniversityIstanbul34450Turkey
| | | | - Canan Bayraktar
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM)Koç UniversityIstanbul34450Turkey
| | - Gizem Soyler
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM)Koç UniversityIstanbul34450Turkey
| | - Ehsan Sarayloo
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM)Koç UniversityIstanbul34450Turkey
- Department of BiotechnologyBeykoz Institute of Life Sciences and Biotechnology (BILSAB)Bezmialem Vakif UniversityIstanbul34820Turkey
| | - Elif Nurtop
- Koç University Isbank Center for Infectious Diseases (KUISCID)Istanbul34010Turkey
| | - Berna Ozer
- Koç University Isbank Center for Infectious Diseases (KUISCID)Istanbul34010Turkey
| | - Gulen Guney‐Esken
- Koç University Isbank Center for Infectious Diseases (KUISCID)Istanbul34010Turkey
| | - Tayfun Barlas
- Koç University Isbank Center for Infectious Diseases (KUISCID)Istanbul34010Turkey
| | - Ismail Selim Yildirim
- Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology InstituteTUBITAK Marmara Research CenterKocaeli41470Turkey
| | - Ozlem Dogan
- Koç University Isbank Center for Infectious Diseases (KUISCID)Istanbul34010Turkey
- Koç University School of MedicineDepartment of Medical MicrobiologyIstanbul34010Turkey
| | - Sercin Karahuseyinoglu
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM)Koç UniversityIstanbul34450Turkey
- Koç University School of Medicine, Department of Histology and EmbryologyIstanbul34450Türkiye
| | - Nathan A. Lack
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM)Koç UniversityIstanbul34450Turkey
- Vancouver Prostate CentreUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBC V6H 3Z6Canada
| | - Mehmet Kaya
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM)Koç UniversityIstanbul34450Turkey
| | - Cem Albayrak
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM)Koç UniversityIstanbul34450Turkey
- Department of BiotechnologyBeykoz Institute of Life Sciences and Biotechnology (BILSAB)Bezmialem Vakif UniversityIstanbul34820Turkey
| | - Fusun Can
- Koç University Isbank Center for Infectious Diseases (KUISCID)Istanbul34010Turkey
- Koç University School of MedicineDepartment of Medical MicrobiologyIstanbul34010Turkey
| | - Ihsan Solaroglu
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM)Koç UniversityIstanbul34450Turkey
- Department of Basic SciencesLoma Linda UniversityLoma LindaCA92354USA
| | - Tugba Bagci‐Onder
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM)Koç UniversityIstanbul34450Turkey
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21
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Wines BD, Kurtovic L, Trist HM, Esparon S, Lopez E, Chappin K, Chan LJ, Mordant FL, Lee WS, Gherardin NA, Patel SK, Hartley GE, Pymm P, Cooney JP, Beeson JG, Godfrey DI, Burrell LM, van Zelm MC, Wheatley AK, Chung AW, Tham WH, Subbarao K, Kent SJ, Hogarth PM. Fc engineered ACE2-Fc is a potent multifunctional agent targeting SARS-CoV2. Front Immunol 2022; 13:889372. [PMID: 35967361 PMCID: PMC9369017 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.889372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Joining a function-enhanced Fc-portion of human IgG to the SARS-CoV-2 entry receptor ACE2 produces an antiviral decoy with strain transcending virus neutralizing activity. SARS-CoV-2 neutralization and Fc-effector functions of ACE2-Fc decoy proteins, formatted with or without the ACE2 collectrin domain, were optimized by Fc-modification. The different Fc-modifications resulted in distinct effects on neutralization and effector functions. H429Y, a point mutation outside the binding sites for FcγRs or complement caused non-covalent oligomerization of the ACE2-Fc decoy proteins, abrogated FcγR interaction and enhanced SARS-CoV-2 neutralization. Another Fc mutation, H429F did not improve virus neutralization but resulted in increased C5b-C9 fixation and transformed ACE2-Fc to a potent mediator of complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) against SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) expressing cells. Furthermore, modification of the Fc-glycan enhanced cell activation via FcγRIIIa. These different immune profiles demonstrate the capacity of Fc-based agents to be engineered to optimize different mechanisms of protection for SARS-CoV-2 and potentially other viral pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce D. Wines
- Immune therapies Laboratory, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Life Sciences, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Liriye Kurtovic
- Life Sciences, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Halina M. Trist
- Immune therapies Laboratory, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sandra Esparon
- Immune therapies Laboratory, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ester Lopez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Klasina Chappin
- Immune therapies Laboratory, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Li-Jin Chan
- Infectious Diseases and Immune Defence Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Francesca L. Mordant
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Wen Shi Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicholas A. Gherardin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sheila K. Patel
- Department of Medicine, Austin Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Gemma E. Hartley
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Phillip Pymm
- Infectious Diseases and Immune Defence Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - James P. Cooney
- Infectious Diseases and Immune Defence Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - James G. Beeson
- Life Sciences, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton VIC, Australia
| | - Dale I. Godfrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Louise M. Burrell
- Department of Medicine, Austin Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Menno C. van Zelm
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Allergy, Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, Central Clinical School, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Adam K. Wheatley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre for Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Amy W. Chung
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Wai-Hong Tham
- Infectious Diseases and Immune Defence Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kanta Subbarao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephen J. Kent
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre for Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre and Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Hospital and Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - P. Mark Hogarth
- Immune therapies Laboratory, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Life Sciences, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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22
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Saville JW, Berezuk AM, Srivastava SS, Subramaniam S. Three-Dimensional Visualization of Viral Structure, Entry, and Replication Underlying the Spread of SARS-CoV-2. Chem Rev 2022; 122:14066-14084. [PMID: 35863749 PMCID: PMC9344915 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c01062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
![]()
The global spread
of SARS-CoV-2 has proceeded at an unprecedented
rate. Remarkably, characterization of the virus using modern tools
in structural biology has also progressed at exceptional speed. Advances
in electron-based imaging techniques, combined with decades of foundational
studies on related viruses, have enabled the research community to
rapidly investigate structural aspects of the novel coronavirus from
the level of individual viral proteins to imaging the whole virus
in a native context. Here, we provide a detailed review of the structural
biology and pathobiology of SARS-CoV-2 as it relates to all facets
of the viral life cycle, including cell entry, replication, and three-dimensional
(3D) packaging based on insights obtained from X-ray crystallography,
cryo-electron tomography, and single-particle cryo-electron microscopy.
The structural comparison between SARS-CoV-2 and the related earlier
viruses SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV is a common thread throughout this review.
We conclude by highlighting some of the outstanding unanswered structural
questions and underscore areas that are under rapid current development
such as the design of effective therapeutics that block viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- James W Saville
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 1Z3
| | - Alison M Berezuk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 1Z3
| | - Shanti S Srivastava
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 1Z3
| | - Sriram Subramaniam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 1Z3.,Gandeeva Therapeutics Inc., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V5C 6N5
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23
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Gao K, Wang R, Chen J, Cheng L, Frishcosy J, Huzumi Y, Qiu Y, Schluckbier T, Wei X, Wei GW. Methodology-Centered Review of Molecular Modeling, Simulation, and Prediction of SARS-CoV-2. Chem Rev 2022; 122:11287-11368. [PMID: 35594413 PMCID: PMC9159519 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite tremendous efforts in the past two years, our understanding of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), virus-host interactions, immune response, virulence, transmission, and evolution is still very limited. This limitation calls for further in-depth investigation. Computational studies have become an indispensable component in combating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to their low cost, their efficiency, and the fact that they are free from safety and ethical constraints. Additionally, the mechanism that governs the global evolution and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 cannot be revealed from individual experiments and was discovered by integrating genotyping of massive viral sequences, biophysical modeling of protein-protein interactions, deep mutational data, deep learning, and advanced mathematics. There exists a tsunami of literature on the molecular modeling, simulations, and predictions of SARS-CoV-2 and related developments of drugs, vaccines, antibodies, and diagnostics. To provide readers with a quick update about this literature, we present a comprehensive and systematic methodology-centered review. Aspects such as molecular biophysics, bioinformatics, cheminformatics, machine learning, and mathematics are discussed. This review will be beneficial to researchers who are looking for ways to contribute to SARS-CoV-2 studies and those who are interested in the status of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaifu Gao
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Rui Wang
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Jiahui Chen
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Limei Cheng
- Clinical
Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics, Bristol
Myers Squibb, Princeton, New Jersey 08536, United States
| | - Jaclyn Frishcosy
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Yuta Huzumi
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Yuchi Qiu
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Tom Schluckbier
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Xiaoqi Wei
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Guo-Wei Wei
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
- Department
of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan
State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
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24
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Flores-Alanis A, Delgado G, Espinosa-Camacho LF, Rodríguez-Gómez F, Cruz-Rangel A, Sandner-Miranda L, Cravioto A, Morales-Espinosa R. Two Years of Evolutionary Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in Mexico, With Emphasis on the Variants of Concern. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:886585. [PMID: 35865920 PMCID: PMC9294468 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.886585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The advance of the COVID-19 pandemic and spread of SARS-CoV-2 around the world has generated the emergence of new genomic variants. Those variants with possible clinical and therapeutic implications have been classified as variants of concern (VOCs) and variants of interest (VOIs). Objective This study aims to describe the COVID-19 pandemic and build the evolutionary and demographic dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 populations in Mexico, with emphasis on VOCs. Methods 30,645 complete genomes of SARS-CoV-2 from Mexico were obtained from GISAID databases up to January 25, 2022. A lineage assignment and phylogenetic analysis was completed, and demographic history for Alpha, Gamma, Delta and Omicron VOCs, and the Mexican variant (B.1.1.519) was performed. Results 148 variants were detected among the 30,645 genomes analyzed with the Delta variant being the most prevalent in the country, representing 49.7% of all genomes. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico was caused by several introductions of SARS-CoV-2, mainly from the United States of America and Europe, followed by local transmission. Regional molecular epidemiological surveillance must implement to detect emergence, introductions and spread of new variants with biologically important mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Flores-Alanis
- Laboratorio de Genómica Bacteriana, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gabriela Delgado
- Laboratorio de Genómica Bacteriana, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Luis F. Espinosa-Camacho
- Laboratorio de Genómica Bacteriana, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Flor Rodríguez-Gómez
- Laboratorio de Análisis de la Biodiversidad y Genómica, Departamento de Bioingeniería Traslacional, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Exactas e Ingenierías, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Armando Cruz-Rangel
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica de Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Luisa Sandner-Miranda
- Laboratorio de Genómica Bacteriana, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Cravioto
- Laboratorio de Genómica Bacteriana, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rosario Morales-Espinosa
- Laboratorio de Genómica Bacteriana, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
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25
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Bate N, Savva CG, Moody PCE, Brown EA, Evans SE, Ball JK, Schwabe JWR, Sale JE, Brindle NPJ. In vitro evolution predicts emerging SARS-CoV-2 mutations with high affinity for ACE2 and cross-species binding. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010733. [PMID: 35849637 PMCID: PMC9333441 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants are creating major challenges in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Being able to predict mutations that could arise in SARS-CoV-2 leading to increased transmissibility or immune evasion would be extremely valuable in development of broad-acting therapeutics and vaccines, and prioritising viral monitoring and containment. Here we use in vitro evolution to seek mutations in SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) that would substantially increase binding to ACE2. We find a double mutation, S477N and Q498H, that increases affinity of RBD for ACE2 by 6.5-fold. This affinity gain is largely driven by the Q498H mutation. We determine the structure of the mutant-RBD:ACE2 complex by cryo-electron microscopy to reveal the mechanism for increased affinity. Addition of Q498H to SARS-CoV-2 RBD variants is found to boost binding affinity of the variants for human ACE2 and confer a new ability to bind rat ACE2 with high affinity. Surprisingly however, in the presence of the common N501Y mutation, Q498H inhibits binding, due to a clash between H498 and Y501 side chains. To achieve an intermolecular bonding network, affinity gain and cross-species binding similar to Q498H alone, RBD variants with the N501Y mutation must acquire instead the related Q498R mutation. Thus, SARS-CoV-2 RBD can access large affinity gains and cross-species binding via two alternative mutational routes involving Q498, with route selection determined by whether a variant already has the N501Y mutation. These mutations are now appearing in emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants where they have the potential to influence human-to-human and cross-species transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Bate
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, Leicester United Kingdom
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, Leicester United Kingdom
| | - Christos G. Savva
- Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Peter C. E. Moody
- Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Edward A. Brown
- Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Sian E. Evans
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, Leicester United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan K. Ball
- School of Life Sciences, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham United Kingdom
| | - John W. R. Schwabe
- Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Julian E. Sale
- Division of Protein & Nucleic Acid Chemistry, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas P. J. Brindle
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, Leicester United Kingdom
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, Leicester United Kingdom
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26
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Sun C, Xie C, Bu GL, Zhong LY, Zeng MS. Molecular characteristics, immune evasion, and impact of SARS-CoV-2 variants. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:202. [PMID: 35764603 PMCID: PMC9240077 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01039-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The persistent COVID-19 pandemic since 2020 has brought an enormous public health burden to the global society and is accompanied by various evolution of the virus genome. The consistently emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants harboring critical mutations impact the molecular characteristics of viral proteins and display heterogeneous behaviors in immune evasion, transmissibility, and the clinical manifestation during infection, which differ each strain and endow them with distinguished features during populational spread. Several SARS-CoV-2 variants, identified as Variants of Concern (VOC) by the World Health Organization, challenged global efforts on COVID-19 control due to the rapid worldwide spread and enhanced immune evasion from current antibodies and vaccines. Moreover, the recent Omicron variant even exacerbated the global anxiety in the continuous pandemic. Its significant evasion from current medical treatment and disease control even highlights the necessity of combinatory investigation of the mutational pattern and influence of the mutations on viral dynamics against populational immunity, which would greatly facilitate drug and vaccine development and benefit the global public health policymaking. Hence in this review, we summarized the molecular characteristics, immune evasion, and impacts of the SARS-CoV-2 variants and focused on the parallel comparison of different variants in mutational profile, transmissibility and tropism alteration, treatment effectiveness, and clinical manifestations, in order to provide a comprehensive landscape for SARS-CoV-2 variant research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chu Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guo-Long Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lan-Yi Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mu-Sheng Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, 510060, Guangzhou, China. .,Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, 510060, Guangzhou, China.
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27
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Matusewicz L, Golec M, Czogalla A, Kuliczkowski K, Konka A, Zembala-John J, Sikorski AF. COVID-19 therapies: do we see substantial progress? Cell Mol Biol Lett 2022; 27:42. [PMID: 35641916 PMCID: PMC9152818 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-022-00341-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The appearance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its spread all over the world is the cause of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which has recently resulted in almost 400 million confirmed cases and 6 million deaths, not to mention unknown long-term or persistent side effects in convalescent individuals. In this short review, we discuss approaches to treat COVID-19 that are based on current knowledge of the mechanisms of viral cell receptor recognition, virus-host membrane fusion, and inhibition of viral RNA and viral assembly. Despite enormous progress in antiviral therapy and prevention, new effective therapies are still in great demand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucyna Matusewicz
- Department of Cytobiochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wrocław, ul. F. Joliot Curie 14a, 50-383 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marlena Golec
- Silesian Park of Medical Technology Kardio-Med Silesia, ul. M. Curie-Skłodowskiej 10c, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Aleksander Czogalla
- Department of Cytobiochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wrocław, ul. F. Joliot Curie 14a, 50-383 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Kazimierz Kuliczkowski
- Silesian Park of Medical Technology Kardio-Med Silesia, ul. M. Curie-Skłodowskiej 10c, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Adam Konka
- Silesian Park of Medical Technology Kardio-Med Silesia, ul. M. Curie-Skłodowskiej 10c, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Joanna Zembala-John
- Chair and Department of Medicine and Environmental Epidemiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, H. Jordana 19, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland
- Acellmed Ltd., M. Curie-Skłodowskiej 10C, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Aleksander F. Sikorski
- Research and Development Centre, Regional Specialist Hospital, Kamieńskiego 73a, 51-154 Wroclaw, Poland
- Acellmed Ltd., M. Curie-Skłodowskiej 10C, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland
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28
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Upadhyay V, Patrick C, Lucas A, Mallela KMG. Convergent Evolution of Multiple Mutations Improves the Viral Fitness of SARS-CoV-2 Variants by Balancing Positive and Negative Selection. Biochemistry 2022; 61:963-980. [PMID: 35511584 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Multiple mutations have been seen to undergo convergent evolution in SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. One such evolution occurs in Beta, Gamma, and Omicron variants at three amino acid positions K417, E484, and N501 in the receptor binding domain of the spike protein. We examined the physical mechanisms underlying the convergent evolution of three mutations K417T/E484K/N501Y by delineating the individual and collective effects of mutations on binding to angiotensin converting enzyme 2 receptor, immune escape from neutralizing antibodies, protein stability, and expression. Our results show that each mutation serves a distinct function that improves virus fitness supporting its positive selection, even though individual mutations have deleterious effects that make them prone to negative selection. Compared to the wild-type, K417T escapes Class 1 antibodies and has increased stability and expression; however, it has decreased receptor binding. E484K escapes Class 2 antibodies; however, it has decreased receptor binding, stability, and expression. N501Y increases receptor binding; however, it has decreased stability and expression. When these mutations come together, the deleterious effects are mitigated due to the presence of compensatory effects. Triple mutant K417T/E484K/N501Y has increased receptor binding, escapes both Class 1 and Class 2 antibodies, and has similar stability and expression as that of the wild-type. These results show that the convergent evolution of multiple mutations enhances viral fitness on different fronts by balancing both positive and negative selection and improves the chances of selection of mutations together.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaibhav Upadhyay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Casey Patrick
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Alexandra Lucas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Krishna M G Mallela
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
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29
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SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant, Lineage BA.1, Is Associated with Lower Viral Load in Nasopharyngeal Samples Compared to Delta Variant. Viruses 2022; 14:v14050919. [PMID: 35632661 PMCID: PMC9144383 DOI: 10.3390/v14050919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: High viral load in upper respiratory tract specimens observed for Delta cases might contribute to its increased infectivity compared to the other variant. However, it is not yet documented if the Omicron variant’s enhanced infectivity is also related to a higher viral load. Our aim was to determine if the Omicron variant’s spread is also related to higher viral loads compared to the Delta variant. Methods: Nasopharyngeal swabs, 129 (Omicron) and 85 (Delta), from Health Care Workers were collected during December 2021 at the University Hospital of Lyon, France. Cycle threshold (Ct) for the RdRp target of cobas® 6800 SARS-CoV-2 assay was used as a proxy to evaluate SARS-CoV-2 viral load. Variant identification was performed using a screening panel and confirmed by whole genome sequencing. Results: Herein, we showed that the RT-PCR Ct values in Health Care Workers sampled within 5 days after symptom onset were significantly higher for Omicron cases than Delta cases (21.7 for Delta variant and 23.8 for Omicron variant, p = 0.008). This difference was also observed regarding patient with complete vaccination. Conclusions: This result supports the studies showing that the increased transmissibility of Omicron is related to other mechanisms than higher virus excretion.
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30
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Li Z, Zhang JZH. Mutational Effect of Some Major COVID-19 Variants on Binding of the S Protein to ACE2. Biomolecules 2022; 12:572. [PMID: 35454161 PMCID: PMC9030943 DOI: 10.3390/biom12040572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which has many variants that accelerated the spread of the virus. In this study, we investigated the quantitative effect of some major mutants of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 binding to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). These mutations are directly related to the Variant of Concern (VOC) including Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Omicron. Our calculations show that five major mutations (N501Y, E484K, L452R, T478K and K417N), first reported in Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta variants, all increase the binding of the S protein to ACE2 (except K417N), consistent with the experimental findings. We also studied an additional eight mutations of the Omicron variant that are located on the interface of the receptor binding domain (RDB) and have not been reported in other VOCs. Our study showed that most of these mutations (except Y505H and G446S) enhance the binding of the S protein to ACE2. The computational predictions helped explain why the Omicron variant quickly became dominant worldwide. Finally, comparison of several different computational methods for binding free energy calculation of these mutants was made. The alanine scanning method used in the current calculation helped to elucidate the residue-specific interactions responsible for the enhanced binding affinities of the mutants. The results show that the ASGB (alanine scanning with generalized Born) method is an efficient and reliable method for these binding free energy calculations due to mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhendong Li
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry & Chemical Process, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - John Z H Zhang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry & Chemical Process, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Faculty of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
- NYU-ECNU Center for Computational Chemistry at New York University Shanghai, Shanghai 200062, China
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Extreme Optics, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
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31
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Enhanced trimeric ACE2 exhibits potent prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy against the SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron variants in vivo. Cell Res 2022; 32:589-592. [PMID: 35418217 PMCID: PMC9007249 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-022-00656-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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32
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Zhang L, Narayanan KK, Cooper L, Chan KK, Devlin CA, Aguhob A, Shirley K, Rong L, Rehman J, Malik AB, Procko E. An engineered ACE2 decoy receptor can be administered by inhalation and potently targets the BA.1 and BA.2 omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2022.03.28.486075. [PMID: 35378764 PMCID: PMC8978935 DOI: 10.1101/2022.03.28.486075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) glycoprotein neutralize infection and are efficacious for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19. However, SARS-CoV-2 variants have emerged that partially or fully escape monoclonal antibodies in clinical use. Notably, the BA.2 sublineage of B.1.1.529/omicron escapes nearly all monoclonal antibodies currently authorized for therapeutic treatment of COVID-19. Decoy receptors, which are based on soluble forms of the host entry receptor ACE2, are an alternative strategy that broadly bind and block S from SARS-CoV-2 variants and related betacoronaviruses. The high-affinity and catalytically active decoy sACE2 2 .v2.4-IgG1 was previously shown to be effective in vivo against SARS-CoV-2 variants when administered intravenously. Here, the inhalation of sACE2 2 .v2.4-IgG1 is found to increase survival and ameliorate lung injury in K18-hACE2 transgenic mice inoculated with a lethal dose of the virulent P.1/gamma virus. Loss of catalytic activity reduced the decoy’s therapeutic efficacy supporting dual mechanisms of action: direct blocking of viral S and turnover of ACE2 substrates associated with lung injury and inflammation. Binding of sACE2 2 .v2.4-IgG1 remained tight to S of BA.1 omicron, despite BA.1 omicron having extensive mutations, and binding exceeded that of four monoclonal antibodies approved for clinical use. BA.1 pseudovirus and authentic virus were neutralized at picomolar concentrations. Finally, tight binding was maintained against S from the BA.2 omicron sublineage, which differs from S of BA.1 by 26 mutations. Overall, the therapeutic potential of sACE2 2 .v2.4-IgG1 is further confirmed by inhalation route and broad neutralization potency persists against increasingly divergent SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianghui Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine and the Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | | | - Laura Cooper
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Kui K. Chan
- Cyrus Biotechnology, Inc., Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | | | - Aaron Aguhob
- Cyrus Biotechnology, Inc., Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | | | - Lijun Rong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Jalees Rehman
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine and the Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Asrar B. Malik
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine and the Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Erik Procko
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Cyrus Biotechnology, Inc., Seattle, WA 98101, USA
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Chen C, Boorla VS, Chowdhury R, Nissly RH, Gontu A, Chothe SK, LaBella L, Jakka P, Ramasamy S, Vandegrift KJ, Nair MS, Kuchipudi SV, Maranas CD. A CNN model for predicting binding affinity changes between SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD variants and ACE2 homologues. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2022.03.22.485413. [PMID: 35350198 PMCID: PMC8963690 DOI: 10.1101/2022.03.22.485413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The cellular entry of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) involves the association of its receptor binding domain (RBD) with human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) as the first crucial step. Efficient and reliable prediction of RBD-hACE2 binding affinity changes upon amino acid substitutions can be valuable for public health surveillance and monitoring potential spillover and adaptation into non-human species. Here, we introduce a convolutional neural network (CNN) model trained on protein sequence and structural features to predict experimental RBD-hACE2 binding affinities of 8,440 variants upon single and multiple amino acid substitutions in the RBD or ACE2. The model achieves a classification accuracy of 83.28% and a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.85 between predicted and experimentally calculated binding affinities in five-fold cross-validation tests and predicts improved binding affinity for most circulating variants. We pro-actively used the CNN model to exhaustively screen for novel RBD variants with combinations of up to four single amino acid substitutions and suggested candidates with the highest improvements in RBD-ACE2 binding affinity for human and animal ACE2 receptors. We found that the binding affinity of RBD variants against animal ACE2s follows similar trends as those against human ACE2. White-tailed deer ACE2 binds to RBD almost as tightly as human ACE2 while cattle, pig, and chicken ACE2s bind weakly. The model allows testing whether adaptation of the virus for increased binding with other animals would cause concomitant increases in binding with hACE2 or decreased fitness due to adaptation to other hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Veda Sheersh Boorla
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Ratul Chowdhury
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Ruth H. Nissly
- Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Abhinay Gontu
- Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Shubhada K. Chothe
- Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Lindsey LaBella
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Padmaja Jakka
- Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Santhamani Ramasamy
- Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Kurt J. Vandegrift
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Meera Surendran Nair
- Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Suresh V. Kuchipudi
- Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Costas D. Maranas
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
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34
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Cheng MH, Krieger JM, Banerjee A, Xiang Y, Kaynak B, Shi Y, Arditi M, Bahar I. Impact of new variants on SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and neutralization: A molecular assessment of the alterations in the spike-host protein interactions. iScience 2022; 25:103939. [PMID: 35194576 PMCID: PMC8851820 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.103939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants necessitates rational assessment of their impact on the recognition and neutralization of the virus by the host cell. We present a comparative analysis of the interactions of Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta variants with cognate molecules (ACE2 and/or furin), neutralizing nanobodies (Nbs), and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) using in silico methods, in addition to Nb-binding assays. Our study elucidates the molecular origin of the ability of Beta and Delta variants to evade selected antibodies, such as REGN10933, LY-CoV555, B38, C105, or H11-H4, while being insensitive to others including REGN10987. Experiments confirm that nanobody Nb20 retains neutralizing activity against the Delta variant. The substitutions T478K and L452R in the Delta variant enhance associations with ACE2, whereas P681R promotes recognition by proteases, thus facilitating viral entry. The Ab-specific responses of variants highlight how full-atomic structure and dynamics analyses are required for assessing the response to newly emerging variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Hongying Cheng
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - James M. Krieger
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Anupam Banerjee
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Yufei Xiang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Burak Kaynak
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Yi Shi
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Moshe Arditi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, and Biomedical Sciences, Infectious and Immunologic Diseases Research Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Ivet Bahar
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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Tragni V, Preziusi F, Laera L, Onofrio A, Mercurio I, Todisco S, Volpicella M, De Grassi A, Pierri CL. Modeling SARS-CoV-2 spike/ACE2 protein-protein interactions for predicting the binding affinity of new spike variants for ACE2, and novel ACE2 structurally related human protein targets, for COVID-19 handling in the 3PM context. EPMA J 2022; 13:149-175. [PMID: 35013687 PMCID: PMC8732965 DOI: 10.1007/s13167-021-00267-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Aims The rapid spread of new SARS-CoV-2 variants has highlighted the crucial role played in the infection by mutations occurring at the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor binding domain (RBD) in the interactions with the human ACE2 receptor. In this context, it urgently needs to develop new rapid tools for quickly predicting the affinity of ACE2 for the SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD protein variants to be used with the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequencing activities in the clinics, aiming to gain clues about the transmissibility and virulence of new variants, to prevent new outbreaks and to quickly estimate the severity of the disease in the context of the 3PM. Methods In our study, we used a computational pipeline for calculating the interaction energies at the SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD/ACE2 protein-protein interface for a selected group of characterized infectious variants of concern/interest (VoC/VoI). By using our pipeline, we built 3D comparative models of the SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD/ACE2 protein complexes for the VoC B.1.1.7-United Kingdom (carrying the mutations of concern/interest N501Y, S494P, E484K at the RBD), P.1-Japan/Brazil (RBD mutations: K417T, E484K, N501Y), B.1.351-South Africa (RBD mutations: K417N, E484K, N501Y), B.1.427/B.1.429-California (RBD mutations: L452R), the B.1.141 (RBD mutations: N439K), and the recent B.1.617.1-India (RBD mutations: L452R; E484Q) and the B.1.620 (RBD mutations: S477N; E484K). Then, we used the obtained 3D comparative models of the SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD/ACE2 protein complexes for predicting the interaction energies at the protein-protein interface. Results Along SARS-CoV-2 mutation database screening and mutation localization analysis, it was ascertained that the most dangerous mutations at VoC/VoI spike proteins are located mainly at three regions of the SARS-CoV-2 spike "boat-shaped" receptor binding motif, on the RBD domain. Notably, the P.1 Japan/Brazil variant present three mutations, K417T, E484K, N501Y, located along the entire receptor binding motif, which apparently determines the highest interaction energy at the SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD/ACE2 protein-protein interface, among those calculated. Conversely, it was also observed that the replacement of a single acidic/hydrophilic residue with a basic residue (E484K or N439K) at the "stern" or "bow" regions, of the boat-shaped receptor binding motif on the RBD, appears to determine an interaction energy with ACE2 receptor higher than that observed with single mutations occurring at the "hull" region or with other multiple mutants. In addition, our pipeline allowed searching for ACE2 structurally related proteins, i.e., THOP1 and NLN, which deserve to be investigated for their possible involvement in interactions with the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, in those tissues showing a low expression of ACE2, or as a novel receptor for future spike variants. A freely available web-tool for the in silico calculation of the interaction energy at the SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD/ACE2 protein-protein interface, starting from the sequences of the investigated spike and/or ACE2 variants, was made available for the scientific community at: https://www.mitoairm.it/covid19affinities. Conclusion In the context of the PPPM/3PM, the employment of the described pipeline through the provided webservice, together with the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequencing, would help to predict the transmissibility of new variants sequenced from future patients, depending on SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequencing activities and on the specific amino acid replacement and/or on its location on the SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD, to put in play all the possible counteractions for preventing the most deleterious scenarios of new outbreaks, taking into consideration that a greater transmissibility has not to be necessarily related to a more severe manifestation of the disease. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13167-021-00267-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Tragni
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Francesca Preziusi
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Luna Laera
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Angelo Onofrio
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Ivan Mercurio
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Simona Todisco
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Viale dell’Ateneo Lucano, 10-85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Mariateresa Volpicella
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Anna De Grassi
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
- BROWSer S.r.l. at Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, Biopharmaceutics, University “Aldo Moro” of Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Ciro Leonardo Pierri
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
- BROWSer S.r.l. at Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, Biopharmaceutics, University “Aldo Moro” of Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70126 Bari, Italy
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Abstract
A major goal of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is the induction of neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) capable of blocking infection by preventing interaction of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein with ACE2 on target cells. Cocktails of monoclonal nAbs can reduce the risk of severe disease if administered early in infection. However, multiple variants of concern (VOCs) have arisen during the pandemic that may escape from nAbs. In this issue of the JCI, Jia Zou, Li Li, and colleagues used yeast display libraries to identify mAbs that bind to Spike proteins with a vast array of single amino acid substitutions. The authors identified mutation-resistant monoclonal nAbs for potential use as therapeutics. Multimerization further improved the potency of selected nAbs. These findings suggest a way forward in development of better nAb cocktails. However, the emergence of the highly mutated omicron (B.1.1.529) variant heightens the importance of finding effective anti-SARS-CoV-2 nAb therapeutics despite rapid viral evolution.
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Obeng EM, Dzuvor CKO, Danquah MK. Anti-SARS-CoV-1 and -2 nanobody engineering towards avidity-inspired therapeutics. NANO TODAY 2022; 42:101350. [PMID: 34840592 PMCID: PMC8608585 DOI: 10.1016/j.nantod.2021.101350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
In the past two decades, the emergence of coronavirus diseases has been dire distress on both continental and global fronts and has resulted in the search for potent treatment strategies. One crucial challenge in this search is the recurrent mutations in the causative virus spike protein, which lead to viral escape issues. Among the current promising therapeutic discoveries is the use of nanobodies and nanobody-like molecules. While these nanobodies have demonstrated high-affinity interaction with the virus, the unpredictable spike mutations have warranted the need for avidity-inspired therapeutics of potent inhibitors such as nanobodies. This article discusses novel approaches for the design of anti-SARS-CoV-1 and -2 nanobodies to facilitate advanced innovations in treatment technologies. It further discusses molecular interactions and suggests multivalent protein nanotechnology and chemistry approaches to translate mere molecular affinity into avidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene M Obeng
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
- Bioengineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Christian K O Dzuvor
- Bioengineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Michael K Danquah
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Tennessee, Chattanooga 615 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37403, United States
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Chaouat AE, Achdout H, Kol I, Berhani O, Roi G, Vitner EB, Melamed S, Politi B, Zahavy E, Brizic I, Lenac Rovis T, Alfi O, Wolf D, Jonjic S, Israely T, Mandelboim O. SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain fusion protein efficiently neutralizes virus infection. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1010175. [PMID: 34929007 PMCID: PMC8722722 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, as dangerous mutations emerge, there is an increased demand for specific treatments for SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. The spike glycoprotein on the virus envelope binds to the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on host cells through its receptor binding domain (RBD) to mediate virus entry. Thus, blocking this interaction may inhibit viral entry and consequently stop infection. Here, we generated fusion proteins composed of the extracellular portions of ACE2 and RBD fused to the Fc portion of human IgG1 (ACE2-Ig and RBD-Ig, respectively). We demonstrate that ACE2-Ig is enzymatically active and that it can be recognized by the SARS-CoV-2 RBD, independently of its enzymatic activity. We further show that RBD-Ig efficiently inhibits in-vivo SARS-CoV-2 infection better than ACE2-Ig. Mechanistically, we show that anti-spike antibody generation, ACE2 enzymatic activity, and ACE2 surface expression were not affected by RBD-Ig. Finally, we show that RBD-Ig is more efficient than ACE2-Ig at neutralizing high virus titers. We thus propose that RBD-Ig physically blocks virus infection by binding to ACE2 and that RBD-Ig should be used for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigael Eva Chaouat
- The Concern Foundation Laboratories at the Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Hagit Achdout
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona, Israel
| | - Inbal Kol
- The Concern Foundation Laboratories at the Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Orit Berhani
- The Concern Foundation Laboratories at the Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Gil Roi
- The Concern Foundation Laboratories at the Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Einat B. Vitner
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona, Israel
| | - Sharon Melamed
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona, Israel
| | - Boaz Politi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona, Israel
| | - Eran Zahavy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona, Israel
| | - Ilija Brizic
- Center for Proteomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Tihana Lenac Rovis
- Center for Proteomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Or Alfi
- Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, The Hebrew University Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
- Clinical Virology Unit, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Dana Wolf
- Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, The Hebrew University Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
- Clinical Virology Unit, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Stipan Jonjic
- Center for Proteomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Tomer Israely
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona, Israel
| | - Ofer Mandelboim
- The Concern Foundation Laboratories at the Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
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Chen Y, Sun L, Ullah I, Beaudoin-Bussières G, Anand SP, Hederman AP, Tolbert WD, Sherburn R, Nguyen DN, Marchitto L, Ding S, Wu D, Luo Y, Gottumukkala S, Moran S, Kumar P, Piszczek G, Mothes W, Ackerman ME, Finzi A, Uchil PD, Gonzalez FJ, Pazgier M. Engineered ACE2-Fc counters murine lethal SARS-CoV-2 infection through direct neutralization and Fc-effector activities. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021:2021.11.24.469776. [PMID: 34845451 PMCID: PMC8629194 DOI: 10.1101/2021.11.24.469776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Soluble Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) constitutes an attractive antiviral capable of targeting a wide range of coronaviruses utilizing ACE2 as their receptor. Here, using structure-guided approaches, we developed divalent ACE2 molecules by grafting the extracellular ACE2-domain onto a human IgG1 or IgG3 (ACE2-Fc). These ACE2-Fcs harbor structurally validated mutations that enhance spike (S) binding and remove angiotensin enzymatic activity. The lead variant bound tightly to S, mediated in vitro neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) with sub-nanomolar IC 50 and was capable of robust Fc-effector functions, including antibody-dependent-cellular cytotoxicity, phagocytosis and complement deposition. When tested in a stringent K18-hACE2 mouse model, it delayed death or effectively resolved lethal SARS-CoV-2 infection in a prophylactic or therapeutic setting utilizing the combined effect of neutralization and Fc-effector functions. These data confirm the utility of ACE2-Fcs as valuable agents in preventing and eliminating SARS-CoV-2 infection and demonstrate that ACE2-Fc therapeutic activity require Fc-effector functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaozong Chen
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814-4712, USA
- equal contribution
| | - Lulu Sun
- Laboratory of Metabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- equal contribution
| | - Irfan Ullah
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- equal contribution
| | - Guillaume Beaudoin-Bussières
- Centre de recherche du CHUM. Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Sai Priya Anand
- Centre de recherche du CHUM. Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill, QC, Canada
| | | | - William D. Tolbert
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814-4712, USA
| | - Rebekah Sherburn
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814-4712, USA
| | - Dung N. Nguyen
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814-4712, USA
| | - Lorie Marchitto
- Centre de recherche du CHUM. Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Shilei Ding
- Centre de recherche du CHUM. Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Di Wu
- Biophysics Core Facility, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892
| | - Yuhong Luo
- Laboratory of Metabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Suneetha Gottumukkala
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814-4712, USA
| | - Sean Moran
- Biomedical Instrumentation Center, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Priti Kumar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Grzegorz Piszczek
- Biophysics Core Facility, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892
| | - Walther Mothes
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | | | - Andrés Finzi
- Centre de recherche du CHUM. Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill, QC, Canada
| | - Pradeep D. Uchil
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Frank J. Gonzalez
- Laboratory of Metabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Marzena Pazgier
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814-4712, USA
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40
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Higashikuni Y, Liu W, Obana T, Sata M. Pathogenic Basis of Thromboinflammation and Endothelial Injury in COVID-19: Current Findings and Therapeutic Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222112081. [PMID: 34769508 PMCID: PMC8584434 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222112081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has become a global pandemic with a great impact on social and economic activities, as well as public health. In most patients, the symptoms of COVID-19 are a high-grade fever and a dry cough, and spontaneously resolve within ten days. However, in severe cases, COVID-19 leads to atypical bilateral interstitial pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and systemic thromboembolism, resulting in multiple organ failure with high mortality and morbidity. SARS-CoV-2 has immune evasion mechanisms, including inhibition of interferon signaling and suppression of T cell and B cell responses. SARS-CoV-2 infection directly and indirectly causes dysregulated immune responses, platelet hyperactivation, and endothelial dysfunction, which interact with each other and are exacerbated by cardiovascular risk factors. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the pathogenic basis of thromboinflammation and endothelial injury in COVID-19. We highlight the distinct contributions of dysregulated immune responses, platelet hyperactivation, and endothelial dysfunction to the pathogenesis of COVID-19. In addition, we discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting these mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasutomi Higashikuni
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan; (W.L.); (T.O.)
- Correspondence: (Y.H.); (M.S.)
| | - Wenhao Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan; (W.L.); (T.O.)
| | - Takumi Obana
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan; (W.L.); (T.O.)
| | - Masataka Sata
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of Tokushima, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
- Correspondence: (Y.H.); (M.S.)
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Wirnsberger G, Monteil V, Eaton B, Postnikova E, Murphy M, Braunsfeld B, Crozier I, Kricek F, Niederhöfer J, Schwarzböck A, Breid H, Jimenez AS, Bugajska-Schretter A, Dohnal A, Ruf C, Gugenberger R, Hagelkruys A, Montserrat N, Holbrook MR, Oostenbrink C, Shoemaker RH, Mirazimi A, Penninger JM. Clinical grade ACE2 as a universal agent to block SARS-CoV-2 variants. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021:2021.09.10.459744. [PMID: 34545368 PMCID: PMC8452097 DOI: 10.1101/2021.09.10.459744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The recent emergence of multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants has caused considerable concern due to reduced vaccine efficacy and escape from neutralizing antibody therapeutics. It is therefore paramount to develop therapeutic strategies that inhibit all known and future SARS-CoV-2 variants. Here we report that all SARS-CoV-2 variants analyzed, including variants of concern (VOC) Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta, exhibit enhanced binding affinity to clinical grade and phase 2 tested recombinant human soluble ACE2 (APN01). Importantly, soluble ACE2 neutralized infection of VeroE6 cells and human lung epithelial cells by multiple VOC strains with markedly enhanced potency when compared to reference SARS-CoV-2 isolates. Effective inhibition of infections with SARS-CoV-2 variants was validated and confirmed in two independent laboratories. These data show that SARS-CoV-2 variants that have emerged around the world, including current VOC and several variants of interest, can be inhibited by soluble ACE2, providing proof of principle of a pan-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vanessa Monteil
- Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Unit of Clinical Microbiology, SE-17182, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brett Eaton
- NIAID Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick (IRF-Frederick), Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Elena Postnikova
- NIAID Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick (IRF-Frederick), Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Michael Murphy
- NIAID Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick (IRF-Frederick), Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Benedict Braunsfeld
- Institute for Molecular Modeling and Simulation, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Austria
| | - Ian Crozier
- NIAID Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick (IRF-Frederick), Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Franz Kricek
- NBS-C BioScience & Consulting GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Astrid Hagelkruys
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nuria Montserrat
- Pluripotency for Organ Regeneration, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Michael R. Holbrook
- NIAID Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick (IRF-Frederick), Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Chris Oostenbrink
- Institute for Molecular Modeling and Simulation, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Austria
| | - Robert H. Shoemaker
- Chemopreventive Agent Development Research Group, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Ali Mirazimi
- Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Unit of Clinical Microbiology, SE-17182, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Josef M. Penninger
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Wilhelm A, Toptan T, Pallas C, Wolf T, Goetsch U, Gottschalk R, Vehreschild MJGT, Ciesek S, Widera M. Antibody-Mediated Neutralization of Authentic SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617 Variants Harboring L452R and T478K/E484Q. Viruses 2021; 13:v13091693. [PMID: 34578275 DOI: 10.1101/2021.08.09.21261704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The capacity of convalescent and vaccine-elicited sera and monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 variants is currently of high relevance to assess the protection against infections. We performed a cell culture-based neutralization assay focusing on authentic SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.617.1 (Kappa), B.1.617.2 (Delta), B.1.427/B.1.429 (Epsilon), all harboring the spike substitution L452R. We found that authentic SARS-CoV-2 variants harboring L452R had reduced susceptibility to convalescent and vaccine-elicited sera and mAbs. Compared to B.1, Kappa and Delta showed a reduced neutralization by convalescent sera by a factor of 8.00 and 5.33, respectively, which constitutes a 2-fold greater reduction when compared to Epsilon. BNT2b2 and mRNA1273 vaccine-elicited sera were less effective against Kappa, Delta, and Epsilon compared to B.1. No difference was observed between Kappa and Delta towards vaccine-elicited sera, whereas convalescent sera were 1.51-fold less effective against Delta, respectively. Both B.1.617 variants Kappa (+E484Q) and Delta (+T478K) were less susceptible to either casirivimab or imdevimab. In conclusion, in contrast to the parallel circulating Kappa variant, the neutralization efficiency of convalescent and vaccine-elicited sera against Delta was moderately reduced. Delta was resistant to imdevimab, which, however, might be circumvented by combination therapy with casirivimab together.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Wilhelm
- Institute for Medical Virology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Tuna Toptan
- Institute for Medical Virology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Christiane Pallas
- Institute for Medical Virology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Timo Wolf
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Udo Goetsch
- Health Protection Authority of the City of Frankfurt am Main, 60313 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Rene Gottschalk
- Health Protection Authority of the City of Frankfurt am Main, 60313 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Maria J G T Vehreschild
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- University Center for Infectious Diseases (UCI), University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Sandra Ciesek
- Institute for Medical Virology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
- Branch Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Marek Widera
- Institute for Medical Virology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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43
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Wilhelm A, Toptan T, Pallas C, Wolf T, Goetsch U, Gottschalk R, Vehreschild MJGT, Ciesek S, Widera M. Antibody-Mediated Neutralization of Authentic SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617 Variants Harboring L452R and T478K/E484Q. Viruses 2021; 13:1693. [PMID: 34578275 PMCID: PMC8473269 DOI: 10.3390/v13091693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The capacity of convalescent and vaccine-elicited sera and monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 variants is currently of high relevance to assess the protection against infections. We performed a cell culture-based neutralization assay focusing on authentic SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.617.1 (Kappa), B.1.617.2 (Delta), B.1.427/B.1.429 (Epsilon), all harboring the spike substitution L452R. We found that authentic SARS-CoV-2 variants harboring L452R had reduced susceptibility to convalescent and vaccine-elicited sera and mAbs. Compared to B.1, Kappa and Delta showed a reduced neutralization by convalescent sera by a factor of 8.00 and 5.33, respectively, which constitutes a 2-fold greater reduction when compared to Epsilon. BNT2b2 and mRNA1273 vaccine-elicited sera were less effective against Kappa, Delta, and Epsilon compared to B.1. No difference was observed between Kappa and Delta towards vaccine-elicited sera, whereas convalescent sera were 1.51-fold less effective against Delta, respectively. Both B.1.617 variants Kappa (+E484Q) and Delta (+T478K) were less susceptible to either casirivimab or imdevimab. In conclusion, in contrast to the parallel circulating Kappa variant, the neutralization efficiency of convalescent and vaccine-elicited sera against Delta was moderately reduced. Delta was resistant to imdevimab, which, however, might be circumvented by combination therapy with casirivimab together.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Wilhelm
- Institute for Medical Virology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (A.W.); (T.T.); (C.P.); (S.C.)
| | - Tuna Toptan
- Institute for Medical Virology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (A.W.); (T.T.); (C.P.); (S.C.)
| | - Christiane Pallas
- Institute for Medical Virology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (A.W.); (T.T.); (C.P.); (S.C.)
| | - Timo Wolf
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (T.W.); (M.J.G.T.V.)
| | - Udo Goetsch
- Health Protection Authority of the City of Frankfurt am Main, 60313 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (U.G.); (R.G.)
| | - Rene Gottschalk
- Health Protection Authority of the City of Frankfurt am Main, 60313 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (U.G.); (R.G.)
| | - Maria J. G. T. Vehreschild
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (T.W.); (M.J.G.T.V.)
- University Center for Infectious Diseases (UCI), University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Sandra Ciesek
- Institute for Medical Virology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (A.W.); (T.T.); (C.P.); (S.C.)
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
- Branch Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Marek Widera
- Institute for Medical Virology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (A.W.); (T.T.); (C.P.); (S.C.)
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Sava A, Buron F, Routier S, Panainte A, Bibire N, Constantin SM, Lupașcu FG, Focșa AV, Profire L. Design, Synthesis, In Silico and In Vitro Studies for New Nitric Oxide-Releasing Indomethacin Derivatives with 1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thiol Scaffold. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7079. [PMID: 34209248 PMCID: PMC8267937 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Starting from indomethacin (IND), one of the most prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), new nitric oxide-releasing indomethacin derivatives with 1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thiol scaffold (NO-IND-OXDs, 8a-p) have been developed as a safer and more efficient multitarget therapeutic strategy. The successful synthesis of designed compounds (intermediaries and finals) was proved by complete spectroscopic analyses. In order to study the in silico interaction of NO-IND-OXDs with cyclooxygenase isoenzymes, a molecular docking study, using AutoDock 4.2.6 software, was performed. Moreover, their biological characterization, based on in vitro assays, in terms of thermal denaturation of serum proteins, antioxidant effects and the NO releasing capacity, was also performed. Based on docking results, 8k, 8l and 8m proved to be the best interaction for the COX-2 (cyclooxygense-2) target site, with an improved docking score compared with celecoxib. Referring to the thermal denaturation of serum proteins and antioxidant effects, all the tested compounds were more active than IND and aspirin, used as references. In addition, the compounds 8c, 8h, 8i, 8m, 8n and 8o showed increased capacity to release NO, which means they are safer in terms of gastrointestinal side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Sava
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iași, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.S.); (A.P.); (N.B.)
- Institut de Chimie Organique et Analytique ICOA, CNRS UMR 7311, Université d’Orléans, 45067 Orléans, France;
| | - Frederic Buron
- Institut de Chimie Organique et Analytique ICOA, CNRS UMR 7311, Université d’Orléans, 45067 Orléans, France;
| | - Sylvain Routier
- Institut de Chimie Organique et Analytique ICOA, CNRS UMR 7311, Université d’Orléans, 45067 Orléans, France;
| | - Alina Panainte
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iași, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.S.); (A.P.); (N.B.)
| | - Nela Bibire
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iași, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.S.); (A.P.); (N.B.)
| | - Sandra Mădălina Constantin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iași, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (S.M.C.); (F.G.L.); (A.V.F.)
| | - Florentina Geanina Lupașcu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iași, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (S.M.C.); (F.G.L.); (A.V.F.)
| | - Alin Viorel Focșa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iași, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (S.M.C.); (F.G.L.); (A.V.F.)
| | - Lenuţa Profire
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iași, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (S.M.C.); (F.G.L.); (A.V.F.)
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