1
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Voss WN, Mallory MA, Byrne PO, Marchioni JM, Knudson SA, Powers JM, Leist SR, Dadonaite B, Townsend DR, Kain J, Huang Y, Satterwhite E, Castillo IN, Mattocks M, Paresi C, Munt JE, Scobey T, Seeger A, Premkumar L, Bloom JD, Georgiou G, McLellan JS, Baric RS, Lavinder JJ, Ippolito GC. Hybrid immunity to SARS-CoV-2 arises from serological recall of IgG antibodies distinctly imprinted by infection or vaccination. Cell Rep Med 2024:101668. [PMID: 39094579 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
We describe the molecular-level composition of polyclonal immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti-spike antibodies from ancestral severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, vaccination, or their combination ("hybrid immunity") at monoclonal resolution. Infection primarily triggers S2/N-terminal domain (NTD)-reactive antibodies, whereas vaccination mainly induces anti-receptor-binding domain (RBD) antibodies. This imprint persists after secondary exposures wherein >60% of ensuing hybrid immunity derives from the original IgG pool. Monoclonal constituents of the original IgG pool can increase breadth, affinity, and prevalence upon secondary exposures, as exemplified by the plasma antibody SC27. Following a breakthrough infection, vaccine-induced SC27 gained neutralization breadth and potency against SARS-CoV-2 variants and zoonotic viruses (half-maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50] ∼0.1-1.75 nM) and increased its binding affinity to the protective RBD class 1/4 epitope (dissociation constant [KD] < 5 pM). According to polyclonal escape analysis, SC27-like binding patterns are common in SARS-CoV-2 hybrid immunity. Our findings provide a detailed molecular definition of immunological imprinting and show that vaccination can produce class 1/4 (SC27-like) IgG antibodies circulating in the blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- William N Voss
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Michael A Mallory
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Patrick O Byrne
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Marchioni
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Sean A Knudson
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - John M Powers
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sarah R Leist
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Bernadeta Dadonaite
- Basic Sciences Division and Computational Biology Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Douglas R Townsend
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Jessica Kain
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Yimin Huang
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Ed Satterwhite
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Izabella N Castillo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Melissa Mattocks
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Chelsea Paresi
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Jennifer E Munt
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Trevor Scobey
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Allison Seeger
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Lakshmanane Premkumar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jesse D Bloom
- Basic Sciences Division and Computational Biology Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - George Georgiou
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Jason S McLellan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Ralph S Baric
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jason J Lavinder
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
| | - Gregory C Ippolito
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
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2
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Dong W, Yang X, Li X, Wei S, An C, Zhang J, Shi X, Dong S. Investigation of N-Glycan Functions in Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products V Domain through Chemical Glycoprotein Synthesis. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:18270-18280. [PMID: 38917169 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c01413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) plays a crucial role in inflammation-related pathways and various chronic diseases. Despite the recognized significance of N-glycosylation in the ligand-binding V domain (VD) of RAGE, a comprehensive understanding of the site-activity and structure-activity relationships is lacking due to the challenges in obtaining homogeneous glycoprotein samples through biological expression. Here, we combined chemical and chemoenzymatic approaches to synthesize RAGE-VD and its congeners with Asn3-glycosylation by incorporating precise N-glycan structures. Evaluation of these samples revealed that, in comparison to other RAGE-VD forms, α2,6-sialylated N-glycosylation at the Asn3 site results in more potent inhibition of HMGB1-induced nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) expression in RAGE-overexpressing cells. Hydrogen/deuterium exchange-mass spectrum analysis revealed a sialylated RAGE-VD-induced interaction region within HMGB1. Conversely, Asn3 N-glycosylation in VD has negligible effects on RAGE-VD/S100B interactions. This study established an approach for accessing homogeneously glycosylated RAGE-VD and explored the modulatory effects of N-glycosylation on the interactions between RAGE-VD and its ligand proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Chemical Biology Center, and Department of Chemical Biology at School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xingyue Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Chemical Biology Center, and Department of Chemical Biology at School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Chemical Biology Center, and Department of Chemical Biology at School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Sheng Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Chemical Biology Center, and Department of Chemical Biology at School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Chuanjing An
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Chemical Biology Center, and Department of Chemical Biology at School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Chemical Biology Center, and Department of Chemical Biology at School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xiaomeng Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Chemical Biology Center, and Department of Chemical Biology at School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Suwei Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Chemical Biology Center, and Department of Chemical Biology at School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
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3
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Stocks BB, Thibeault MP, L'Abbé D, Umer M, Liu Y, Stuible M, Durocher Y, Melanson JE. Characterization of biotinylated human ACE2 and SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.4/5 spike protein reference materials. Anal Bioanal Chem 2024:10.1007/s00216-024-05413-7. [PMID: 38942955 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-024-05413-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Accurate diagnostic and serology assays are required for the continued management of the COVID-19 pandemic yet spike protein mutations and intellectual property concerns with antigens and antibodies used in various test kits render comparability assessments difficult. As the use of common, well-characterized reagents can help address this lack of standardization, the National Research Council Canada has produced two protein reference materials (RMs) for use in SARS-CoV-2 serology assays: biotinylated human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 RM, ACE2-1, and SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.4/5 spike protein RM, OMIC-1. Reference values were assigned through a combination of amino acid analysis via isotope dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry following acid hydrolysis, and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry at 280 nm. Vial-to-vial homogeneity was established using UV-Vis measurements, and protein oligomeric status, monitored by size exclusion liquid chromatography (LC-SEC), was used to evaluate transportation, storage, and freeze-thaw stabilities. The molar protein concentration in ACE2-1 was 25.3 ± 1.7 µmol L-1 (k = 2, 95% CI) and consisted almost exclusively (98%) of monomeric ACE2, while OMIC-1 contained 5.4 ± 0.5 µmol L-1 (k = 2) spike protein in a mostly (82%) trimeric form. Glycoprotein molar mass determination by LC-SEC with multi-angle light scattering detection facilitated calculation of corresponding mass concentrations. To confirm protein functionality, the binding of OMIC-1 to immobilized ACE2-1 was investigated with surface plasmon resonance and the resulting dissociation constant, KD ~ 4.4 nM, was consistent with literature values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley B Stocks
- Metrology, National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0R6, Canada.
| | - Marie-Pier Thibeault
- Metrology, National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Denis L'Abbé
- Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council Canada, 6100 Royalmount Avenue, Montreal, QC, H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Muhammad Umer
- Metrology, National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Yali Liu
- Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council Canada, 6100 Royalmount Avenue, Montreal, QC, H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Matthew Stuible
- Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council Canada, 6100 Royalmount Avenue, Montreal, QC, H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Yves Durocher
- Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council Canada, 6100 Royalmount Avenue, Montreal, QC, H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Jeremy E Melanson
- Metrology, National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0R6, Canada
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Mendiola-Salazar XA, Munguía-Laguna MA, Franco M, Cano-Martínez A, Santamaría Sosa J, Bautista-Pérez R. SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Enhances Carboxypeptidase Activity of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6276. [PMID: 38892464 PMCID: PMC11172802 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigated whether severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein may modify angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) activity in the plasma, heart, kidney, liver, lung, and six brain regions (amygdala, brain stem, cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and striatum) of diabetic and hypertensive rats. We determine ACE2 activity in the plasma and lysates of heart, kidney, liver, lung, and six brain regions. MLN-4760 inhibits ACE2 activity in the plasma and all organs. On the other hand, soluble ACE2 (sACE2) activity increased in the plasma of diabetic rats, and there was no change in the plasma of hypertensive rats. ACE2 activity was augmented in the liver, brain stem, and striatum, while it decreased in the kidney, amygdala, cortex, and hippocampus of diabetic rats. ACE2 activity increased in the kidney, liver, and lung, while it decreased in the heart, amygdala, cortex, and hypothalamus of hypertensive rats. We measured the ACE2 content via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and found that ACE2 protein levels increased in the heart, while it decreased in the plasma, kidney, brain stem, cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and striatum of diabetic rats. ACE2 protein levels decreased in the brain stem, cortex, hippocampus, and hypothalamus of hypertensive rats. Our data showed that the spike protein enhanced ACE2 activity in the liver and lungs of diabetic rats, as well as in the heart and three of the brain regions (cortex, hypothalamus, and striatum) of hypertensive rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xóchitl Andrea Mendiola-Salazar
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología “Ignacio Chávez”, Mexico City 14080, Mexico (M.A.M.-L.)
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 54090, Mexico
| | - Melanie A. Munguía-Laguna
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología “Ignacio Chávez”, Mexico City 14080, Mexico (M.A.M.-L.)
| | - Martha Franco
- Department of Cardio-Renal Pathophysiology, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología “Ignacio Chávez”, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (M.F.); (J.S.S.)
| | - Agustina Cano-Martínez
- Department of Physiology, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología “Ignacio Chávez”, Mexico City 14080, Mexico;
| | - José Santamaría Sosa
- Department of Cardio-Renal Pathophysiology, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología “Ignacio Chávez”, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (M.F.); (J.S.S.)
| | - Rocío Bautista-Pérez
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología “Ignacio Chávez”, Mexico City 14080, Mexico (M.A.M.-L.)
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5
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Wang L, Wu H, Cao T, Li H, Shen P, Lu L, Zhang Z. Identification of structural origins of complex charge heterogeneity in therapeutic ACE2Fc fusion protein facilitated by free-flow isoelectric focusing. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 198:114248. [PMID: 38467335 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Fc Fusion protein represents a versatile molecular platform with considerable potential as protein therapeutics of which the charge heterogeneity should be well characterized according to regulatory guidelines. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 Fc fusion protein (ACE2Fc) has been investigated as a potential neutralizing agent to various coronaviruses, including the lingering SARS-CoV-2, as this coronavirus must bind to ACE2 to allow for its entry into host cells. ACE2Fc, an investigational new drug developed by Henlius (Shanghai China), has passed the Phase I clinical trial, but its huge amount of charge isoforms and complicated charge heterogeneity posed a challenge to charge variant investigation in pharmaceutical development. We employed offline free-flow isoelectric focusing (FF-IEF) fractionation, followed by detailed characterization of enriched ACE2Fc fractions, to unveil the structural origins of charge heterogeneity in ACE2Fc expressed by recombinant CHO cells. We adopted a well-tuned 3-component separation medium for ACE2Fc fractionation, the highest allowable voltage to maximize the FF-IEF separation window and a mild Protein A elution method for preservation of protein structural integrity. Through peptide mapping and other characterizations, we revealed that the intricate profiles of ACE2Fc charge heterogeneity are mainly caused by highly sialylated multi-antenna N-glycosylation. In addition, based on fraction characterization and in silico glycoprotein model analysis, we discovered that the large acidic glycans at N36, N73, and N305 of ACE2Fc were able to decrease the binding activity towards Spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2. Our study exemplifies the value of FF-IEF in highly complex fusion protein characterization and revealed a quantitative sialylation-activity relationship in ACE2Fc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyu Wang
- Department of Analytical Science and Development, Shanghai Henlius Biologics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 201600, China
| | - Hai Wu
- Department of Analytical Science and Development, Shanghai Henlius Biologics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 201600, China
| | - Ting Cao
- Department of Analytical Science and Development, Shanghai Henlius Biologics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 201600, China
| | - Hongyang Li
- Department of Analytical Science and Development, Shanghai Henlius Biologics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 201600, China
| | - Pengcheng Shen
- Department of Analytical Science and Development, Shanghai Henlius Biologics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 201600, China
| | - Lihong Lu
- Department of Analytical Science and Development, Shanghai Henlius Biologics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 201600, China
| | - Zhongli Zhang
- Department of Analytical Science and Development, Shanghai Henlius Biologics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 201600, China.
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El Khoury M, Wanes D, Lynch-Miller M, Hoter A, Naim HY. Glycosylation Modulation Dictates Trafficking and Interaction of SARS-CoV-2 S1 Subunit and ACE2 in Intestinal Epithelial Caco-2 Cells. Biomolecules 2024; 14:537. [PMID: 38785944 PMCID: PMC11117975 DOI: 10.3390/biom14050537] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mainly targets the upper respiratory tract. It gains entry by interacting with the host cell receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) via its heavily glycosylated spike glycoprotein. SARS-CoV-2 can also affect the gastrointestinal tract. Given the significant role of glycosylation in the life cycle of proteins and the multisystem target of SARS-CoV-2, the role of glycosylation in the interaction of S1 with ACE2 in Caco-2 cells was investigated after modulation of their glycosylation patterns using N-butyldeoxynojirimycin (NB-DNJ) and 1-deoxymannojirimycin (dMM), in addition to mutant CHO cells harboring mutations at different stages of glycosylation. The data show a substantial reduction in the interactions between the altered glycosylation forms of S1 and ACE2 in the presence of NB-DNJ, while varied outcomes resulted from dMM treatment. These results highlight the promising effects of NB-DNJ and its potential use as an off-label drug to treat SARS-CoV-2 infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Hassan Y. Naim
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (M.E.K.); (D.W.); (M.L.-M.); (A.H.)
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7
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Liao Y, Zhang Y, Li H, Hu H, Li M, Liao C. ACE2: the node connecting the lung cancer and COVID-19. Am J Cancer Res 2024; 14:1466-1481. [PMID: 38726281 PMCID: PMC11076241 DOI: 10.62347/xjve4569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) collaborates with Angiotensin (Ang) 1-7 and Mas receptors to establish the ACE2-Ang (1-7)-Mas receptor axis. ACE2 impacts lung function and can cause lung injury due to its inflammatory effects. Additionally, ACE2 contributes to pulmonary vasculature dysfunction, resulting in pulmonary hypertension. In addition, ACE2 is a receptor for coronavirus entry into host cells, leading to coronavirus infection. Lung cancer, one of the most common respiratory diseases worldwide, has a high rate of infection. Elevated levels of ACE2 in lung cancer patients, which increase the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe disease, have been demonstrated in clinical studies and by molecular mechanisms. The association between lung cancer and SARS-CoV-2 is closely linked to ACE2. This review examines the basic pathophysiological role of ACE2 in the lung, the long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on lung function, the development of pulmonary fibrosis, chronic inflammation in long-term COVID patients, and the clinical research and mechanisms underlying the increased susceptibility of lung cancer patients to the virus. Possible mechanisms of lung cancer in SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals and the potential role of ACE2 in this process are also explored in this review. The role of ACE2 as a therapeutic target in the novel coronavirus infection process is also summarized. This will help to inform prevention and treatment of long-term pulmonary complications in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liao
- School of Anesthesiology, Naval Medical UniversityShanghai 200433, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Graduate School, Hebei North UniversityZhangjiakou 075000, Hebei, China
| | - Houfeng Li
- Graduate School, Hebei North UniversityZhangjiakou 075000, Hebei, China
| | - Huixiu Hu
- Graduate School, Hebei North UniversityZhangjiakou 075000, Hebei, China
| | - Mi Li
- School of Anesthesiology, Naval Medical UniversityShanghai 200433, China
| | - Chunhua Liao
- School of Anesthesiology, Naval Medical UniversityShanghai 200433, China
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Cacciapuoti M, Caputo I, Stefanelli LF, Davis PA, Nalesso F, Calò LA. "Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining": How Three Rare Diseases Defend Themselves from COVID-19 and What We Have Learnt from It. Clin Pract 2024; 14:614-618. [PMID: 38666806 PMCID: PMC11048753 DOI: 10.3390/clinpract14020048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The process of SARS-CoV-2 infection, responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, is carried out through different steps, with the interaction between ACE2 and Spike protein (S) being crucial. Besides of that, the acidic environment of endosomes seems to play a relevant role in the virus uptake into cells and its intracellular replication. Patients affected by two rare genetic tubulopathies, Gitelman's and Bartter's Syndromes, and a rare genetic metabolic disease, Fabry Disease, have shown intrinsic protection from SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 on account of specific intrinsic features that interfere with the virus uptake into cells and its intracellular replication, which will be reported and discussed in this paper, providing interesting insights for present and future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Cacciapuoti
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.C.); (I.C.); (F.N.)
| | - Ilaria Caputo
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.C.); (I.C.); (F.N.)
| | - Lucia Federica Stefanelli
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.C.); (I.C.); (F.N.)
| | - Paul A. Davis
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Federico Nalesso
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.C.); (I.C.); (F.N.)
| | - Lorenzo A. Calò
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.C.); (I.C.); (F.N.)
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9
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Maity S, Acharya A. Many Roles of Carbohydrates: A Computational Spotlight on the Coronavirus S Protein Binding. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:646-656. [PMID: 36947738 PMCID: PMC10880061 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.2c01064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Glycosylation is one of the post-translational modifications with more than 50% of human proteins being glycosylated. The exact nature and chemical composition of glycans are inaccessible to X-ray or cryo-electron microscopy imaging techniques. Therefore, computational modeling studies and molecular dynamics must be used as a "computational microscope". The spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 is heavily glycosylated, and a few glycans play a more functional role "beyond shielding". In this mini-review, we discuss computational investigations of the roles of specific S-protein and ACE2 glycans in the overall ACE2-S protein binding. We highlight different functions of specific glycans demonstrated in myriad computational models and simulations in the context of the SARS-CoV-2 virus binding to the receptor. We also discuss interactions between glycocalyx and the S protein, which may be utilized to design prophylactic polysaccharide-based therapeutics targeting the S protein. In addition, we underline the recent emergence of coronavirus variants and their impact on the S protein and its glycans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Maity
- Department
of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, United States
| | - Atanu Acharya
- Department
of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, United States
- BioInspired
Syracuse, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, United States
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10
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Xiong Q, Ma C, Liu C, Tong F, Huang M, Yan H. ACE2-using merbecoviruses: Further evidence of convergent evolution of ACE2 recognition by NeoCoV and other MERS-CoV related viruses. CELL INSIGHT 2024; 3:100145. [PMID: 38476250 PMCID: PMC10928290 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellin.2023.100145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) was recognized as an entry receptor shared by coronaviruses from Sarbecovirus and Setracovirus subgenera, including three human coronaviruses: SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and NL63. We recently disclosed that NeoCoV and three other merbecoviruses (PDF-2180, MOW15-22, PnNL 2018B), which are MERS-CoV relatives found in African and European bats, also utilize ACE2 as their functional receptors through unique receptor binding mechanisms. This unexpected receptor usage assumes significance, particularly in light of the prior recognition of Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) as the only known protein receptor for merbecoviruses. In contrast to other ACE2-using coronaviruses, NeoCoV and PDF-2180 engage a distinct and relatively compact binding surface on ACE2, facilitated by protein-glycan interactions, which is demonstrated by the Cryo-EM structures of the receptor binding domains (RBDs) of these viruses in complex with a bat ACE2 orthologue. These findings further support the hypothesis that phylogenetically distant coronaviruses, characterized by distinct RBD structures, can independently evolve to acquire ACE2 affinity during inter-species transmission and adaptive evolution. To date, these viruses have exhibited limited efficiency in entering human cells, although single mutations like T510F in NeoCoV can overcome the incompatibility with human ACE2. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of ACE2-using merbecoviruses, summarize our current knowledge regarding receptor usage and host tropism determination, and deliberate on potential strategies for prevention and intervention, with the goal of mitigating potential future outbreaks caused by spillover of these viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute for Vaccine Research and Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Chengbao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute for Vaccine Research and Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Chen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute for Vaccine Research and Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Fei Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute for Vaccine Research and Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Meiling Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute for Vaccine Research and Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Huan Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute for Vaccine Research and Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
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11
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Hou J, Wei Y, Zou J, Jaffery R, Sun L, Liang S, Zheng N, Guerrero AM, Egan NA, Bohat R, Chen S, Zheng C, Mao X, Yi SS, Chen K, McGrail DJ, Sahni N, Shi PY, Chen Y, Xie X, Peng W. Integrated multi-omics analyses identify anti-viral host factors and pathways controlling SARS-CoV-2 infection. Nat Commun 2024; 15:109. [PMID: 38168026 PMCID: PMC10761986 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44175-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Host anti-viral factors are essential for controlling SARS-CoV-2 infection but remain largely unknown due to the biases of previous large-scale studies toward pro-viral host factors. To fill in this knowledge gap, we perform a genome-wide CRISPR dropout screen and integrate analyses of the multi-omics data of the CRISPR screen, genome-wide association studies, single-cell RNA-Seq, and host-virus proteins or protein/RNA interactome. This study uncovers many host factors that are currently underappreciated, including the components of V-ATPases, ESCRT, and N-glycosylation pathways that modulate viral entry and/or replication. The cohesin complex is also identified as an anti-viral pathway, suggesting an important role of three-dimensional chromatin organization in mediating host-viral interaction. Furthermore, we discover another anti-viral regulator KLF5, a transcriptional factor involved in sphingolipid metabolism, which is up-regulated, and harbors genetic variations linked to COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms. Anti-viral effects of three identified candidates (DAZAP2/VTA1/KLF5) are confirmed individually. Molecular characterization of DAZAP2/VTA1/KLF5-knockout cells highlights the involvement of genes related to the coagulation system in determining the severity of COVID-19. Together, our results provide further resources for understanding the host anti-viral network during SARS-CoV-2 infection and may help develop new countermeasure strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiakai Hou
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yanjun Wei
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jing Zou
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Roshni Jaffery
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Long Sun
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Shaoheng Liang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- Computational Biology Department, School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ningbo Zheng
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ashley M Guerrero
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nicholas A Egan
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ritu Bohat
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Si Chen
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Caishang Zheng
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiaobo Mao
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - S Stephen Yi
- Department of Oncology, Livestrong Cancer Institutes, and Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Graduate Programs (ILSGP) and Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences (ICES), The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Ken Chen
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Daniel J McGrail
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Nidhi Sahni
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Pei-Yong Shi
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
- Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
- Sealy Center for Structural Biology & Molecular Biophysics, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
- Institute for Translational Science, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
- Sealy Institute for Drug Discovery, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
| | - Yiwen Chen
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Quantitative Sciences Program, MD Anderson Cancer Center, UT Health Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Xuping Xie
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
- Sealy Institute for Drug Discovery, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
| | - Weiyi Peng
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
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12
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Yang L, Guo S, Hou C, Jiang S, Shi L, Ma X, Zheng B, Fang Y, Ye L, He X. Low-Entropy Hydration Shells at the Spike RBD's Binding Site May Reveal the Contagiousness of SARS-CoV-2 Variants. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1628. [PMID: 38002310 PMCID: PMC10669249 DOI: 10.3390/biom13111628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The infectivity of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is primarily determined by the binding affinity between the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein and the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. Here, through screening off pseudo hydrophilic groups on protein surfaces, the distribution of low-entropy regions on hydration shells of the ACE2 receptor and the RBDs of multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants was demonstrated. Shape matching between the low-entropy hydration shells of multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants and the ACE2 receptor has been identified as a mechanism that drives hydrophobic attraction between the RBDs and the ACE2 receptor, which estimates the binding affinity. Low-entropy regions of the hydration shells, which play important roles in determining the binding of other viruses and their receptors, are demonstrated. The RBD-ACE2 binding is thus found to be guided by hydrophobic collapse between the shape-matched low-entropy regions of the hydration shells of the proteins. A measure of the low-entropy status of the hydration shells can be estimated by calculating genuine hydrophilic groups within the binding sites. An important indicator of the contagiousness of SARS-CoV-2 variants is the low-entropy level of its hydration shells at the spike protein binding site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Yang
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Advanced Composites in Special Environments, Center for Composite Materials and Structures, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, China; (S.G.); (S.J.); (L.S.); (X.M.)
- School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Shuai Guo
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Advanced Composites in Special Environments, Center for Composite Materials and Structures, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, China; (S.G.); (S.J.); (L.S.); (X.M.)
| | - Chengyu Hou
- School of Electronics and Information Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, China;
| | - Shenda Jiang
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Advanced Composites in Special Environments, Center for Composite Materials and Structures, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, China; (S.G.); (S.J.); (L.S.); (X.M.)
| | - Liping Shi
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Advanced Composites in Special Environments, Center for Composite Materials and Structures, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, China; (S.G.); (S.J.); (L.S.); (X.M.)
| | - Xiaoliang Ma
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Advanced Composites in Special Environments, Center for Composite Materials and Structures, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, China; (S.G.); (S.J.); (L.S.); (X.M.)
| | - Bing Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Functional Inorganic Material Chemistry (Ministry of Education) and School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Heilongjiang University, Harbin 150001, China;
| | - Yi Fang
- Department of Mathematics, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China;
| | - Lin Ye
- School of System Design and Intelligent Manufacturing, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China;
| | - Xiaodong He
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Advanced Composites in Special Environments, Center for Composite Materials and Structures, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, China; (S.G.); (S.J.); (L.S.); (X.M.)
- Shenzhen STRONG Advanced Materials Research Institute Co., Ltd., Shenzhen 518035, China
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13
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Wei L, Chen Y, Feng X, Yao J, Zhang L, Zhou X, Yan G, Qiu H, Wang C, Lu H. Elucidation of N-/ O-glycosylation and site-specific mapping of sialic acid linkage isomers of SARS-CoV-2 human receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2. Analyst 2023; 148:5002-5011. [PMID: 37728433 DOI: 10.1039/d3an01079a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) is the primary receptor for cellular entry of SARS-CoV-2 into human host cells. hACE2 is heavily glycosylated and glycans on the receptor may play a role in viral binding. Thus, comprehensive characterization of hACE2 glycosylation could aid our understanding of interactions between the receptor and SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein, as well as provide a basis for the development of therapeutic drugs targeting this crucial interaction. Herein, 138 N-glycan compositions were identified, most of which are complex-type N-glycans, from seven N-glycosites of hACE2. Among them, 67% contain at least one sialic acid residue. At the level of glycopeptides, the overall quantification of sialylated glycan isomers observed on the sites N322 and N546 have a higher degree of NeuAc (α2-3)Gal (over 80.3%) than that of other N-glycosites (35.6-71.0%). In terms of O-glycans, 69 glycan compositions from 12 O-glycosites were identified, and especially, the C-terminus of hACE2 is heavily O-glycosylated. The terminal sialic acid linkage type of H1N1S1 and H1N1S2 are covered highly with α2,3-sialic acid. These findings could aid the investigation of the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and human host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liming Wei
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, 131 Dongan Road, 20032 Shanghai, China.
| | - Yuning Chen
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences Department, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, 201203 Shanghai, China.
- School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, 100049 Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Feng
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, 131 Dongan Road, 20032 Shanghai, China.
| | - Jun Yao
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, 131 Dongan Road, 20032 Shanghai, China.
| | - Lei Zhang
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, 131 Dongan Road, 20032 Shanghai, China.
| | - Xinwen Zhou
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, 131 Dongan Road, 20032 Shanghai, China.
| | - Guoquan Yan
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, 131 Dongan Road, 20032 Shanghai, China.
| | - Hong Qiu
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences Department, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, 201203 Shanghai, China.
- School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, 100049 Beijing, China
| | - Chunhe Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences Department, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, 201203 Shanghai, China.
- School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, 100049 Beijing, China
| | - Haojie Lu
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, 131 Dongan Road, 20032 Shanghai, China.
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14
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Strasser R. Plant glycoengineering for designing next-generation vaccines and therapeutic proteins. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 67:108197. [PMID: 37315875 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Protein glycosylation has a huge impact on biological processes in all domains of life. The type of glycan present on a recombinant glycoprotein depends on protein intrinsic features and the glycosylation repertoire of the cell type used for expression. Glycoengineering approaches are used to eliminate unwanted glycan modifications and to facilitate the coordinated expression of glycosylation enzymes or whole metabolic pathways to furnish glycans with distinct modifications. The formation of tailored glycans enables structure-function studies and optimization of therapeutic proteins used in different applications. While recombinant proteins or proteins from natural sources can be in vitro glycoengineered using glycosyltransferases or chemoenzymatic synthesis, many approaches use genetic engineering involving the elimination of endogenous genes and introduction of heterologous genes to cell-based production systems. Plant glycoengineering enables the in planta production of recombinant glycoproteins with human or animal-type glycans that resemble natural glycosylation or contain novel glycan structures. This review summarizes key achievements in glycoengineering of plants and highlights current developments aiming to make plants more suitable for the production of a diverse range of recombinant glycoproteins for innovative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Strasser
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria.
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15
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Wang CW, Chuang HC, Tan TH. ACE2 in chronic disease and COVID-19: gene regulation and post-translational modification. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:71. [PMID: 37608279 PMCID: PMC10464117 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-023-00965-9] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a counter regulator of the renin-angiotensin system, provides protection against several chronic diseases. Besides chronic diseases, ACE2 is the host receptor for SARS-CoV or SARS-CoV-2 virus, mediating the first step of virus infection. ACE2 levels are regulated by transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational regulation or modification. ACE2 transcription is enhanced by transcription factors including Ikaros, HNFs, GATA6, STAT3 or SIRT1, whereas ACE2 transcription is reduced by the transcription factor Brg1-FoxM1 complex or ERRα. ACE2 levels are also regulated by histone modification or miRNA-induced destabilization. The protein kinase AMPK, CK1α, or MAP4K3 phosphorylates ACE2 protein and induces ACE2 protein levels by decreasing its ubiquitination. The ubiquitination of ACE2 is induced by the E3 ubiquitin ligase MDM2 or UBR4 and decreased by the deubiquitinase UCHL1 or USP50. ACE2 protein levels are also increased by the E3 ligase PIAS4-mediated SUMOylation or the methyltransferase PRMT5-mediated ACE2 methylation, whereas ACE2 protein levels are decreased by AP2-mediated lysosomal degradation. ACE2 is downregulated in several human chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, or lung injury. In contrast, SARS-CoV-2 upregulates ACE2 levels, enhancing host cell susceptibility to virus infection. Moreover, soluble ACE2 protein and exosomal ACE2 protein facilitate SARS-CoV-2 infection into host cells. In this review, we summarize the gene regulation and post-translational modification of ACE2 in chronic disease and COVID-19. Understanding the regulation and modification of ACE2 may help to develop prevention or treatment strategies for ACE2-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Wen Wang
- Immunology Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, 35053 Taiwan
| | - Huai-Chia Chuang
- Immunology Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, 35053 Taiwan
| | - Tse-Hua Tan
- Immunology Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, 35053 Taiwan
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16
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Izadi S, Vavra U, Melnik S, Grünwald-Gruber C, Föderl-Höbenreich E, Sack M, Zatloukal K, Glössl J, Stöger E, Mach L, Castilho A, Strasser R. In planta deglycosylation improves the SARS-CoV-2 neutralization activity of recombinant ACE2-Fc. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1180044. [PMID: 37207124 PMCID: PMC10190127 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1180044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infects human cells via binding of the viral spike glycoprotein to its main cellular receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The spike protein-ACE2 receptor interaction is therefore a major target for the development of therapeutic or prophylactic drugs to combat coronavirus infections. Various engineered soluble ACE2 variants (decoys) have been designed and shown to exhibit virus neutralization capacity in cell-based assays and in vivo models. Human ACE2 is heavily glycosylated and some of its glycans impair binding to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Therefore, glycan-engineered recombinant soluble ACE2 variants might display enhanced virus-neutralization potencies. Here, we transiently co-expressed the extracellular domain of ACE2 fused to human Fc (ACE2-Fc) with a bacterial endoglycosidase in Nicotiana benthamiana to produce ACE2-Fc decorated with N-glycans consisting of single GlcNAc residues. The endoglycosidase was targeted to the Golgi apparatus with the intention to avoid any interference of glycan removal with concomitant ACE2-Fc protein folding and quality control in the endoplasmic reticulum. The in vivo deglycosylated ACE2-Fc carrying single GlcNAc residues displayed increased affinity to the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 as well as improved virus neutralization activity and thus is a promising drug candidate to block coronavirus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Izadi
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrike Vavra
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stanislav Melnik
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Clemens Grünwald-Gruber
- Core Facility Mass Spectrometry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Kurt Zatloukal
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Josef Glössl
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Eva Stöger
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Mach
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexandra Castilho
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Richard Strasser
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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