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Nurheibah SI, Sayyed ND, Batyanovskii AV, Talwar CS, Ahn WC, Park KH, Tuzikov AV, Ha KS, Woo EJ. Scyllatoxin-based peptide design for E. coli expression and HIV gp120 binding. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 727:150310. [PMID: 38941793 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Targeting the hydrophobic Phe43 pocket of HIV's envelope glycoprotein gp120 is a critical strategy for antiviral interventions due to its role in interacting with the host cell's CD4. Previous inhibitors, including small molecules and CD4 mimetic peptides based on scyllatoxin, have demonstrated significant binding and neutralization capabilities but were often chemically synthesized or contained non-canonical amino acids. Microbial expression using natural amino acids offers advantages such as cost-effectiveness, scalability, and efficient production of fusion proteins. In this study, we enhanced the previous scyllatoxin-based synthetic peptide by substituting natural amino acids and successfully expressed it in E. coli. The peptide was optimized by mutating the C-terminal amidated valine to valine and glutamine, and by reducing the disulfide bonds from three to two. Circular dichroism confirmed proper secondary structure formation, and fluorescence polarization analysis revealed specific, concentration-dependent binding to HIV gp120, supported by molecular dynamics simulations. These findings indicate the potential for scalable microbial production of effective antiviral peptides, with significant applications in pharmaceutical development for HIV treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salsabilla Izzah Nurheibah
- Department of Proteome Structural Biology, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea; Disease Target Structure Research Center, KRIBB, Daejeon, 31441, Republic of Korea
| | - Nilofar Danishmalik Sayyed
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, KRIBB, Daejeon, 31441, Republic of Korea; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Kangwon-do, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Alexander V Batyanovskii
- United Institute of Informatics Problems, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Minsk, 220012, Belarus
| | - Chandana S Talwar
- Department of Proteome Structural Biology, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea; Disease Target Structure Research Center, KRIBB, Daejeon, 31441, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Chan Ahn
- Critical Diseases Diagnostics Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Hyun Park
- Department of Proteome Structural Biology, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea; Critical Diseases Diagnostics Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Alexander V Tuzikov
- United Institute of Informatics Problems, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Minsk, 220012, Belarus
| | - Kwon-Soo Ha
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Kangwon-do, 24341, Republic of Korea.
| | - Eui-Jeon Woo
- Department of Proteome Structural Biology, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea; Disease Target Structure Research Center, KRIBB, Daejeon, 31441, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Xia Z, He D, Wu Y, Kwok HF, Cao Z. Scorpion venom peptides: Molecular diversity, structural characteristics, and therapeutic use from channelopathies to viral infections and cancers. Pharmacol Res 2023; 197:106978. [PMID: 37923027 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Animal venom is an important evolutionary innovation in nature. As one of the most representative animal venoms, scorpion venom contains an extremely diverse set of bioactive peptides. Scorpion venom peptides not only are 'poisons' that immobilize, paralyze, kill, or dissolve preys but also become important candidates for drug development and design. Here, the review focuses on the molecular diversity of scorpion venom peptides, their typical structural characteristics, and their multiple therapeutic or pharmaceutical applications in channelopathies, viral infections and cancers. Especially, the group of scorpion toxin TRPTx targeting transient receptor potential (TRP) channels is systematically summarized and worthy of attention because TRP channels play a crucial role in the regulation of homeostasis and the occurrence of diseases in human. We also further establish the potential relationship between the molecular characteristics and functional applications of scorpion venom peptides to provide a research basis for modern drug development and clinical utilization of scorpion venom resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Xia
- School of Biological and Food Processing Engineering, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, China
| | - Dangui He
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao; Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao
| | - Yingliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao; Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao; MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao.
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Bio-drug Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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3
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Dam KMA, Fan C, Yang Z, Bjorkman PJ. Intermediate conformations of CD4-bound HIV-1 Env heterotrimers. Nature 2023; 623:1017-1025. [PMID: 37993719 PMCID: PMC10686819 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06639-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
HIV-1 envelope (Env) exhibits distinct conformational changes in response to host receptor (CD4) engagement. Env, a trimer of gp120 and gp41 heterodimers, has been structurally characterized in a closed, prefusion conformation with closely associated gp120s and coreceptor binding sites on gp120 V3 hidden by V1V2 loops1-4 and in fully saturated CD4-bound open Env conformations with changes including outwardly rotated gp120s and displaced V1V2 loops3-9. To investigate changes resulting from substoichiometric CD4 binding, we solved single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of soluble, native-like heterotrimeric Envs bound to one or two CD4 molecules. Most of the Env trimers bound to one CD4 adopted the closed, prefusion Env state, with a minority exhibiting a heterogeneous partially open Env conformation. When bound to two CD4s, the CD4-bound gp120s exhibited an open Env conformation including a four-stranded gp120 bridging sheet and displaced gp120 V1V2 loops that expose the coreceptor sites on V3. The third gp120 adopted an intermediate, occluded-open state10 that showed gp120 outward rotation but maintained the prefusion three-stranded gp120 bridging sheet with only partial V1V2 displacement and V3 exposure. We conclude that most of the engagements with one CD4 molecule were insufficient to stimulate CD4-induced conformational changes, whereas binding two CD4 molecules led to Env opening in CD4-bound protomers only. The substoichiometric CD4-bound soluble Env heterotrimer structures resembled counterparts derived from a cryo-electron tomography study of complexes between virion-bound Envs and membrane-anchored CD4 (ref. 11), validating their physiological relevance. Together, these results illuminate intermediate conformations of HIV-1 Env and illustrate its structural plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim-Marie A Dam
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Chengcheng Fan
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Zhi Yang
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Pamela J Bjorkman
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.
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4
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Dam KMA, Fan C, Yang Z, Bjorkman PJ. Structural characterization of HIV-1 Env heterotrimers bound to one or two CD4 receptors reveals intermediate Env conformations. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.27.525985. [PMID: 36747804 PMCID: PMC9900888 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.27.525985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
HIV-1 envelope (Env) exhibits distinct conformational changes in response to host receptor (CD4) engagement. Env, a trimer of gp120/gp41 heterodimers, has been structurally characterized in a closed, prefusion conformation with closely associated gp120s and coreceptor binding sites on gp120 V3 hidden by V1V2 loops, and in fully-saturated CD4-bound open Env conformations with changes including outwardly rotated gp120s and displaced V1V2 loops. To investigate changes resulting from sub-stoichiometric CD4 binding, we solved 3.4Å and 3.9Å single-particle cryo-EM structures of soluble, native-like Envs bound to one or two CD4 molecules. Env trimer bound to one CD4 adopted the closed, prefusion Env state. When bound to two CD4s, the CD4-bound gp120s exhibited an open Env conformation including a four-stranded gp120 bridging sheet and displaced gp120 V1V2 loops that expose the coreceptor sites on V3. The third gp120 adopted an intermediate, occluded-open state that included gp120 outward rotation but maintained the prefusion, three-stranded gp120 bridging sheet and showed only partial V1V2 displacement and V3 exposure. We conclude that engagement of one CD4 molecule was insufficient to stimulate CD4-induced conformational changes, while binding two CD4 molecules led to Env opening in CD4-bound protomers only. Together, these results illuminate HIV-1 Env intermediate conformations and illustrate the structural plasticity of HIV-1 Env.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim-Marie A Dam
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Chengcheng Fan
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Zhi Yang
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
- Present address: Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, 13 Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Pamela J Bjorkman
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
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5
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Vivekanandan S, Vetrivel U, Hanna LE. Design of human immunodeficiency virus-1 neutralizing peptides targeting CD4-binding site: An integrative computational biologics approach. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:1036874. [DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1036874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide therapeutics have recently gained momentum in antiviral therapy due to their increased potency and cost-effectiveness. Interaction of the HIV-1 envelope gp120 with the host CD4 receptor is a critical step for viral entry, and therefore the CD4-binding site (CD4bs) of gp120 is a potential hotspot for blocking HIV-1 infection. The present study aimed to design short peptides from well-characterized CD4bs targeting broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs), which could be utilized as bNAb mimetics for viral neutralization. Co-crystallized structures of HIV-1 gp120 in complex with CD4bs-directed bNAbs were used to derive hexameric peptides using the Rosetta Peptiderive protocol. Based on empirical insights into co-crystallized structures, peptides derived from the heavy chain alone were considered. The peptides were docked with both HIV-1 subtype B and C gp120, and the stability of the peptide–antigen complexes was validated using extensive Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations. Two peptides identified in the study demonstrated stable intermolecular interactions with SER365, GLY366, and GLY367 of the PHE43 cavity in the CD4 binding pocket, and with ASP368 of HIV-1 gp120, thereby mimicking the natural interaction between ASP368gp120 and ARG59CD4–RECEPTOR. Furthermore, the peptides featured favorable physico-chemical properties for virus neutralization suggesting that these peptides may be highly promising bNAb mimetic candidates that may be taken up for experimental validation.
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6
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Vince MJK, Holub JM. Synthesis of Scyllatoxin-Based BH3 Domain Mimetics with Diverse Patterns of Native Disulfide Bonds. Curr Protoc 2022; 2:e526. [PMID: 35994574 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.526] [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] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This article outlines the design and development of scyllatoxin (ScTx)-based BH3 domain mimetics with diverse patterns of native disulfide bonds. More specifically, this method summarizes the total chemical synthesis of ScTx-based peptides that contain zero, one, two, or three disulfide linkages, including techniques to generate variants with any combination of native disulfides. Each peptide reported herein is generated on solid-phase support using microwave-assisted coupling procedures, and all reaction parameters related to the peptide synthesis are described in detail. The various disulfide patterns of the ScTx-based constructs are established during peptide synthesis and are ultimately verified by mass analysis of trypsin-digested fragments. The BH3 domain mimetics developed herein were generated by transposing residues from the helical BH3 domain of the pro-apoptotic BCL2 protein Bax to the α-helix of wild-type ScTx. Interestingly, we found that the relative binding affinities of ScTx-Bax peptides for the anti-apoptotic BCL2 protein Bcl-2 (proper) were heavily influenced by the number and position of disulfide linkages within the ScTx-Bax sequence. As a consequence, we were able to utilize ScTx-Bax BH3 domain mimetics with varied patterns of disulfide bonds to survey how structural rigidity within the helical Bax BH3 domain affects binding to promiscuous anti-apoptotic BCL2 proteins. More broadly, the ability to generate ScTx-based molecules that contain any combination of native disulfide bonds expands the utility of such constructs as tools to study the molecular nature of protein-protein interactions. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Synthesis and characterization of ScTx-based Bax BH3 domain mimetics Basic Protocol 2: Oxidation of ScTx-Bax BH3 domain mimetics containing one, two, or three disulfide linkages Support Protocol: Mapping of disulfide linkages in oxidized ScTx-Bax BH3 domain mimetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J K Vince
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
- Institut für Bioanalytische Chemie, Fakultät für Chemie und Mineralogie, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Biotechnologisch-Biomedizinisches Zentrum, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Justin M Holub
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
- Edison Biotechnology Institute, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
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7
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Awuni E. Modeling the MreB-CbtA Interaction to Facilitate the Prediction and Design of Candidate Antibacterial Peptides. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 8:814935. [PMID: 35155572 PMCID: PMC8828653 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.814935] [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] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) have emerged as promising targets for PPI modulators as alternative drugs because they are essential for most biochemical processes in living organisms. In recent years, a spotlight has been put on the development of peptide-based PPI inhibitors as the next-generation therapeutics to combat antimicrobial resistance taking cognizance of protein-based PPI-modulators that interact with target proteins to inhibit function. Although protein-based PPI inhibitors are not effective therapeutic agents because of their high molecular weights, they could serve as sources for peptide-based pharmaceutics if the target-inhibitor complex is accessible and well characterized. The Escherichia coli (E. coli) toxin protein, CbtA, has been identified as a protein-based PPI modulator that binds to the bacterial actin homolog MreB leading to the perturbation of its polymerization dynamics; and consequently has been suggested to have antibacterial properties. Unfortunately, however, the three-dimensional structures of CbtA and the MreB-CbtA complex are currently not available to facilitate the optimization process of the pharmacological properties of CbtA. In this study, computer modeling strategies were used to predict key MreB-CbtA interactions to facilitate the design of antiMreB peptide candidates. A model of the E. coli CbtA was built using the trRosetta software and its stability was assessed through molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The modeling and simulations data pointed to a model with reasonable quality and stability. Also, the HADDOCK software was used to predict a possible MreB-CbtA complex, which was characterized through MD simulations and compared with MreB-MreB dimmer. The results suggest that CbtA inhibits MreB through the competitive mechanism whereby CbtA competes with MreB monomers for the interprotofilament interface leading to interference with double protofilament formation. Additionally, by using the antiBP software to predict antibacterial peptides in CbtA, and the MreB-CbtA complex as the reference structure to determine important interactions and contacts, candidate antiMreB peptides were suggested. The peptide sequences could be useful in a rational antimicrobial peptide hybridization strategy to design novel antibiotics. All-inclusive, the data reveal the molecular basis of MreB inhibition by CbtA and can be incorporated in the design/development of the next-generation antibacterial peptides targeting MreB.
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Peptide-Based HIV Entry Inhibitors. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1366:15-26. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-16-8702-0_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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9
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Abernathy ME, Dam KMA, Esswein SR, Jette CA, Bjorkman PJ. How Antibodies Recognize Pathogenic Viruses: Structural Correlates of Antibody Neutralization of HIV-1, SARS-CoV-2, and Zika. Viruses 2021; 13:2106. [PMID: 34696536 PMCID: PMC8537525 DOI: 10.3390/v13102106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The H1N1 pandemic of 2009-2010, MERS epidemic of 2012, Ebola epidemics of 2013-2016 and 2018-2020, Zika epidemic of 2015-2016, and COVID-19 pandemic of 2019-2021, are recent examples in the long history of epidemics that demonstrate the enormous global impact of viral infection. The rapid development of safe and effective vaccines and therapeutics has proven vital to reducing morbidity and mortality from newly emerging viruses. Structural biology methods can be used to determine how antibodies elicited during infection or vaccination target viral proteins and identify viral epitopes that correlate with potent neutralization. Here we review how structural and molecular biology approaches have contributed to our understanding of antibody recognition of pathogenic viruses, specifically HIV-1, SARS-CoV-2, and Zika. Determining structural correlates of neutralization of viruses has guided the design of vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and small molecule inhibitors in response to the global threat of viral epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan E. Abernathy
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA; (M.E.A.); (K.-M.A.D.); (C.A.J.)
| | - Kim-Marie A. Dam
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA; (M.E.A.); (K.-M.A.D.); (C.A.J.)
| | - Shannon R. Esswein
- David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
| | - Claudia A. Jette
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA; (M.E.A.); (K.-M.A.D.); (C.A.J.)
| | - Pamela J. Bjorkman
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA; (M.E.A.); (K.-M.A.D.); (C.A.J.)
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10
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Jette CA, Barnes CO, Kirk SM, Melillo B, Smith AB, Bjorkman PJ. Cryo-EM structures of HIV-1 trimer bound to CD4-mimetics BNM-III-170 and M48U1 adopt a CD4-bound open conformation. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1950. [PMID: 33782388 PMCID: PMC8007822 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21816-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1), the causative agent of AIDS, impacts millions of people. Entry into target cells is mediated by the HIV-1 envelope (Env) glycoprotein interacting with host receptor CD4, which triggers conformational changes allowing binding to a coreceptor and subsequent membrane fusion. Small molecule or peptide CD4-mimetic drugs mimic CD4's Phe43 interaction with Env by inserting into the conserved Phe43 pocket on Env subunit gp120. Here, we present single-particle cryo-EM structures of CD4-mimetics BNM-III-170 and M48U1 bound to a BG505 native-like Env trimer plus the CD4-induced antibody 17b at 3.7 Å and 3.9 Å resolution, respectively. CD4-mimetic-bound BG505 exhibits canonical CD4-induced conformational changes including trimer opening, formation of the 4-stranded gp120 bridging sheet, displacement of the V1V2 loop, and formation of a compact and elongated gp41 HR1C helical bundle. We conclude that CD4-induced structural changes on both gp120 and gp41 Env subunits are induced by binding to the gp120 Phe43 pocket.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia A. Jette
- grid.20861.3d0000000107068890Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA USA
| | - Christopher O. Barnes
- grid.20861.3d0000000107068890Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA USA
| | - Sharon M. Kirk
- grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Bruno Melillo
- grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Amos B. Smith
- grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Pamela J. Bjorkman
- grid.20861.3d0000000107068890Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA USA
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11
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Opening the HIV envelope: potential of CD4 mimics as multifunctional HIV entry inhibitors. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2020; 15:300-308. [PMID: 32769632 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Close to 2 million individuals globally become infected with HIV-1 each year and just over two-thirds will have access to life-prolonging antivirals. However, the rapid development of drug resistance creates challenges, such that generation of more effective therapies is not only warranted but a necessary endeavour. This review discusses a group of HIV-1 entry inhibitors known as CD4 mimics which exploit the highly conserved relationship between the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein and the receptor, CD4. RECENT FINDINGS We review the structure/function guided evolution of these inhibitors, vital mechanistic insights that underpin broad and potent functional antagonism, recent evidence of utility demonstrated in animal and physiologically relevant in-vitro models, and current progress towards effective new-generation inhibitors. SUMMARY The current review highlights the promising potential of CD4 mimetics as multifunctional therapeutics.
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12
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Su X, Wang Q, Wen Y, Jiang S, Lu L. Protein- and Peptide-Based Virus Inactivators: Inactivating Viruses Before Their Entry Into Cells. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1063. [PMID: 32523582 PMCID: PMC7261908 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other highly pathogenic enveloped viruses, have threatened the global public health. Most antiviral drugs act as passive defenders to inhibit viral replication inside the cell, while a few of them function as gate keepers to combat viruses outside the cell, including fusion inhibitors, e.g., enfuvirtide, and receptor antagonists, e.g., maraviroc, as well as virus inactivators (including attachment inhibitors). Different from fusion inhibitors and receptor antagonists that must act in the presence of target cells, virus inactivators can actively inactivate cell-free virions in the blood, through interaction with one or more sites in the envelope glycoproteins (Envs) on virions. Notably, a number of protein- and peptide-based virus inactivators (PPVIs) under development are expected to have a better utilization rate than the current antiviral drugs and be safer for in vivo human application than the chemical-based virus inactivators. Here we have highlighted recent progress in developing PPVIs against several important enveloped viruses, including HIV, influenza virus, Zika virus (ZIKV), dengue virus (DENV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV), and the potential use of PPVIs for urgent treatment of infection by newly emerging or re-emerging viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojie Su
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yumei Wen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shibo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Lu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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13
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Pu J, Wang Q, Xu W, Lu L, Jiang S. Development of Protein- and Peptide-Based HIV Entry Inhibitors Targeting gp120 or gp41. Viruses 2019; 11:v11080705. [PMID: 31374953 PMCID: PMC6722851 DOI: 10.3390/v11080705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Application of highly active antiretroviral drugs (ARDs) effectively reduces morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected individuals. However, the emergence of multiple drug-resistant strains has led to the increased failure of ARDs, thus calling for the development of anti-HIV drugs with targets or mechanisms of action different from those of the current ARDs. The first peptide-based HIV entry inhibitor, enfuvirtide, was approved by the U.S. FDA in 2003 for treatment of HIV/AIDS patients who have failed to respond to the current ARDs, which has stimulated the development of several series of protein- and peptide-based HIV entry inhibitors in preclinical and clinical studies. In this review, we highlighted the properties and mechanisms of action for those promising protein- and peptide-based HIV entry inhibitors targeting the HIV-1 gp120 or gp41 and discussed their advantages and disadvantages, compared with the current ARDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Pu
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Shibo Jiang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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14
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Inaba H, Matsuura K. Peptide Nanomaterials Designed from Natural Supramolecular Systems. CHEM REC 2018; 19:843-858. [PMID: 30375148 DOI: 10.1002/tcr.201800149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Natural supramolecular assemblies exhibit unique structural and functional properties that have been optimized over the course of evolution. Inspired by these natural systems, various bio-nanomaterials have been developed using peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids as components. Peptides are attractive building blocks because they enable the important domains of natural protein assemblies to be isolated and optimized while retaining the original structures and functions. Furthermore, the peptide subunits can be conjugated with exogenous molecules such as peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, and metal nanoparticles to generate advanced functions. In this personal account, we summarize recent progress in the construction of peptide-based nanomaterial designed from natural supramolecular systems, including (1) artificial viral capsids, (2) self-assembled nanofibers, and (3) protein-binding motifs. The peptides inspired by nature should provide new design principles for bio-nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Inaba
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University, Koyama-Minami 4-101, Tottori, 680-8552, Japan.,Centre for Research on Green Sustainable Chemistry, Tottori University, Koyama-Minami 4-101, Tottori, 680-8552, Japan
| | - Kazunori Matsuura
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University, Koyama-Minami 4-101, Tottori, 680-8552, Japan.,Centre for Research on Green Sustainable Chemistry, Tottori University, Koyama-Minami 4-101, Tottori, 680-8552, Japan
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15
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Falkenhagen A, Joshi S. HIV Entry and Its Inhibition by Bifunctional Antiviral Proteins. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2018; 13:347-364. [PMID: 30340139 PMCID: PMC6197789 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
HIV entry is a highly specific and time-sensitive process that can be divided into receptor binding, coreceptor binding, and membrane fusion. Bifunctional antiviral proteins (bAVPs) exploit the multi-step nature of the HIV entry process by binding to two different extracellular targets. They are generated by expressing a fusion protein containing two entry inhibitors with a flexible linker. The resulting fusion proteins exhibit exceptional neutralization potency and broad cross-clade inhibition. In this review, we summarize the HIV entry process and provide an overview of the design, antiviral potency, and methods of delivery of bAVPs. Additionally, we discuss the advantages and limitations of bAVPs for HIV prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Falkenhagen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E2, Canada
| | - Sadhna Joshi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E2, Canada.
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16
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Arachchige D, Holub JM. Synthesis and Biological Activity of Scyllatoxin-Based BH3 Domain Mimetics Containing Two Disulfide Linkages. Protein J 2018; 37:428-443. [PMID: 30128635 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-018-9791-9] [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] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) proteins are a family of evolutionarily related proteins that act as positive or negative regulators of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Overexpression of anti-apoptotic BCL2 proteins in cells is associated with apoptotic resistance, which can result in cancerous phenotypes and pathogenic cell survival. Consequently, anti-apoptotic BCL2 proteins have attracted considerable interest as therapeutic targets. We recently reported the development of a novel class of synthetic protein based on scyllatoxin (ScTx) designed to mimic the helical BH3 interaction domain of the pro-apoptotic BCL2 protein Bax. These studies showed that the number and position of native disulfide linkages contained within the ScTx-Bax structure significantly influences the ability for these constructs to target anti-apoptotic BCL2 proteins in vitro. The goal of the present study is to investigate the contribution of two disulfide linkages in the folding and biological activity of ScTx-Bax proteins. Here, we report the full chemical synthesis of three ScTx-Bax sequence variants, each presenting two native disulfide linkages at different positions within the folded structure. It was observed that two disulfide linkages were sufficient to fold ScTx-Bax proteins into native-like architectures reminiscent of wild-type ScTx. Furthermore, we show that select (bis)disulfide ScTx-Bax variants can target Bcl-2 (proper) in vitro and that the position of the disulfide bonds significantly influences binding affinity. Despite exhibiting only modest binding to Bcl-2, the successful synthesis of ScTx-Bax proteins containing two disulfide linkages represents a viable route to ScTx-based BH3 domain mimetics that preserve native-like conformations. Finally, structural models of ScTx-Bax proteins in complex with Bcl-2 indicate that these helical mimetics bind in similar configurations as wild-type Bax BH3 domains. Taken together, these results suggest that ScTx-Bax proteins may serve as potent lead compounds that expand the repertoire of "druggable" protein-protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danushka Arachchige
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ohio University, Biochemistry Research Facility 108, 350 W. State St., Athens, OH, 45701, USA
| | - Justin M Holub
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ohio University, Biochemistry Research Facility 108, 350 W. State St., Athens, OH, 45701, USA.
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA.
- Edison Biotechnology Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA.
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17
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Cross-Linking of a CD4-Mimetic Miniprotein with HIV-1 Env gp140 Alters Kinetics and Specificities of Antibody Responses against HIV-1 Env in Macaques. J Virol 2017; 91:JVI.00401-17. [PMID: 28490585 PMCID: PMC5599731 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00401-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Evaluation of the epitope specificities, locations (systemic or mucosal), and effector functions of antibodies elicited by novel HIV-1 immunogens engineered to improve exposure of specific epitopes is critical for HIV-1 vaccine development. Utilizing an array of humoral assays, we evaluated the magnitudes, epitope specificities, avidities, and functions of systemic and mucosal immune responses elicited by a vaccine regimen containing Env cross-linked to a CD4-mimetic miniprotein (gp140-M64U1) in rhesus macaques. Cross-linking of gp140 Env to M64U1 resulted in earlier increases of both the magnitude and avidity of the IgG binding response than those with Env protein alone. Notably, IgG binding responses at an early time point correlated with antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) function at the peak immunity time point, which was higher for the cross-linked Env group than for the Env group. In addition, the cross-linked Env group developed higher IgG responses against a linear epitope in the gp120 C1 region of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein. These data demonstrate that structural modification of the HIV-1 envelope immunogen by cross-linking of gp140 with the CD4-mimetic M64U1 elicited an earlier increase of binding antibody responses and altered the specificity of the IgG responses, correlating with the rise of subsequent antibody-mediated antiviral functions.IMPORTANCE The development of an efficacious HIV-1 vaccine remains a global priority to prevent new cases of HIV-1 infection. Of the six HIV-1 efficacy trials to date, only one has demonstrated partial efficacy, and immune correlate analysis of that trial revealed a role for binding antibodies and antibody Fc-mediated effector functions. New HIV-1 envelope immunogens are being engineered to selectively expose the most vulnerable and conserved sites on the HIV-1 envelope, with the goal of eliciting antiviral antibodies. Evaluation of the humoral responses elicited by these novel immunogen designs in nonhuman primates is critical for understanding how to improve upon immunogen design to inform further testing in human clinical trials. Our results demonstrate that structural modifications of Env that aim to mimic the CD4-bound conformation can result in earlier antibody elicitation, altered epitope specificity, and increased antiviral function postimmunization.
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18
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Holub JM. Small Scaffolds, Big Potential: Developing Miniature Proteins as Therapeutic Agents. Drug Dev Res 2017; 78:268-282. [PMID: 28799168 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical Research Miniature proteins are a class of oligopeptide characterized by their short sequence lengths and ability to adopt well-folded, three-dimensional structures. Because of their biomimetic nature and synthetic tractability, miniature proteins have been used to study a range of biochemical processes including fast protein folding, signal transduction, catalysis and molecular transport. Recently, miniature proteins have been gaining traction as potential therapeutic agents because their small size and ability to fold into defined tertiary structures facilitates their development as protein-based drugs. This research overview discusses emerging developments involving the use of miniature proteins as scaffolds to design novel therapeutics for the treatment and study of human disease. Specifically, this review will explore strategies to: (i) stabilize miniature protein tertiary structure; (ii) optimize biomolecular recognition by grafting functional epitopes onto miniature protein scaffolds; and (iii) enhance cytosolic delivery of miniature proteins through the use of cationic motifs that facilitate endosomal escape. These objectives are discussed not only to address challenges in developing effective miniature protein-based drugs, but also to highlight the tremendous potential miniature proteins hold for combating and understanding human disease. Drug Dev Res 78 : 268-282, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin M Holub
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA
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19
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Harada S, Yoshimura K. Driving HIV-1 into a Vulnerable Corner by Taking Advantage of Viral Adaptation and Evolution. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:390. [PMID: 28360890 PMCID: PMC5352695 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-retroviral therapy (ART) is crucial for controlling human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infection. Recently, progress in identifying and characterizing highly potent broadly neutralizing antibodies has provided valuable templates for HIV-1 therapy and vaccine design. Nevertheless, HIV-1, like many RNA viruses, exhibits genetically diverse populations known as quasispecies. Evolution of quasispecies can occur rapidly in response to selective pressures, such as that exerted by ART and the immune system. Hence, rapid viral evolution leading to drug resistance and/or immune evasion is a significant barrier to the development of effective HIV-1 treatments and vaccines. Here, we describe our recent investigations into evolutionary pressure exerted by anti-retroviral drugs and monoclonal neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) on HIV-1 envelope sequences. We also discuss sensitivities of HIV-1 escape mutants to maraviroc, a CCR5 inhibitor, and HIV-1 sensitized to NAbs by small-molecule CD4-mimetic compounds. These studies help to develop an understanding of viral evolution and escape from both anti-retroviral drugs and the immune system, and also provide fundamental insights into the combined use of NAbs and entry inhibitors. These findings of the adaptation and evolution of HIV in response to drug and immune pressure will inform the development of more effective antiviral therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeyoshi Harada
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Yoshimura
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases Tokyo, Japan
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20
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Activation and Inactivation of Primary Human Immunodeficiency Virus Envelope Glycoprotein Trimers by CD4-Mimetic Compounds. J Virol 2017; 91:JVI.01880-16. [PMID: 27881646 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01880-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) entry into cells is mediated by the viral envelope glycoproteins (Env), a trimer of three gp120 exterior glycoproteins, and three gp41 transmembrane glycoproteins. The metastable Env is triggered to undergo entry-related conformational changes when gp120 binds sequentially to the receptors, CD4 and CCR5, on the target cell. Small-molecule CD4-mimetic compounds (CD4mc) bind gp120 and act as competitive inhibitors of gp120-CD4 engagement. Some CD4mc have been shown to trigger Env prematurely, initially activating Env function, followed by rapid and irreversible inactivation. Here, we study CD4mc with a wide range of anti-HIV-1 potencies and demonstrate that all tested CD4mc are capable of activating as well as inactivating Env function. Biphasic dose-response curves indicated that the occupancy of the protomers in the Env trimer governs viral activation versus inactivation. One CD4mc bound per Env trimer activated HIV-1 infection. Envs with two CD4mc bound were activated for infection of CD4-negative, CCR5-positive cells, but the infection of CD4-positive, CCR5-positive cells was inhibited. Virus was inactivated when all three Env protomers were occupied by the CD4mc, and gp120 shedding from the Env trimer was increased in the presence of some CD4mc. Env reactivity and the on rates of CD4mc binding to the Env trimer were found to be important determinants of the potency of activation and entry inhibition. Cross-sensitization of Env protomers that do not bind the CD4mc to neutralization by an anti-V3 antibody was not evident. These insights into the mechanism of antiviral activity of CD4mc should assist efforts to optimize their potency and utility. IMPORTANCE The trimeric envelope glycoproteins of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) mediate virus entry into host cells. Binding to the host cell receptors, CD4 and CCR5, triggers changes in the conformation of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein trimer important for virus entry. Small-molecule CD4-mimetic compounds inhibit HIV-1 infection by multiple mechanisms: (i) direct blockade of the interaction between the gp120 exterior envelope glycoprotein and CD4; (ii) premature triggering of conformational changes in the envelope glycoproteins, leading to irreversible inactivation; and (iii) exposure of cryptic epitopes to antibodies, allowing virus neutralization. The consequences of the binding of the CD4-mimetic compound to the HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins depends upon how many of the three subunits of the trimer are bound and upon the propensity of the envelope glycoproteins to undergo conformational changes. Understanding the mechanistic factors that influence the activity of CD4-mimetic compounds can help to improve their potency and coverage of diverse HIV-1 strains.
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21
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da Mata ÉCG, Mourão CBF, Rangel M, Schwartz EF. Antiviral activity of animal venom peptides and related compounds. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2017; 23:3. [PMID: 28074089 PMCID: PMC5217322 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-016-0089-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses exhibit rapid mutational capacity to trick and infect host cells, sometimes assisted through virus-coded peptides that counteract host cellular immune defense. Although a large number of compounds have been identified as inhibiting various viral infections and disease progression, it is urgent to achieve the discovery of more effective agents. Furthermore, proportionally to the great variety of diseases caused by viruses, very few viral vaccines are available, and not all are efficient. Thus, new antiviral substances obtained from natural products have been prospected, including those derived from venomous animals. Venoms are complex mixtures of hundreds of molecules, mostly peptides, that present a large array of biological activities and evolved to putatively target the biochemical machinery of different pathogens or host cellular structures. In addition, non-venomous compounds, such as some body fluids of invertebrate organisms, exhibit antiviral activity. This review provides a panorama of peptides described from animal venoms that present antiviral activity, thereby reinforcing them as important tools for the development of new therapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Élida Cleyse Gomes da Mata
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900 Brazil
| | | | - Marisa Rangel
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900 Brazil ; Laboratory of Immunopathology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP 05508-900 Brazil
| | - Elisabeth Ferroni Schwartz
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900 Brazil
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22
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Zhang S, Zhu L, Yu J, Xu J, Gao B, Zhou C, Zhu S. Evaluating the potential of a loop-extended scorpion toxin-like peptide as a protein scaffold. Protein Eng Des Sel 2016; 29:607-616. [PMID: 27672050 DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzw051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2016] [Revised: 08/06/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Grafting of exogenous bioactive sites or functional motifs onto structurally stable scaffolds to gain new functions represents an important research direction in protein engineering. Some engineered proteins have been developed into therapeutic drugs. MeuNaTxα-3 (abbreviated as MT-3) is a newly characterized scorpion sodium channel toxin-like peptide isolated from the venom of the scorpion Mesobuthus eupeus, which contains a rigid scaffold highly similar to classical scorpion sodium channel toxins and an extension of eight amino acids in its J-loop region. This extended loop constitutes a flexible region extruded from the scaffold and could be substituted by exogenous functional sequences. In this study, we experimentally evaluated the scaffold potential of MT-3 through grafting two small antimicrobial motifs to replace residues within the loop. Functional assays showed that the two engineered molecules exhibited elevated antimicrobial potency, as compared with the unmodified scaffold, without structural disruption, providing experimental evidence in favor of MT-3 as a promising scaffold in protein engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangfei Zhang
- Group of Peptide Biology and Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, 100101 Beijing, China
| | - Limei Zhu
- Group of Peptide Biology and Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, 100101 Beijing, China
| | - Jie Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 TongJiaXiang, 210009 Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 TongJiaXiang, 210009 Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bin Gao
- Group of Peptide Biology and Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, 100101 Beijing, China
| | - Changlin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 TongJiaXiang, 210009 Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shunyi Zhu
- Group of Peptide Biology and Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, 100101 Beijing, China
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Groß A, Hashimoto C, Sticht H, Eichler J. Synthetic Peptides as Protein Mimics. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2016; 3:211. [PMID: 26835447 PMCID: PMC4717299 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2015.00211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The design and generation of molecules capable of mimicking the binding and/or functional sites of proteins represents a promising strategy for the exploration and modulation of protein function through controlled interference with the underlying molecular interactions. Synthetic peptides have proven an excellent type of molecule for the mimicry of protein sites because such peptides can be generated as exact copies of protein fragments, as well as in diverse chemical modifications, which includes the incorporation of a large range of non-proteinogenic amino acids as well as the modification of the peptide backbone. Apart from extending the chemical and structural diversity presented by peptides, such modifications also increase the proteolytic stability of the molecules, enhancing their utility for biological applications. This article reviews recent advances by this and other laboratories in the use of synthetic protein mimics to modulate protein function, as well as to provide building blocks for synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Groß
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Chie Hashimoto
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Heinrich Sticht
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jutta Eichler
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
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24
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Borguesan B, e Silva MB, Grisci B, Inostroza-Ponta M, Dorn M. APL: An angle probability list to improve knowledge-based metaheuristics for the three-dimensional protein structure prediction. Comput Biol Chem 2015; 59 Pt A:142-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2015.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Revised: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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25
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Zhan C, Li C, Wei X, Lu W, Lu W. Toxins and derivatives in molecular pharmaceutics: Drug delivery and targeted therapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2015; 90:101-18. [PMID: 25959429 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2015.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Revised: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Protein and peptide toxins offer an invaluable source for the development of actively targeted drug delivery systems. They avidly bind to a variety of cognate receptors, some of which are expressed or even up-regulated in diseased tissues and biological barriers. Protein and peptide toxins or their derivatives can act as ligands to facilitate tissue- or organ-specific accumulation of therapeutics. Some toxins have evolved from a relatively small number of structural frameworks that are particularly suitable for addressing the crucial issues of potency and stability, making them an instrumental source of leads and templates for targeted therapy. The focus of this review is on protein and peptide toxins for the development of targeted drug delivery systems and molecular therapies. We summarize disease- and biological barrier-related toxin receptors, as well as targeted drug delivery strategies inspired by those receptors. The design of new therapeutics based on protein and peptide toxins is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changyou Zhan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Chong Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University & Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Pharmaceutical Process and Quality Control, Chongqing 400716, PR China
| | - Xiaoli Wei
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201203, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Wuyuan Lu
- Institute of Human Virology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Weiyue Lu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201203, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, PR China.
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26
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Acharya P, Lusvarghi S, Bewley CA, Kwong PD. HIV-1 gp120 as a therapeutic target: navigating a moving labyrinth. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2015; 19:765-83. [PMID: 25724219 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2015.1010513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The HIV-1 gp120 envelope (Env) glycoprotein mediates attachment of virus to human target cells that display requisite receptors, CD4 and co-receptor, generally CCR5. Despite high-affinity interactions with host receptors and proof-of-principle by the drug maraviroc that interference with CCR5 provides therapeutic benefit, no licensed drug currently targets gp120. AREAS COVERED An overview of the role of gp120 in HIV-1 entry and of sites of potential gp120 vulnerability to therapeutic inhibition is presented. Viral defenses that protect these sites and turn gp120 into a moving labyrinth are discussed together with strategies for circumventing these defenses to allow therapeutic targeting of gp120 sites of vulnerability. EXPERT OPINION The gp120 envelope glycoprotein interacts with host proteins through multiple interfaces and has conserved structural features at these interaction sites. In spite of this, targeting gp120 for therapeutic purposes is challenging. Env mechanisms that have evolved to evade the humoral immune response also shield it from potential therapeutics. Nevertheless, substantial progress has been made in understanding HIV-1 gp120 structure and its interactions with host receptors, and in developing therapeutic leads that potently neutralize diverse HIV-1 strains. Synergies between advances in understanding, needs for therapeutics against novel viral targets and characteristics of breadth and potency for a number of gp120-targetting lead molecules bodes well for gp120 as a HIV-1 therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyamvada Acharya
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases/National Institutes of Health, Vaccine Research Center, Structural Biology Section , Room 4609B, 40 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892 , USA
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27
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Oshiro S, Honda S. Imparting albumin-binding affinity to a human protein by mimicking the contact surface of a bacterial binding protein. ACS Chem Biol 2014; 9:1052-60. [PMID: 24533528 DOI: 10.1021/cb400946m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Attachment of a bacterial albumin-binding protein module is an attractive strategy for extending the plasma residence time of protein therapeutics. However, a protein fused with such a bacterial module could induce unfavorable immune reactions. To address this, we designed an alternative binding protein by imparting albumin-binding affinity to a human protein using molecular surface grafting. The result was a series of human-derived 6 helix-bundle proteins, one of which specifically binds to human serum albumin (HSA) with adequate affinity (KD = 100 nM). The proteins were designed by transferring key binding residues of a bacterial albumin-binding module, Finegoldia magna protein G-related albumin-binding domain (GA) module, onto the human protein scaffold. Despite 13-15 mutations, the designed proteins maintain the original secondary structure by virtue of careful grafting based on structural informatics. Competitive binding assays and thermodynamic analyses of the best binders show that the binding mode resembles that of the GA module, suggesting that the contacting surface of the GA module is mimicked well on the designed protein. These results indicate that the designed protein may act as an alternative low-risk binding module to HSA. Furthermore, molecular surface grafting in combination with structural informatics is an effective approach for avoiding deleterious mutations on a target protein and for imparting the binding function of one protein onto another.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Oshiro
- Department
of Medical Genome Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8562, Japan
| | - Shinya Honda
- Department
of Medical Genome Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8562, Japan
- Biomedical
Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Central 6, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan
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Roitburd-Berman A, Dela G, Kaplan G, Lewis GK, Gershoni JM. Allosteric induction of the CD4-bound conformation of HIV-1 Gp120. Retrovirology 2013; 10:147. [PMID: 24304511 PMCID: PMC4235218 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4690-10-147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV-1 infection of target cells is mediated via the binding of the viral envelope protein, gp120, to the cell surface receptor CD4. This interaction leads to conformational rearrangements in gp120 forming or revealing CD4 induced (CD4i) epitopes which are critical for the subsequent recognition of the co-receptor required for viral entry. The CD4-bound state of gp120 has been considered a potential immunogen for HIV-1 vaccine development. Here we report on an alternative means to induce gp120 into the CD4i conformation. RESULTS Combinatorial phage display peptide libraries were screened against HIV-1 gp120 and short (14aa) peptides were selected that bind the viral envelope and allosterically induce the CD4i conformation. The lead peptide was subsequently systematically optimized for higher affinity as well as more efficient inductive activity. The peptide:gp120 complex was scrutinized with a panel of neutralizing anti-gp120 monoclonal antibodies and CD4 itself, illustrating that peptide binding does not interfere with or obscure the CD4 binding site. CONCLUSIONS Two surfaces of gp120 are considered targets for the development of cross neutralizing antibodies against HIV-1; the CD4 binding site and CD4i epitopes. By implementing novel peptides that allosterically induce the CD4i epitopes we have generated a viral envelope that presents both of these surfaces simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jonathan M Gershoni
- Department of Cell Research and Immunology, George S, Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Exceptionally potent and broadly cross-reactive, bispecific multivalent HIV-1 inhibitors based on single human CD4 and antibody domains. J Virol 2013; 88:1125-39. [PMID: 24198429 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02566-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Soluble forms of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) primary receptor CD4 (soluble CD4 [sCD4]) have been extensively characterized for a quarter of a century as promising HIV-1 inhibitors, but they have not been clinically successful. By combining a protein cavity-filling strategy and the power of library technology, we identified an engineered cavity-altered single-domain sCD4 (mD1.22) with a unique combination of excellent properties, including broad and potent neutralizing activity, high specificity, stability, solubility, and affinity for the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120, and small molecular size. To further improve its neutralizing potency and breadth, we generated bispecific multivalent fusion proteins of mD1.22 with another potent HIV-1 inhibitor, an antibody domain (m36.4) that targets the coreceptor-binding site on gp120. The fusion proteins neutralized all HIV-1 isolates tested, with potencies about 10-, 50-, and 200-fold higher than those of the broadly neutralizing antibody VRC01, the U.S. FDA-approved peptide inhibitor T20, and the clinically tested sCD4-Fc fusion protein CD4-Ig, respectively. In addition, they exhibited higher stability and specificity and a lower aggregation propensity than CD4-Ig. Therefore, mD1.22 and related fusion proteins could be useful for HIV-1 prevention and therapy, including eradication of the virus.
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30
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Glotzbach B, Reinwarth M, Weber N, Fabritz S, Tomaszowski M, Fittler H, Christmann A, Avrutina O, Kolmar H. Combinatorial optimization of cystine-knot peptides towards high-affinity inhibitors of human matriptase-1. PLoS One 2013; 8:e76956. [PMID: 24146945 PMCID: PMC3795654 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0076956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2013] [Accepted: 08/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystine-knot miniproteins define a class of bioactive molecules with several thousand natural members. Their eponymous motif comprises a rigid structured core formed by six disulfide-connected cysteine residues, which accounts for its exceptional stability towards thermic or proteolytic degradation. Since they display a remarkable sequence tolerance within their disulfide-connected loops, these molecules are considered promising frameworks for peptide-based pharmaceuticals. Natural open-chain cystine-knot trypsin inhibitors of the MCoTI (Momordica cochinchinensis trypsin inhibitor) and SOTI (Spinacia oleracea trypsin inhibitor) families served as starting points for the generation of inhibitors of matriptase-1, a type II transmembrane serine protease with possible clinical relevance in cancer and arthritic therapy. Yeast surface-displayed libraries of miniproteins were used to select unique and potent matriptase-1 inhibitors. To this end, a knowledge-based library design was applied that makes use of detailed information on binding and folding behavior of cystine-knot peptides. Five inhibitor variants, four of the MCoTI family and one of the SOTI family, were identified, chemically synthesized and oxidatively folded towards the bioactive conformation. Enzyme assays revealed inhibition constants in the low nanomolar range for all candidates. One subnanomolar binder (Ki = 0.83 nM) with an inverted selectivity towards trypsin and matriptase-1 was identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Glotzbach
- Clemens-Schöpf-Institut für Organische Chemie und Biochemie, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Michael Reinwarth
- Clemens-Schöpf-Institut für Organische Chemie und Biochemie, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Niklas Weber
- Clemens-Schöpf-Institut für Organische Chemie und Biochemie, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | - Michael Tomaszowski
- Clemens-Schöpf-Institut für Organische Chemie und Biochemie, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Heiko Fittler
- Clemens-Schöpf-Institut für Organische Chemie und Biochemie, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Andreas Christmann
- Clemens-Schöpf-Institut für Organische Chemie und Biochemie, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Olga Avrutina
- Clemens-Schöpf-Institut für Organische Chemie und Biochemie, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Harald Kolmar
- Clemens-Schöpf-Institut für Organische Chemie und Biochemie, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
- * E-mail:
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31
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Hmed B, Serria HT, Mounir ZK. Scorpion peptides: potential use for new drug development. J Toxicol 2013; 2013:958797. [PMID: 23843786 PMCID: PMC3697785 DOI: 10.1155/2013/958797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2013] [Revised: 05/19/2013] [Accepted: 05/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Several peptides contained in scorpion fluids showed diverse array of biological activities with high specificities to their targeted sites. Many investigations outlined their potent effects against microbes and showed their potential to modulate various biological mechanisms that are involved in immune, nervous, cardiovascular, and neoplastic diseases. Because of their important structural and functional diversity, it is projected that scorpion-derived peptides could be used to develop new specific drugs. This review summarizes relevant findings improving their use as valuable tools for new drugs development.
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Affiliation(s)
- BenNasr Hmed
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medicine Faculty of Sfax, Street of Majida Boulila, 3029 Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Hammami Turky Serria
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medicine Faculty of Sfax, Street of Majida Boulila, 3029 Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Zeghal Khaled Mounir
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medicine Faculty of Sfax, Street of Majida Boulila, 3029 Sfax, Tunisia
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32
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Morellato-Castillo L, Acharya P, Combes O, Michiels J, Descours A, Ramos OHP, Yang Y, Vanham G, Ariën KK, Kwong PD, Martin L, Kessler P. Interfacial cavity filling to optimize CD4-mimetic miniprotein interactions with HIV-1 surface glycoprotein. J Med Chem 2013; 56:5033-47. [PMID: 23710622 DOI: 10.1021/jm4002988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Ligand affinities can be optimized by interfacial cavity filling. A hollow (Phe43 cavity) between HIV-1 surface glycoprotein (gp120) and cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) receptor extends beyond residue phenylalanine 43 of CD4 and cannot be fully accessed by natural amino acids. To increase HIV-1 gp120 affinity for a family of CD4-mimetic miniproteins (miniCD4s), we targeted the gp120 Phe43 cavity with 11 non-natural phenylalanine derivatives, introduced into a miniCD4 named M48 (1). The best derivative, named M48U12 (13), bound HIV-1 YU2 gp120 with 8 pM affinity and showed potent HIV-1 neutralization. It contained a methylcyclohexyl derivative of 4-aminophenylalanine, and its cocrystal structure with gp120 revealed the cyclohexane ring buried within the gp120 hydrophobic core but able to assume multiple orientations in the binding pocket, and the aniline nitrogen potentially providing a focus for further improvement. Altogether, the results provide a framework for filling the interfacial Phe43 cavity to enhance miniCD4 affinity.
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33
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Acharya P, Luongo TS, Louder MK, McKee K, Yang Y, Kwon YD, Mascola JR, Kessler P, Martin L, Kwong PD. Structural basis for highly effective HIV-1 neutralization by CD4-mimetic miniproteins revealed by 1.5 Å cocrystal structure of gp120 and M48U1. Structure 2013; 21:1018-29. [PMID: 23707685 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2013.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2012] [Revised: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 04/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The interface between the HIV-1 gp120 envelope glycoprotein and the CD4 receptor contains an unusual interfacial cavity, the "Phe43 cavity", which CD4-mimetic miniproteins with nonnatural extensions can potentially utilize to enhance their neutralization of HIV-1. Here, we report cocrystal structures of HIV-1 gp120 with miniproteins M48U1 and M48U7, which insert cyclohexylmethoxy and 5-hydroxypentylmethoxy extensions, respectively, into the Phe43 cavity. Both inserts displayed flexibility and hydrophobic interactions, but the M48U1 insert showed better shape complementarity with the Phe43 cavity than the M48U7 insert. Subtle alteration in the gp120 conformation played a substantial role in optimizing fit. With M48U1, these translated into a YU2-gp120 affinity of 0.015 nM and neutralization of all 180 circulating HIV-1 strains tested, except clade-A/E isolates with noncanonical Phe43 cavities. Ligand chemistry, shape complementarity, surface burial, and gp120 conformation act in concert to modulate binding of ligands to the gp120-Phe43 cavity and, when optimized, can effect near-pan-neutralization of HIV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyamvada Acharya
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Abstract
The suite of currently used drugs can be divided into two categories - traditional 'small molecule' drugs with typical molecular weights of <500 Da but with oral bioavailability, and much larger 'biologics' typically >5000 Da that are not orally bioavailable and need to be delivered via injection. Due to their small size, conventional small molecule drugs may suffer from reduced target selectivity that often ultimately manifests in human side-effects, whereas protein therapeutics tend to be exquisitely specific for their targets due to many more interactions with them, but this comes at a cost of low bioavailability, poor membrane permeability, and metabolic instability. The time has now come to reinvestigate new drug leads that fit between these two molecular weight extremes, with the goal of combining advantages of small molecules (cost, conformational restriction, membrane permeability, metabolic stability, oral bioavailability) with those of proteins (natural components, target specificity, high potency). This article uses selected examples of peptides to highlight the importance of peptide drugs, some potential new opportunities for their exploitation, and some difficult challenges ahead in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Craik
- Division of Chemistry & Structural Biology, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia.
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35
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Abstract
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) enters cells through a series of molecular interactions between the HIV envelope protein and cellular receptors, thus providing many opportunities to block infection. Entry inhibitors are currently being used in the clinic, and many more are under development. Unfortunately, as is the case for other classes of antiretroviral drugs that target later steps in the viral life cycle, HIV can become resistant to entry inhibitors. In contrast to inhibitors that block viral enzymes in intracellular compartments, entry inhibitors interfere with the function of the highly variable envelope glycoprotein as it continuously adapts to changing immune pressure and available target cells in the extracellular environment. Consequently, pathways and mechanisms of resistance for entry inhibitors are varied and often involve mutations across the envelope gene. This review provides a broad overview of entry inhibitor resistance mechanisms that inform our understanding of HIV entry and the design of new inhibitors and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J De Feo
- Office of Vaccine Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, 8800 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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36
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Abstract
This chapter reviews studies that have used in silico techniques to design or identify potential HIV-1 entry inhibitors targeting cellular receptors CD4, CCR5, and CXCR4 and envelope glycoproteins, gp120 and gp41 of HIV-1. Both structure- and ligand-based design techniques have been used in those studies by applying diverse modeling techniques such as quantitative structure-activity relationship analysis, conformational analysis, molecular dynamics, pharmacophore generation, docking, virtual screening (using docking software and also shape-based ROCS techniques), and fragment-based design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asim K Debnath
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, USA
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37
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Seoane MD, Petkau-Milroy K, Vaz B, Möcklinghoff S, Folkertsma S, Milroy LG, Brunsveld L. Structure–activity relationship studies of miniproteins targeting the androgen receptor–coactivator interaction. MEDCHEMCOMM 2013. [DOI: 10.1039/c2md20182h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Miniproteins featuring a stable α-helical motif allow exploring point mutations in and around FXXLF motifs to improve androgen receptor affinity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katja Petkau-Milroy
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- Eindhoven University of Technology
- Eindhoven
- The Netherlands
| | - Belen Vaz
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society
- 44227 Dortmund
- Germany
| | - Sabine Möcklinghoff
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- Eindhoven University of Technology
- Eindhoven
- The Netherlands
| | - Simon Folkertsma
- Computational Drug Discovery
- Centre for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics
- Radboud University
- Nijmegen
- The Netherlands
| | - Lech-Gustav Milroy
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- Eindhoven University of Technology
- Eindhoven
- The Netherlands
| | - Luc Brunsveld
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- Eindhoven University of Technology
- Eindhoven
- The Netherlands
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38
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Reinwarth M, Glotzbach B, Tomaszowski M, Fabritz S, Avrutina O, Kolmar H. Oxidative folding of peptides with cystine-knot architectures: kinetic studies and optimization of folding conditions. Chembiochem 2012; 14:137-46. [PMID: 23229141 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201200604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Bioactive peptides often contain several disulfide bonds that provide the main contribution to conformational rigidity and structural, thermal, or biological stability. Among them, cystine-knot peptides-commonly named "knottins"-make up a subclass with several thousand natural members. Hence, they are considered promising frameworks for peptide-based pharmaceuticals. Although cystine-knot peptides are available through chemical and recombinant synthetic routes, oxidative folding to afford the bioactive isomers still remains a crucial step. We therefore investigated the oxidative folding of ten protease-inhibiting peptides from two knottin families, as well as that of an HIV entry inhibitor and of aprotinin, under two conventional sets of folding conditions and by a newly developed procedure. Kinetic studies identified folding conditions that resulted in correctly folded miniproteins with high rates of conversion even for highly hydrophobic and aggregation-prone peptides in concentrated solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Reinwarth
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Petersenstr. 22, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
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39
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Dereuddre-Bosquet N, Morellato-Castillo L, Brouwers J, Augustijns P, Bouchemal K, Ponchel G, Ramos OHP, Herrera C, Stefanidou M, Shattock R, Heyndrickx L, Vanham G, Kessler P, Le Grand R, Martin L. MiniCD4 microbicide prevents HIV infection of human mucosal explants and vaginal transmission of SHIV(162P3) in cynomolgus macaques. PLoS Pathog 2012; 8:e1003071. [PMID: 23236282 PMCID: PMC3516572 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2012] [Accepted: 10/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In complement to an effective vaccine, development of potent anti-HIV microbicides remains an important priority. We have previously shown that the miniCD4 M48U1, a functional mimetic of sCD4 presented on a 27 amino-acid stable scaffold, inhibits a broad range of HIV-1 isolates at sub-nanomolar concentrations in cellular models. Here, we report that M48U1 inhibits efficiently HIV-1(Ba-L) in human mucosal explants of cervical and colorectal tissues. In vivo efficacy of M48U1 was evaluated in nonhuman primate (NHP) model of mucosal challenge with SHIV(162P3) after assessing pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a miniCD4 gel formulation in sexually matured female cynomolgus macaques. Among 12 females, half were treated with hydroxyethylcellulose-based gel (control), the other half received the same gel containing 3 mg/g of M48U1, one hour before vaginal route challenge with 10 AID(50) of SHIV(162P3). All control animals were infected with a peak plasma viral load of 10(5)-10(6) viral RNA (vRNA) copies per mL. In animals treated with miniCD4, 5 out of 6 were fully protected from acquisition of infection, as assessed by qRT-PCR for vRNA detection in plasma, qPCR for viral DNA detection in PBMC and lymph node cells. The only infected animal in this group had a delayed peak of viremia of one week. These results demonstrate that M48U1 miniCD4 acts in vivo as a potent entry inhibitor, which may be considered in microbicide developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Dereuddre-Bosquet
- CEA, Division of Immuno-Virology, iMETI, Fontenay-aux Roses, France
- Paris-Sud University, UMRE01, Orsay, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Gilles Ponchel
- Paris-Sud University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chatenay-Malabry, France
| | - Oscar H. P. Ramos
- CEA, iBiTecS, Service d'Ingénierie Moléculaire des Protéines, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Carolina Herrera
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, St Mary's Campus, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Martha Stefanidou
- Department of Pediatrics and Microbiology-Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Robin Shattock
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, St Mary's Campus, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Leo Heyndrickx
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Guido Vanham
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Pascal Kessler
- CEA, iBiTecS, Service d'Ingénierie Moléculaire des Protéines, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Roger Le Grand
- CEA, Division of Immuno-Virology, iMETI, Fontenay-aux Roses, France
- Paris-Sud University, UMRE01, Orsay, France
| | - Loïc Martin
- CEA, iBiTecS, Service d'Ingénierie Moléculaire des Protéines, Gif sur Yvette, France
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Tlatli R, Nozach H, Collet G, Beau F, Vera L, Stura E, Dive V, Cuniasse P. Grafting of functional motifs onto protein scaffolds identified by PDB screening--an efficient route to design optimizable protein binders. FEBS J 2012; 280:139-59. [PMID: 23121732 DOI: 10.1111/febs.12056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2012] [Revised: 10/19/2012] [Accepted: 10/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Artificial miniproteins that are able to target catalytic sites of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were designed using a functional motif-grafting approach. The motif corresponded to the four N-terminal residues of TIMP-2, a broad-spectrum protein inhibitor of MMPs. Scaffolds that are able to reproduce the functional topology of this motif were obtained by exhaustive screening of the Protein Data Bank (PDB) using STAMPS software (search for three-dimensional atom motifs in protein structures). Ten artificial protein binders were produced. The designed proteins bind catalytic sites of MMPs with affinities ranging from 450 nm to 450 μm prior to optimization. The crystal structure of one artificial binder in complex with the catalytic domain of MMP-12 showed that the inter-molecular interactions established by the functional motif in the artificial binder corresponded to those found in the MMP-14-TIMP-2 complex, albeit with some differences in geometry. Molecular dynamics simulations of the ten binders in complex with MMP-14 suggested that these scaffolds may allow partial reproduction of native inter-molecular interactions, but differences in geometry and stability may contribute to the lower affinity of the artificial protein binders compared to the natural protein binder. Nevertheless, these results show that the in silico design method used provides sets of protein binders that target a specific binding site with a good rate of success. This approach may constitute the first step of an efficient hybrid computational/experimental approach to protein binder design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rym Tlatli
- Service d'Ingénierie Moléculaire des Protéines, Institut de Biologie et Technologies de Saclay (IBITEC-S), Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
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41
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Bergeron ZL, Bingham JP. Scorpion toxins specific for potassium (K+) channels: a historical overview of peptide bioengineering. Toxins (Basel) 2012. [PMID: 23202307 PMCID: PMC3509699 DOI: 10.3390/toxins4111082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion toxins have been central to the investigation and understanding of the physiological role of potassium (K+) channels and their expansive function in membrane biophysics. As highly specific probes, toxins have revealed a great deal about channel structure and the correlation between mutations, altered regulation and a number of human pathologies. Radio- and fluorescently-labeled toxin isoforms have contributed to localization studies of channel subtypes in expressing cells, and have been further used in competitive displacement assays for the identification of additional novel ligands for use in research and medicine. Chimeric toxins have been designed from multiple peptide scaffolds to probe channel isoform specificity, while advanced epitope chimerization has aided in the development of novel molecular therapeutics. Peptide backbone cyclization has been utilized to enhance therapeutic efficiency by augmenting serum stability and toxin half-life in vivo as a number of K+-channel isoforms have been identified with essential roles in disease states ranging from HIV, T-cell mediated autoimmune disease and hypertension to various cardiac arrhythmias and Malaria. Bioengineered scorpion toxins have been monumental to the evolution of channel science, and are now serving as templates for the development of invaluable experimental molecular therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary L Bergeron
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.
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Meier J, Kassler K, Sticht H, Eichler J. Peptides presenting the binding site of human CD4 for the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120. Beilstein J Org Chem 2012; 8:1858-66. [PMID: 23209523 PMCID: PMC3511023 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.8.214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2012] [Accepted: 09/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Based on the structure of the HIV-1 glycoprotein gp120 in complex with its cellular receptor CD4, we have designed and synthesized peptides that mimic the binding site of CD4 for gp120. The ability of these peptides to bind to gp120 can be strongly enhanced by increasing their conformational stability through cyclization, as evidenced by binding assays, as well as through molecular-dynamics simulations of peptide–gp120 complexes. The specificity of the peptide–gp120 interaction was demonstrated by using peptide variants, in which key residues for the interaction with gp120 were replaced by alanine or D-amino acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Meier
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schuhstrasse 19, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
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Chemical synthesis, backbone cyclization and oxidative folding of cystine-knot peptides: promising scaffolds for applications in drug design. Molecules 2012; 17:12533-52. [PMID: 23095896 PMCID: PMC6268209 DOI: 10.3390/molecules171112533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2012] [Revised: 09/19/2012] [Accepted: 10/22/2012] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystine-knot peptides display exceptional structural, thermal, and biological stability. Their eponymous motif consists of six cysteine residues that form three disulfide bonds, resulting in a notably rigid structural core. Since they highly tolerate either rational or combinatorial changes in their primary structure, cystine knots are considered to be promising frameworks for the development of peptide-based pharmaceuticals. Despite their relatively small size (two to three dozens amino acid residues), the chemical synthesis route is challenging since it involves critical steps such as head-to-tail cyclization and oxidative folding towards the respective bioactive isomer. Herein we describe the topology of cystine-knot peptides, their synthetic availability and briefly discuss potential applications of engineered variants in diagnostics and therapy.
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Contreras X, Mzoughi O, Gaston F, Peterlin MB, Bahraoui E. Protein kinase C-delta regulates HIV-1 replication at an early post-entry step in macrophages. Retrovirology 2012; 9:37. [PMID: 22554282 PMCID: PMC3432598 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4690-9-37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2011] [Accepted: 03/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Macrophages, which are CD4 and CCR5 positive, can sustain HIV-1 replication for long periods of time. Thus, these cells play critical roles in the transmission, dissemination and persistence of viral infection. Of note, current antiviral therapies do not target macrophages efficiently. Previously, it was demonstrated that interactions between CCR5 and gp120 stimulate PKC. However, the PKC isozymes involved were not identified. Results In this study, we identified PKC-delta as a major cellular cofactor for HIV-1 replication in macrophages. Indeed, PKC-delta was stimulated following the interaction between the virus and its target cell. Moreover, inhibition of PKC-delta blocked the replication of R5-tropic viruses in primary human macrophages. However, this inhibition did not have significant effects on receptor and co-receptor expression or fusion. Additionally, it did not affect the formation of the early reverse transcription product containing R/U5 sequences, but did inhibit the synthesis of subsequent cDNAs. Importantly, the inhibition of PKC-delta altered the redistribution of actin, a cellular cofactor whose requirement for the completion of reverse transcription was previously established. It also prevented the association of the reverse transcription complex with the cytoskeleton. Conclusion This work highlights the importance of PKC-delta during early steps of the replicative cycle of HIV-1 in human macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Contreras
- Université Paul Sabatier, EA 3038, 118 Route de Narbonne, Toulouse 31062, France.
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45
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Saha P, Bhattacharyya S, Kesavardhana S, Miranda ER, Ali PSS, Sharma D, Varadarajan R. Designed Cyclic Permutants of HIV-1 gp120: Implications for Envelope Trimer Structure and Immunogen Design. Biochemistry 2012; 51:1836-47. [DOI: 10.1021/bi300003v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Piyali Saha
- Molecular
Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560 012, India
| | | | - Sannula Kesavardhana
- Molecular
Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560 012, India
| | | | - P. Shaik Syed Ali
- Molecular
Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560 012, India
| | - Deepak Sharma
- Molecular
Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560 012, India
| | - Raghavan Varadarajan
- Molecular
Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560 012, India
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46
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Identification and characterization of an immunogenic hybrid epitope formed by both HIV gp120 and human CD4 proteins. J Virol 2011; 85:13097-104. [PMID: 21994452 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.05072-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Certain antibodies from HIV-infected humans bind conserved transition state (CD4 induced [CD4i]) domains on the HIV envelope glycoprotein, gp120, and demonstrate extreme dependence on the formation of a gp120-human CD4 receptor complex. The epitopes recognized by these antibodies remain undefined although recent crystallographic studies of the anti-CD4i monoclonal antibody (MAb) 21c suggest that contacts with CD4 as well as gp120 might occur. Here, we explore the possibility of hybrid epitopes that demand the collaboration of both gp120 and CD4 residues to enable antibody reactivity. Analyses with a panel of human anti-CD4i MAbs and gp120-CD4 antigens with specific mutations in predicted binding domains revealed one putative hybrid epitope, defined by the human anti-CD4i MAb 19e. In virological and immunological tests, MAb 19e did not bind native or constrained gp120 except in the presence of CD4. This contrasted with other anti-CD4i MAbs, including MAb 21c, which bound unliganded, full-length gp120 held in a constrained conformation. Conversely, MAb 19e exhibited no specific reactivity with free human CD4. Computational modeling of MAb 19e interactions with gp120-CD4 complexes suggested a distinct binding profile involving antibody heavy chain interactions with CD4 and light chain interactions with gp120. In accordance, targeted mutations in CD4 based on this model specifically reduced MAb 19e interactions with stable gp120-CD4 complexes that retained reactivity with other anti-CD4i MAbs. These data represent a rare instance of an antibody response that is specific to a pathogen-host cell protein interaction and underscore the diversity of immunogenic CD4i epitope structures that exist during natural infection.
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47
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Burastero SE, Frigerio B, Lopalco L, Sironi F, Breda D, Longhi R, Scarlatti G, Canevari S, Figini M, Lusso P. Broad-spectrum inhibition of HIV-1 by a monoclonal antibody directed against a gp120-induced epitope of CD4. PLoS One 2011; 6:e22081. [PMID: 21818294 PMCID: PMC3139607 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0022081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2011] [Accepted: 06/15/2011] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
To penetrate susceptible cells, HIV-1 sequentially interacts with two highly conserved cellular receptors, CD4 and a chemokine receptor like CCR5 or CXCR4. Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) directed against such receptors are currently under clinical investigation as potential preventive or therapeutic agents. We immunized Balb/c mice with molecular complexes of the native, trimeric HIV-1 envelope (Env) bound to a soluble form of the human CD4 receptor. Sera from immunized mice were found to contain gp120-CD4 complex-enhanced antibodies and showed broad-spectrum HIV-1-inhibitory activity. A proportion of MAbs derived from these mice preferentially recognized complex-enhanced epitopes. In particular, a CD4-specific MAb designated DB81 (IgG1Κ) was found to preferentially bind to a complex-enhanced epitope on the D2 domain of human CD4. MAb DB81 also recognized chimpanzee CD4, but not baboon or macaque CD4, which exhibit sequence divergence in the D2 domain. Functionally, MAb DB81 displayed broad HIV-1-inhibitory activity, but it did not exert suppressive effects on T-cell activation in vitro. The variable regions of the heavy and light chains of MAb DB81 were sequenced. Due to its broad-spectrum anti-HIV-1 activity and lack of immunosuppressive effects, a humanized derivative of MAb DB81 could provide a useful complement to current preventive or therapeutic strategies against HIV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuele E Burastero
- Department of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
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48
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Martin G, Burke B, Thaï R, Dey AK, Combes O, Ramos OHP, Heyd B, Geonnotti AR, Montefiori DC, Kan E, Lian Y, Sun Y, Abache T, Ulmer JB, Madaoui H, Guérois R, Barnett SW, Srivastava IK, Kessler P, Martin L. Stabilization of HIV-1 envelope in the CD4-bound conformation through specific cross-linking of a CD4 mimetic. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:21706-16. [PMID: 21487012 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.232272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
CD4 binding on gp120 leads to the exposure of highly conserved regions recognized by the HIV co-receptor CCR5 and by CD4-induced (CD4i) antibodies. A covalent gp120-CD4 complex was shown to elicit CD4i antibody responses in monkeys, which was correlated with control of the HIV virus infection (DeVico, A., Fouts, T., Lewis, G. K., Gallo, R. C., Godfrey, K., Charurat, M., Harris, I., Galmin, L., and Pal, R. (2007) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 104, 17477-17482). Because the inclusion of CD4 in a vaccine formulation should be avoided, due to potential autoimmune reactions, we engineered small sized CD4 mimetics (miniCD4s) that are poorly immunogenic and do not induce anti-CD4 antibodies. We made covalent complexes between such an engineered miniCD4 and gp120 or gp140, through a site-directed coupling reaction. These complexes were recognized by CD4i antibodies as well as by the HIV co-receptor CCR5. In addition, they elicit CD4i antibody responses in rabbits and therefore represent potential vaccine candidates that mimic an important HIV fusion intermediate, without autoimmune hazard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grégoire Martin
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, iBiTecS, Service d'Ingénierie Moléculaire des Protéines, Gif-sur-Yvette F-91191, France
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Structural Biology and the Design of Effective Vaccines for HIV-1 and Other Viruses. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES, NIH 2010. [PMCID: PMC7176257 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-60761-512-5_39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Structural biology provides a wealth of information about the three-dimensional organization and chemical makeup of proteins. An understanding of atomic-level structure offers enormous potential to design rationally proteins that stimulate specific immune responses. Yet current vaccine development efforts makes little use of structural information. At the Vaccine Research Center, a major goal is to apply structural techniques to vaccine design for challenging pathogens, that include human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and other enveloped viruses such as influenza, Ebola, and respiratory syncytial viruses. Our three-part strategy involves 1.) the definition of the functional viral spike at the atomic level 2.) achieving a structural understanding of how neutralizing antibodies recognize the spike, and 3.) rational development of proteins that can elicit a specific antibody response. Overall, our strategy aims to incorporate information about viral spike-antibody interactions, to assimilate immunogenic feedback, and to leverage recent advances in immunofocusing and computational biology.
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50
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Yang YF, Cheng KC, Tsai PH, Liu CC, Lee TR, Lyu PC. Alanine substitutions of noncysteine residues in the cysteine-stabilized alphabeta motif. Protein Sci 2009; 18:1498-506. [PMID: 19533758 DOI: 10.1002/pro.164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The protein scaffold is a peptide framework with a high tolerance of residue modifications. The cysteine-stabilized alphabeta motif (CS alphabeta) consists of an alpha-helix and an antiparallel triple-stranded beta-sheet connected by two disulfide bridges. Proteins containing this motif share low sequence identity but high structural similarity and has been suggested as a good scaffold for protein engineering. The Vigna radiate defensin 1 (VrD1), a plant defensin, serves here as a model protein to probe the amino acid tolerance of CS alphabeta motif. A systematic alanine substitution is performed on the VrD1. The key residues governing the inhibitory function and structure stability are monitored. Thirty-two of 46 residue positions of VrD1 are altered by site-directed mutagenesis techniques. The circular dichroism spectrum, intrinsic fluorescence spectrum, and chemical denaturation are used to analyze the conformation and structural stability of proteins. The secondary structures were highly tolerant to the amino acid substitutions; however, the protein stabilities were varied for each mutant. Many mutants, although they maintained their conformations, altered their inhibitory function significantly. In this study, we reported the first alanine scan on the plant defensin containing the CS alphabeta motif. The information is valuable to the scaffold with the CS alphabeta motif and protein engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Fang Yang
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, College of Life Sciences, National Tsing-Hua University, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
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