Thermodynamic and kinetic analysis of sCD4 binding to HIV-1 virions and of gp120 dissociation

How virus size and attachment parameters affect the temperature sensitivity of virus binding to host cells: Predictions of a thermodynamic model for arboviruses and HIV

Virus binding to host cells involves specific interactions between viral (glyco)proteins (GP) and host cell surface receptors (Cr) (protein or sialic acid (SA)). The magnitude of the enthalpy of association changes with temperature according to the change in heat capacity (ΔCp) on GP/Cr binding, being little affected for avian influenza virus (AIV) haemagglutinin (HA) binding to SA (ΔCp = 0 kJ/mol/K) but greatly affected for HIV gp120 binding to CD4 receptor (ΔCp = -5.0 kJ/mol/K). A thermodynamic model developed here predicts that values of ΔCp from 0 to ~-2.0 kJ/mol/K have relatively little impact on the temperature sensitivity of the number of mosquito midgut cells with bound arbovirus, while intermediate values of ΔCp of ~-3.0 kJ/mol/K give a peak binding at a temperature of ~20 °C as observed experimentally for Western equine encephalitis virus. More negative values of ΔCp greatly decrease arbovirus binding at temperatures below ~20 °C. Thus to promote transmission at low temperatures, arboviruses may benefit from ΔCp ~ 0 kJ/mol/K as for HA/SA and it is interesting that bluetongue virus binds to SA in midge midguts. Large negative values of ΔCp as for HIV gp120:CD4 diminish binding at 37 °C. Of greater importance, however, is the decrease in entropy of the whole virus (ΔSa_immob) on its immobilisation on the host cell surface. ΔSa_immob presents a repulsive force which the enthalpy-driven GP/Cr interactions weakened at higher temperatures struggle to overcome. ΔSa_immob is more negative (less favourable) for larger diameter viruses which therefore show diminished binding at higher temperatures than smaller viruses. It is proposed that small size phenotype through a less negative ΔSa_immob is selected for viruses infecting warmer hosts thus explaining the observation that virion volume decreases with increasing host temperature from 0 °C to 40 °C in the case of dsDNA viruses. Compared to arboviruses which also infect warm-blooded vertebrates, HIV is large at 134 nm diameter and thus would have a large negative ΔSa_immob which would diminish its binding at human body temperature. It is proposed that prior non-specific binding of HIV through attachment factors takes much of the entropy loss for ΔSa_immob so enhancing subsequent specific gp120:CD4 binding at 37 °C. This is consistent with the observation that HIV attachment factors are not essential but augment infection. Antiviral therapies should focus on increasing virion size, for example through binding of zinc oxide nanoparticles to herpes simplex virus, hence making ΔSa_immob more negative, and thus reducing binding affinity at 37 °C.

Functional bottlenecks for generation of HIV-1 intersubtype Env recombinants

Background

Intersubtype recombination is a powerful driving force for HIV evolution, impacting both HIV-1 diversity within an infected individual and within the global epidemic. This study examines if viral protein function/fitness is the major constraint shaping selection of recombination hotspots in replication-competent HIV-1 progeny. A better understanding of the interplay between viral protein structure-function and recombination may provide insights into both vaccine design and drug development.

Results

In vitro HIV-1 dual infections were used to recombine subtypes A and D isolates and examine breakpoints in the Env glycoproteins. The entire env genes of 21 A/D recombinants with breakpoints in gp120 were non-functional when cloned into the laboratory strain, NL4-3. Likewise, cloning of A/D gp120 coding regions also produced dead viruses with non-functional Envs. 4/9 replication-competent viruses with functional Env’s were obtained when just the V1-V5 regions of these same A/D recombinants (i.e. same A/D breakpoints as above) were cloned into NL4-3.

Conclusion

These findings on functional A/D Env recombinants combined with structural models of Env suggest a conserved interplay between the C1 domain with C5 domain of gp120 and extracellular domain of gp41. Models also reveal a co-evolution within C1, C5, and ecto-gp41 domains which might explain the paucity of intersubtype recombination in the gp120 V1-V5 regions, despite their hypervariability. At least HIV-1 A/D intersubtype recombination in gp120 may result in a C1 from one subtype incompatible with a C5/gp41 from another subtype.

Env-glycoprotein heterogeneity as a source of apparent synergy and enhanced cooperativity in inhibition of HIV-1 infection by neutralizing antibodies and entry inhibitors

We measured the inhibition of infectivity of HIV-1 isolates and derivative clones by combinations of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) and other entry inhibitors in a single-cycle-replication assay. Synergy was analyzed both by the current linear and a new non-linear method. The new method reduced spurious indications of synergy and antagonism. Synergy between NAbs was overall weaker than between other entry inhibitors, and no stronger where one ligand is known to enhance the binding of another. However, synergy was stronger for a genetically heterogeneous HIV-1 R5 isolate than for its derivative clones. Enhanced cooperativity in inhibition by combinations, compared with individual inhibitors, correlated with increased synergy at higher levels of inhibition, while being less variable. Again, cooperativity enhancement was stronger for isolates than clones. We hypothesize that genetic, post-translational or conformational heterogeneity of the Env protein and of other targets for inhibitors can yield apparent synergy and increased cooperativity between inhibitors.

Transitions to and from the CD4-bound conformation are modulated by a single-residue change in the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gp120 inner domain

Binding to the primary receptor CD4 induces conformational changes in the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) gp120 envelope glycoprotein that allow binding to the coreceptor (CCR5 or CXCR4) and ultimately trigger viral membrane-cell membrane fusion mediated by the gp41 transmembrane envelope glycoprotein. Here we report the derivation of an HIV-1 gp120 variant, H66N, that confers envelope glycoprotein resistance to temperature extremes. The H66N change decreases the spontaneous sampling of the CD4-bound conformation by the HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins, thus diminishing CD4-independent infection. The H66N change also stabilizes the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein complex once the CD4-bound state is achieved, decreasing the probability of CD4-induced inactivation and revealing the enhancing effects of soluble CD4 binding on HIV-1 infection. In the CD4-bound conformation, the highly conserved histidine 66 is located between the receptor-binding and gp41-interactive surfaces of gp120. Thus, a single amino acid change in this strategically positioned gp120 inner domain residue influences the propensity of the HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins to negotiate conformational transitions to and from the CD4-bound state.

Identification of a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 envelope glycoprotein variant resistant to cold inactivation

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein trimer consists of gp120 and gp41 subunits and undergoes a series of conformational changes upon binding to the receptors, CD4 and CCR5/CXCR4, that promote virus entry. Surprisingly, we found that the envelope glycoproteins of some HIV-1 strains are functionally inactivated by prolonged incubation on ice. Serial exposure of HIV-1 to extremes of temperature, followed by expansion of replication-competent viruses, allowed selection of a temperature-resistant virus. The envelope glycoproteins of this virus resisted cold inactivation due to a single passage-associated change, H66N, in the gp120 exterior envelope glycoprotein. Histidine 66 is located within the gp41-interactive inner domain of gp120 and, in other studies, has been shown to decrease the sampling of the CD4-bound conformation by unliganded gp120. Substituting asparagine or other amino acid residues for histidine 66 in cold-sensitive HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins resulted in cold-stable phenotypes. Cold inactivation of the HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins occurred even at high pH, indicating that protonation of histidine 66 is not necessary for this process. Increased exposure of epitopes in the ectodomain of the gp41 transmembrane envelope glycoprotein accompanied cold inactivation, but shedding of gp120 did not. An amino acid change in gp120 (S375W) that promotes the CD4-bound state or treatment with soluble CD4 or a small-molecule CD4 mimic resulted in increased cold sensitivity. These results indicate that the CD4-bound intermediate of the HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins is cold labile; avoiding the CD4-bound state increases temperature stability.

Molecular decoys: antidotes, therapeutics and immunomodulators

Receptor–ligand interactions are fundamental to the regulation of cell physiology, enabling the communication between cells and their environment via signal transduction. Receptors are also exploited by toxins and infectious agents to mediate pathogenesis. Over the past 20 years, however, this bi-partite paradigm for cellular regulation, that is, receptors and their ligands, has been revised to include an unforeseen participant namely, soluble receptors or molecular decoys. Decoys function as nature's modifiers of potent responses such as inflammation, stimulation of cell proliferation and triggering apoptosis. Decoys not only provide the means to fine tune the regulation of these phenomena; they also serve as potential leads for the development of recombinant anti-toxins, anti-viral agents and novel therapeutics for combating cancer and inflammatory disease.

Neurotoxic profiles of HIV, psychostimulant drugs of abuse, and their concerted effect on the brain: current status of dopamine system vulnerability in NeuroAIDS

There are roughly 30-40 million HIV-infected individuals in the world as of December 2007, and drug abuse directly contributes to one-third of all HIV infections in the United States. Antiretroviral therapy has increased the lifespan of HIV-seropositives, but CNS function often remains diminished, effectively decreasing quality of life. A modest proportion may develop HIV-associated dementia, the severity and progression of which is increased with drug abuse. HIV and drugs of abuse in the CNS target subcortical brain structures and DA systems in particular. This toxicity is mediated by a number of neurotoxic mechanisms, including but not limited to, aberrant immune response and oxidative stress. Therefore, novel therapeutic strategies must be developed that can address a wide variety of disparate neurotoxic mechanisms and apoptotic cascades. This paper reviews the research pertaining to the where, what, and how of HIV and cocaine/methamphetamine toxicity in the CNS. Specifically, where these toxins most affect the brain, what aspects of the virus are neurotoxic, and how these toxins mediate neurotoxicity.

Cell entry by enveloped viruses: redox considerations for HIV and SARS-coronavirus

For enveloped viruses, genome entry into the target cell involves two major steps: virion binding to the cell-surface receptor and fusion of the virion and cell membranes. Virus-cell membrane fusion is mediated by the virus envelope complex, and its fusogenicity is the result of an active virus-cell interaction process that induces conformation changes within the envelope. For some viruses, such as influenza, exposure to an acidic milieu within the cell during the early steps of infection triggers the necessary structural changes. However, for other pathogens which are not exposed to such environmental stress, activation of fusogenicity can result from precise thiol/disulfide rearrangements mediated by either an endogenous redox autocatalytic isomerase or a cell-associated oxidoreductase. Study of the activation of HIV envelope fusogenicity has revealed new knowledge about how redox changes within a viral envelope trigger fusion. We discuss these findings and their implication for anti-HIV therapy. In addition, to compare and contrast the situation outlined for HIV with an enveloped virus that can fuse with the cell plasma membrane independent of the redox status of its envelope protein, we review parallel data obtained on SARS coronavirus entry.

A mutation in the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Gag protein destabilizes the interaction of the envelope protein subunits gp120 and gp41

The Gag protein of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) associates with the envelope protein complex during virus assembly. The available evidence indicates that this interaction involves recognition of the gp41 cytoplasmic tail (CT) by the matrix protein (MA) region of Pr55(Gag). Here we show that substitution of Asp for Leu at position 49 (L49D) in MA results in a specific reduction in particle-associated gp120 without affecting the levels of gp41. Mutant virions were markedly reduced in single-cycle infectivity despite a relatively modest defect in fusion with target cells. Studies with HIV-1 particles containing decreased levels of envelope proteins suggested that the L49D mutation also inhibits a postentry step in infection. Truncation of the gp41 tail, or pseudotyping by vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein, restored both the fusion and infectivity of L49D mutant virions to wild-type levels. Truncation of gp41 also resulted in equivalent levels of gp120 on particles with and without the MA mutation and enhanced the replication of the L49D mutant virus in T cells. The impaired fusion and infectivity of L49D mutant particles were also complemented by a single point mutation in the gp41 CT that disrupted the tyrosine-containing endocytic motif. Our results suggest that an altered interaction between the MA domain of Gag and the gp41 cytoplasmic tail leads to dissociation of gp120 from gp41 during HIV-1 particle assembly, thus resulting in impaired fusion and infectivity.

The complex antigenicity of a small external region of the C-terminal tail of the HIV-1 gp41 envelope protein: a lesson in epitope analysis

The newly discovered external tail loop within the C-terminal tail of the gp41 transmembrane subunit of the HIV-1 envelope protein comprises approximately 40 residues, and within this are 18-residues ((734)PDRPEGIEEEGGERDRDR(751)) that include three antibody-reactive regions. The antigenicity is complex, and changes according to the biological context of the gp41. It is thus of interest both to the HIV specialist and protein immunologists. The antibody-reactive region, centred on the sequence ERDRD, encompasses three distinct epitopes which are expressed in different combinations on infected cells, wt virions, prefusion virion-cell complexes, and a neutralising antibody escape mutant virion. In addition ERDRD-specific antibodies have one or more antiviral activities, and variously neutralise the infectivity of free virions, neutralise virions already attached to the target cell, reduce the production of infectious progeny, and inhibit the ability of infected cells to fuse with non-infected cells. Antibodies to PDRPEG and IEEE have no apparent antiviral activity even though the footprints of the IEEE- and ERDRD-specific antibodies overlap. This review marshals the available experimental data with the aim of understanding the significance of the gp41 tail loop to the HIV-1 life cycle, and its relevance to potential anti-viral measures. There are lessons here, too, that are relevant to the comprehension of the antigenicity of short protein segments in general.

V3: HIV's switch-hitter

The third variable region, V3, of the gp120 surface envelope glycoprotein is an approximately 35-residue-long, frequently glycosylated, highly variable, disulfide-bonded structure that has a major influence on HIV-1 tropism. Thus the sequence of V3, directly or indirectly, can determine which coreceptor (CCR5 or CXCR4) is used to trigger the fusion potential of the Env complex, and hence which cells the virus can infect. V3 also influences HIV-1's sensitivity to, and ability to escape from, entry inhibitors that are being developed as antiviral drugs. For some strains, V3 is a prominent target for HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies (NAbs); indeed, for many years it was considered to be the "principal neutralization determinant" (PND). Some efforts to use V3 as a vaccine target continue to this day, despite disappointing progress over more than a decade. Recent findings on the structure, function, antigenicity, and immunogenicity of V3 cast new doubts on the value of this vaccine approach. Here, we review recent advances in the understanding of V3 as a determinant of viral tropism, and discuss how this new knowledge may inform the development of HIV-1 drugs and vaccines.

Valency of antibody binding to virions and its determination by surface plasmon resonance

All IgGs are homobivalent, but their ability to bind bivalently to the surface of a virus particle depends mainly on a favourable spacing of cognate epitopes and the angle that the FAb arm makes with the virus surface. If the angle of binding forces the second FAb arm to point into solution, monovalent binding is inevitable. This IgG will have the same affinity as its FAb, will be less stably bound than if it were bound bivalently, cannot cross-link epitopes on the surface of a virion, and cannot neutralise by cross-linking surface proteins. However, at moderate IgG concentrations, monovalently bound IgG can reduce infectivity by aggregating virions, a phenomenon that cannot occur with IgG bound bivalently. This review describes how surface plasmon resonance can be used to determine the valency of IgG binding to enveloped and non-enveloped virus particles, and discusses the implications of this new methodology.

Antigenic properties of the human immunodeficiency virus transmembrane glycoprotein during cell-cell fusion

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) entry is triggered by interactions between a pair of heptad repeats in the gp41 ectodomain, which convert a prehairpin gp41 trimer into a fusogenic three-hairpin bundle. Here we examined the disposition and antigenic nature of these structures during the HIV-mediated fusion of HeLa cells expressing either HIV(HXB2) envelope (Env cells) or CXCR4 and CD4 (target cells). Cell-cell fusion, indicated by cytoplasmic dye transfer, was allowed to progress for various lengths of time and then arrested. Fusion intermediates were then examined for reactivity with various monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against immunogenic cluster I and cluster II epitopes in the gp41 ectodomain. All of these MAbs produced similar staining patterns indicative of reactivity with prehairpin gp41 intermediates or related structures. MAb staining was seen on Env cells only upon exposure to soluble CD4, CD4-positive, coreceptor-negative cells, or stromal cell-derived factor-treated target cells. In the fusion system, the MAbs reacted with the interfaces of attached Env and target cells within 10 min of coculture. MAb reactivity colocalized with the formation of gp120-CD4-coreceptor tricomplexes after longer periods of coculture, although reactivity was absent on cells exhibiting cytoplasmic dye transfer. Notably, the MAbs were unable to inhibit fusion even when allowed to react with soluble-CD4-triggered or temperature-arrested antigens prior to initiation of the fusion process. In comparison, a broadly neutralizing antibody, 2F5, which recognizes gp41 antigens in the HIV envelope spike, was immunoreactive with free Env cells and Env-target cell clusters but not with fused cells. Notably, exposure of the 2F5 epitope required temperature-dependent elements of the HIV envelope structure, as MAb binding occurred only above 19 degrees C. Overall, these results demonstrate that immunogenic epitopes, both neutralizing and nonneutralizing, are accessible on gp41 antigens prior to membrane fusion. The 2F5 epitope appears to depend on temperature-dependent elements on prefusion antigens, whereas cluster I and cluster II epitopes are displayed by transient gp41 structures. Such findings have important implications for HIV vaccine approaches based on gp41 intermediates.

Envelope glycoprotein incorporation, not shedding of surface envelope glycoprotein (gp120/SU), Is the primary determinant of SU content of purified human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and simian immunodeficiency virus

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) particles typically contain small amounts of the surface envelope protein (SU), and this is widely believed to be due to shedding of SU from mature virions. We purified proteins from HIV-1 and SIV isolates using procedures which allow quantitative measurements of viral protein content and determination of the ratios of gag- and env-encoded proteins in virions. All of the HIV-1 and most of the SIV isolates examined contained low levels of envelope proteins, with Gag:Env ratios of approximately 60:1. Based on an estimate of 1,200 to 2,500 Gag molecules per virion, this corresponds to an average of between 21 and 42 SU molecules, or between 7 and 14 trimers, per particle. In contrast, some SIV isolates contained levels of SU at least 10-fold greater than SU from HIV-1 isolates. Quantification of relative amounts of SU and transmembrane envelope protein (TM) provides a means to assess the impact of SU shedding on virion SU content, since such shedding would be expected to result in a molar excess of TM over SU on virions that had shed SU. With one exception, viruses with sufficient SU and TM to allow quantification were found to have approximately equivalent molar amounts of SU and TM. The quantity of SU associated with virions and the SU:TM ratios were not significantly changed during multiple freeze-thaw cycles or purification through sucrose gradients. Exposure of purified HIV-1 and SIV to temperatures of 55 degrees C or greater for 1 h resulted in loss of most of the SU from the virus but retention of TM. Incubation of purified virus with soluble CD4 at 37 degrees C resulted in no appreciable loss of SU from either SIV or HIV-1. These results indicate that the association of SU and TM on the purified virions studied is quite stable. These findings suggest that incorporation of SU-TM complexes into the viral membrane may be the primary factor determining the quantity of SU associated with SIV and HIV-1 virions, rather than shedding of SU from mature virions.

Mechanisms of viral membrane fusion and its inhibition

Viral envelope glycoproteins promote viral infection by mediating the fusion of the viral membrane with the host-cell membrane. Structural and biochemical studies of two viral glycoproteins, influenza hemagglutinin and HIV-1 envelope protein, have led to a common model for viral entry. The fusion mechanism involves a transient conformational species that can be targeted by therapeutic strategies. This mechanism of infectivity is likely utilized by a wide variety of enveloped viruses for which similar therapeutic interventions should be possible.

Loss of a single N-linked glycan allows CD4-independent human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection by altering the position of the gp120 V1/V2 variable loops

The gp120 envelope glycoprotein of primary human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) promotes virus entry by sequentially binding CD4 and the CCR5 chemokine receptor on the target cell. Previously, we adapted a primary HIV-1 isolate, ADA, to replicate in CD4-negative canine cells expressing human CCR5. The gp120 changes responsible for CD4-independent replication were limited to the V2 loop-V1/V2 stem. Here we show that elimination of a single glycosylation site at asparagine 197 in the V1/V2 stem is sufficient for CD4-independent gp120 binding to CCR5 and for HIV-1 entry into CD4-negative cells expressing CCR5. Deletion of the V1/V2 loops also allowed CD4-independent viral entry and gp120 binding to CCR5. The binding of the wild-type ADA gp120 to CCR5 was less dependent upon CD4 at 4 degrees C than at 37 degrees C. In the absence of the V1/V2 loops, neither removal of the N-linked carbohydrate at asparagine 197 nor lowering of the temperature increased the CD4-independent phenotypes. A CCR5-binding conformation of gp120, achieved by CD4 interaction or by modification of temperature, glycosylation, or variable loops, was preferentially recognized by the monoclonal antibody 48d. These results suggest that the CCR5-binding region of gp120 is occluded by the V1/V2 variable loops, the position of which can be modulated by temperature, CD4 binding, or an N-linked glycan in the V1/V2 stem.

Antibody binding and neutralization of primary and T-cell line-adapted isolates of human immunodeficiency virus type 1

The relative resistance of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) primary isolates (PIs) to neutralization by a wide range of antibodies remains a theoretical and practical barrier to the development of an effective HIV vaccine. One model to account for the differential neutralization sensitivity between Pls and laboratory (or T-cell line-adapted [TCLA]) strains of HIV suggests that the envelope protein (Env) complex is made more accessible to antibody binding as a consequence of adaptation to growth in established cell lines. Here, we revisit this question using genetically related PI and TCLA viruses and molecularly cloned env genes. By using complementary techniques of flow cytometry and virion binding assays, we show that monoclonal antibodies targeting the V3 loop, CD4-binding site, CD4-induced determinant of gp120, or the ectodomain of gp41 bind equally well to PI and TCLA Env complexes, despite large differences in neutralization outcome. The data suggest that the differential neutralization sensitivity of PI and TCLA viruses may derive not from differences in the initial antibody binding event but rather from differences in the subsequent functioning of the PI and TCLA Envs during virus entry. An understanding of these as yet undefined differences may enhance our ability to generate broadly neutralizing HIV vaccine immunogens.

Increased neutralization sensitivity of CD4-independent human immunodeficiency virus variants

Naturally occurring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) variants require the presence of CD4 and specific chemokine receptors to enter a cell. In the laboratory, HIV-1 variants that are capable of bypassing CD4 and utilizing only the CCR5 chemokine receptor for virus entry have been generated. Here we report that these CD4-independent viruses are significantly more sensitive to neutralization by soluble CD4 and a variety of antibodies. The same amino acid changes in the HIV-1 gp120 envelope glycoprotein determined CD4 independence and neutralization sensitivity. The CD4-independent envelope glycoproteins exhibited higher affinity for antibodies against CD4-induced gp120 epitopes but not other neutralizing ligands. The CD4-independent envelope glycoproteins did not exhibit increased lability relative to the wild-type envelope glycoproteins. The utilization of two receptors apparently allows HIV-1 to maintain a more neutralization-resistant state prior to engaging CD4 on the target cell, explaining the rarity of CD4 independence in wild-type HIV-1.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 spinoculation enhances infection through virus binding

The study of early events in the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) life cycle can be limited by the relatively low numbers of cells that can be infected synchronously in vitro. Although the efficiency of HIV-1 infection can be substantially improved by centrifugal inoculation (spinoculation or shell vial methods), the underlying mechanism of enhancement has not been defined. To understand spinoculation in greater detail, we have used real-time PCR to quantitate viral particles in suspension, virions that associate with cells, and the ability of those virions to give rise to reverse transcripts. We report that centrifugation of HIV-1(IIIB) virions at 1,200 x g for 2 h at 25 degrees C increases the number of particles that bind to CEM-SS T-cell targets by approximately 40-fold relative to inoculation by simple virus-cell mixing. Following subsequent incubation at 37 degrees C for 5 h to allow membrane fusion and uncoating to occur, the number of reverse transcripts per target cell was similarly enhanced. Indeed, by culturing spinoculated samples for 24 h, approximately 100% of the target cells were reproducibly shown to be productively infected, as judged by the expression of p24(gag). Because the modest g forces employed in this procedure were found to be capable of sedimenting viral particles and because CD4-specific antibodies were effective at blocking virus binding, we propose that spinoculation works by depositing virions on the surfaces of target cells and that diffusion is the major rate-limiting step for viral adsorption under routine in vitro pulsing conditions. Thus, techniques that accelerate the binding of viruses to target cells not only promise to facilitate the experimental investigation of postentry steps of HIV-1 infection but should also help to enhance the efficacy of virus-based genetic therapies.

Critical role of enhanced CD4 affinity in laboratory adaptation of human immunodeficiency virus type 1

Strains of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) that use the coreceptor CXCR4 (X4 strains) become laboratory adapted (LA) when selected for ability to replicate in leukemic T cell lines such as H9. Compared with patient X4 viruses, the gp120-gp41 complexes of LA viruses have a constellation of common properties including enhanced affinities for CD4, greater sensitivities to inactivations by diverse antibodies and by soluble CD4, increased shedding of gp120, and improved abilities to infect HeLa-CD4 cell clones that contain only trace quantities of CD4. These common characteristics, which may result from a concerted structural rearrangement of the gp120-gp41 complexes, have made it difficult to identify a specific feature that is critical for laboratory adaptation. To test the hypothesis that replication of patient X4 HIV-1 is limited by the low CD4 concentration in H9 cells (7.0 x 10(3) CD4/cell), we constructed H9 derivatives that express at least 10 times more of this receptor. Interestingly, most patient X4 isolates readily grew in these derivative cells, and the resulting virus preparations retained the characteristics of primary viruses throughout multiple passages. In contrast, selection of the same viruses in the parental H9 cells resulted in outgrowth of LA derivatives. We conclude that a weak interaction of patient X4 HIV-1 isolates with CD4 is the primary factor that limits their replication in leukemic T cell lines.

Adaptation of a CCR5-using, primary human immunodeficiency virus type 1 isolate for CD4-independent replication

The gp120 envelope glycoprotein of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) promotes virus entry by sequentially binding CD4 and chemokine receptors on the target cell. Primary, clinical HIV-1 isolates require interaction with CD4 to allow gp120 to bind the CCR5 chemokine receptor efficiently. We adapted a primary HIV-1 isolate, ADA, to replicate in CD4-negative canine cells expressing human CCR5. The gp120 changes responsible for the adaptation were limited to alteration of glycosylation addition sites in the V2 loop-V1-V2 stem. The gp120 glycoproteins of the adapted viruses bound CCR5 directly, without prior interaction with CD4. Thus, a major function of CD4 binding in the entry of primary HIV-1 isolates can be bypassed by changes in the gp120 V1-V2 elements, which allow the envelope glycoproteins to assume a conformation competent for CCR5 binding.

CD4-Chemokine receptor hybrids in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection

Most human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) strains require both CD4 and a chemokine receptor for entry into a host cell. In order to analyze how the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein interacts with these cellular molecules, we constructed single-molecule hybrids of CD4 and chemokine receptors and expressed these constructs in the mink cell line Mv-1-lu. The two N-terminal (2D) or all four (4D) extracellular domains of CD4 were linked to the N terminus of the chemokine receptor CXCR4. The CD4(2D)CXCR4 hybrid mediated infection by HIV-1(LAI) to nearly the same extent as the wild-type molecules, whereas CD4(4D)CXCR4 was less efficient. Recombinant SU(LAI) protein competed more efficiently with the CXCR4-specific monoclonal antibody 12G5 for binding to CD4(2D)CXCR4 than for binding to CD4(4D)CXCR4. Stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) blocked HIV-1(LAI) infection of cells expressing CD4(2D)CXCR4 less efficiently than for cells expressing wild-type CXCR4 and CD4, whereas down-modulation of CXCR4 by SDF-1 was similar for hybrids and wild-type CXCR4. In contrast, the bicyclam AMD3100, a nonpeptide CXCR4 ligand that did not down-modulate the hybrids, blocked hybrid-mediated infection at least as potently as for wild-type CXCR4. Thus SDF-1, but not the smaller molecule AMD3100, may interfere at multiple points with the binding of the surface unit (SU)-CD4 complex to CXCR4, a mechanism that the covalent linkage of CD4 to CXCR4 impedes. Although the CD4-CXCR4 hybrids yielded enhanced SU interactions with the chemokine receptor moiety, this did not overcome the specific coreceptor requirement of different HIV-1 strains: the X4 virus HIV-1(LAI) and the X4R5 virus HIV-1(89. 6), unlike the R5 strain HIV-1(SF162), infected Mv-1-lu cells expressing the CD4(2D)CXCR4 hybrid, but none could use hybrids of CD4 and the chemokine receptor CCR2b, CCR5, or CXCR2. Thus single-molecule hybrid constructs that mimic receptor-coreceptor complexes can be used to dissect coreceptor function and its inhibition.

Effects of soluble CD4 on simian immunodeficiency virus infection of CD4-positive and CD4-negative cells

A soluble form of the CD4 receptor (sCD4) can either enhance or inhibit the infection of cells by simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) and human immunodeficiency virus. We investigated the basis for these varying effects by studying the entry of three SIV isolates into CD4-positive and CD4-negative cells expressing different chemokine receptors. Infection of CD4-negative cells depended upon the viral envelope glycoproteins and upon the chemokine receptor, with CCR5 and gpr15 being more efficient than STRL33. Likewise, enhancement of infection by sCD4 was observed when CCR5- and gpr15-expressing target cells were used but not when those expressing STRL33 were used. The sCD4-mediated enhancement of virus infection of CD4-negative, CCR5-positive cells was related to the sCD4-induced increase in binding of the viral gp120 envelope glycoprotein to CCR5. Inhibitory effects of sCD4 could largely be explained by competition for virus attachment to cellular CD4 rather than other detrimental effects on virus infectivity (e.g., disruption of the envelope glycoprotein spike). Consistent with this, the sCD4-activated SIV envelope glycoprotein intermediate on the virus was long-lived. Thus, the net effect of sCD4 on SIV infectivity appears to depend upon the degree of enhancement of chemokine receptor binding and upon the efficiency of competition for cellular CD4.

HIV-1 attachment: another look

HIV-1 attachment to host cells is generally considered to take place via high-affinity binding between CD4 and gp120. However, the binding of virion-associated gp120 to cellular CD4 is often weak, and most cell types that are permissive for HIV-1 infection express little CD4. Thus, other interactions between the virion and the cell surface could dominate the attachment process.

Mechanisms of enveloped virus entry into animal cells

The ability of viruses to transfer macromolecules between cells makes them attractive starting points for the design of biological delivery vehicles. Virus-based vectors and sub-viral systems are already finding biotechnological and medical applications for gene, peptide, vaccine and drug delivery. Progress has been made in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying virus entry, particularly in identifying virus receptors. However, receptor binding is only a first step and we now have to understand how these molecules facilitate entry, how enveloped viruses fuse with cells or non-enveloped viruses penetrate the cell membrane, and what happens following penetration. Only through these detailed analyses will the full potential of viruses as vectors and delivery vehicles be realised. Here we discuss aspects of the entry mechanisms for several well-characterised viral systems. We do not attempt to provide a fully comprehensive review of virus entry but focus primarily on enveloped viruses.

Determinants of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 envelope glycoprotein activation by soluble CD4 and monoclonal antibodies

Infection by some human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) isolates is enhanced by the binding of subneutralizing concentrations of soluble receptor, soluble CD4 (sCD4), or monoclonal antibodies directed against the viral envelope glycoproteins. In this work, we studied the abilities of different antibodies to mediate activation of the envelope glycoproteins of a primary HIV-1 isolate, YU2, and identified the regions of gp120 envelope glycoprotein contributing to activation. Binding of antibodies to a variety of epitopes on gp120, including the CD4 binding site, the third variable (V3) loop, and CD4-induced epitopes, enhanced the entry of viruses containing YU2 envelope glycoproteins. Fab fragments of antibodies directed against either the CD4 binding site or V3 loop also activated YU2 virus infection. The activation phenotype was conferred on the envelope glycoproteins of a laboratory-adapted HIV-1 isolate (HXBc2) by replacing the gp120 V3 loop or V1/V2 and V3 loops with those of the YU2 virus. Infection by the YU2 virus in the presence of activating antibodies remained inhibitable by macrophage inhibitory protein 1beta, indicating dependence on the CCR5 coreceptor on the target cells. Thus, antibody enhancement of YU2 entry involves neither Fc receptor binding nor envelope glycoprotein cross-linking, is determined by the same variable loops that dictate enhancement by sCD4, and probably proceeds by a process fundamentally similar to the receptor-activated virus entry pathway.

CD4-Induced conformational changes in the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gp120 glycoprotein: consequences for virus entry and neutralization

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) entry into target cells involves sequential binding of the gp120 exterior envelope glycoprotein to CD4 and to specific chemokine receptors. Soluble CD4 (sCD4) is thought to mimic membrane-anchored CD4, and its binding alters the conformation of the HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins. Two cross-competing monoclonal antibodies, 17b and CG10, that recognize CD4-inducible gp120 epitopes and that block gp120-chemokine receptor binding were used to investigate the nature and functional significance of gp120 conformational changes initiated by CD4 binding. Envelope glycoproteins derived from both T-cell line-adapted and primary HIV-1 isolates exhibited increased binding of the 17b antibody in the presence of sCD4. CD4-induced exposure of the 17b epitope on the oligomeric envelope glycoprotein complex occurred over a wide range of temperatures and involved movement of the gp120 V1/V2 variable loops. Amino acid changes that reduced the efficiency of 17b epitope exposure following CD4 binding invariably compromised the ability of the HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins to form syncytia or to support virus entry. Comparison of the CD4 dependence and neutralization efficiencies of the 17b and CG10 antibodies suggested that the epitopes for these antibodies are minimally accessible following attachment of gp120 to cell surface CD4. These results underscore the functional importance of these CD4-induced changes in gp120 conformation and illustrate viral strategies for sequestering chemokine receptor-binding regions from the humoral immune response.

Characterization of CD4-gp120 activation intermediates during human immunodeficiency virus type 1 syncytium formation

The mechanism by which cells expressing HIV envelope glycoproteins progress from binding CD4+ cells to syncytia formation is not entirely understood. The purpose of these investigations was to use physical and biochemical tools (temperature shifts, soluble CD4, protease inhibitors, and a battery of anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies) to isolate discrete steps during syncytia formation. Previously (Fu et al., J Virol 1993;67:3818), we found that preincubation of cells stably expressing HIV-1 gp 160 (TF228.1.16) with CD4+ SupT1 cells at 16 degrees C, a temperature that is nonpermissive for syncytia formation, resulted in an increased rate of syncytia formation when the cocultures were shifted to the syncytia-permissive temperature of 37 degrees C. We have since found that syncytia formation is further enhanced by shifting the cocultures from 16 to 4 degrees C prior to incubation at 37 degrees C. Together, these data suggest that two discrete states, which we term the first and second activation intermediates (FAI and SAI), are involved in syncytia formation. We have found that acquisition of the FAI (by preincubation at 16 degree C) is sensitive to some serine protease inhibitors (PI), soluble CD4 (sCD4), shedding of gp120, and anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies (MAb) directed toward the CDR-1/2 and CDR-3 regions of domain 1 on CD4. Expression of the FAI (formation of syncytia by shifting from 16 to 37 degrees C) remains sensitive to sCD4, shedding of gp120, and MAb directed toward CDR-1/2 but is less sensitive to MAb that bind CDR-3 and is insensitive to PI. Similarly, acquisition of the SAI (shifting cocultures from 16 to 4 degrees C), is sensitive to sCD4, shedding of gp120, and MAb directed toward CDR-1/2. In contrast, expression of the SAI (shifting cocultures from 16 to 4 to 37 degrees C) is sensitive only to MAb directed toward CDR-1/2 and cannot be blocked by sCD4, shedding of gp120, or PI. These data allow us to propose that syncytia formation, mediated by HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins, proceeds by a multistep cascade.

Quantitative model of antibody- and soluble CD4-mediated neutralization of primary isolates and T-cell line-adapted strains of human immunodeficiency virus type 1

Primary isolates (PI) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) are considerably less sensitive than T-cell line-adapted strains to neutralization by soluble CD4 and by most cross-reactive monoclonal antibodies to the viral envelope (Env) glycoprotein, as well as by postinfection and postvaccination sera (J. P. Moore and D. D. Ho, AIDS 9 [suppl. A]:5117-5136, 1995). We developed a quantitative model to explain the neutralization resistance of PI. The factors incorporated into the model are the dissociation constants for the binding of the neutralizing agent to native Env oligomers, the number of outer Env molecules on the viral surface (which decreases by shedding), and the minimum number of Env molecules required for attachment and fusion. We conclude that modest differences in all these factors can, when combined, explain a relative neutralization resistance of PI versus T-cell line-adapted strains that sometimes amounts to several orders of magnitude. The hypothesis that neutralization of HIV is due to the reduction below a minimum number of the Env molecules on a virion available for attachment and fusion is at odds with single- and few-hit neutralization theories. Our analysis of these ideas favors the hypothesis that neutralization of HIV is instead a competitive blocking of interactions with cellular factors, including adsorption receptors.

Binding kinetics of ecotropic (Moloney) murine leukemia retrovirus with NIH 3T3 cells

A quantitative analysis of the binding kinetics of intact Moloney murine leukemia retrovirus (MoMuLV) particles with NIH 3T3 cells was performed with an immunofluorescence flow cytometry assay. The virus-cell binding equilibrium dissociation constant (KD), expressed in terms of virus particle concentration, was measured to be 8.5 (+/- 6.4) x 10(-12) M at 4 degrees C and was three- to sixfold lower at temperatures above 15 degrees C. The KD of virus binding is about 1,000-fold lower than the KD of purified MoMuLV envelope. The association rate constant was determined to be 2.5 (+/- 0.9) x 10(9) M-1 min-1 at 4 degrees C and was 5- to 10-fold higher at temperatures above 15 degrees C. The apparent dissociation rate constant at 4 degrees C was 1.1 (+/- 0.4) x 10(-3) min-1 and was doubled for every 10 degrees C increase in temperature over the range tested (15 to 37 degrees C).

Antibody to adhesion molecule LFA-1 enhances plasma neutralization of human immunodeficiency virus type 1

We have shown that a monoclonal antibody to the cell surface adhesion molecule LFA-1 (CD18/CD11a) enhances plasma neutralization of a laboratory isolate (HIVMN) and a primary isolate (HIV28R) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1. Human phytohemagglutinin blasts were infected with HIVMN or HIV28R in the presence of plasma pooled from HIV-positive individuals (AIDS plasma) or immunoglobulin G from AIDS plasma alone or combined with a monoclonal antibody (MAb) to LFA-1. While AIDS plasma alone at a dilution of 1:1,250 neutralized HIVMN and HIV28R infection by 15 and 0%, respectively, in the presence of a saturating concentration of the MAb to LFA-1 the plasma neutralized both viruses by more than 80% at this dilution. Immunoglobulin G purified from AIDS plasma, when used in combination with the MAb to LFA-1, showed the same synergistic effect in HIV neutralization as seen with the AIDS plasma and anti-LFA-1. The MAb against LFA-1 partially neutralized both viral isolates (45 to 55%) on its own. These results demonstrate significant synergy between the plasma and antibody against LFA-1 in the neutralization of HIV. The observations therefore suggest an important role for adhesion molecules in HIV infectivity and transmission. The results have implications for the recently observed host effect on HIV susceptibility to antibody neutralization.

Increase in sensitivity to soluble CD4 by primary HIV type 1 isolates after passage through C8166 cells: association with sequence differences in the first constant (C1) region of glycoprotein 120

Primary isolates of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) were obtained by coculture of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) from HIV-1-infected people with PBLs from uninfected donors. These viral stocks tend to be resistant to neutralization/inactivation by soluble CD4 (sCD4). When these stocks were passed through the T cell line C8166, virus stocks emerged that were sensitive to sCD4. Pre- and post-C8166 stocks maintained their sCD4-resistant and -sensitive phenotypes, respectively, with further passage in PBLs. Pre- and post-C8166 stocks were biologically cloned by two cycles of limiting dilution. The majority (14 of 17) of pre-C8166 clones were sCD4 resistant, and, conversely, the majority of post-C8166 clones (11 of 12) were sensitive to sCD4. Nucleotide and predicted amino acid sequence analysis in the env (gp120) region revealed a limited number of differences between the clones. The only differences that sorted with biological phenotype were in the first constant (C1) region of gp120. Adaptation to growth in C8166 cells and conversion from the sCD4-resistant to the sCD4-sensitive phenotype represent the emergence to prominence of viral species in the pre-C8166 stock that have a replication advantage in C8166 coincident with increased sensitivity to sCD4.

Inhibition of gp120-CD4 interaction and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection in vitro by pyridoxal 5'-phosphate

Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate and related compounds were tested for their ability to inhibit gp120-CD4 interaction and human immunodeficiency virus infection in vitro. The results show that pyridoxal 5'-phosphate is a unique CD4 antagonist whose antiviral potency derives from the presence of both lysine-reactive and anionic substituents.

Differences in CD4 dependence for infectivity of laboratory-adapted and primary patient isolates of human immunodeficiency virus type 1

CD4 is known to be an important receptor for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection of T lymphocytes and macrophages. However, the limiting steps in CD4-dependent HIV-1 infections in vivo and in vitro are poorly understood. To address this issue, we produced a panel of HeLa-CD4 cell clones that express widely different amounts of CD4 and quantitatively analyzed their infection by laboratory-adapted and primary patient HIV-1 isolates. For all HIV-1 isolates, adsorption from the medium onto HeLa-CD4 cells was inefficient and appeared to be limiting for infection in the conditions of our assays. Adsorption of HIV-1 onto CD4-positive peripheral blood mononuclear cells was also inefficient. Moreover, there was a striking difference between laboratory-adapted and primary T-cell-tropic HIV-1 isolates in the infectivity titers detected on different HeLa-CD4 cells. Laboratory-adapted HIV-1 isolates infected all HeLa-CD4 cell clones with equal efficiencies regardless of the levels of CD4, whereas primary HIV-1 isolates infected these clones in direct proportion to cellular CD4 expression. Our interpretation is that for laboratory-adapted isolates, a barrier step that preceeds CD4 encounter was limiting and the subsequent CD4-dependent virus capture process was highly efficient, even at very low cell surface concentrations. In contrast, for primary HIV-1 isolates, the CD4-dependent steps appeared to be much less efficient. We conclude that primary isolates of HIV-1 infect inefficiently following contact with surfaces of CD4-positive cells, and we propose that this confers a selective disadvantage during passage in rapidly dividing leukemia cell lines. Conversely, in vivo selective pressure appears to favor HIV-1 strains that require large amounts of CD4 for infection.

Increase in soluble CD4 binding to and CD4-induced dissociation of gp120 from virions correlates with infectivity of human immunodeficiency virus type 1

Mutations in the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope glycoproteins gp120 and gp41, previously shown to confer an enhanced replicative capacity and broadened host range to the ELI1 strain of HIV-1, were analyzed for their biochemical effects on envelope structure and function. The tendency of purified virions to release their extracellular gp120 component, either spontaneously or after interacting with soluble CD4 (CD4-induced shedding) was assessed. A single amino acid substitution in part of the CD4 binding site of gp120 (Gly-427 to Arg) enhanced both spontaneous and CD4-induced shedding of gp120 from virions, while a single change in the fusogenic region of gp41 (Met-7 to Val) affected only CD4-induced shedding. Although each codon change alone conferred increased growth ability, virus with both mutations exhibited the most rapid replication kinetics. In addition, when both of these mutations were present, virions had the highest tendency to shed gp120, both spontaneously and after exposure to soluble CD4. Analysis of CD4 binding to virion-associated gp120 showed that the changes in both gp120 and gp41 contributed to increased binding. These results demonstrated that the increased replicative capacity of the ELI variants in human CD4+ cell lines was associated with altered physical and functional properties of the virion envelope glycoproteins.

Conformational changes induced in the envelope glycoproteins of the human and simian immunodeficiency viruses by soluble receptor binding

We have investigated the molecular basis of biological differences observed among cell line-adapted isolates of the human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2 (HIV-1 and HIV-2) and the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) in response to receptor binding by using a soluble form of CD4 (sCD4) as a receptor mimic. We find that sCD4 binds to the envelope glycoproteins of all of the HIV-1 isolates tested with affinities within a threefold range, whereas those of the HIV-2 and SIV isolates have relative affinities for sCD4 two- to eightfold lower than those of HIV-1. Treatment of infected cells with sCD4 induced the dissociation of gp120 from gp41 and increased the exposure of a cryptic gp41 epitope on all of the HIV-1 isolates. By contrast, neither dissociation of the outer envelope glycoprotein nor increased exposure of the transmembrane glycoprotein was observed when sCD4 bound to HIV-2- or SIV-infected cells. Moreover, immunoprecipitation with sCD4 resulted in the coprecipitation of the surface and transmembrane glycoproteins from virions of the HIV-2 and SIV isolates, whereas the surface envelope glycoprotein alone was precipitated from HIV-1. However, treatment of HIV-1-, HIV-2-, and SIV-infected cells with sCD4 did result in an increase in exposure of their V2 and V3 loops, as detected by enhanced antibody reactivity. This demonstrates that receptor binding to the outer envelope glycoprotein induces certain conformational changes which are common to all of these viruses and others which are restricted to cell line-passaged isolates of HIV-1.

The role of CD4 in HIV binding and entry

The primary cellular receptor for the human and simian immunodeficiency viruses HIV-1, HIV-2 and SIV is the CD4 antigen (Sattentau et al. 1988; Sattentau & Weiss 1988). HIV infection of CD4+ cells is initiated by binding of the virus to the cell surface, via a high-affinity interaction between the first domain of CD4 and the HIV outer envelope glycoprotein, gp120. The use of a soluble recombinant form of CD4 (sCD4) as a receptor mimic has simplified the analysis of receptor binding and post-binding events which result in virus-cell membrane fusion. With cell-line adapted isolates of HIV-1, sCD4 binding induces conformational changes in gp120, leading to the complete dissociation of gp120 from the transmembrane glycoprotein, gp41, and exposing cryptic epitopes of gp41. Similar observations have been made with cell-anchored CD4: recruitment of CD4 molecules leads to exposure of cryptic gp41 epitopes at the fusion interface between clusters of CD4 expressing and HIV-infected cells. It has therefore been proposed that CD4 binding induces exposure of fusogenic components of gp41 which mediate virus-cell membrane coalescence, a process termed receptor-mediated activation of fusion. With the related lentiviruses HIV-2 and SIV, the CD4 induced molecular rearrangements in gp120 are more subtle, implying that there is a spectrum of responses to sCD4 binding.

Conformational changes affecting the V3 and CD4-binding domains of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gp120 associated with env processing and with binding of ligands to these sites

Two neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies (HuMAbs) directed against epitopes located near the tip of the V3 loop of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 env protein recognized solubilized gPr160, but not gp120, in radioimmunoprecipitation assays. Efficient immunoprecipitation of solubilized gp120 by these antibodies did occur in the presence of HuMAb 1125H, directed against a conformational epitope overlapping the CD4-binding site, or its F(ab')2 fragment. In contrast to the inability of the anti-V3 antibodies to immunoprecipitate solubilized gp120, these HuMAbs did bind to gp120 in intact virions; this level of binding increased severalfold in the presence of the F(ab')2 fragment of 1125H. These results demonstrate that neutralization epitopes in the V3 loop are sequestered in soluble gp120 but partly exposed in gPr160 and in virion-associated gp120 and that binding of antibodies to the discontinuous CD4-binding site leads to conformational changes that result in the exposure of V3 epitopes in soluble gp120 and their enhanced accessibility in gPr160 and in virion-associated gp120. Enhanced binding of suboptimal concentrations of 1125H to soluble gp120 was also induced by the presence of an anti-V3 HuMAb, indicating the occurrence of reciprocal allosteric interactions between the V3 loop and the CD4-binding site. It is likely that these effects contribute to the synergistic neutralization of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 previously reported for antibodies directed against these two regions.

Physicochemical dissociation of CD4-mediated syncytium formation and shedding of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gp120

The mechanism of CD4-mediated fusion via activated human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) gp41 and the biological significance of soluble CD4 (sCD4)-induced shedding of gp120 are poorly understood. The purpose of these investigations was to determine whether shedding of gp120 led to fusion activation or inactivation. BJAB cells (TF228.1.16) stably expressing HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins (the gp120-gp41 complex) were used to examine the effects of pH and temperature on sCD4-induced shedding of gp120 and on cell-to-cell fusion (syncytium formation) with CD4+ SupT1 cells. sCD4-induced shedding of gp120 was maximal at pH 4.5 to 5.5 and did not occur at pH 8.5. At physiologic pH, sCD4-induced shedding of gp120 occurred at 22, 37, and 40 degrees C but neither at 16 nor 4 degrees C. In contrast, syncytia formed at pH 8.5 (maximally at pH 7.5) but not at pH 4.5 to 5.5. At pH 7.5, syncytia formed at 37 and 40 degrees C but not at 22, 16, or 4 degrees C. Preincubation of cocultures of TF228.1.16 and SupT1 cells at 4, 16, or 22 degrees C before the shift to 37 degrees C resulted in similar, increased, or decreased syncytium formation, respectively, compared with the control. Furthermore, an activated intermediate of CD4-gp120-gp41 ternary complex may form at 16 degrees C; this intermediate rapidly executes fusion upon a shift to 37 degrees C but readily decays upon a shift to the shedding-permissive but fusion-nonpermissive temperature of 22 degrees C. These physicochemical data indicate that shedding of HIV-1 gp120 is not an integral step in the fusion cascade and that CD4 may inactivate the fusion complex in a process analogous to sCD4-induced shedding of gp120.

Characterization of conserved human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gp120 neutralization epitopes exposed upon gp120-CD4 binding

Interaction with the CD4 receptor enhances the exposure on the human immunodeficiency type 1 gp120 exterior envelope glycoprotein of conserved, conformation-dependent epitopes recognized by the 17b and 48d neutralizing monoclonal antibodies. The 17b and 48d antibodies compete with anti-CD4 binding antibodies such as 15e or 21h, which recognize discontinuous gp120 sequences near the CD4 binding region. To characterize the 17b and 48d epitopes, a panel of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gp120 mutants was tested for recognition by these antibodies in the absence or presence of soluble CD4. Single amino acid changes in five discontinuous, conserved, and generally hydrophobic regions of the gp120 glycoprotein resulted in decreased recognition and neutralization by the 17b and 48d antibodies. Some of these regions overlap those previously shown to be important for binding of the 15e and 21h antibodies or for CD4 binding. These results suggest that discontinuous, conserved epitopes proximal to the binding sites for both CD4 and anti-CD4 binding antibodies become better exposed upon CD4 binding and can serve as targets for neutralizing antibodies.

Adaptation of two primary human immunodeficiency virus type 1 isolates to growth in transformed T cell lines correlates with alterations in the responses of their envelope glycoproteins to soluble CD4

Two sCD4-resistant, primary viruses (P-08 and P-17) were compared with two sCD4-sensitive, T cell line-adapted variants (C-08 and C-17) for their biochemical responses to sCD4. At 37 degrees C, neither primary virus shed gp120 within 8 hr at sCD4 concentrations of up to 500 nM, whereas C-08 and C-17 lost gp120 within minutes of addition of 5-10 nM sCD4. At 4 degrees C, however, P-17 and C-17 shed gp120 at similar rates in response to the same sCD4 concentration. Irrespective of the temperature, gp120 dissociation from both P-17 and C-17 was inhibited by CD4 MAbs 6H10 and 5A8, the latter of which blocks events subsequent to sCD4 binding. Binding of sCD4 to P-17 was greater at 4 degrees C than at 37 degrees C, whereas the converse was found for C-17. Consistent with this, P-17 was neutralized much more potently by sCD4 at 4 degrees C than at 37 degrees C, whereas C-17 was slightly more sensitive to sCD4 at 37 degrees C than at 4 degrees C. Resistance to neutralization by sCD4 is probably determined by kinetic parameters. We suggest that the acquisition of sCD4 neutralization sensitivity and the above biochemical responses to sCD4 are coincidental to the process by which some primary viruses adapt to growth in transformed T cells. Sequence data indicate that there are a limited number of amino acid differences between the Env glycoproteins of the primary viruses and their T cell line-adapted counterparts; the significance of the individual changes is under investigation, but both pairs of viruses have amino acid substitutions in a region of gp41 thought to contact gp120.

Two mechanisms of soluble CD4 (sCD4)-mediated inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infectivity and their relation to primary HIV-1 isolates with reduced sensitivity to sCD4

Two assays for measuring inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection by soluble CD4 (sCD4) are described. Experiments in which sCD4, HIV-1, and cell concentrations and sequence of combination, noninfectious/infectious particle ratio, and temperature were varied produced results that support the conclusion that sCD4 inhibits HIV-1 infection by two mechanisms: reversible blockage of receptor binding and irreversible inactivation of infectivity. Fresh isolates obtained from HIV-1-infected persons were tested in both assays and found to be more resistant to both mechanisms of sCD4-mediated inhibition than multiply passaged laboratory strains. Binding studies revealed similar affinities for sCD4 in detergent lysates of sensitive and resistant strains at both 4 and 37 degrees C. The avidity of intact virions for sCD4 was lower at 4 than at 37 degrees C, and in the presence of excess sCD4, less sCD4 was bound at 4 than at 37 degrees C. The avidity differences were similar for fresh isolates and laboratory strains. However, fresh isolates were more resistant to sCD4-induced shedding of envelope glycoprotein gp120 from intact virions than was the laboratory strain. Relative resistance to sCD4 by certain isolates does not represent a lower intrinsic affinity of their envelope for sCD4 or a lower capacity for sCD4 binding. Rather, an event that occurs after binding may account for the differences. This postbinding event or feature may be determined by regions of the envelope outside the CD4 binding site.

Carbohydrate binding properties of the envelope glycoproteins of human immunodeficiency virus type 1

Here, we confirm and extend our previous findings on human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein N-acetylglucosaminyl binding properties. We show the occurrence of saturable, temperature, pH, and calcium dependent carbohydrate-specific interactions between recombinant precursor gp160 (rgp160) and two affinity matrices: D-mannose-divinylsulfone-agarose, and natural glycoprotein, fetuin, also coupled to agarose. Binding of rgp160 to the matrices was inhibited by soluble mannosyl derivatives, alpha-D-Man17-BSA and mannan, by beta-D-GlcNAc47-BSA and by glycopeptides from Pronase-treated porcine thyroglobulin, which produces oligomannose and complex N-linked glycans. Glycopeptides from Endoglycosidase H-treated thyroglobulin partially inhibited rgp160 binding, as did the asialo-agalacto-tetraantennary precursor oligosaccharide of human alpha 1-acid glycoprotein for binding to fetuin-agarose. beta-D-Glucan and beta-D-Gal17-BSA had no or only limited effect. Also, surface unit rgp120 specifically interacted with fetuin-agarose and soluble fetuin, but in the latter case with a twofold reduced affinity relative to rgp160. After affinity chromatography, rgp160 was specifically retained by the two matrices and eluted by mannan in both cases, while rgp120 was not retained by fetuin-agarose but only eluted as a significantly retarded peak, which confirms its specific but weak interaction. Thus, rgp160 interacts with both oligomannose type, and the mannosyl core of complex type N-linked glycans, and its gp120 region plays a role in this interaction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

CD4 activation of HIV fusion

The primary cellular receptor for the human immunodeficiency viruses type 1 (HIV-1) and type 2 (HIV-2) is the CD4 antigen. HIV infection of CD4+ cells is initiated by binding of the virus to the cell surface, via a high affinity interaction between CD4 and the HIV outer envelope glycoprotein, gp120. The development of model systems using soluble recombinant forms of CD4 (sCD4) has allowed kinetic and thermodynamic analyses of CD4 binding to gp120, and study of the post-binding events leading to virus-cell membrane fusion. It has thus been demonstrated that the affinity of sCD4 for gp120 on virions or HIV-infected cells depends on both the primary sequence and the tertiary structure of gp120 in the membrane. With cell-line adapted isolates of HIV-1, sCD4 binding induces conformational changes in gp120, leading to the complete dissociation of gp120 from the transmembrane glycoprotein, gp41, and exposing cryptic epitopes of gp41. Similar observations have been made with cell-anchored CD4; exposure of cryptic gp41 epitopes occurs at the fusion interface between clusters of CD4-expressing and HIV-infected cells. Thus, for HIV-1, CD4 induces exposure of fusogenic components of gp41 which triggers virus-cell membrane coalescence. This is termed receptor-mediated activation of fusion. With primary isolates of HIV-1 and the related lentiviruses, HIV-2 and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), the CD4-induced molecular rearrangements in gp120 are more subtle, implying that there is a spectrum of responses to sCD4 binding. The high-affinity binding site on CD4 for gp120 is necessary and probably sufficient for activation of HIV fusion, although other regions of CD4 may indirectly influence viral entry. There are two regions on the envelope glycoproteins which are recognized as playing a role in HIV entry: the N-terminus of gp41 and the gp120 V3 loop. The roles of these domains are discussed.

Conserved structural features in the interaction between retroviral surface and transmembrane glycoproteins?

Among the retroviruses, the surface (SU) and transmembrane (TM) glycoproteins of lentiviruses are linked exclusively by noncovalent bonds. For some C-type retroviruses, however, a small proportion of the SU proteins has been shown to be linked to their TM proteins by a disulfide bond, with the remainder being noncovalently associated. A region near the carboxyl terminus of the HIV-1 SU glycoprotein has been implicated in contacting the TM glycoprotein. Computer modelling indicates that this region of divergent lentivirus and oncovirus SU glycoproteins forms a structurally conserved "pocket" which could accommodate a "knob"-like protrusion formed by an immunodominant region in the TM protein containing the CxxxxxC (lentiviruses) or CxxxxxxCC (C- and D-type viruses) motif. An anti-idiotypic monoclonal antibody, raised against a monoclonal antibody reacting with a sequence in the "pocket" of HIV-1 gp120, was found to bind to synthetic peptides close to the CxxxxxC motif. It is suggested that part of the SU-TM linkage mechanism for the lentiviruses and oncoviruses is a 'knob and socket' structure and that the interaction between SU and TM proteins is similar in one region for lentiviruses and C-type as well as D-type viruses. The conserved knob and socket linkage may be relevant to a mechanism for viral-cell membrane fusion that is broadly common to all of these retroviruses.

A monoclonal antibody to CD4 domain 2 blocks soluble CD4-induced conformational changes in the envelope glycoproteins of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and HIV-1 infection of CD4+ cells

The murine monoclonal antibody (MAb) 5A8, which is reactive with domain 2 of CD4, blocks human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection and syncytium formation of CD4+ cells (L. C. Burkly, D. Olson, R. Shapiro, G. Winkler, J. J. Rosa, D. W. Thomas, C. Williams, and P. Chisholm, J. Immunol., in press). Here we show that, in contrast to the CD4 domain 1 MAb 6H10, 5A8 and its Fab fragment do not block soluble CD4 (sCD4) binding to virions, whereas they do inhibit sCD4-induced exposure of cryptic epitopes on gp41 and dissociation of gp120 from virions. Two other MAbs, OKT4 and L120, which are reactive with domains 3 and 4 of CD4, have little or no effect on HIV-1 infection, syncytium formation, or sCD4-induced conformational changes in the envelope glycoproteins. The mechanisms of action of 5A8 and 6H10 can be further distinguished in syncytium inhibition assays: 6H10 blocks competitively, while 5A8 does not. We opine that 5A8 blocks HIV-1 infection and fusion by interfering with conformational changes in gp120/gp41 and/or CD4 that are necessary for virus-cell fusion.