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Skinner NE, Ogega CO, Frumento N, Clark KE, Paul H, Yegnasubramanian S, Schuebel K, Meyers J, Gupta A, Wheelan S, Cox AL, Crowe JE, Ray SC, Bailey JR. Convergent antibody responses are associated with broad neutralization of hepatitis C virus. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1135841. [PMID: 37033983 PMCID: PMC10080129 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1135841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Early development of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) targeting the hepatitis C virus (HCV) envelope glycoprotein E2 is associated with spontaneous clearance of infection, so induction of bNAbs is a major goal of HCV vaccine development. However, the molecular antibody features important for broad neutralization are not known. Methods To identify B cell repertoire features associated with broad neutralization, we performed RNA sequencing of the B cell receptors (BCRs) of HCV E2-reactive B cells of HCV-infected individuals with either high or low plasma neutralizing breadth. We then produced a monoclonal antibody (mAb) expressed by pairing the most abundant heavy and light chains from public clonotypes identified among clearance, high neutralization subjects. Results We found distinctive BCR features associated with broad neutralization of HCV, including long heavy chain complementarity determining region 3 (CDRH3) regions, specific VH gene usage, increased frequencies of somatic hypermutation, and particular VH gene mutations. Most intriguing, we identified many E2-reactive public BCR clonotypes (heavy and light chain clones with the same V and J-genes and identical CDR3 sequences) present only in subjects who produced highly neutralizing plasma. The majority of these public clonotypes were shared by two subjects who cleared infection. A mAb expressing the most abundant public heavy and light chains from these clearance, high neutralization subjects had features enriched in high neutralization clonotypes, such as increased somatic hypermutation frequency and usage of IGHV1-69, and was cross-neutralizing. Discussion Together, these results demonstrate distinct BCR repertoires associated with high plasma neutralizing capacity. Further characterization of the molecular features and function of these antibodies can inform HCV vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole E. Skinner
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Clinton O. Ogega
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Nicole Frumento
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Kaitlyn E. Clark
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Harry Paul
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | | | - Kornel Schuebel
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jennifer Meyers
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Anuj Gupta
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sarah Wheelan
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Andrea L. Cox
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - James E. Crowe
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Stuart C. Ray
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Justin R. Bailey
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Nishio A, Hasan S, Park H, Park N, Salas JH, Salinas E, Kardava L, Juneau P, Frumento N, Massaccesi G, Moir S, Bailey JR, Grakoui A, Ghany MG, Rehermann B. Serum neutralization activity declines but memory B cells persist after cure of chronic hepatitis C. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5446. [PMID: 36114169 PMCID: PMC9481596 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33035-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections underscores the need for an effective vaccine. Successful vaccines to other viruses generally depend on a long-lasting humoral response. However, data on the half-life of HCV-specific responses are lacking. Here we study archived sera and mononuclear cells that were prospectively collected up to 18 years after cure of chronic HCV infection to determine the role of HCV antigen in maintaining neutralizing antibody and B cell responses. We show that HCV-neutralizing activity decreases rapidly in potency and breadth after curative treatment. In contrast, HCV-specific memory B cells persist, and display a restored resting phenotype, normalized chemokine receptor expression and preserved ability to differentiate into antibody-secreting cells. The short half-life of HCV-neutralizing activity is consistent with a lack of long-lived plasma cells. The persistence of HCV-specific memory B cells and the reduced inflammation after cure provide an opportunity for vaccination to induce protective immunity against re-infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Nishio
- Immunology Section, Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Sharika Hasan
- Immunology Section, Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Heiyoung Park
- Immunology Section, Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Nana Park
- Immunology Section, Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Jordan H Salas
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Eduardo Salinas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory Vaccine Center, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory Vaccine Center, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Lela Kardava
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Paul Juneau
- Division of Data Services, NIH Library, Office of Research Services, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Contractor- Zimmerman Associates, Inc, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Nicole Frumento
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Guido Massaccesi
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Susan Moir
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Justin R Bailey
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Arash Grakoui
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory Vaccine Center, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory Vaccine Center, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Marc G Ghany
- Clinical Research Section, Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Barbara Rehermann
- Immunology Section, Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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3
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Salinas E, Boisvert M, Upadhyay AA, Bédard N, Nelson SA, Bruneau J, Derdeyn CA, Marcotrigiano J, Evans MJ, Bosinger SE, Shoukry NH, Grakoui A. Early T follicular helper cell activity accelerates hepatitis C virus-specific B cell expansion. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:140590. [PMID: 33463551 DOI: 10.1172/jci140590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Early appearance of neutralizing antibodies during acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with spontaneous viral clearance. However, the longitudinal changes in antigen-specific memory B cell (MBCs) associated with divergent HCV infection outcomes remain undefined. We characterized longitudinal changes in E2 glycoprotein-specific MBCs from subjects who either spontaneously resolved acute HCV infection or progressed to chronic infection, using single-cell RNA-seq and functional assays. HCV-specific antibodies in plasma from chronically infected subjects recognized multiple E2 genotypes, while those from spontaneous resolvers exhibited variable cross-reactivity to heterotypic E2. E2-specific MBCs from spontaneous resolvers peaked early after infection (4-6 months), following expansion of activated circulating T follicular helper cells (cTfh) expressing interleukin 21. In contrast, E2-specific MBCs from chronically infected subjects, enriched in VH1-69, expanded during persistent infection (> 1 year), in the absence of significantly activated cTfh expansion. Early E2-specific MBCs from spontaneous resolvers produced monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with fewer somatic hypermutations and lower E2 binding but similar neutralization as mAbs from late E2-specific MBCs of chronically infected subjects. These findings indicate that early cTfh activity accelerates expansion of E2-specific MBCs during acute infection, which might contribute to spontaneous clearance of HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Salinas
- Division of Infectious diseases, Emory Vaccine Center, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory Vaccine Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Maude Boisvert
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Amit A Upadhyay
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory Vaccine Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Nathalie Bédard
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sydney A Nelson
- Yerkes NHP Genomics Core Laboratory, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Département de Médecine Familiale et de Médecine D'Urgence, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Cynthia A Derdeyn
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory Vaccine Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Joseph Marcotrigiano
- Structural Virology Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Matthew J Evans
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Steven E Bosinger
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory Vaccine Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Yerkes NHP Genomics Core Laboratory, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Naglaa H Shoukry
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Arash Grakoui
- Division of Infectious diseases, Emory Vaccine Center, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory Vaccine Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Characterization of linear epitope specificity of antibodies potentially contributing to spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256816. [PMID: 34449828 PMCID: PMC8396737 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256816] [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: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Around 30% of the HCV infected patients can spontaneously clear the virus. Cumulative evidence suggests the role of neutralizing antibodies in such spontaneous resolution. Understanding the epitope specificity of such antibodies will inform the rational vaccine design as such information is limited to date. In addition to conformational epitope targeted antibodies, linear epitope specific antibodies have been identified that are broadly cross reactive against diverse HCV strains. In this study, we have characterized the potential role of three conserved linear epitopes in the spontaneous clearance of HCV. Methods We tested the reactivity of sera from chronic patients (CP) and spontaneous resolvers (SR) with linear peptides corresponding to three conserved regions of HCV envelope protein E2 spanning amino acids 412–423, 523–532 and 432–443 using ELISA. Subsequently, we characterized the dependency of HCV neutralization by the reactive serum samples on the antibodies specific for these epitopes using pseudoparticle-based neutralization assay. In ELISA most of the CP sera showed reactivity to multiple peptides while most of the SR samples were reactive to a single peptide suggesting presence of more specific antibodies in the SR sera. In most of the HCVpp neutralizing sera of particular peptide reactivity the neutralization was significantly affected by the presence of respective peptide. HCV neutralization by CP sera was affected by multiple peptides while 75% of the HCVpp neutralizing SR sera were competed by the 432 epitope. Conclusions These findings suggest that individuals who spontaneously resolve HCV infection at the acute phase, can produce antibodies specific for conserved linear epitopes, and those antibodies can potentially play a role in the spontaneous viral clearance. The epitope present in the 432–443 region of E2 was identified as the primary neutralizing epitope with potential role in spontaneous viral clearance and this epitope potentiates for the design of immunogen for prophylactic vaccine.
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Brasher NA, Adhikari A, Lloyd AR, Tedla N, Bull RA. Hepatitis C Virus Epitope Immunodominance and B Cell Repertoire Diversity. Viruses 2021; 13:v13060983. [PMID: 34070572 PMCID: PMC8229270 DOI: 10.3390/v13060983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the advent of effective, curative treatments for hepatitis C virus (HCV), a preventative vaccine remains essential for the global elimination of HCV. It is now clear that the induction of broadly neutralising antibodies (bNAbs) is essential for the rational design of such a vaccine. This review details the current understanding of epitopes on the HCV envelope, characterising the potency, breadth and immunodominance of antibodies induced against these epitopes, as well as describing the interactions between B-cell receptors and HCV infection, with a particular focus on bNAb heavy and light chain variable gene usage. Additionally, we consider the importance of a public repertoire for antibodies against HCV, compiling current knowledge and suggesting that further research in this area may be critical to the rational design of an effective HCV vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A. Brasher
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (N.A.B.); (A.A.); (N.T.)
- The Kirby Institute, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
| | - Anurag Adhikari
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (N.A.B.); (A.A.); (N.T.)
- The Kirby Institute, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
- Department of Infection and Immunology, Kathmandu Research Institute for Biological Sciences, Lalitpur 44700, Nepal
| | - Andrew R. Lloyd
- The Kirby Institute, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
| | - Nicodemus Tedla
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (N.A.B.); (A.A.); (N.T.)
| | - Rowena A. Bull
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (N.A.B.); (A.A.); (N.T.)
- The Kirby Institute, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
- Correspondence:
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Hepatitis C virus vaccine design: focus on the humoral immune response. J Biomed Sci 2020; 27:78. [PMID: 32631318 PMCID: PMC7338099 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-020-00669-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the recent development of safe and highly effective direct-acting antivirals, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a significant health problem. In 2016, the World Health Organization set out to reduce the rate of new HCV infections by 90% by 2030. Still, global control of the virus does not seem to be achievable in the absence of an effective vaccine. Current approaches to the development of a vaccine against HCV include the production of recombinant proteins, synthetic peptides, DNA vaccines, virus-like particles, and viral vectors expressing various antigens. In this review, we focus on the development of vaccines targeting the humoral immune response against HCV based on the cumulative evidence supporting the important role of neutralizing antibodies in protection against HCV infection. The main targets of HCV-specific neutralizing antibodies are the glycoproteins E1 and E2. Recent advances in the knowledge of HCV glycoprotein structure and their epitopes, as well as the possibility of getting detailed information on the human antibody repertoire generated by the infection, will allow rational structure-based antigen design to target specific germline antibodies. Although obtaining a vaccine capable of inducing sterilizing immunity will be a difficult task, a vaccine that prevents chronic hepatitis C infections, a more realistic goal in the short term, would have a considerable health impact.
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Association of the Sialylation of Antibodies Specific to the HCV E2 Envelope Glycoprotein with Hepatic Fibrosis Progression and Antiviral Therapy Efficacy. DISEASE MARKERS 2020; 2020:8881279. [PMID: 32685058 PMCID: PMC7333057 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8881279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The E2 envelope glycoprotein of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major target of broadly neutralizing antibodies that are closely related to a spontaneous cure of HCV infection. There is still no data about the diversity of E2-specific antibodies (Abs) glycosylation. The aim of this study was to analyze the level and sialylation of E2 IgG Abs, the relation of the respective changes to hepatic fibrosis (F) progression and their possible association with the efficacy of interferon-α-2a plus ribavirin (IFN-RBV) antiviral therapy. One hundred three HCV infected treatment-naive patients were examined using ELISA with E2 recombinant protein as antigen and sialic acid-specific Sambucus nigra agglutinin. The efficacy of the IFN-RBV treatment of patients with HCV dominant 1b and 3a genotypes (GT) was evaluated. A significant decrease of E2 Abs sialylation in the late stages of fibrosis was found irrespective of HCV genotype. On this basis, the F4 stage of fibrosis can be discriminated from its F0 or F1-3 stage by an about 75-79% accuracy. HCV infection of 1b genotype is associated with the production of lower sialylated E2 Abs, a higher frequency of F4 stage fibrosis, and a worse response to antiviral therapy. The increased SNA reactivity of E2 Abs was observed in patients with a sustained virological response (SVR). The proportion of SVR responders was significantly higher among patients with 3a genotype. However, for both dominant HCV genotypes (3a and 1b), an increased sialylation of E2 IgG was associated with a higher rate of patients with sustained virological response to antiviral therapy. Thus, the association of alterations of anti-E2 IgG Abs sialylation with hepatic fibrosis stage, HCV genotype, and the efficacy of antiviral therapy enables using these changes as novel noninvasive predictive biomarkers. The clinical potential of these findings is discussed.
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8
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Substitution of the CD81 Binding Site and β-Sandwich Area in E2 of HCV in Cambodia. Viruses 2020; 12:v12050551. [PMID: 32429467 PMCID: PMC7290788 DOI: 10.3390/v12050551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The high genetic variability of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the main obstacle to developing a vaccine. E2 has attracted attention for vaccine development because targeting this protein could potentially overcome issues related to the genetic diversity of HCV. In this study, we analyzed HCV genes in the general population of Cambodia and investigated the E2 locus as a candidate for vaccine development. HCV sero-epidemiological surveys were conducted between the period 2010 and 2014, with an HCV RNA–positive rate of 1.3% (11/868). Follow-up blood samples were collected from four anti-HCV– and HCV RNA– positive patients (genotype 1b: 2 cases, 6e: 1 case, 6r: 1 case) after 4.12 years. Analysis of HCV full-length nucleotide sequences in paired specimens revealed that the mutation rates of HCV genotypes 1b and 6e/6r were 1.61–2.03 × 10−3 and 2.52–2.74 × 10−3 substitutions/site/year, respectively. Non-synonymous substitutions were detected in HVR1, the front layer of the CD81 binding site, and the β-sandwich, but not in the N-terminal region or adjacent to the CD81 binding site. Therefore, we conclude that the CD81 binding site is a promising locus for HCV vaccine development.
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Stejskal L, Lees WD, Moss DS, Palor M, Bingham RJ, Shepherd AJ, Grove J. Flexibility and intrinsic disorder are conserved features of hepatitis C virus E2 glycoprotein. PLoS Comput Biol 2020; 16:e1007710. [PMID: 32109245 PMCID: PMC7065822 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1007710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The glycoproteins of hepatitis C virus, E1E2, are unlike any other viral fusion machinery yet described, and are the current focus of immunogen design in HCV vaccine development; thus, making E1E2 both scientifically and medically important. We used pre-existing, but fragmentary, structures to model a complete ectodomain of the major glycoprotein E2 from three strains of HCV. We then performed molecular dynamic simulations to explore the conformational landscape of E2, revealing a number of important features. Despite high sequence divergence, and subtle differences in the models, E2 from different strains behave similarly, possessing a stable core flanked by highly flexible regions, some of which perform essential functions such as receptor binding. Comparison with sequence data suggest that this consistent behaviour is conferred by a network of conserved residues that act as hinge and anchor points throughout E2. The variable regions (HVR-1, HVR-2 and VR-3) exhibit particularly high flexibility, and bioinformatic analysis suggests that HVR-1 is a putative intrinsically disordered protein region. Dynamic cross-correlation analyses demonstrate intramolecular communication and suggest that specific regions, such as HVR-1, can exert influence throughout E2. To support our computational approach we performed small-angle X-ray scattering with purified E2 ectodomain; this data was consistent with our MD experiments, suggesting a compact globular core with peripheral flexible regions. This work captures the dynamic behaviour of E2 and has direct relevance to the interaction of HCV with cell-surface receptors and neutralising antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Stejskal
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck College, London, United Kingdom
| | - William D. Lees
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck College, London, United Kingdom
| | - David S. Moss
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Machaela Palor
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J. Bingham
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian J. Shepherd
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joe Grove
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Kreer C, Gruell H, Mora T, Walczak AM, Klein F. Exploiting B Cell Receptor Analyses to Inform on HIV-1 Vaccination Strategies. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8010013. [PMID: 31906351 PMCID: PMC7157687 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The human antibody repertoire is generated by the recombination of different gene segments as well as by processes of somatic mutation. Together these mechanisms result in a tremendous diversity of antibodies that are able to combat various pathogens including viruses and bacteria, or malignant cells. In this review, we summarize the opportunities and challenges that are associated with the analyses of the B cell receptor repertoire and the antigen-specific B cell response. We will discuss how recent advances have increased our understanding of the antibody response and how repertoire analyses can be exploited to inform on vaccine strategies, particularly against HIV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Kreer
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; (C.K.); (H.G.)
| | - Henning Gruell
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; (C.K.); (H.G.)
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Thierry Mora
- Laboratoire de Physique de l’École Normale Supérieure (PSL University), CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 75005 Paris, France; (T.M.); (A.M.W.)
| | - Aleksandra M. Walczak
- Laboratoire de Physique de l’École Normale Supérieure (PSL University), CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 75005 Paris, France; (T.M.); (A.M.W.)
| | - Florian Klein
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; (C.K.); (H.G.)
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Correspondence:
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