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Shi G, Li T, Lai KK, Johnson RF, Yewdell JW, Compton AA. Omicron Spike confers enhanced infectivity and interferon resistance to SARS-CoV-2 in human nasal tissue. Nat Commun 2024; 15:889. [PMID: 38291024 PMCID: PMC10828397 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45075-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Omicron emerged following COVID-19 vaccination campaigns, displaced previous SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern worldwide, and gave rise to lineages that continue to spread. Here, we show that Omicron exhibits increased infectivity in primary adult upper airway tissue relative to Delta. Using recombinant forms of SARS-CoV-2 and nasal epithelial cells cultured at the liquid-air interface, we show that mutations unique to Omicron Spike enable enhanced entry into nasal tissue. Unlike earlier variants of SARS-CoV-2, our findings suggest that Omicron enters nasal cells independently of serine transmembrane proteases and instead relies upon metalloproteinases to catalyze membrane fusion. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this entry pathway unlocked by Omicron Spike enables evasion from constitutive and interferon-induced antiviral factors that restrict SARS-CoV-2 entry following attachment. Therefore, the increased transmissibility exhibited by Omicron in humans may be attributed not only to its evasion of vaccine-elicited adaptive immunity, but also to its superior invasion of nasal epithelia and resistance to the cell-intrinsic barriers present therein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoli Shi
- HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Tiansheng Li
- Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kin Kui Lai
- HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Reed F Johnson
- Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jonathan W Yewdell
- Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alex A Compton
- HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA.
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Shi G, Li T, Lai KK, Johnson RF, Yewdell JW, Compton AA. Omicron Spike confers enhanced infectivity and interferon resistance to SARS-CoV-2 in human nasal tissue. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.06.539698. [PMID: 37425811 PMCID: PMC10327209 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.06.539698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Omicron emerged following COVID-19 vaccination campaigns, displaced previous SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern worldwide, and gave rise to lineages that continue to spread. Here, we show that Omicron exhibits increased infectivity in primary adult upper airway tissue relative to Delta. Using recombinant forms of SARS-CoV-2 and nasal epithelial cells cultured at the liquid-air interface, enhanced infectivity maps to the step of cellular entry and evolved recently through mutations unique to Omicron Spike. Unlike earlier variants of SARS-CoV-2, Omicron enters nasal cells independently of serine transmembrane proteases and instead relies upon metalloproteinases to catalyze membrane fusion. This entry pathway unlocked by Omicron Spike enables evasion of constitutive and interferon-induced antiviral factors that restrict SARS-CoV-2 entry following attachment. Therefore, the increased transmissibility exhibited by Omicron in humans may be attributed not only to its evasion of vaccine-elicited adaptive immunity, but also to its superior invasion of nasal epithelia and resistance to the cell-intrinsic barriers present therein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoli Shi
- HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD
| | - Tiansheng Li
- Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD
| | - Kin Kui Lai
- HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD
| | - Reed F. Johnson
- Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD
| | - Jonathan W Yewdell
- Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD
| | - Alex A Compton
- HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD
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3
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Liu Y, Huang H. ACE2, a drug target for COVID-19 treatment? Ir J Med Sci 2023; 192:919-921. [PMID: 35699908 PMCID: PMC9192920 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-022-03055-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- The Department of Anesthesia, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital Huzhou University, 1558 Sanhuan North Road, Huzhou, 313000 Zhejiang People’s Republic of China
| | - Huilian Huang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital Huzhou University, 1558 Sanhuan North Road, Huzhou, 313000 Zhejiang People’s Republic of China
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Cox M, Peacock TP, Harvey WT, Hughes J, Wright DW, Willett BJ, Thomson E, Gupta RK, Peacock SJ, Robertson DL, Carabelli AM. SARS-CoV-2 variant evasion of monoclonal antibodies based on in vitro studies. Nat Rev Microbiol 2023; 21:112-124. [PMID: 36307535 PMCID: PMC9616429 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-022-00809-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 124.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) offer a treatment option for individuals with severe COVID-19 and are especially important in high-risk individuals where vaccination is not an option. Given the importance of understanding the evolution of resistance to mAbs by SARS-CoV-2, we reviewed the available in vitro neutralization data for mAbs against live variants and viral constructs containing spike mutations of interest. Unfortunately, evasion of mAb-induced protection is being reported with new SARS-CoV-2 variants. The magnitude of neutralization reduction varied greatly among mAb-variant pairs. For example, sotrovimab retained its neutralization capacity against Omicron BA.1 but showed reduced efficacy against BA.2, BA.4 and BA.5, and BA.2.12.1. At present, only bebtelovimab has been reported to retain its efficacy against all SARS-CoV-2 variants considered here. Resistance to mAb neutralization was dominated by the action of epitope single amino acid substitutions in the spike protein. Although not all observed epitope mutations result in increased mAb evasion, amino acid substitutions at non-epitope positions and combinations of mutations also contribute to evasion of neutralization. This Review highlights the implications for the rational design of viral genomic surveillance and factors to consider for the development of novel mAb therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- MacGregor Cox
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Thomas P Peacock
- Department of Infectious Disease, St Mary's Medical School, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - William T Harvey
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Joseph Hughes
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Derek W Wright
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Brian J Willett
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Emma Thomson
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ravindra K Gupta
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease (CITIID), Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sharon J Peacock
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - David L Robertson
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
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5
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Sahebkar A, Jamialahmadi T, Rahmoune H, Guest PC. Long-Term Vaccination and Treatment Strategies for COVID-19 Disease and Future Coronavirus Pandemics. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1412:27-49. [PMID: 37378760 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-28012-2_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
The appearance of new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants with increased infectivity and immune escape capabilities has allowed continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic for the foreseeable future. This review describes the worldwide efforts aimed at developing new vaccination and treatment strategies to keep pace with these variants as they emerge. In the case of vaccines and monoclonal antibody-based therapeutics, we describe the development of variant-specific, multivalent, and universal coronavirus directed approaches. Existing treatment approaches consist of repurposed medicines, such as antiviral compounds and anti-inflammatory agents, although efforts are underway to develop new ways of preventing or minimizing the effects of infection with the use of small molecules that disrupt binding the SARS-CoV-2 virus to host cells. Finally, we discuss the preclinical and clinical testing of natural products from medicinal herbs and spices, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties and therefore show potential as novel and safe COVID-19 treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Tannaz Jamialahmadi
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hassan Rahmoune
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Paul C Guest
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
- Department of Psychiatry, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Laboratory of Translational Psychiatry, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
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Guest PC, Kesharwani P, Butler AE, Sahebkar A. The COVID-19 Pandemic: SARS-CoV-2 Structure, Infection, Transmission, Symptomology, and Variants of Concern. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1412:3-26. [PMID: 37378759 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-28012-2_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Since it was first detected in December 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has spread across the world and affected virtually every country and territory. The pathogen driving this pandemic is SARS-CoV-2, a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus which is primarily transmissible though the air and can cause mild to severe respiratory infections in humans. Within the first year of the pandemic, the situation worsened with the emergence of several SARS-CoV-2 variants. Some of these were observed to be more virulent with varying capacities to escape the existing vaccines and were, therefore, denoted as variants of concern. This chapter provides a general overview of the course of the COVID-19 pandemic up to April 2022 with a focus on the structure, infection, transmission, and symptomology of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The main objectives were to investigate the effects of the variants of concern on the trajectory of the virus and to highlight a potential pathway for coping with the current and future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul C Guest
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
- Department of Psychiatry, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Laboratory of Translational Psychiatry, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Prashant Kesharwani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Alexandra E Butler
- Research Department, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Bahrain, Adliya, Bahrain
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Le TTB, Vasanthakumaran T, Thi Hien HN, Hung I, Luu MN, Khan ZA, An NT, Tran VP, Lee WJ, Abdul Aziz JM, Ali T, Dumre SP, Huy NT. SARS-CoV-2 Omicron and its current known unknowns: A narrative review. Rev Med Virol 2023; 33:e2398. [PMID: 36150052 PMCID: PMC9538895 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) has created great global distress. This variant of concern shows multiple sublineages, importantly B.1.1.529.1 (BA.1), BA.1 + R346K (BA.1.1), and B.1.1.529.2 (BA.2), each with unique properties. However, little is known about this new variant, specifically its sub-variants. A narrative review was conducted to summarise the latest findings on transmissibility, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and efficacy of current vaccines and treatments. Omicron has shown two times higher transmission rates than Delta and above ten times more infectious than other variants over a similar period. With more than 30 mutations in the spike protein's receptor-binding domain, there is reduced detection by conventional RT-PCR and rapid antigen tests. Moreover, the two-dose vaccine effectiveness against Delta and Omicron variants was found to be approximately 21%, suggesting an urgent need for a booster dose to prevent the possibility of breakthrough infections. However, the current vaccines remain highly efficacious against severe disease, hospitalisation, and mortality. Japanese preliminary lab data elucidated that the Omicron sublineage BA.2 shows a higher illness severity than BA.1. To date, the clinical management of Omicron remains unchanged, except for monoclonal antibodies. Thus far, only Bebtelovimab could sufficiently treat all three sub-variants of Omicron. Further studies are warranted to understand the complexity of Omicron and its sub-variants. Such research is necessary to improve the management and prevention of Omicron infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trang Thi Bich Le
- Online Research ClubNagasakiJapan
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh CityHo Chi Minh CityVietnam
| | - Tamilarasy Vasanthakumaran
- Online Research ClubNagasakiJapan
- Global Clinical Scholars Research Training ProgramHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Hau Nguyen Thi Hien
- Online Research ClubNagasakiJapan
- Faculty of MedicineCollege of Medicine and PharmacyDuy Tan UniversityDa NangVietnam
- Institue for Research and Training in MedicineBiology and Pharmacy, Duy Tan UniversityDa NangVietnam
| | | | - Mai Ngoc Luu
- Online Research ClubNagasakiJapan
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh CityHo Chi Minh CityVietnam
| | - Zeeshan Ali Khan
- Online Research ClubNagasakiJapan
- Shadan Institute of Medical SciencesHyderabadTelanganaIndia
| | - Nguyen Thanh An
- Online Research ClubNagasakiJapan
- Faculty of MedicineCollege of Medicine and PharmacyDuy Tan UniversityDa NangVietnam
- Institue for Research and Training in MedicineBiology and Pharmacy, Duy Tan UniversityDa NangVietnam
| | - Van Phu Tran
- Online Research ClubNagasakiJapan
- Tra Vinh UniversityTra VinhVietnam
| | - Wei Jun Lee
- Online Research ClubNagasakiJapan
- School of MedicineInternational Medical UniversityKuala LumpurMalaysia
| | - Jeza Muhamad Abdul Aziz
- Online Research ClubNagasakiJapan
- Medical Laboratory SciencesCollege of Health SciencesUniversity of Human DevelopmentSulaimaniKurdistan RegionIraq
- Baxshin Research CenterBaxshin HospitalSulaimaniKurdistan RegionIraq
| | - Tasnim Ali
- Online Research ClubNagasakiJapan
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of KhartoumKhartoumSudan
| | | | - Nguyen Tien Huy
- Online Research ClubNagasakiJapan
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global HealthNagasaki UniversityNagasakiJapan
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8
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Zhu R, Canena D, Sikora M, Klausberger M, Seferovic H, Mehdipour AR, Hain L, Laurent E, Monteil V, Wirnsberger G, Wieneke R, Tampé R, Kienzl NF, Mach L, Mirazimi A, Oh YJ, Penninger JM, Hummer G, Hinterdorfer P. Force-tuned avidity of spike variant-ACE2 interactions viewed on the single-molecule level. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7926. [PMID: 36566234 PMCID: PMC9789309 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35641-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent waves of COVID-19 correlate with the emergence of the Delta and the Omicron variant. We report that the Spike trimer acts as a highly dynamic molecular caliper, thereby forming up to three tight bonds through its RBDs with ACE2 expressed on the cell surface. The Spike of both Delta and Omicron (B.1.1.529) Variant enhance and markedly prolong viral attachment to the host cell receptor ACE2, as opposed to the early Wuhan-1 isolate. Delta Spike shows rapid binding of all three Spike RBDs to three different ACE2 molecules with considerably increased bond lifetime when compared to the reference strain, thereby significantly amplifying avidity. Intriguingly, Omicron (B.1.1.529) Spike displays less multivalent bindings to ACE2 molecules, yet with a ten time longer bond lifetime than Delta. Delta and Omicron (B.1.1.529) Spike variants enhance and prolong viral attachment to the host, which likely not only increases the rate of viral uptake, but also enhances the resistance of the variants against host-cell detachment by shear forces such as airflow, mucus or blood flow. We uncover distinct binding mechanisms and strategies at single-molecule resolution, employed by circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants to enhance infectivity and viral transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Zhu
- Department of Experimental Applied Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Daniel Canena
- Department of Experimental Applied Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Mateusz Sikora
- Department of Theoretical Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Faculty of Physics, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Gronostajowa 7A, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Miriam Klausberger
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hannah Seferovic
- Department of Experimental Applied Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Ahmad Reza Mehdipour
- Department of Theoretical Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Center for Molecular Modeling, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lisa Hain
- Department of Experimental Applied Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Laurent
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Core Facility Biomolecular & Cellular Analysis, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vanessa Monteil
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Ralph Wieneke
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Robert Tampé
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Nikolaus F Kienzl
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Mach
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ali Mirazimi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Yoo Jin Oh
- Department of Experimental Applied Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Josef M Penninger
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna, Austria.
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Gerhard Hummer
- Department of Theoretical Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- Institute of Biophysics, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Peter Hinterdorfer
- Department of Experimental Applied Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria.
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9
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Jimenez Ruiz JA, Lopez Ramirez C, Lopez-Campos JL. Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant: An in-silico study evaluating spike interactions and immune evasion. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1052241. [PMID: 36523581 PMCID: PMC9746896 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1052241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The fundamentals of the infectivity and immune evasion of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant are not yet fully understood. Here, we carried out an in-silico study analyzing the spike protein, the protein electrostatic potential, and the potential immune evasion. Methods The analysis was based on the structure of the spike protein from two SARS-CoV-2 variants, the original Wuhan and the Botswana (Omicron). The full-length genome sequences and protein sequences were obtained from databanks. The interaction of the spike proteins with the human Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor was evaluated through the open-source software. The Immune Epitope Database was used to analyze the potential immune evasion of the viruses. Results Our data show that the Omicron spike protein resulted in 37 amino acid changes. The physicochemical properties of the spike had changed, and the electrostatic potentials differed between both variants. This resulted in a decrease in protein interactions, which does not establish a greater interaction with the ACE2 receptor. These changes compromise key receptor-binding motif residues in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that interact with neutralizing antibodies and ACE2. Conclusions These mutations appear to confer enhanced properties of infectivity. The Omicron variant appears to be more effective at evading immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose A. Jimenez Ruiz
- Research Group on Electronic Technology and Industrial Computing (TIC-150) at the University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Cecilia Lopez Ramirez
- Unidad Médico-Quirúrgica de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose Luis Lopez-Campos
- Unidad Médico-Quirúrgica de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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10
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Mengist HM, Kombe Kombe JA, Jin T. Immune Evasion by the Highly Mutated SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant. Infect Drug Resist 2022. [DOI: 10.2147/idr.s366437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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11
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Samanta A, Alam SSM, Ali S, Hoque M. Analyzing the interaction of human ACE2 and RBD of spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 in perspective of Omicron variant. EXCLI JOURNAL 2022; 21:610-620. [PMID: 35651657 PMCID: PMC9149974 DOI: 10.17179/excli2022-4721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The newly identified Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has steered concerns across the world due to the possession of a large number of mutations leading to high infectivity and vaccine escape potential. The Omicron variant houses 32 mutations in spike (S) protein alone. The viral infectivity is determined mainly by the ability of S protein Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) to bind to the human Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme 2 (hACE2) receptor. In this paper, the interaction of the RBDs of SARS-CoV-2 variants with hACE2 was analyzed by using protein-protein docking and compared with the novel Omicron variant. Our findings reveal that the Omicron RBD interacts strongly with hACE2 receptor via unique amino acid residues as compared to the Wuhan and many other variants. However, the interacting residues of RBD are found to be the same in Lamda (C.37) variant. This unique binding of Omicron RBD with hACE2 suggests an increased potential of infectivity and vaccine evasion potential of the new variant. The evolutionary drive of the SARS-CoV-2 may not be exclusively driven by RBD variants but surely provides for the platform for emergence of new variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arijit Samanta
- Applied Bio-Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Aliah University, Kolkata 700160, India
| | | | - Safdar Ali
- Clinical and Applied Genomics (CAG) Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Aliah University, Kolkata 700160, India
| | - Mehboob Hoque
- Applied Bio-Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Aliah University, Kolkata 700160, India
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12
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Park U, Cho NH. Protective and pathogenic role of humoral responses in COVID-19. J Microbiol 2022; 60:268-275. [PMID: 35235178 PMCID: PMC8890013 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-022-2037-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Since the advent of SARS-CoV-2 in Dec. 2019, the global endeavor to identify the pathogenic mechanism of COVID-19 has been ongoing. Although humoral immunity including neutralizing activity play an important role in protection from the viral pathogen, dysregulated antibody responses may be associated with the pathogenic progression of COVID-19, especially in high-risk individuals. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 spike-specific antibodies acquired by prior infection or vaccination act as immune pressure, driving continuous population turnover by selecting for antibody-escaping mutations. Here, we review accumulating knowledge on the potential role of humoral immune responses in COVID-19, primarily focusing on their beneficial and pathogenic properties. Understanding the multifaceted regulatory mechanisms of humoral responses during SARS-CoV-2 infection can help us to develop more effective therapeutics, as well as protective measures against the ongoing pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uni Park
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam-Hyuk Cho
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Institute of Endemic Disease, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, 13620, Republic of Korea.
- Wide River Institute of Immunology, Seoul National University, Hongcheon, 25159, Republic of Korea.
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Arora S, Grover V, Saluja P, Algarni YA, Saquib SA, Asif SM, Batra K, Alshahrani MY, Das G, Jain R, Ohri A. Literature Review of Omicron: A Grim Reality Amidst COVID-19. Microorganisms 2022; 10:451. [PMID: 35208905 PMCID: PMC8876621 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) first emerged in Wuhan city in December 2019, and became a grave global concern due to its highly infectious nature. The Severe Acute Respiratory Coronavirus-2, with its predecessors (i.e., MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV) belong to the family of Coronaviridae. Reportedly, COVID-19 has infected 344,710,576 people around the globe and killed nearly 5,598,511 persons in the short span of two years. On November 24, 2021, B.1.1.529 strain, later named Omicron, was classified as a Variant of Concern (VOC). SARS-CoV-2 has continuously undergone a series of unprecedented mutations and evolved to exhibit varying characteristics. These mutations have largely occurred in the spike (S) protein (site for antibody binding), which attribute high infectivity and transmissibility characteristics to the Omicron strain. Although many studies have attempted to understand this new challenge in the COVID-19 strains race, there is still a lot to be demystified. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to summarize the structural or virologic characteristics, burden, and epidemiology of the Omicron variant and its potential to evade the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suraj Arora
- Department of Restorative Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha 61321, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Vishakha Grover
- Department of Periodontology and Oral Implantology, Dr. H.S.J. Institute of Dental Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India; (V.G.); (A.O.)
| | - Priyanka Saluja
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, JCD Dental College, Sirsa 125055, India
| | - Youssef Abdullah Algarni
- Department of Restorative Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha 61321, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Shahabe Abullais Saquib
- Department of Periodontics and Community Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha 61321, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Shaik Mohammed Asif
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences and Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha 61321, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Kavita Batra
- Biomedical Statistician, Office of Research, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at University of Nevada, 2040 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89102, USA;
| | - Mohammed Y. Alshahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha 61321, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Gotam Das
- Department of Prosthodontics, College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha 61321, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rajni Jain
- Department of Prosthodontics, Dr. H.S.J. Institute of Dental Sciences & Hospital, Punjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India;
| | - Anchal Ohri
- Department of Periodontology and Oral Implantology, Dr. H.S.J. Institute of Dental Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India; (V.G.); (A.O.)
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