1
|
Hasan M, He Z, Jia M, Leung ACF, Natarajan K, Xu W, Yap S, Zhou F, Chen S, Su H, Zhu K, Su H. Dynamic expedition of leading mutations in SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoproteins. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:2407-2417. [PMID: 38882678 PMCID: PMC11176665 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.05.037] [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: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The continuous evolution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which caused the recent pandemic, has generated countless new variants with varying fitness. Mutations of the spike glycoprotein play a particularly vital role in shaping its evolutionary trajectory, as they have the capability to alter its infectivity and antigenicity. We present a time-resolved statistical method, Dynamic Expedition of Leading Mutations (deLemus), to analyze the evolutionary dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein. The proposed L -index of the deLemus method is effective in quantifying the mutation strength of each amino acid site and outlining evolutionarily significant sites, allowing the comprehensive characterization of the evolutionary mutation pattern of the spike glycoprotein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Hasan
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhouyi He
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengqi Jia
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Alvin C F Leung
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Wentao Xu
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shanqi Yap
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Feng Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shihong Chen
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hailei Su
- Bengbu Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 4339 Huai-shang Road, Anhui 233080, China
| | - Kaicheng Zhu
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Haibin Su
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sarkar M, Madabhavi I. COVID-19 mutations: An overview. World J Methodol 2024; 14:89761. [DOI: 10.5662/wjm.v14.i3.89761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) belongs to the genus Beta coronavirus and the family of Coronaviridae. It is a positive-sense, non-segmented single-strand RNA virus. Four common types of human coronaviruses circulate globally, particularly in the fall and winter seasons. They are responsible for 10%-30% of all mild upper respiratory tract infections in adults. These are 229E, NL63 of the Alfacoronaviridae family, OC43, and HKU1 of the Betacoronaviridae family. However, there are three highly pathogenic human coronaviruses: SARS-CoV-2, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, and the latest pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 infection. All viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, have the inherent tendency to evolve. SARS-CoV-2 is still evolving in humans. Additionally, due to the development of herd immunity, prior infection, use of medication, vaccination, and antibodies, the viruses are facing immune pressure. During the replication process and due to immune pressure, the virus may undergo mutations. Several SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the variants of concern (VOCs), such as B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.351 (Beta), B.1.617/B.1.617.2 (Delta), P.1 (Gamma), and B.1.1.529 (Omicron) have been reported from various parts of the world. These VOCs contain several important mutations; some of them are on the spike proteins. These mutations may lead to enhanced infectivity, transmissibility, and decreased neutralization efficacy by monoclonal antibodies, convalescent sera, or vaccines. Mutations may also lead to a failure of detection by molecular diagnostic tests, leading to a delayed diagnosis, increased community spread, and delayed treatment. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Covariant, the Stanford variant Database, and the CINAHL from December 2019 to February 2023 using the following search terms: VOC, SARS-CoV-2, Omicron, mutations in SARS-CoV-2, etc. This review discusses the various mutations and their impact on infectivity, transmissibility, and neutralization efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malay Sarkar
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla 171001, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Irappa Madabhavi
- Department of Medical and Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, J N Medical College, and KAHER, Belagavi, Karnataka 590010, India
- Department of Medical and Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Kerudi Cancer Hospital, Bagalkot, Karnataka 587103, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Agarwal R, Bhugra A, Gautam P, Suroliya V, Chhabra R, Pandey A, Garg P, Rao P, Babu R, Kumar G, Bihari C, Bhattacharyya D, Shasthry SM, Sarin SK, Gupta E. Clinical and Genomic Perspective of SARS CoV-2 Infection in Liver Disease Patients: A Single-Centre Retrospective Study. Curr Microbiol 2024; 81:301. [PMID: 39115704 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-024-03786-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
The limited literature on the clinical course of COVID-19 among patients with underlying liver disease (LD) is available from India. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical and mutational profile of SARS-CoV-2 among LD cases. This was a retrospective study including admitted LD cases in whom SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR testing was performed. Complete demographic and clinical details were retrieved from Hospital Information System. Detailed mutational analysis was performed by comparing LD COVID-19 positive study group, i.e. LD-CoV(+) with COVID-19 positive outpatients without any underlying LD as control, i.e. NLD-CoV(+). Out of 232 enrolled LD cases, 137 (59.1%) were LD-CoV(+). LD cases with existing co-morbidities were affected more (P = 0.002) and had 2.29 times (OR 2.29, CI 95%, 1.25-4.29) higher odds of succumbing to COVID-19 (P = 0.006). On multivariate regression analysis, ascites (P = 0.05), severe COVID-19 pneumonia (P = 0.046), and an increased levels of bilirubin (P = 0.005) and alkaline phosphatase (P = 0.003) were found to be associated with adverse outcome in LD-CoV(+).On mutational analysis, we found certain differences between LD- and NLD-CoV(+) infected with Delta [LD- and NLD-CoV (+ /D)] and Omicron [LD- and NLD-CoV(+/O)]. More mutations were shared between LD- and NLD-CoV(+/O) compared to LD- and NLD-CoV(+/D). There were differences in prevalence of indel mutations specific to LD-CoV ( +) for both Delta and Omicron. Moreover, we also reported an interesting genic bias between LD- and NLD-CoV( +) in harbouring deleterious/tolerated mutations. To conclude, LD cases with comorbidities were affected more and had higher odds of mortality due to COVID-19. The definite difference between LD- and NLD-CoV(+) groups with respect to frequency of harboured mutations and an inherent genic bias between them is of noteworthy importance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reshu Agarwal
- Department of Clinical Virology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, D-1 Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, 110070, India
| | - Arjun Bhugra
- Department of Clinical Virology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, D-1 Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, 110070, India
| | - Pramod Gautam
- Genome Sequencing Laboratory, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Varun Suroliya
- Genome Sequencing Laboratory, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ruchita Chhabra
- Department of Clinical Virology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, D-1 Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, 110070, India
| | - Amit Pandey
- Department of Clinical Virology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, D-1 Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, 110070, India
| | - Prince Garg
- Genome Sequencing Laboratory, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Pooja Rao
- Genome Sequencing Laboratory, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rosmy Babu
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Guresh Kumar
- Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Chhagan Bihari
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | | | - S M Shasthry
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Shiv Kumar Sarin
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ekta Gupta
- Department of Clinical Virology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, D-1 Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, 110070, India.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Colom MS, Vučinić J, Adolf‐Bryfogle J, Bowman JW, Verel S, Moczygemba I, Schiex T, Simoncini D, Bahl CD. Complete combinatorial mutational enumeration of a protein functional site enables sequence-landscape mapping and identifies highly-mutated variants that retain activity. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e5109. [PMID: 38989563 PMCID: PMC11237556 DOI: 10.1002/pro.5109] [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: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Understanding how proteins evolve under selective pressure is a longstanding challenge. The immensity of the search space has limited efforts to systematically evaluate the impact of multiple simultaneous mutations, so mutations have typically been assessed individually. However, epistasis, or the way in which mutations interact, prevents accurate prediction of combinatorial mutations based on measurements of individual mutations. Here, we use artificial intelligence to define the entire functional sequence landscape of a protein binding site in silico, and we call this approach Complete Combinatorial Mutational Enumeration (CCME). By leveraging CCME, we are able to construct a comprehensive map of the evolutionary connectivity within this functional sequence landscape. As a proof of concept, we applied CCME to the ACE2 binding site of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain. We selected representative variants from across the functional sequence landscape for testing in the laboratory. We identified variants that retained functionality to bind ACE2 despite changing over 40% of evaluated residue positions, and the variants now escape binding and neutralization by monoclonal antibodies. This work represents a crucial initial stride toward achieving precise predictions of pathogen evolution, opening avenues for proactive mitigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mireia Solà Colom
- Institute for Protein InnovationBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Division of Hematology/OncologyBoston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Present address:
AI ProteinsBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jelena Vučinić
- Université Fédérale de Toulouse, IRIT UMR 5505, ANITI, Université Toulouse CapitoleToulouseFrance
| | - Jared Adolf‐Bryfogle
- Institute for Protein InnovationBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Division of Hematology/OncologyBoston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - James W. Bowman
- Institute for Protein InnovationBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Division of Hematology/OncologyBoston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Present address:
AI ProteinsBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | | | - Isabelle Moczygemba
- Institute for Protein InnovationBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Division of Hematology/OncologyBoston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Present address:
AI ProteinsBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Thomas Schiex
- MIAT, Université Fédérale de Toulouse, ANITI, INRAE UR 875ToulouseFrance
| | - David Simoncini
- Université Fédérale de Toulouse, IRIT UMR 5505, ANITI, Université Toulouse CapitoleToulouseFrance
| | - Christopher D. Bahl
- Institute for Protein InnovationBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Division of Hematology/OncologyBoston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Present address:
AI ProteinsBostonMassachusettsUSA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Roohi A, Gharagozlou S. Vitamin D supplementation and calcium: Many-faced gods or nobody in fighting against Corona Virus Disease 2019. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2024; 62:172-184. [PMID: 38901939 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2024.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
In December 2019, Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first identified and designated as a pandemic in March 2020 due to rapid spread of the virus globally. At the beginning of the pandemic, only a few treatment options, mainly focused on supportive care and repurposing medications, were available. Due to its effects on immune system, vitamin D was a topic of interest during the pandemic, and researchers investigated its potential impact on COVID-19 outcomes. However, the results of studies about the impact of vitamin D on the disease are inconclusive. In the present narrative review, different roles of vitamin D regarding the COVID-19 have been discussed to show that vitamin D supplementation should be recommended carefully.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Azam Roohi
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hutchings CJ, Sato AK. Phage display technology and its impact in the discovery of novel protein-based drugs. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:887-915. [PMID: 39074492 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2367023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Phage display technology is a well-established versatile in vitro display technology that has been used for over 35 years to identify peptides and antibodies for use as reagents and therapeutics, as well as exploring the diversity of alternative scaffolds as another option to conventional therapeutic antibody discovery. Such successes have been responsible for spawning a range of biotechnology companies, as well as many complementary technologies devised to expedite the drug discovery process and resolve bottlenecks in the discovery workflow. AREAS COVERED In this perspective, the authors summarize the application of phage display for drug discovery and provide examples of protein-based drugs that have either been approved or are being developed in the clinic. The amenability of phage display to generate functional protein molecules to challenging targets and recent developments of strategies and techniques designed to harness the power of sampling diverse repertoires are highlighted. EXPERT OPINION Phage display is now routinely combined with cutting-edge technologies to deep-mine antibody-based repertoires, peptide, or alternative scaffold libraries generating a wealth of data that can be leveraged, e.g. via artificial intelligence, to enable the potential for clinical success in the discovery and development of protein-based therapeutics.
Collapse
|
7
|
Qin HR, Cao Z, Lu FZ, Wang W, Zhao W, Li G, Zhang H, Wang S, Qin Z. Monovalent, bivalent and biparatopic nanobodies targeting S1 protein of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus efficiently neutralized the virus infectivity. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:336. [PMID: 39080763 PMCID: PMC11290301 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04151-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a highly contagious coronavirus that causes severe diarrhea and death in neonatal piglets, which has brought huge economic losses to the pork industry worldwide since its first discovery in the early 1970s in Europe. Passive immunization with neutralizing antibodies against PEDV is an effective prevention measure. To date, there are no effective therapeutic drugs to treat the PEDV infection. RESULTS We conducted a screening of specific nanobodies against the S1 protein from a phage display library obtained from immunized alpacas. Through competitive binding to antigenic epitopes, we selected instead of chose nanobodies with high affinity and constructed a multivalent tandem. These nanobodies were shown to inhibit PEDV infectivity by the neutralization assay. The antiviral capacity of nanobody was found to display a dose-dependent pattern, as demonstrated by IFA, TCID50, and qRT-PCR analyses. Notably, biparatopic nanobody SF-B exhibited superior antiviral activity. Nanobodies exhibited low cytotoxicity and high stability even under harsh temperature and pH conditions, demonstrating their potential practical applicability to animals. CONCLUSIONS Nanobodies exhibit remarkable biological properties and antiviral effects, rendering them a promising candidate for the development of anti-PEDV drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huai-Rui Qin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China.
| | - Zhi Cao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Feng-Zhe Lu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Wei Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Wenhui Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Guimei Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Hongliang Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Shubai Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Zhihua Qin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lee J, Kim B, Woo HM, Kim JW, Jung I, Park SW, Kim YS, Na JH, Jung ST. Enhanced Omicron Variant Neutralization by a Human Antibody Tailored to Wild-Type and Delta-Variant SARS-CoV-2 RBDs. Mol Pharm 2024. [PMID: 39058261 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.4c00297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Given the previous SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the inherent unpredictability of viral antigenic drift and shift, preemptive development of diverse neutralizing antibodies targeting a broad spectrum of epitopes is essential to ensure immediate therapeutic and prophylactic interventions during emerging outbreaks. In this study, we present a monoclonal antibody engineered for cross-reactivity to both wild-type and Delta RBDs, which, surprisingly, demonstrates enhanced neutralizing activity against the Omicron variant despite a significant number of mutations. Using an Escherichia coli inner membrane display of a human naïve antibody library, we identified antibodies specific to the wild-type SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD). Subsequent directed evolution via yeast surface display yielded JS18.1, an antibody with high binding affinity for both the Delta and Kappa RBDs, as well as enhanced binding to other RBDs (wild-type, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Kappa, and Mu). Notably, JS18.1 (engineered for wild-type and Delta RBDs) exhibits enhanced neutralizing capability against the Omicron variant and binds to RBDs noncompetitively with ACE2, distinguishing it from other previously reported antibodies. This underscores the potential of pre-existing antibodies to neutralize emerging SARS-CoV-2 strains and offers insights into strategies to combat emerging viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jisun Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
- BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Bomi Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
- BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Min Woo
- Division of Emerging Virus and Vector Research, Center for Emerging Virus Research, National Institute of Health, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Osong, Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Won Kim
- Division of Emerging Virus and Vector Research, Center for Emerging Virus Research, National Institute of Health, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Osong, Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea
| | - Inji Jung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
- BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Wook Park
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Sung Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do 16499, Republic of Korea
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Ajou University Medical School, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hyun Na
- School of Biopharmaceutical and Medical Sciences, Sungshin Women's University, Seoul 01133, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Taek Jung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
- BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Center, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Human Genetics, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Dutta M, Acharya P. Cryo-electron microscopy in the study of virus entry and infection. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1429180. [PMID: 39114367 PMCID: PMC11303226 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1429180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Viruses have been responsible for many epidemics and pandemics that have impacted human life globally. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted both our vulnerability to viral outbreaks, as well as the mobilization of the scientific community to come together to combat the unprecedented threat to humanity. Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) played a central role in our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic and continues to inform about this evolving pathogen. Cryo-EM with its two popular imaging modalities, single particle analysis (SPA) and cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), has contributed immensely to understanding the structure of viruses and interactions that define their life cycles and pathogenicity. Here, we review how cryo-EM has informed our understanding of three distinct viruses, of which two - HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 infect humans, and the third, bacteriophages, infect bacteria. For HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 our focus is on the surface glycoproteins that are responsible for mediating host receptor binding, and host and cell membrane fusion, while for bacteriophages, we review their structure, capsid maturation, attachment to the bacterial cell surface and infection initiation mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moumita Dutta
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Priyamvada Acharya
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Surgery, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ferrer-Orta C, Vázquez-Monteagudo S, Ferrero DS, Martínez-González B, Perales C, Domingo E, Verdaguer N. Point mutations at specific sites of the nsp12-nsp8 interface dramatically affect the RNA polymerization activity of SARS-CoV-2. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2317977121. [PMID: 38990941 PMCID: PMC11260105 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2317977121] [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: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
In a recent characterization of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variability present in 30 diagnostic samples from patients of the first COVID-19 pandemic wave, 41 amino acid substitutions were documented in the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) nsp12. Eight substitutions were selected in this work to determine whether they had an impact on the RdRp activity of the SARS-CoV-2 nsp12-nsp8-nsp7 replication complex. Three of these substitutions were found around the polymerase central cavity, in the template entry channel (D499G and M668V), and within the motif B (V560A), and they showed polymerization rates similar to the wild type RdRp. The remaining five mutations (P323L, L372F, L372P, V373A, and L527H) were placed near the nsp12-nsp8F contact surface; residues L372, V373, and L527 participated in a large hydrophobic cluster involving contacts between two helices in the nsp12 fingers and the long α-helix of nsp8F. The presence of any of these five amino acid substitutions resulted in important alterations in the RNA polymerization activity. Comparative primer elongation assays showed different behavior depending on the hydrophobicity of their side chains. The substitution of L by the bulkier F side chain at position 372 slightly promoted RdRp activity. However, this activity was dramatically reduced with the L372P, and L527H mutations, and to a lesser extent with V373A, all of which weaken the hydrophobic interactions within the cluster. Additional mutations, specifically designed to disrupt the nsp12-nsp8F interactions (nsp12-V330S, nsp12-V341S, and nsp8-R111A/D112A), also resulted in an impaired RdRp activity, further illustrating the importance of this contact interface in the regulation of RNA synthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Ferrer-Orta
- Structural and Molecular Biology Department, Institut de Biologia Molecular de Barcelona, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Barcelona08028, Spain
| | - Sergi Vázquez-Monteagudo
- Structural and Molecular Biology Department, Institut de Biologia Molecular de Barcelona, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Barcelona08028, Spain
| | - Diego S. Ferrero
- Structural and Molecular Biology Department, Institut de Biologia Molecular de Barcelona, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Barcelona08028, Spain
| | - Brenda Martínez-González
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid28049, Spain
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid28040, Spain
| | - Celia Perales
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid28049, Spain
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid28040, Spain
| | - Esteban Domingo
- Microbes in Health and Welfare Program, Centro de Biología Molecular “Severo Ochoa” (CSIC-UAM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid28049, Spain
| | - Nuria Verdaguer
- Structural and Molecular Biology Department, Institut de Biologia Molecular de Barcelona, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Barcelona08028, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Velappan N, Biryukov SS, Rill NO, Klimko CP, Rosario-Acevedo R, Shoe JL, Hunter M, Dankmeyer JL, Fetterer DP, Bedinger D, Phipps ME, Watt AJ, Abergel RJ, Dichosa A, Kozimor SA, Cote CK, Lillo AM. Characterization of two affinity matured Anti-Yersinia pestis F1 human antibodies with medical countermeasure potential. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305034. [PMID: 38954719 PMCID: PMC11218954 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague and a biological threat agent, presents an urgent need for novel medical countermeasures due to documented cases of naturally acquired antibiotic resistance and potential person-to-person spread during a pneumonic infection. Immunotherapy has been proposed as a way to circumvent current and future antibiotic resistance. Here, we describe the development and characterization of two affinity matured human antibodies (αF1Ig AM2 and αF1Ig AM8) that promote survival of mice after exposure to aerosolized Y. pestis. We share details of the error prone PCR and yeast display technology-based affinity maturation process that we used. The resultant matured antibodies have nanomolar affinity for Y. pestis F1 antigen, are produced in high yield, and are resilient to 37°C stress for up to 6 months. Importantly, in vitro assays using a murine macrophage cell line demonstrated that αF1Ig AM2 and αF1Ig AM8 are opsonic. Even more importantly, in vivo studies using pneumonic plague mouse models showed that 100% of the mice receiving 500 μg of IgGs αF1Ig AM2 and αF1Ig AM8 survived lethal challenge with aerosolized Y. pestis CO92. Combined, these results provide evidence of the quality and robustness of αF1Ig AM2 and αF1Ig AM8 and support their development as potential medical countermeasures against plague.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nileena Velappan
- Biosciences Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, United States of America
| | - Sergei S. Biryukov
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Nathaniel O. Rill
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Christopher P. Klimko
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Raysa Rosario-Acevedo
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Jennifer L. Shoe
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Melissa Hunter
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Jennifer L. Dankmeyer
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - David P. Fetterer
- Biostatisitics Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | | | - Mary E. Phipps
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Center Alamos for Integrated Nanotechnologies, Los Alamos, NM, United States of America
| | - Austin J. Watt
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Rebecca J. Abergel
- Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States of America
- Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States of America
| | - Armand Dichosa
- Biosciences Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, United States of America
| | - Stosh A. Kozimor
- Chemistry Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, United States of America
| | - Christopher K. Cote
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Antonietta M. Lillo
- Biosciences Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Liang L, Wang B, Zhang Q, Zhang S, Zhang S. Antibody drugs targeting SARS-CoV-2: Time for a rethink? Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116900. [PMID: 38861858 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) heavily burdens human health. Multiple neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) have been issued for emergency use or tested for treating infected patients in the clinic. However, SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) carrying mutations reduce the effectiveness of nAbs by preventing neutralization. Uncoding the mutation profile and immune evasion mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 can improve the outcome of Ab-mediated therapies. In this review, we first outline the development status of anti-SARS-CoV-2 Ab drugs and provide an overview of SARS-CoV-2 variants and their prevalence. We next focus on the failure causes of anti-SARS-CoV-2 Ab drugs and rethink the design strategy for developing new Ab drugs against COVID-19. This review provides updated information for the development of therapeutic Ab drugs against SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Likeng Liang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Shiwu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin 300121, China
| | - Sihe Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lin X, Yang F, Yan S, Wu H, Wang P, Zhao Y, Shi D, Yao H, Wu H, Li L. Preparation and characterization of mouse-derived monoclonal antibodies against the hemagglutinin of the H1N1 influenza virus. Virus Res 2024; 345:199402. [PMID: 38772446 PMCID: PMC11156778 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
H1N1 influenza virus is a significant global public health concern. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting specific viral proteins such as hemagglutinin (HA) have become an important therapeutic strategy, offering highly specific targeting to block viral transmission and infection. This study focused on the development of mAbs targeting HA of the A/Victoria/2570/2019 (H1N1pdm09, VIC-19) strain by utilizing hybridoma technology to produce two mAbs with high binding capacity. Notably, mAb 2B2 has demonstrated a strong affinity for HA proteins in recent H1N1 influenza vaccine strains. In vitro assessments showed that both mAbs exhibited broad-spectrum hemagglutination inhibition and potent neutralizing effects against various vaccine strains of H1N1pdm09 viruses. 2B2 was also effective in animal models, offering both preventive and therapeutic protection against infections caused by recent H1N1 strains, highlighting its potential for clinical application. By individually co-cultivating each of the aforementioned mAbs with the virus in chicken embryos, four amino acid substitution sites in HA (H138Q, G140R, A141E/V, and D187E) were identified in escape mutants, three in the antigenic site Ca2, and one in Sb. The identification of such mutations is pivotal, as it compels further investigation into how these alterations could undermine the binding efficacy and neutralization capacity of antibodies, thereby impacting the design and optimization of mAb therapies and influenza vaccines. This research highlights the necessity for continuous exploration into the dynamic interaction between viral evolution and antibody response, which is vital for the formulation of robust therapeutic and preventive strategies against influenza.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/immunology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology
- Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/immunology
- Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/genetics
- Antibodies, Viral/immunology
- Mice
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology
- Orthomyxoviridae Infections/prevention & control
- Orthomyxoviridae Infections/immunology
- Orthomyxoviridae Infections/virology
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Influenza Vaccines/immunology
- Influenza Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Hemagglutination Inhibition Tests
- Humans
- Chick Embryo
- Female
- Influenza, Human/immunology
- Influenza, Human/virology
- Influenza, Human/prevention & control
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiantian Lin
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine,79 Qingchun Rd., Hangzhou City 310003, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Sijing Yan
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine,79 Qingchun Rd., Hangzhou City 310003, China
| | - Han Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine,79 Qingchun Rd., Hangzhou City 310003, China
| | - Ping Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine,79 Qingchun Rd., Hangzhou City 310003, China
| | - Yuxi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine,79 Qingchun Rd., Hangzhou City 310003, China
| | - Danrong Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine,79 Qingchun Rd., Hangzhou City 310003, China
| | - Hangping Yao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine,79 Qingchun Rd., Hangzhou City 310003, China
| | - Haibo Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine,79 Qingchun Rd., Hangzhou City 310003, China
| | - Lanjuan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine,79 Qingchun Rd., Hangzhou City 310003, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Cui Z, Wang H, Zou H, Li L, Zhang Y, Chen W. Efficacy and safety of casirivimab and imdevimab for preventing and treating COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Thorac Dis 2024; 16:3606-3622. [PMID: 38983147 PMCID: PMC11228754 DOI: 10.21037/jtd-23-1604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Background The ongoing global epidemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has created a serious public health problem. The selection of safe and effective therapeutic agents is of paramount importance. This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combination of casirivimab and imdevimab in the treatment of global cases of COVID-19. Methods To identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the combined administration of casirivimab and imdevimab for COVID-19 management, a comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from their inception to September 10, 2022. Data on the efficacy and safety of casirivimab and imdevimab were extracted. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were performed. Results A total of 851 articles were searched. Twelve studies were finally included in the meta-analysis, with 27,179 participants. Dichotomous and continuous variables were presented as odds ratios (ORs) and weighted mean differences (WMDs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs), respectively. Compared to placebo or alternative medications, the combination of casirivimab and imdevimab reduced viral load (WMD: -0.73, 95% CI: -1.09 to -0.38, P<0.01), all-cause mortality (OR =0.90, 95% CI: 0.82-0.99, P=0.03), the incidence of any serious adverse events (OR =0.80, 95% CI: 0.67-0.95, P=0.01), the incidence of Grade 3 or more severe adverse events (OR =0.76, 95% CI: 0.62-0.92, P=0.01), the likelihood of contracting COVID-19, the incidence of hospitalization, emergency room visits, and mortality (OR =0.54, 95% CI: 0.32-0.93, P=0.03). Conclusions The monoclonal antibody combination of casirivimab and imdevimab is effective in treating patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), as they can reduce viral load, all-cause mortality, infection rates, and the incidence of clinical outcomes of special interest after treatment, while maintaining a favorable safety profile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhifang Cui
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hongwu Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Heng Zou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Department of General Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Wenyu Chen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Dick JK, Hicks D, Krishna VD, Sangala JA, Zandstra BT, Baehr C, Verbeek JS, Cragg MS, Cheeran MCJ, Pravetoni M, Hart GT. ACE2 decoy Fc-fusions and bi-specific killer engager (BiKEs) require Fc engagement for in vivo efficacy against SARS-CoV-2. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.20.599956. [PMID: 38948747 PMCID: PMC11212978 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.20.599956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 virus has continued to evolve over time necessitating the adaptation of vaccines to maintain efficacy. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against SARS-CoV-2 were a key line of defense for unvaccinated or immunocompromised individuals. However, these mAbs are now ineffective against current SARS-CoV-2 variants. Here, we tested three aspects of αSARS-CoV-2 therapeutics. First, we tested whether Fc engagement is necessary for in vivo clearance of SARS-CoV-2. Secondly, we tested bi-specific killer engagers (BiKEs) that simultaneously engage SARS-CoV-2 and a specific Fc receptor. Benefits of these engagers include the ease of manufacturing, stability, more cell-specific targeting, and high affinity binding to Fc receptors. Using both mAbs and BiKEs, we found that both neutralization and Fc receptor engagement were necessary for effective SARS-CoV-2 clearance. Thirdly, due to ACE2 being necessary for viral entry, ACE2 will maintain binding to SARS-CoV-2 despite viral evolution. Therefore, we used an ACE2 decoy Fc-fusion or BiKE, instead of an anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody sequence, as a potential therapeutic that would withstand viral evolution. We found that the ACE2 decoy approach also required Fc receptor engagement and, unlike traditional neutralizing antibodies against specific variants, enabled the clearance of two distinct SARS-CoV-2 variants. These data show the importance of Fc engagement for mAbs, the utility of BiKEs as therapies for infectious disease, and the in vivo effectiveness of the ACE2 decoy approach. With further studies, we predict combining neutralization, the cellular response, and this ACE2 decoy approach will benefit individuals with ineffective antibody levels. Abbreviations ACE2, scFv, mAb, BiKE, COVID-19, Fc, CD16, CD32b, CD64, d.p.i. Key points With equal dosing, both neutralization and Fc engagement are necessary for the optimal efficacy of in vivo antibodies and bi-specific killer engagers (BiKEs) against SARS-CoV-2. BiKEs can clear SARS-CoV-2 virus and protect against severe infection in the hACE2-K18 mouse model. ACE2 decoys as part of Fc-fusions or BiKEs provide in vivo clearance of two disparate SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Collapse
|
16
|
Li X, Mi Z, Liu Z, Rong P. SARS-CoV-2: pathogenesis, therapeutics, variants, and vaccines. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1334152. [PMID: 38939189 PMCID: PMC11208693 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1334152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), emerged in December 2019 with staggering economic fallout and human suffering. The unique structure of SARS-CoV-2 and its underlying pathogenic mechanism were responsible for the global pandemic. In addition to the direct damage caused by the virus, SARS-CoV-2 triggers an abnormal immune response leading to a cytokine storm, culminating in acute respiratory distress syndrome and other fatal diseases that pose a significant challenge to clinicians. Therefore, potential treatments should focus not only on eliminating the virus but also on alleviating or controlling acute immune/inflammatory responses. Current management strategies for COVID-19 include preventative measures and supportive care, while the role of the host immune/inflammatory response in disease progression has largely been overlooked. Understanding the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and its receptors, as well as the underlying pathogenesis, has proven to be helpful for disease prevention, early recognition of disease progression, vaccine development, and interventions aimed at reducing immunopathology have been shown to reduce adverse clinical outcomes and improve prognosis. Moreover, several key mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 genome sequence result in an enhanced binding affinity to the host cell receptor, or produce immune escape, leading to either increased virus transmissibility or virulence of variants that carry these mutations. This review characterizes the structural features of SARS-CoV-2, its variants, and their interaction with the immune system, emphasizing the role of dysfunctional immune responses and cytokine storm in disease progression. Additionally, potential therapeutic options are reviewed, providing critical insights into disease management, exploring effective approaches to deal with the public health crises caused by SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xi Li
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ze Mi
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhenguo Liu
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Pengfei Rong
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Focosi D, Franchini M, Maggi F, Shoham S. COVID-19 therapeutics. Clin Microbiol Rev 2024; 37:e0011923. [PMID: 38771027 PMCID: PMC11237566 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00119-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYSince the emergence of COVID-19 in 2020, an unprecedented range of therapeutic options has been studied and deployed. Healthcare providers have multiple treatment approaches to choose from, but efficacy of those approaches often remains controversial or compromised by viral evolution. Uncertainties still persist regarding the best therapies for high-risk patients, and the drug pipeline is suffering fatigue and shortage of funding. In this article, we review the antiviral activity, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, and safety of COVID-19 antiviral therapies. Additionally, we summarize the evidence from randomized controlled trials on efficacy and safety of the various COVID-19 antivirals and discuss unmet needs which should be addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Focosi
- North-Western Tuscany Blood Bank, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Franchini
- Division of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Carlo Poma Hospital, Mantua, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Maggi
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Lazzaro Spallanzani" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Shmuel Shoham
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Liu X, Wang Y, Sun L, Xiao G, Hou N, Chen J, Wang W, Xu X, Gu Y. Screening and optimization of shark nanobodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD. Antiviral Res 2024; 226:105898. [PMID: 38692413 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 continues to threaten human health, antibody therapy is one way to control the infection. Because new SARS-CoV-2 mutations are constantly emerging, there is an urgent need to develop broadly neutralizing antibodies to block the viral entry into host cells. VNAR from sharks is the smallest natural antigen binding domain, with the advantages of small size, flexible paratopes, good stability, and low manufacturing cost. Here, we used recombinant SARS-CoV-2 Spike-RBD to immunize sharks and constructed a VNAR phage display library. VNAR R1C2, selected from the library, efficiently binds to the RBD domain and blocks the infection of ACE2-positive cells by pseudovirus. Next, homologous bivalent VNARs were constructed through the tandem fusion of two R1C2 units, which enhanced both the affinity and neutralizing activity of R1C2. R1C2 was predicted to bind to a relatively conserved region within the RBD. By introducing mutations at four key binding sites within the CDR3 and HV2 regions of R1C2, the affinity and neutralizing activity of R1C2 were significantly improved. Furthermore, R1C2 also exhibits an effective capacity of binding to the Omicron variants (BA.2 and XBB.1). Together, these results suggest that R1C2 could serve as a valuable candidate for preventing and treating SARS-CoV-2 infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China; Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Qingdao, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Yanqing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Lishan Sun
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Guokai Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Ning Hou
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Jin Chen
- College of Marine Science and Biological Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Ximing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China; Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Qingdao, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| | - Yuchao Gu
- College of Marine Science and Biological Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Leighton PA, Ching K, Reynolds K, Vuong CN, Zeng B, Zhang Y, Gupta A, Morales J, Rivera GS, Srivastava DB, Cotter R, Pedersen D, Collarini E, Izquierdo S, van de Lavoir MC, Harriman W. Chickens with a Truncated Light Chain Transgene Express Single-Domain H Chain-Only Antibodies. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 212:1744-1753. [PMID: 38629917 PMCID: PMC11102025 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
H chain-only Igs are naturally produced in camelids and sharks. Because these Abs lack the L chain, the Ag-binding domain is half the size of a traditional Ab, allowing this type of Ig to bind to targets in novel ways. Consequently, the H chain-only single-domain Ab (sdAb) structure has the potential to increase the repertoire and functional range of an active humoral immune system. The majority of vertebrates use the standard heterodimeric (both H and L chains) structure and do not produce sdAb format Igs. To investigate if other animals are able to support sdAb development and function, transgenic chickens (Gallus gallus) were designed to produce H chain-only Abs by omitting the L chain V region and maintaining only the LC region to serve as a chaperone for Ab secretion from the cell. These birds produced 30-50% normal B cell populations within PBMCs and readily expressed chicken sequence sdAbs. Interestingly, the H chains contained a spontaneous CH1 deletion. Although no isotype switching to IgY or IgA occurred, the IgM repertoire was diverse, and immunization with a variety of protein immunogens rapidly produced high and specific serum titers. mAbs of high affinity were efficiently recovered by single B cell screening. In in vitro functional assays, the sdAbs produced by birds immunized against SARS-CoV-2 were also able to strongly neutralize and prevent viral replication. These data suggest that the truncated L chain design successfully supported sdAb development and expression in chickens.
Collapse
|
20
|
Hwang J, Kim BK, Moon S, Park W, Kim KW, Yoon JH, Oh H, Jung S, Park Y, Kim S, Kim M, Kim S, Jung Y, Park M, Kim JH, Jung ST, Kim SJ, Kim YS, Chung WJ, Song MS, Kweon DH. Conversion of Host Cell Receptor into Virus Destructor by Immunodisc to Neutralize Diverse SARS-CoV-2 Variants. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302803. [PMID: 38329411 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302803] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The decreasing efficacy of antiviral drugs due to viral mutations highlights the challenge of developing a single agent targeting multiple strains. Using host cell viral receptors as competitive inhibitors is promising, but their low potency and membrane-bound nature have limited this strategy. In this study, the authors show that angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in a planar membrane patch can effectively neutralize all tested severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ACE2-incorporated membrane patch implemented using nanodiscs replicated the spike-mediated membrane fusion process outside the host cell, resulting in virus lysis, extracellular RNA release, and potent antiviral activity. While neutralizing antibodies became ineffective as the SARS-CoV-2 evolved to better penetrate host cells the ACE2-incorporated nanodiscs became more potent, highlighting the advantages of using receptor-incorporated nanodiscs for antiviral purposes. ACE2-incorporated immunodisc, an Fc fusion nanodisc developed in this study, completely protected humanized mice infected with SARS-CoV-2 after prolonged retention in the airways. This study demonstrates that the incorporation of viral receptors into immunodisc transforms the entry gate into a potent virucide for all current and future variants, a concept that can be extended to different viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaehyeon Hwang
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Beom Kyu Kim
- College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Seokoh Moon
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonbeom Park
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong Won Kim
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Hyeon Yoon
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunseok Oh
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
- Research Center, Mvrix Inc., Anyang, 14058, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangwon Jung
- Research Center, Mvrix Inc., Anyang, 14058, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngseo Park
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Suhyun Kim
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Misoo Kim
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Soomin Kim
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Younghun Jung
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Myungseo Park
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Ho Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Taek Jung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Jick Kim
- Synthetic Biology and Bioengineering Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Sung Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Jae Chung
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Suk Song
- College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Hyuk Kweon
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
- Research Center, Mvrix Inc., Anyang, 14058, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Leducq V, Zafilaza K, Fauchois A, Ghidaoui E, Sayon S, Dorival C, Meledje ML, Lusivika-Nzinga C, Yordanov Y, Martin-Blondel G, Carrat F, Marcelin AG, Soulie C. Spike Protein Genetic Evolution in Patients at High Risk of Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 Treated by Monoclonal Antibodies. J Infect Dis 2024; 229:1341-1351. [PMID: 37996072 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad523] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-risk patients, often immunocompromised and not responding to vaccine, continue to experience severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and death. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were shown to be effective to prevent severe COVID-19 for these patients. Nevertheless, concerns about the emergence of resistance mutations were raised. METHODS We conducted a multicentric prospective cohort study, including 264 patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19 and treated early with casirivimab/imdevimab, sotrovimab, or tixagevimab/cilgavimab. We sequenced the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genome during follow-up and searched for emerging spike mutations. RESULTS Immunocompromised patients have a 6-fold increased risk of developing mutations, which are associated with a prolonged duration of viral clearance but no clinical worsening. Emerging P337S/R/L/H, E340D/K/A/Q/V/G, and K356T/R substitutions in patients treated with sotrovimab are associated with higher viral RNA loads for up to 14 days post-treatment initiation. Tixagevimab/cilgavimab is associated with a 5-fold increased risk of developing mutations. R346K/I/T/S and K444R/N/M substitutions associated with tixagevimab/cilgavimab have been identified in multiple SARS-CoV-2 lineages, including BQ.1 and XBB. CONCLUSIONS The probability of emerging mutations arising in response to mAbs is significant, emphasizing the crucial need to investigate these mutations thoroughly and assess their impact on patients and the evolutionary trajectory of SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Leducq
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpitaux Universitaires Pitié-Salpêtrière-Charles Foix, Laboratoire de virologie, Paris, France
| | - Karen Zafilaza
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpitaux Universitaires Pitié-Salpêtrière-Charles Foix, Laboratoire de virologie, Paris, France
| | - Antoine Fauchois
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpitaux Universitaires Pitié-Salpêtrière-Charles Foix, Laboratoire de virologie, Paris, France
| | - Emna Ghidaoui
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpitaux Universitaires Pitié-Salpêtrière-Charles Foix, Laboratoire de virologie, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Sayon
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpitaux Universitaires Pitié-Salpêtrière-Charles Foix, Laboratoire de virologie, Paris, France
| | - Céline Dorival
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Epidémiologie clinique des maladies virales chroniques (CLEPIVIR), Paris, France
| | - Marie-Laure Meledje
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Epidémiologie clinique des maladies virales chroniques (CLEPIVIR), Paris, France
| | - Clovis Lusivika-Nzinga
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Epidémiologie clinique des maladies virales chroniques (CLEPIVIR), Paris, France
| | - Youri Yordanov
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Service d'Accueil des Urgences, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Martin-Blondel
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (Infinity), Inserm, Université Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Fabrice Carrat
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Département de Santé Publique, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
| | - Anne-Geneviève Marcelin
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpitaux Universitaires Pitié-Salpêtrière-Charles Foix, Laboratoire de virologie, Paris, France
| | - Cathia Soulie
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpitaux Universitaires Pitié-Salpêtrière-Charles Foix, Laboratoire de virologie, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Yu Y, Zhang M, Huang L, Chen Y, Wu X, Li T, Li Y, Wang Y, Huang W. COVID-19 Serum Drives Spike-Mediated SARS-CoV-2 Variation. Viruses 2024; 16:763. [PMID: 38793644 PMCID: PMC11126028 DOI: 10.3390/v16050763] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Neutralizing antibodies targeting the spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2, elicited either by natural infection or vaccination, are crucial for protection against the virus. Nonetheless, the emergence of viral escape mutants presents ongoing challenges by contributing to breakthrough infections. To define the evolution trajectory of SARS-CoV-2 within the immune population, we co-incubated replication-competent rVSV/SARS-CoV-2/GFP chimeric viruses with sera from COVID-19 convalescents. Our findings revealed that the E484D mutation contributes to increased viral resistant against both convalescent and vaccinated sera, while the L1265R/H1271Y double mutation enhanced viral infectivity in 293T-hACE2 and Vero cells. These findings suggest that under the selective pressure of polyclonal antibodies, SARS-CoV-2 has the potential to accumulate mutations that facilitate either immune evasion or greater infectivity, facilitating its adaption to neutralizing antibody responses. Although the mutations identified in this study currently exhibit low prevalence in the circulating SARS-CoV-2 populations, the continuous and meticulous surveillance of viral mutations remains crucial. Moreover, there is an urgent necessity to develop next-generation antibody therapeutics and vaccines that target diverse, less mutation-prone antigenic sites to ensure more comprehensive and durable immune protection against SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanling Yu
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing 102206, China; (Y.Y.); (L.H.)
| | - Mengyi Zhang
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-Transmitted Virus Vaccines, Institute for Biological Product Control, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing 102629, China; (M.Z.)
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, No. 9 Dongdan Santiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Lan Huang
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing 102206, China; (Y.Y.); (L.H.)
| | - Yanhong Chen
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing 102206, China; (Y.Y.); (L.H.)
| | - Xi Wu
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-Transmitted Virus Vaccines, Institute for Biological Product Control, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing 102629, China; (M.Z.)
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Regulatory Science, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing 102629, China
| | - Tao Li
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-Transmitted Virus Vaccines, Institute for Biological Product Control, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing 102629, China; (M.Z.)
| | - Yanbo Li
- Beijing Yunling Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Beijing 100176, China
| | - Youchun Wang
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing 102206, China; (Y.Y.); (L.H.)
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Weijin Huang
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-Transmitted Virus Vaccines, Institute for Biological Product Control, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing 102629, China; (M.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Zhao Z, Bashiri S, Ziora ZM, Toth I, Skwarczynski M. COVID-19 Variants and Vaccine Development. Viruses 2024; 16:757. [PMID: 38793638 PMCID: PMC11125726 DOI: 10.3390/v16050757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the global pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 virus (SARS-CoV-2) infection, has caused millions of infections and fatalities worldwide. Extensive SARS-CoV-2 research has been conducted to develop therapeutic drugs and prophylactic vaccines, and even though some drugs have been approved to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection, treatment efficacy remains limited. Therefore, preventive vaccination has been implemented on a global scale and represents the primary approach to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Approved vaccines vary in composition, although vaccine design has been based on either the key viral structural (spike) protein or viral components carrying this protein. Therefore, mutations of the virus, particularly mutations in the S protein, severely compromise the effectiveness of current vaccines and the ability to control COVID-19 infection. This review begins by describing the SARS-CoV-2 viral composition, the mechanism of infection, the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, the host defence responses against infection and the most common vaccine designs. Next, this review summarizes the common mutations of SARS-CoV-2 and how these mutations change viral properties, confer immune escape and influence vaccine efficacy. Finally, this review discusses global strategies that have been employed to mitigate the decreases in vaccine efficacy encountered against new variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ziyao Zhao
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (Z.Z.); (S.B.); (I.T.)
| | - Sahra Bashiri
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (Z.Z.); (S.B.); (I.T.)
| | - Zyta M. Ziora
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Istvan Toth
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (Z.Z.); (S.B.); (I.T.)
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia;
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Mariusz Skwarczynski
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (Z.Z.); (S.B.); (I.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Rubio AA, Baharani VA, Dadonaite B, Parada M, Abernathy ME, Wang Z, Lee YE, Eso MR, Phung J, Ramos I, Chen T, Nesr GE, Bloom JD, Bieniasz PD, Nussenzweig MC, Barnes CO. Bispecific antibodies with broad neutralization potency against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.05.592584. [PMID: 38766244 PMCID: PMC11100608 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.05.592584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
The ongoing emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) that reduce the effectiveness of antibody therapeutics necessitates development of next-generation antibody modalities that are resilient to viral evolution. Here, we characterized N-terminal domain (NTD) and receptor binding domain (RBD)-specific monoclonal antibodies previously isolated from COVID-19 convalescent donors for their activity against emergent SARS-CoV-2 VOCs. Among these, the NTD-specific antibody C1596 displayed the greatest breadth of binding to VOCs, with cryo-EM structural analysis revealing recognition of a distinct NTD epitope outside of the site i antigenic supersite. Given C1596's favorable binding profile, we designed a series of bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) termed CoV2-biRNs, that featured both NTD and RBD specificities. Notably, two of the C1596-inclusive bsAbs, CoV2-biRN5 and CoV2-biRN7, retained potent in vitro neutralization activity against all Omicron variants tested, including XBB.1.5, EG.5.1, and BA.2.86, contrasting the diminished potency of parental antibodies delivered as monotherapies or as a cocktail. Furthermore, prophylactic delivery of CoV2-biRN5 significantly reduced the viral load within the lungs of K18-hACE2 mice following challenge with SARS-CoV-2 XBB.1.5. In conclusion, our NTD-RBD bsAbs offer promising potential for the design of resilient, next-generation antibody therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 VOCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adonis A. Rubio
- Stanford Biosciences, Stanford School of Medicine; Stanford, USA
- Department of Biology, Stanford University; Stanford, USA
| | - Viren A. Baharani
- Laboratory of Retrovirology, The Rockefeller University; New York, USA
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, The Rockefeller University; New York, USA
| | - Bernadeta Dadonaite
- Basic Sciences Division and Computational Biology Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center; Seattle, USA
| | - Megan Parada
- Department of Biology, Stanford University; Stanford, USA
| | | | - Zijun Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, The Rockefeller University; New York, USA
| | - Yu E. Lee
- Department of Biology, Stanford University; Stanford, USA
| | - Michael R. Eso
- Department of Biology, Stanford University; Stanford, USA
| | - Jennie Phung
- Department of Biology, Stanford University; Stanford, USA
| | - Israel Ramos
- Department of Biology, Stanford University; Stanford, USA
| | - Teresia Chen
- Department of Biology, Stanford University; Stanford, USA
| | - Gina El Nesr
- Stanford Biosciences, Stanford School of Medicine; Stanford, USA
| | - Jesse D. Bloom
- Basic Sciences Division and Computational Biology Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center; Seattle, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Chevy Chase, USA
| | - Paul D. Bieniasz
- Laboratory of Retrovirology, The Rockefeller University; New York, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Chevy Chase, USA
| | - Michel C. Nussenzweig
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, The Rockefeller University; New York, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Chevy Chase, USA
| | - Christopher O. Barnes
- Department of Biology, Stanford University; Stanford, USA
- ChEM-H Institute, Stanford University; Stanford, CA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub; San Francisco, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Gao R, Feng C, Sheng Z, Li F, Wang D. Research progress in Fc-effector functions against SARS-CoV-2. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29638. [PMID: 38682662 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29638] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has caused more than 676 million cases in the global human population with approximately 7 million deaths and vaccination has been proved as the most effective countermeasure in reducing clinical complications and mortality rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection in people. However, the protective elements and correlation of protection induced by vaccination are still not completely understood. Various antibodies with multiple protective mechanisms can be induced simultaneously by vaccination in vivo, thereby complicating the identification and characterization of individual correlate of protection. Recently, an increasing body of observations suggests that antibody-induced Fc-effector functions play a crucial role in combating SARS-CoV-2 infections, including neutralizing antibodies-escaping variants. Here, we review the recent progress in understanding the impact of Fc-effector functions in broadly disarming SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and discuss various efforts in harnessing this conserved antibody function to develop an effective SARS-CoV-2 vaccine that can protect humans against infections by SARS-CoV-2 virus and its variants of concern.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rongyuan Gao
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota, USA
| | - Chenchen Feng
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota, USA
| | - Zizhang Sheng
- Zuckerman Mind Brian Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Feng Li
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Dan Wang
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Carrascosa-Sàez M, Marqués MC, Geller R, Elena SF, Rahmeh A, Dufloo J, Sanjuán R. Cell type-specific adaptation of the SARS-CoV-2 spike. Virus Evol 2024; 10:veae032. [PMID: 38779130 PMCID: PMC11110937 DOI: 10.1093/ve/veae032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) can infect various human tissues and cell types, principally via interaction with its cognate receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2). However, how the virus evolves in different cellular environments is poorly understood. Here, we used experimental evolution to study the adaptation of the SARS-CoV-2 spike to four human cell lines expressing different levels of key entry factors. After twenty passages of a spike-expressing recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), cell-type-specific phenotypic changes were observed and sequencing allowed the identification of sixteen adaptive spike mutations. We used VSV pseudotyping to measure the entry efficiency, ACE2 affinity, spike processing, TMPRSS2 usage, and entry pathway usage of all the mutants, alone or in combination. The fusogenicity of the mutant spikes was assessed with a cell-cell fusion assay. Finally, mutant recombinant VSVs were used to measure the fitness advantage associated with selected mutations. We found that the effects of these mutations varied across cell types, both in terms of viral entry and replicative fitness. Interestingly, two spike mutations (L48S and A372T) that emerged in cells expressing low ACE2 levels increased receptor affinity, syncytia induction, and entry efficiency under low-ACE2 conditions. Our results demonstrate specific adaptation of the SARS-CoV-2 spike to different cell types and have implications for understanding SARS-CoV-2 tissue tropism and evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc Carrascosa-Sàez
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio). University of Valencia—CSIC, Paterna, 46980, Spain
| | - María-Carmen Marqués
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio). University of Valencia—CSIC, Paterna, 46980, Spain
| | - Ron Geller
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio). University of Valencia—CSIC, Paterna, 46980, Spain
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia (IBV), CSIC and CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Santiago F Elena
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio). University of Valencia—CSIC, Paterna, 46980, Spain
- The Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
| | - Amal Rahmeh
- Departament de Medicina i Ciències de La Vida (MELIS), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Jérémy Dufloo
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio). University of Valencia—CSIC, Paterna, 46980, Spain
| | - Rafael Sanjuán
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio). University of Valencia—CSIC, Paterna, 46980, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Kumar A, Tripathi P, Kumar P, Shekhar R, Pathak R. From Detection to Protection: Antibodies and Their Crucial Role in Diagnosing and Combatting SARS-CoV-2. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:459. [PMID: 38793710 PMCID: PMC11125746 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12050459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, is crucial to comprehending disease progression and the significance of vaccine and therapeutic development. The emergence of highly contagious variants poses a significant challenge to humoral immunity, underscoring the necessity of grasping the intricacies of specific antibodies. This review emphasizes the pivotal role of antibodies in shaping immune responses and their implications for diagnosing, preventing, and treating SARS-CoV-2 infection. It delves into the kinetics and characteristics of the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 and explores current antibody-based diagnostics, discussing their strengths, clinical utility, and limitations. Furthermore, we underscore the therapeutic potential of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies, discussing various antibody-based therapies such as monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies, anti-cytokines, convalescent plasma, and hyperimmunoglobulin-based therapies. Moreover, we offer insights into antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, emphasizing the significance of neutralizing antibodies in order to confer immunity to SARS-CoV-2, along with emerging variants of concern (VOCs) and circulating Omicron subvariants. We also highlight challenges in the field, such as the risks of antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, and shed light on the challenges associated with the original antigenic sin (OAS) effect and long COVID. Overall, this review intends to provide valuable insights, which are crucial to advancing sensitive diagnostic tools, identifying efficient antibody-based therapeutics, and developing effective vaccines to combat the evolving threat of SARS-CoV-2 variants on a global scale.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anoop Kumar
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, National Institute of Biologicals, Noida 201309, India
| | - Prajna Tripathi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA;
| | - Prashant Kumar
- R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Ritu Shekhar
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Rajiv Pathak
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Inoue T, Yamamoto Y, Sato K, Okemoto-Nakamura Y, Shimizu Y, Ogawa M, Onodera T, Takahashi Y, Wakita T, Kaneko MK, Fukasawa M, Kato Y, Noguchi K. Overcoming antibody-resistant SARS-CoV-2 variants with bispecific antibodies constructed using non-neutralizing antibodies. iScience 2024; 27:109363. [PMID: 38500835 PMCID: PMC10946335 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
A current challenge is the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants, such as BQ.1.1 and XBB.1.5, that can evade immune defenses, thereby limiting antibody drug effectiveness. Emergency-use antibody drugs, including the widely effective bebtelovimab, are losing their benefits. One potential approach to address this issue are bispecific antibodies which combine the targeting abilities of two antibodies with distinct epitopes. We engineered neutralizing bispecific antibodies in the IgG-scFv format from two initially non-neutralizing antibodies, CvMab-6 (which binds to the receptor-binding domain [RBD]) and CvMab-62 (targeting a spike protein S2 subunit epitope adjacent to the known anti-S2 antibody epitope). Furthermore, we created a bispecific antibody by incorporating the scFv of bebtelovimab with our anti-S2 antibody, demonstrating significant restoration of effectiveness against bebtelovimab-resistant BQ.1.1 variants. This study highlights the potential of neutralizing bispecific antibodies, which combine existing less effective anti-RBD antibodies with anti-S2 antibodies, to revive the effectiveness of antibody therapeutics compromised by immune-evading variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Inoue
- Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Yamazaki 2641, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Yamamoto
- Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Yamazaki 2641, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Kaoru Sato
- Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Yamazaki 2641, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Yuko Okemoto-Nakamura
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1, Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Yoshimi Shimizu
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1, Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo Heisei University, 4-21-2 Nakano, Nakano-ku 164-8530, Japan
| | - Motohiko Ogawa
- Department of Virology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1, Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Taishi Onodera
- Research Center for Drug and Vaccine Development, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1, Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Yoshimasa Takahashi
- Research Center for Drug and Vaccine Development, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1, Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Takaji Wakita
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1, Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Mika K. Kaneko
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Antibody Drug Development, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Fukasawa
- Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Yamazaki 2641, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1, Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Yukinari Kato
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Antibody Drug Development, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Kohji Noguchi
- Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Yamazaki 2641, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1, Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Iketani S, Ho DD. SARS-CoV-2 resistance to monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule drugs. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:632-657. [PMID: 38640902 PMCID: PMC11084874 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.03.008] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Over four years have passed since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The scientific response has been rapid and effective, with many therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and small molecules developed for clinical use. However, given the ability for viruses to become resistant to antivirals, it is perhaps no surprise that the field has identified resistance to nearly all of these compounds. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the resistance profile for each of these therapeutics. We hope that this resource provides an atlas for mutations to be aware of for each agent, particularly as a springboard for considerations for the next generation of antivirals. Finally, we discuss the outlook and thoughts for moving forward in how we continue to manage this, and the next, pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sho Iketani
- Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - David D Ho
- Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Minami S, Kotaki T, Sakai Y, Okamura S, Torii S, Ono C, Motooka D, Hamajima R, Nouda R, Nurdin JA, Yamasaki M, Kanai Y, Ebina H, Maeda Y, Okamoto T, Tachibana T, Matsuura Y, Kobayashi T. Vero cell-adapted SARS-CoV-2 strain shows increased viral growth through furin-mediated efficient spike cleavage. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0285923. [PMID: 38415690 PMCID: PMC10986611 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02859-23] [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: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) utilizes several host proteases to cleave the spike (S) protein to enter host cells. SARS-CoV-2 S protein is cleaved into S1 and S2 subunits by furin, which is closely involved in the pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2. However, the effects of the modulated protease cleavage activity due to S protein mutations on viral replication and pathogenesis remain unclear. Herein, we serially passaged two SARS-CoV-2 strains in Vero cells and characterized the cell-adapted SARS-CoV-2 strains in vitro and in vivo. The adapted strains showed high viral growth, effective S1/S2 cleavage of the S protein, and low pathogenicity compared with the wild-type strain. Furthermore, the viral growth and S1/S2 cleavage were enhanced by the combination of the Δ68-76 and H655Y mutations using recombinant SARS-CoV-2 strains generated by the circular polymerase extension reaction. The recombinant SARS-CoV-2 strain, which contained the mutation of the adapted strain, showed increased susceptibility to the furin inhibitor, suggesting that the adapted SARS-CoV-2 strain utilized furin more effectively than the wild-type strain. Pathogenicity was attenuated by infection with effectively cleaved recombinant SARS-CoV-2 strains, suggesting that the excessive cleavage of the S proteins decreases virulence. Finally, the high-growth-adapted SARS-CoV-2 strain could be used as the seed for a low-cost inactivated vaccine; immunization with this vaccine can effectively protect the host from SARS-CoV-2 variants. Our findings provide novel insights into the growth and pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 in the evolution of cell-cell transmission. IMPORTANCE The efficacy of the S protein cleavage generally differs among the SARS-CoV-2 variants, resulting in distinct viral characteristics. The relationship between a mutation and the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed the sequence of high-growth Vero cell-adapted SARS-CoV-2 and factors determining the enhancement of the growth of the adapted virus and confirmed the characteristics of the adapted strain by analyzing the recombinant SARS-CoV-2 strain. We successfully identified mutations Δ68-76 and H655Y, which enhance viral growth and the S protein cleavage by furin. Using recombinant viruses enabled us to conduct a virus challenge experiment in vivo. The pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 introduced with the mutations Δ68-76, H655Y, P812L, and Q853L was attenuated in hamsters, indicating the possibility of the attenuation of excessive cleaved SARS-CoV-2. These findings provide novel insights into the infectivity and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 strains, thereby significantly contributing to the field of virology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shohei Minami
- Department of Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Kotaki
- Department of Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yusuke Sakai
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinya Okamura
- Virus Vaccine Group, BIKEN Innovative Vaccine Research Alliance Laboratories, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- The Research Foundation for Microbial Diseases of Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shiho Torii
- Laboratory of Virus Control, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Chikako Ono
- Laboratory of Virus Control, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Daisuke Motooka
- Department of Infection Metagenomics, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Rina Hamajima
- Department of Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryotaro Nouda
- Department of Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jeffery A. Nurdin
- Department of Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Moeko Yamasaki
- Department of Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuta Kanai
- Department of Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Ebina
- Virus Vaccine Group, BIKEN Innovative Vaccine Research Alliance Laboratories, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- The Research Foundation for Microbial Diseases of Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Advanced Modalities and DDS, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yusuke Maeda
- Laboratory of Viral Dynamism Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toru Okamoto
- Institute for Advanced Co-creation Studies, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Taro Tachibana
- Cell Engineering Corporation, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshiharu Matsuura
- Laboratory of Virus Control, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Advanced Modalities and DDS, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kobayashi
- Department of Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Advanced Modalities and DDS, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Hannula L, Kuivanen S, Lasham J, Kant R, Kareinen L, Bogacheva M, Strandin T, Sironen T, Hepojoki J, Sharma V, Saviranta P, Kipar A, Vapalahti O, Huiskonen JT, Rissanen I. Nanobody engineering for SARS-CoV-2 neutralization and detection. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0419922. [PMID: 38363137 PMCID: PMC10986514 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04199-22] [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: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the quest for coronavirus inhibitors has inspired research on a variety of small proteins beyond conventional antibodies, including robust single-domain antibody fragments, i.e., "nanobodies." Here, we explore the potential of nanobody engineering in the development of antivirals and diagnostic tools. Through fusion of nanobody domains that target distinct binding sites, we engineered multimodular nanobody constructs that neutralize wild-type SARS-CoV-2 and the Alpha and Delta variants at high potency, with IC50 values as low as 50 pM. Despite simultaneous binding to distinct epitopes, Beta and Omicron variants were more resistant to neutralization by the multimodular nanobodies, which highlights the importance of accounting for antigenic drift in the design of biologics. To further explore the applications of nanobody engineering in outbreak management, we present an assay based on fusions of nanobodies with fragments of NanoLuc luciferase that can detect sub-nanomolar quantities of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in a single step. Our work showcases the potential of nanobody engineering to combat emerging infectious diseases. IMPORTANCE Nanobodies, small protein binders derived from the camelid antibody, are highly potent inhibitors of respiratory viruses that offer several advantages over conventional antibodies as candidates for specific therapies, including high stability and low production costs. In this work, we leverage the unique properties of nanobodies and apply them as building blocks for new therapeutic and diagnostic tools. We report ultra-potent SARS-CoV-2 inhibition by engineered nanobodies comprising multiple modules in structure-guided combinations and develop nanobodies that carry signal molecules, allowing rapid detection of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Our results highlight the potential of engineered nanobodies in the development of effective countermeasures, both therapeutic and diagnostic, to manage outbreaks of emerging viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liina Hannula
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Suvi Kuivanen
- Department of Virology, Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jonathan Lasham
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ravi Kant
- Department of Virology, Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Tropical Parasitology, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdynia, Poland
| | - Lauri Kareinen
- Department of Virology, Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mariia Bogacheva
- Department of Virology, Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki Institute of Life Sciences (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tomas Strandin
- Department of Virology, Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tarja Sironen
- Department of Virology, Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jussi Hepojoki
- Department of Virology, Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Vivek Sharma
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Petri Saviranta
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Espoo, Finland
| | - Anja Kipar
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Laboratory for Animal Model Pathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Olli Vapalahti
- Department of Virology, Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- HUSLAB, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Juha T. Huiskonen
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ilona Rissanen
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Anzai I, Fujita J, Ono C, Kosaka Y, Miyamoto Y, Shichinohe S, Takada K, Torii S, Taguwa S, Suzuki K, Makino F, Kajita T, Inoue T, Namba K, Watanabe T, Matsuura Y. Characterization of a neutralizing antibody that recognizes a loop region adjacent to the receptor-binding interface of the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0365523. [PMID: 38415660 PMCID: PMC10986471 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03655-23] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Although the global crisis caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is over, the global epidemic of the disease continues. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the cause of COVID-19, initiates infection via the binding of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of its spike protein to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2) receptor, and this interaction has been the primary target for the development of COVID-19 therapeutics. Here, we identified neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 by screening mouse monoclonal antibodies and characterized an antibody, CSW1-1805, that targets a narrow region at the RBD ridge of the spike protein. CSW1-1805 neutralized several variants in vitro and completely protected mice from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Cryo-EM and biochemical analyses revealed that this antibody recognizes the loop region adjacent to the ACE2-binding interface with the RBD in both a receptor-inaccessible "down" state and a receptor-accessible "up" state and could stabilize the RBD conformation in the up-state. CSW1-1805 also showed different binding orientations and complementarity determining region properties compared to other RBD ridge-targeting antibodies with similar binding epitopes. It is important to continuously characterize neutralizing antibodies to address new variants that continue to emerge. Our characterization of this antibody that recognizes the RBD ridge of the spike protein will aid in the development of future neutralizing antibodies.IMPORTANCESARS-CoV-2 cell entry is initiated by the interaction of the viral spike protein with the host cell receptor. Therefore, mechanistic findings regarding receptor recognition by the spike protein help uncover the molecular mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 infection and guide neutralizing antibody development. Here, we characterized a SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody that recognizes an epitope, a loop region adjacent to the receptor-binding interface, that may be involved in the conformational transition of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein from a receptor-inaccessible "down" state into a receptor-accessible "up" state, and also stabilizes the RBD in the up-state. Our mechanistic findings provide new insights into SARS-CoV-2 receptor recognition and guidance for neutralizing antibody development.
Collapse
Grants
- JP16H06429, JP16K21723, JP16H06432 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
- JP16H06429, JP16K21723, JP16H06434 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
- JP22H02521 MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
- JP21K15042 MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
- JP21H02736 MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
- JP25K000013 MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
- JP20K22630 MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
- JP223fa627002, JP22am0401030, JP23fk0108659, JP20jk0210021, JP22gm1610010, JP19fk0108113 Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)
- JP223fa627002 Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)
- JP19fk0108113, JP20fk0108281, JP20pc0101047 Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)
- JP20fk0108401, JP21fk0108493 Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)
- JP21am0101117, JP17pc0101020 Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)
- JPMJOP1861 MEXT | Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
- JPMJMS2025 MEXT | Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Itsuki Anzai
- Department of Molecular Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research (CiDER), Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Junso Fujita
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- JEOL YOKOGUSHI Research Alliance Laboratories, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Chikako Ono
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research (CiDER), Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Laboratory of Virus Control, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | | | | | - Shintaro Shichinohe
- Department of Molecular Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kosuke Takada
- Department of Molecular Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shiho Torii
- Laboratory of Virus Control, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shuhei Taguwa
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research (CiDER), Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Laboratory of Virus Control, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Advanced Modalities and DDS, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Koichiro Suzuki
- The Research Foundation for Microbial Diseases of Osaka University (BIKEN), Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Fumiaki Makino
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- JEOL YOKOGUSHI Research Alliance Laboratories, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- JEOL Ltd., Akishima, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Tsuyoshi Inoue
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Keiichi Namba
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- JEOL YOKOGUSHI Research Alliance Laboratories, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research and Spring-8 Center, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tokiko Watanabe
- Department of Molecular Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research (CiDER), Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Advanced Modalities and DDS, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshiharu Matsuura
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research (CiDER), Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Laboratory of Virus Control, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Advanced Modalities and DDS, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Li Z, Zhang Z, Rosen ST, Feng M. Function and mechanism of bispecific antibodies targeting SARS-CoV-2. CELL INSIGHT 2024; 3:100150. [PMID: 38374826 PMCID: PMC10875118 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellin.2024.100150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
As the dynamic evolution of SARS-CoV-2 led to reduced efficacy in monoclonal neutralizing antibodies and emergence of immune escape, the role of bispecific antibodies becomes crucial in bolstering antiviral activity and suppressing immune evasion. This review extensively assesses a spectrum of representative bispecific antibodies targeting SARS-CoV-2, delving into their characteristics, design formats, mechanisms of action, and associated advantages and limitations. The analysis encompasses factors influencing the selection of parental antibodies and strategies for incorporating added benefits in bispecific antibody design. Furthermore, how different classes of parental antibodies contribute to augmenting the broad-spectrum neutralization capability within bispecific antibodies is discussed. In summary, this review presents analyses and discussions aimed at offering valuable insights for shaping future strategies in bispecific antibody design to effectively confront the challenges posed by SARS-CoV-2 and propel advancements in antiviral therapeutic development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohui Li
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Zengyuan Zhang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, University of Southern California, CA, USA
| | - Steven T. Rosen
- Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, USA
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Mingye Feng
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Tam EH, Peng Y, Cheah MXY, Yan C, Xiao T. Neutralizing antibodies to block viral entry and for identification of entry inhibitors. Antiviral Res 2024; 224:105834. [PMID: 38369246 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) are naturally produced by our immune system to combat viral infections. Clinically, neutralizing antibodies with potent efficacy and high specificity have been extensively used to prevent and treat a wide variety of viral infections, including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Dengue Virus (DENV) and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). An overwhelmingly large subset of clinically effective NAbs operates by targeting viral envelope proteins to inhibit viral entry into the host cell. Binding of viral envelope protein to the host receptor is a critical rate limiting step triggering a cascade of downstream events, including endocytosis, membrane fusion and pore formation to allow viral entry. In recent years, improved structural knowledge on these processes have allowed researchers to also leverage NAbs as an indispensable tool in guiding discovery of novel antiviral entry inhibitors, providing drug candidates with high efficacy and pan-genus specificity. This review will summarize the latest progresses on the applications of NAbs as effective entry inhibitors and as important tools to develop antiviral therapeutics by high-throughput drug screenings, rational design of peptidic entry inhibitor mimicking NAbs and in silico computational modeling approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ee Hong Tam
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University 637551, Singapore; Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University 636921, Singapore
| | - Yu Peng
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University 637551, Singapore; Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University 636921, Singapore
| | - Megan Xin Yan Cheah
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR (Agency of Science, Technology and Research) 138673, Singapore
| | - Chuan Yan
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR (Agency of Science, Technology and Research) 138673, Singapore
| | - Tianshu Xiao
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University 637551, Singapore; Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University 636921, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Saha G, Sawmya S, Saha A, Akil MA, Tasnim S, Rahman MS, Rahman MS. PRIEST: predicting viral mutations with immune escape capability of SARS-CoV-2 using temporal evolutionary information. Brief Bioinform 2024; 25:bbae218. [PMID: 38742520 PMCID: PMC11091746 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbae218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The dynamic evolution of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus is primarily driven by mutations in its genetic sequence, culminating in the emergence of variants with increased capability to evade host immune responses. Accurate prediction of such mutations is fundamental in mitigating pandemic spread and developing effective control measures. This study introduces a robust and interpretable deep-learning approach called PRIEST. This innovative model leverages time-series viral sequences to foresee potential viral mutations. Our comprehensive experimental evaluations underscore PRIEST's proficiency in accurately predicting immune-evading mutations. Our work represents a substantial step in utilizing deep-learning methodologies for anticipatory viral mutation analysis and pandemic response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gourab Saha
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shashata Sawmya
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Arpita Saha
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Ajwad Akil
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sadia Tasnim
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Saifur Rahman
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - M Sohel Rahman
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Gandon S, Guillemet M, Gatchitch F, Nicot A, Renaud AC, Tremblay DM, Moineau S. Building pyramids against the evolutionary emergence of pathogens. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20231529. [PMID: 38471546 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations allowing pathogens to escape host immunity promote the spread of infectious diseases in heterogeneous host populations and can lead to major epidemics. Understanding the conditions that slow down this evolution is key for the development of durable control strategies against pathogens. Here, we use theory and experiments to compare the efficacy of three strategies for the deployment of resistance: (i) a mixing strategy where the host population contains two single-resistant genotypes, (ii) a pyramiding strategy where the host carries a double-resistant genotype, (iii) a combining strategy where the host population is a mix of a single-resistant genotype and a double-resistant genotype. First, we use evolutionary epidemiology theory to clarify the interplay between demographic stochasticity and evolutionary dynamics to show that the pyramiding strategy always yields lower probability of evolutionary emergence. Second, we test experimentally these predictions with the introduction of bacteriophages into bacterial populations where we manipulated the diversity and the depth of immunity using a Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats-CRISPR associated (CRISPR-Cas) system. These biological assays confirm that pyramiding multiple defences into the same host genotype and avoiding combination with single-defence genotypes is a robust way to reduce pathogen evolutionary emergence. The experimental validation of these theoretical recommendations has practical implications in various areas, including for the optimal deployment of resistance varieties in agriculture and for the design of durable vaccination strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Gandon
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Antoine Nicot
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Ariane C Renaud
- Département de biochimie, de microbiologie et de bio-informatique, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Quebec city, Canada G1V0A6
- Félix d'Hérelle Reference Center for Bacterial Viruses, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada G1V 0A6
| | - Denise M Tremblay
- Félix d'Hérelle Reference Center for Bacterial Viruses, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada G1V 0A6
| | - Sylvain Moineau
- Département de biochimie, de microbiologie et de bio-informatique, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Quebec city, Canada G1V0A6
- Félix d'Hérelle Reference Center for Bacterial Viruses, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada G1V 0A6
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Yao Z, Zhang L, Duan Y, Tang X, Lu J. Molecular insights into the adaptive evolution of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. J Infect 2024; 88:106121. [PMID: 38367704 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2024.106121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has substantially damaged the global economy and human health. The spike (S) protein of coronaviruses plays a pivotal role in viral entry by binding to host cell receptors. Additionally, it acts as the primary target for neutralizing antibodies in those infected and is the central focus for currently utilized or researched vaccines. During the virus's adaptation to the human host, the S protein of SARS-CoV-2 has undergone significant evolution. As the COVID-19 pandemic has unfolded, new mutations have arisen and vanished, giving rise to distinctive amino acid profiles within variant of concern strains of SARS-CoV-2. Notably, many of these changes in the S protein have been positively selected, leading to substantial alterations in viral characteristics, such as heightened transmissibility and immune evasion capabilities. This review aims to provide an overview of our current understanding of the structural implications associated with key amino acid changes in the S protein of SARS-CoV-2. These research findings shed light on the intricate and dynamic nature of viral evolution, underscoring the importance of continuous monitoring and analysis of viral genomes. Through these molecular-level investigations, we can attain deeper insights into the virus's adaptive evolution, offering valuable guidance for designing vaccines and developing antiviral drugs to combat the ever-evolving viral threats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuocheng Yao
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- College of Fishery, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yuange Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Center for Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xiaolu Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Center for Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jian Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Center for Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Zheng L, Wang H, Liu X, Xu C, Tian M, Shi G, Bai C, Li Z, Wang J, Liu S. A panel of multivalent nanobodies broadly neutralizing Omicron subvariants and recombinant. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29528. [PMID: 38501378 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29528] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
The emerging Omicron subvariants have a remarkable ability to spread and escape nearly all current monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatments. Although the virulence of SARS-CoV-2 has now diminished, it remains a significant threat to public health due to its high transmissibility and susceptibility to mutation. Therefore, it is urgent to develop broad-acting and potent therapeutics targeting current and emerging Omicron variants. Here, we identified a panel of Omicron BA.1 spike receptor-binding domain (RBD)-targeted nanobodies (Nbs) from a naive alpaca VHH library. This panel of Nbs exhibited high binding affinity to the spike RBD of wild-type, Alpha B.1.1.7, Beta B.1.351, Delta plus, Omicron BA.1, and BA.2. Through multivalent Nb construction, we obtained a subpanel of ultrapotent neutralizing Nbs against Omicron BA.1, BA.2, BF.7 and even emerging XBB.1.5, and XBB.1.16 pseudoviruses. Protein structure prediction and docking analysis showed that Nb trimer 2F2E5 targets two independent RBD epitopes, thus minimizing viral escape. Taken together, we obtained a panel of broad and ultrapotent neutralizing Nbs against Omicron BA.1, Omicron BA.2, BF.7, XBB.1.5, and XBB.1.16. These multivalent Nbs hold great promise for the treatment against SARS-CoV-2 infection and could possess a superwide neutralizing breadth against novel omicron mutants or recombinants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liuhai Zheng
- Department of Critical Medicine, School of Medicine, Shenzhen People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huifang Wang
- Department of Critical Medicine, School of Medicine, Shenzhen People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xueyan Liu
- Department of Critical Medicine, School of Medicine, Shenzhen People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Chengchao Xu
- Department of Critical Medicine, School of Medicine, Shenzhen People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- College of Integrative Medicine, Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Chronic Diseases, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Assurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mingxiong Tian
- School of Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guangwei Shi
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chongzhi Bai
- Central Laboratory, Shanxi Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zhijie Li
- Department of Critical Medicine, School of Medicine, Shenzhen People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jigang Wang
- Department of Critical Medicine, School of Medicine, Shenzhen People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Assurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Oncology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Shuwen Liu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Teixeira DG, Rodrigues-Neto JF, da Cunha DCS, Jeronimo SMB. Understanding SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein clusters and their impact on immunity of the population from Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 118:105556. [PMID: 38242186 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2024.105556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 genome underwent mutations since it started circulating within the human population. The aim of this study was to understand the fluctuation of the spike clusters concomitant to the population immunity either due to natural infection and/or vaccination in a state of Brazil that had both high rate of natural infection and vaccination coverage. A total of 1725 SARS-CoV-2 sequences from the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, were retrieved from GISAID and subjected to cluster analysis. Immunoinformatics were used to predict T- and B-cell epitopes, followed by simulation to estimate either pro- or anti-inflammatory responses and to correlate with circulating variants. From March 2020 to June 2022, the state of Rio Grande do Norte reported 579,931 COVID-19 cases with a 1.4% fatality rate across the three major waves: May-Sept 2020, Feb-Aug 2021, and Jan-Mar 2022. Cluster 0 variants (wild type strain, Zeta) were prevalent in the first wave and Delta (AY.*), which circulated in Brazil in the latter half of 2021, featuring fewer unique epitopes. Cluster 1 (Gamma (P.1 + P.1.*)) dominated the first half of 2021. Late 2021 had two new clusters, Cluster 2 (Omicron, (B.1.1.529 + BA.*)), and Cluster 3 (BA.*) with the most unique epitopes, in addition to Cluster 4 (Delta sub lineages) which emerged in the second half of 2021 with fewer unique epitopes. Cluster 1 epitopes showed a high pro-inflammatory propensity, while others exhibited a balanced cytokine induction. The clustering method effectively identified Spike groups that may contribute to immune evasion and clinical presentation, and explain in part the clinical outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego Gomes Teixeira
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical do Rio Grande do Norte, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - João Firmino Rodrigues-Neto
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical do Rio Grande do Norte, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil; Escola Multicampi de Ciências Médicas do Rio Grande do Norte, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Caicó, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Dayse Caroline Severiano da Cunha
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical do Rio Grande do Norte, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Selma Maria Bezerra Jeronimo
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical do Rio Grande do Norte, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil; Departmento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Doenças Tropicais, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Hillenbrand M, Esslinger C, Seidenberg J, Weber M, Zingg A, Townsend C, Eicher B, Rutkauskaite J, Riese P, Guzman CA, Fischer K, Schmitt S. Fast-Track Discovery of SARS-CoV-2-Neutralizing Antibodies from Human B Cells by Direct Functional Screening. Viruses 2024; 16:339. [PMID: 38543705 PMCID: PMC10975424 DOI: 10.3390/v16030339] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
As the COVID-19 pandemic revealed, rapid development of vaccines and therapeutic antibodies are crucial to guarantee a quick return to the status quo of society. In early 2020, we deployed our droplet microfluidic single-cell-based platform DROPZYLLA® for the generation of cognate antibody repertoires of convalescent COVID-19 donors. Discovery of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies was performed upon display of antibodies on the surface of HEK293T cells by antigen-specific sorting using binding to the SARS-CoV-2 spike and absence of binding to huACE2 as the sort criteria. This efficiently yielded antibodies within 3-6 weeks, of which up to 100% were neutralizing. One of these, MTX-COVAB, displaying low picomolar neutralization IC50 of SARS-CoV-2 and with a neutralization potency on par with the Regeneron antibodies, was selected for GMP manufacturing and clinical development in June 2020. MTX-COVAB showed strong efficacy in vivo and neutralized all identified clinically relevant variants of SARS-CoV-2 at the time of its selection. MTX-COVAB completed GMP manufacturing by the end of 2020, but clinical development was stopped when the Omicron variant emerged, a variant that proved to be detrimental to all monoclonal antibodies already approved. The present study describes the capabilities of the DROPZYLLA® platform to identify antibodies of high virus-neutralizing capacity rapidly and directly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Hillenbrand
- Memo Therapeutics AG, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland; (M.H.); (M.W.); (A.Z.); (B.E.); (J.R.); (K.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Christoph Esslinger
- Memo Therapeutics AG, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland; (M.H.); (M.W.); (A.Z.); (B.E.); (J.R.); (K.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Jemima Seidenberg
- Memo Therapeutics AG, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland; (M.H.); (M.W.); (A.Z.); (B.E.); (J.R.); (K.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Marcel Weber
- Memo Therapeutics AG, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland; (M.H.); (M.W.); (A.Z.); (B.E.); (J.R.); (K.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Andreas Zingg
- Memo Therapeutics AG, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland; (M.H.); (M.W.); (A.Z.); (B.E.); (J.R.); (K.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Catherine Townsend
- Memo Therapeutics AG, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland; (M.H.); (M.W.); (A.Z.); (B.E.); (J.R.); (K.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Barbara Eicher
- Memo Therapeutics AG, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland; (M.H.); (M.W.); (A.Z.); (B.E.); (J.R.); (K.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Justina Rutkauskaite
- Memo Therapeutics AG, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland; (M.H.); (M.W.); (A.Z.); (B.E.); (J.R.); (K.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Peggy Riese
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (P.R.); (C.A.G.)
| | - Carlos A. Guzman
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (P.R.); (C.A.G.)
| | - Karsten Fischer
- Memo Therapeutics AG, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland; (M.H.); (M.W.); (A.Z.); (B.E.); (J.R.); (K.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Simone Schmitt
- Memo Therapeutics AG, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland; (M.H.); (M.W.); (A.Z.); (B.E.); (J.R.); (K.F.); (S.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Zadeh SMM, Bayat AA, Shahsavarani H, Karimi-Busheri F, Kiani J, Ghods R, Madjd Z. Novel neutralizing SARS-CoV-2-specific mAbs offer detection of RBD linear epitopes. Virol J 2024; 21:37. [PMID: 38317249 PMCID: PMC10845636 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02304-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To stop the spread of the COVID-19 disease, it is crucial to create molecular tools to investigate and diagnose COVID-19. Current efforts focus on developing specific neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (NmAbs) elicited against the receptor-binding domain (RBD). METHODS In the present study, recombinant RBD (rRBD) protein was produced in E. coli, followed by immunizing mice with purified rRBD. ELISA was applied to screen the hybridomas for positive reactivity with rRBD protein. The linear and conformational epitopes of the mAbs were subsequently identified using western blot. Finally, the reactivity, affinity, and neutralization activity of the purified mAbs were evaluated using ELISA. RESULTS All mAbs exhibited similar reactivity trends towards both eukaryotic RBD and prokaryotic rRBD in ELISA. Among them, 2E7-D2 and 2B4-G8 mAbs demonstrated higher reactivity than other mAbs. Additionally, in western blot assays, these two mAbs could detect reducing and non-reducing rRBD, indicating recognition of linear epitopes. Notably, five mAbs effectively blocked rRBD- angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) interaction, while two high-affinity mAbs exhibited potent neutralizing activity against eukaryotic RBD. CONCLUSION In the current study, we generated and characterized new RBD-specific mAbs using the hybridoma technique that recognized linear and conformational epitopes in RBD with neutralization potency. Our mAbs are novel candidates for diagnosing and treating SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Mostafa Mostafavi Zadeh
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Ahmad Bayat
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hosein Shahsavarani
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Biomedical Innovations, Pasteur Institute of Iran, National Cell Bank, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Feridoun Karimi-Busheri
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - Jafar Kiani
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Roya Ghods
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Zahra Madjd
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Acar DD, Witkowski W, Wejda M, Wei R, Desmet T, Schepens B, De Cae S, Sedeyn K, Eeckhaut H, Fijalkowska D, Roose K, Vanmarcke S, Poupon A, Jochmans D, Zhang X, Abdelnabi R, Foo CS, Weynand B, Reiter D, Callewaert N, Remaut H, Neyts J, Saelens X, Gerlo S, Vandekerckhove L. Integrating artificial intelligence-based epitope prediction in a SARS-CoV-2 antibody discovery pipeline: caution is warranted. EBioMedicine 2024; 100:104960. [PMID: 38232633 PMCID: PMC10803917 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND SARS-CoV-2-neutralizing antibodies (nABs) showed great promise in the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. The emergence of resistant strains, however, quickly rendered the majority of clinically approved nABs ineffective. This underscored the imperative to develop nAB cocktails targeting non-overlapping epitopes. METHODS Undertaking a nAB discovery program, we employed a classical workflow, while integrating artificial intelligence (AI)-based prediction to select non-competing nABs very early in the pipeline. We identified and in vivo validated (in female Syrian hamsters) two highly potent nABs. FINDINGS Despite the promising results, in depth cryo-EM structural analysis demonstrated that the AI-based prediction employed with the intention to ensure non-overlapping epitopes was inaccurate. The two nABs in fact bound to the same receptor-binding epitope in a remarkably similar manner. INTERPRETATION Our findings indicate that, even in the Alphafold era, AI-based predictions of paratope-epitope interactions are rough and experimental validation of epitopes remains an essential cornerstone of a successful nAB lead selection. FUNDING Full list of funders is provided at the end of the manuscript.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Diana Acar
- HIV Cure Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Wojciech Witkowski
- HIV Cure Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Magdalena Wejda
- HIV Cure Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Ruifang Wei
- HIV Cure Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Tim Desmet
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Bert Schepens
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, Ghent 9052, Belgium; Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent 9052, Belgium
| | - Sieglinde De Cae
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, Ghent 9052, Belgium; Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent 9052, Belgium
| | - Koen Sedeyn
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, Ghent 9052, Belgium; Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent 9052, Belgium
| | - Hannah Eeckhaut
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, Ghent 9052, Belgium; Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent 9052, Belgium
| | - Daria Fijalkowska
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, Ghent 9052, Belgium; Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent 9052, Belgium
| | - Kenny Roose
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, Ghent 9052, Belgium; Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent 9052, Belgium
| | - Sandrine Vanmarcke
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, Ghent 9052, Belgium; Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent 9052, Belgium
| | | | - Dirk Jochmans
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Xin Zhang
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Rana Abdelnabi
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Caroline S Foo
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Birgit Weynand
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Translational Cell and Tissue Research, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Dirk Reiter
- Department of Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels 1050, Belgium
| | - Nico Callewaert
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, Ghent 9052, Belgium; Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent 9052, Belgium
| | - Han Remaut
- Department of Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels 1050, Belgium; VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, VIB, Brussels 1050, Belgium
| | - Johan Neyts
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Xavier Saelens
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, Ghent 9052, Belgium; Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent 9052, Belgium
| | - Sarah Gerlo
- HIV Cure Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Linos Vandekerckhove
- HIV Cure Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Wang Y, Yan A, Song D, Duan M, Dong C, Chen J, Jiang Z, Gao Y, Rao M, Feng J, Zhang Z, Qi R, Ma X, Liu H, Yu B, Wang Q, Zong M, Jiao J, Xing P, Pan R, Li D, Xiao J, Sun J, Li Y, Zhang L, Shen Z, Sun B, Zhao Y, Zhang L, Dai J, Zhao J, Wang L, Dou C, Liu Z, Zhao J. Identification of a highly conserved neutralizing epitope within the RBD region of diverse SARS-CoV-2 variants. Nat Commun 2024; 15:842. [PMID: 38287016 PMCID: PMC10825162 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45050-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
The constant emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants continues to impair the efficacy of existing neutralizing antibodies, especially XBB.1.5 and EG.5, which showed exceptional immune evasion properties. Here, we identify a highly conserved neutralizing epitope targeted by a broad-spectrum neutralizing antibody BA7535, which demonstrates high neutralization potency against not only previous variants, such as Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Omicron BA.1-BA.5, but also more recently emerged Omicron subvariants, including BF.7, CH.1.1, XBB.1, XBB.1.5, XBB.1.9.1, EG.5. Structural analysis of the Omicron Spike trimer with BA7535-Fab using cryo-EM indicates that BA7535 recognizes a highly conserved cryptic receptor-binding domain (RBD) epitope, avoiding most of the mutational hot spots in RBD. Furthermore, structural simulation based on the interaction of BA7535-Fab/RBD complexes dissects the broadly neutralizing effect of BA7535 against latest variants. Therapeutic and prophylactic treatment with BA7535 alone or in combination with BA7208 protected female mice from the circulating Omicron BA.5 and XBB.1 variant infection, suggesting the highly conserved neutralizing epitope serves as a potential target for developing highly potent therapeutic antibodies and vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanqun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Clinical Laboratory Medicine Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - An Yan
- Cryo-electron Microscopy Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Deyong Song
- Antibody Research and Development Center, Shandong Boan Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Yantai, China
| | - Maoqin Duan
- Division of Monoclonal Antibodies, Institute for Biological Product Control, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing, China
| | - Chuangchuang Dong
- Antibody Research and Development Center, Shandong Boan Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Yantai, China
| | - Jiantao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zihe Jiang
- Cryo-electron Microscopy Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuanzhu Gao
- Cryo-electron Microscopy Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Muding Rao
- Antibody Research and Development Center, Shandong Boan Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Yantai, China
| | - Jianxia Feng
- Antibody Research and Development Center, Shandong Boan Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Yantai, China
| | - Zhaoyong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruxi Qi
- Cryo-electron Microscopy Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaomin Ma
- Cryo-electron Microscopy Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Antibody Research and Development Center, Shandong Boan Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Yantai, China
| | - Beibei Yu
- Antibody Research and Development Center, Shandong Boan Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Yantai, China
| | - Qiaoping Wang
- Antibody Research and Development Center, Shandong Boan Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Yantai, China
| | - Mengqi Zong
- Antibody Research and Development Center, Shandong Boan Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Yantai, China
| | - Jie Jiao
- Antibody Research and Development Center, Shandong Boan Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Yantai, China
| | - Pingping Xing
- Antibody Research and Development Center, Shandong Boan Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Yantai, China
| | - Rongrong Pan
- Antibody Research and Development Center, Shandong Boan Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Yantai, China
| | - Dan Li
- Antibody Research and Development Center, Shandong Boan Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Yantai, China
| | - Juxue Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junbo Sun
- Antibody Research and Development Center, Shandong Boan Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Yantai, China
| | - Ying Li
- Antibody Research and Development Center, Shandong Boan Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Yantai, China
| | - Linfeng Zhang
- Antibody Research and Development Center, Shandong Boan Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Yantai, China
| | - Zhenduo Shen
- Antibody Research and Development Center, Shandong Boan Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Yantai, China
| | - Baiping Sun
- Antibody Research and Development Center, Shandong Boan Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Yantai, China
| | - Yanyan Zhao
- Antibody Research and Development Center, Shandong Boan Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Yantai, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Health and Quarantine Laboratory, Guangzhou Customs District Technology Centre, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Dai
- Health and Quarantine Laboratory, Guangzhou Customs District Technology Centre, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingxian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lan Wang
- Division of Monoclonal Antibodies, Institute for Biological Product Control, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing, China.
| | - Changlin Dou
- Antibody Research and Development Center, Shandong Boan Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Yantai, China.
| | - Zheng Liu
- Cryo-electron Microscopy Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Jincun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Bio-Island, Guangzhou, China.
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
- Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital; The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Cianfarini C, Hassler L, Wysocki J, Hassan A, Nicolaescu V, Elli D, Gula H, Ibrahim AM, Randall G, Henkin J, Batlle D. Soluble Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Protein Improves Survival and Lowers Viral Titers in Lethal Mouse Model of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Type 2 Infection with the Delta Variant. Cells 2024; 13:203. [PMID: 38334597 PMCID: PMC10854654 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030203] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) utilizes angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as its main receptor for cell entry. We bioengineered a soluble ACE2 protein termed ACE2 618-DDC-ABD that has increased binding to SARS-CoV-2 and prolonged duration of action. Here, we investigated the protective effect of this protein when administered intranasally to k18-hACE2 mice infected with the aggressive SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant. k18-hACE2 mice were infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant by inoculation of a lethal dose (2 × 104 PFU). ACE2 618-DDC-ABD (10 mg/kg) or PBS was administered intranasally six hours prior and 24 and 48 h post-viral inoculation. All animals in the PBS control group succumbed to the disease on day seven post-infection (0% survival), whereas, in contrast, there was only one casualty in the group that received ACE2 618-DDC-ABD (90% survival). Mice in the ACE2 618-DDC-ABD group had minimal disease as assessed using a clinical score and stable weight, and both brain and lung viral titers were markedly reduced. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of a bioengineered soluble ACE2 decoy with an extended duration of action in protecting against the aggressive Delta SARS-CoV-2 variant. Together with previous work, these findings underline the universal protective potential against current and future emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cosimo Cianfarini
- Division of Nephrology/Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 710 North Fairbanks Court, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Luise Hassler
- Division of Nephrology/Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 710 North Fairbanks Court, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Jan Wysocki
- Division of Nephrology/Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 710 North Fairbanks Court, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Abdelsabour Hassan
- Division of Nephrology/Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 710 North Fairbanks Court, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Vlad Nicolaescu
- Howard Taylor Ricketts Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, The University of Chicago, Lemont, IL 60637, USA
| | - Derek Elli
- Howard Taylor Ricketts Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, The University of Chicago, Lemont, IL 60637, USA
| | - Haley Gula
- Howard Taylor Ricketts Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, The University of Chicago, Lemont, IL 60637, USA
| | - Amany M. Ibrahim
- Howard Taylor Ricketts Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, The University of Chicago, Lemont, IL 60637, USA
| | - Glenn Randall
- Howard Taylor Ricketts Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, The University of Chicago, Lemont, IL 60637, USA
| | - Jack Henkin
- Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Daniel Batlle
- Division of Nephrology/Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 710 North Fairbanks Court, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Wang Y, Zhang Z, Yang M, Xiong X, Yan Q, Cao L, Wei P, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Lv K, Chen J, Liu X, Zhao X, Xiao J, Zhang S, Zhu A, Gan M, Zhang J, Cai R, Zhuo J, Zhang Y, Rao H, Qu B, Zhang Y, Chen L, Dai J, Cheng L, Hu Q, Chen Y, Lv H, So RTY, Peiris M, Zhao J, Liu X, Mok CKP, Wang X, Zhao J. Identification of a broad sarbecovirus neutralizing antibody targeting a conserved epitope on the receptor-binding domain. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113653. [PMID: 38175758 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Omicron, as the emerging variant with enhanced vaccine tolerance, has sharply disrupted most therapeutic antibodies. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) belongs to the subgenus Sarbecovirus, members of which share high sequence similarity. Herein, we report one sarbecovirus antibody, 5817, which has broad-spectrum neutralization capacity against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) and SARS-CoV, as well as related bat and pangolin viruses. 5817 can hardly compete with six classes of receptor-binding-domain-targeted antibodies grouped by structural classifications. No obvious impairment in the potency is detected against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron and subvariants. The cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of neutralizing antibody 5817 in complex with Omicron spike reveals a highly conserved epitope, only existing at the receptor-binding domain (RBD) open state. Prophylactic and therapeutic administration of 5817 potently protects mice from SARS-CoV-2 Beta, Delta, Omicron, and SARS-CoV infection. This study reveals a highly conserved cryptic epitope targeted by a broad sarbecovirus neutralizing antibody, which would be beneficial to meet the potential threat of pre-emergent SARS-CoV-2 VOCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanqun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Clinical Laboratory Medicine Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhaoyong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Minnan Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, National Laboratory of Macromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyi Xiong
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qihong Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lei Cao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, National Laboratory of Macromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peilan Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangzhou National Laboratory, Bio-Island, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Health and Quarantine Laboratory, Guangzhou Customs District Technology Centre, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kexin Lv
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jiantao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuesong Liu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, State Key Lab of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaochu Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Juxue Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shengnan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Airu Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Mian Gan
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jingjun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ruoxi Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianfen Zhuo
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanjun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Haiyue Rao
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Bin Qu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jun Dai
- Health and Quarantine Laboratory, Guangzhou Customs District Technology Centre, Guangzhou, China
| | - Linling Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qingtao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yaoqing Chen
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huibin Lv
- HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ray T Y So
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Malik Peiris
- HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jingxian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangzhou National Laboratory, Bio-Island, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqing Liu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, State Key Lab of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Chris Ka Pun Mok
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; S.H. Ho Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Xiangxi Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, National Laboratory of Macromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Jincun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China; Guangzhou National Laboratory, Bio-Island, Guangzhou, China; Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Outteridge M, Nunn CM, Devine K, Patel B, McLean GR. Antivirals for Broader Coverage against Human Coronaviruses. Viruses 2024; 16:156. [PMID: 38275966 PMCID: PMC10820748 DOI: 10.3390/v16010156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs) are enveloped positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses with a genome that is 27-31 kbases in length. Critical genes include the spike (S), envelope (E), membrane (M), nucleocapsid (N) and nine accessory open reading frames encoding for non-structural proteins (NSPs) that have multiple roles in the replication cycle and immune evasion (1). There are seven known human CoVs that most likely appeared after zoonotic transfer, the most recent being SARS-CoV-2, responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Antivirals that have been approved by the FDA for use against COVID-19 such as Paxlovid can target and successfully inhibit the main protease (MPro) activity of multiple human CoVs; however, alternative proteomes encoded by CoV genomes have a closer genetic similarity to each other, suggesting that antivirals could be developed now that target future CoVs. New zoonotic introductions of CoVs to humans are inevitable and unpredictable. Therefore, new antivirals are required to control not only the next human CoV outbreak but also the four common human CoVs (229E, OC43, NL63, HKU1) that circulate frequently and to contain sporadic outbreaks of the severe human CoVs (SARS-CoV, MERS and SARS-CoV-2). The current study found that emerging antiviral drugs, such as Paxlovid, could target other CoVs, but only SARS-CoV-2 is known to be targeted in vivo. Other drugs which have the potential to target other human CoVs are still within clinical trials and are not yet available for public use. Monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatment and vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 can reduce mortality and hospitalisation rates; however, they target the Spike protein whose sequence mutates frequently and drifts. Spike is also not applicable for targeting other HCoVs as these are not well-conserved sequences among human CoVs. Thus, there is a need for readily available treatments globally that target all seven human CoVs and improve the preparedness for inevitable future outbreaks. Here, we discuss antiviral research, contributing to the control of common and severe CoV replication and transmission, including the current SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. The aim was to identify common features of CoVs for antivirals, biologics and vaccines that could reduce the scientific, political, economic and public health strain caused by CoV outbreaks now and in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mia Outteridge
- School of Human Sciences, London Metropolitan University, London N7 8DB, UK; (M.O.); (C.M.N.); (K.D.); (B.P.)
| | - Christine M. Nunn
- School of Human Sciences, London Metropolitan University, London N7 8DB, UK; (M.O.); (C.M.N.); (K.D.); (B.P.)
| | - Kevin Devine
- School of Human Sciences, London Metropolitan University, London N7 8DB, UK; (M.O.); (C.M.N.); (K.D.); (B.P.)
| | - Bhaven Patel
- School of Human Sciences, London Metropolitan University, London N7 8DB, UK; (M.O.); (C.M.N.); (K.D.); (B.P.)
| | - Gary R. McLean
- School of Human Sciences, London Metropolitan University, London N7 8DB, UK; (M.O.); (C.M.N.); (K.D.); (B.P.)
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Atanasoff KE, Brambilla L, Adelsberg DC, Kowdle S, Stevens CS, Slamanig S, Hung CT, Fu Y, Lim R, Tran L, Allen R, Sun W, Duty JA, Bajic G, Lee B, Tortorella D. An in vitro experimental pipeline to characterize the epitope of a SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody. mBio 2024; 15:e0247723. [PMID: 38054729 PMCID: PMC10870823 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02477-23] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The COVID-19 pandemic remains a significant public health concern for the global population; the development and characterization of therapeutics, especially ones that are broadly effective, will continue to be essential as severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants emerge. Neutralizing monoclonal antibodies remain an effective therapeutic strategy to prevent virus infection and spread so long as they recognize and interact with circulating variants. The epitope and binding specificity of a neutralizing anti-SARS-CoV-2 Spike receptor-binding domain antibody clone against many SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern were characterized by generating antibody-resistant virions coupled with cryo-EM structural analysis and VSV-spike neutralization studies. This workflow can serve to predict the efficacy of antibody therapeutics against emerging variants and inform the design of therapeutics and vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina E. Atanasoff
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Luca Brambilla
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Daniel C. Adelsberg
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Shreyas Kowdle
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Christian S. Stevens
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Stefan Slamanig
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Chuan-Tien Hung
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yanwen Fu
- Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | - Reyna Lim
- Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | - Linh Tran
- Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | - Robert Allen
- Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | - Weina Sun
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - J. Andrew Duty
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Center for Therapeutic Antibody Development, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Goran Bajic
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Benhur Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Domenico Tortorella
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Irvine EB, Reddy ST. Advancing Antibody Engineering through Synthetic Evolution and Machine Learning. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 212:235-243. [PMID: 38166249 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Abs are versatile molecules with the potential to achieve exceptional binding to target Ags, while also possessing biophysical properties suitable for therapeutic drug development. Protein display and directed evolution systems have transformed synthetic Ab discovery, engineering, and optimization, vastly expanding the number of Ab clones able to be experimentally screened for binding. Moreover, the burgeoning integration of high-throughput screening, deep sequencing, and machine learning has further augmented in vitro Ab optimization, promising to accelerate the design process and massively expand the Ab sequence space interrogated. In this Brief Review, we discuss the experimental and computational tools employed in synthetic Ab engineering and optimization. We also explore the therapeutic challenges posed by developing Abs for infectious diseases, and the prospects for leveraging machine learning-guided protein engineering to prospectively design Abs resistant to viral escape.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edward B Irvine
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sai T Reddy
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Feng Y, Yi J, Yang L, Wang Y, Wen J, Zhao W, Kim P, Zhou X. COV2Var, a function annotation database of SARS-CoV-2 genetic variation. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:D701-D713. [PMID: 37897356 PMCID: PMC10767816 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has resulted in the loss of millions of lives and severe global economic consequences. Every time SARS-CoV-2 replicates, the viruses acquire new mutations in their genomes. Mutations in SARS-CoV-2 genomes led to increased transmissibility, severe disease outcomes, evasion of the immune response, changes in clinical manifestations and reducing the efficacy of vaccines or treatments. To date, the multiple resources provide lists of detected mutations without key functional annotations. There is a lack of research examining the relationship between mutations and various factors such as disease severity, pathogenicity, patient age, patient gender, cross-species transmission, viral immune escape, immune response level, viral transmission capability, viral evolution, host adaptability, viral protein structure, viral protein function, viral protein stability and concurrent mutations. Deep understanding the relationship between mutation sites and these factors is crucial for advancing our knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 and for developing effective responses. To fill this gap, we built COV2Var, a function annotation database of SARS-CoV-2 genetic variation, available at http://biomedbdc.wchscu.cn/COV2Var/. COV2Var aims to identify common mutations in SARS-CoV-2 variants and assess their effects, providing a valuable resource for intensive functional annotations of common mutations among SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhou Feng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Med-X Center for Informatics, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jiahao Yi
- School of Big Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Cardiology and Laboratory of Gene Therapy for Heart Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yanfei Wang
- Center for Computational Systems Medicine, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jianguo Wen
- Center for Computational Systems Medicine, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Weiling Zhao
- Center for Computational Systems Medicine, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Pora Kim
- Center for Computational Systems Medicine, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xiaobo Zhou
- Center for Computational Systems Medicine, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- School of Dentistry, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Bharadwaj A, Kaur R, Gupta S. Emerging Treatment Approaches for COVID-19 Infection: A Critical Review. Curr Mol Med 2024; 24:435-448. [PMID: 37070448 DOI: 10.2174/1566524023666230417112543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
In the present scenario, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has imposed enormous damage on human survival and the global financial system. It has been estimated that around 111 million people all around the world have been infected, and about 2.47 million people died due to this pandemic. The major symptoms were sneezing, coughing, cold, difficulty breathing, pneumonia, and multi-organ failure associated 1with SARS-CoV-2. Currently, two key problems, namely insufficient attempts to develop drugs against SARSCoV-2 and the lack of any biological regulating process, are mostly responsible for the havoc caused by this virus. Henceforth, developing a few novel drugs is urgently required to cure this pandemic. It has been noticed that the pathogenesis of COVID-19 is caused by two main events: infection and immune deficiency, that occur during the pathological process. Antiviral medication can treat both the virus and the host cells. Therefore, in the present review, the major approaches for the treatment have been divided into "target virus" and "target host" groups. These two mechanisms primarily rely on drug repositioning, novel approaches, and possible targets. Initially, we discussed the traditional drugs per the physicians' recommendations. Moreover, such therapeutics have no potential to fight against COVID-19. After that, detailed investigation and analysis were conducted to find some novel vaccines and monoclonal antibodies and conduct a few clinical trials to check their effectiveness against SARSCoV- 2 and mutant strains. Additionally, this study presents the most successful methods for its treatment, including combinatorial therapy. Nanotechnology was studied to build efficient nanocarriers to overcome the traditional constraints of antiviral and biological therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alok Bharadwaj
- Department of Biotechnology, GLA University, Mathura, 281406, UP, India
| | - Rasanpreet Kaur
- Department of Biotechnology, GLA University, Mathura, 281406, UP, India
| | - Saurabh Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology, GLA University, Mathura, 281406, UP, India
| |
Collapse
|