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Wang S, Kong H, Zhuo C, Liu L, Lv S, Cheng D, Lao YH, Tao Y, Li M. Functionalized extracellular nanovesicles as advanced CRISPR delivery systems. Biomater Sci 2024. [PMID: 38808607 DOI: 10.1039/d4bm00054d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) system, an emerging tool for genome editing, has garnered significant public interest for its potential in treating genetic diseases. Despite the rapid advancements in CRISPR technology, the progress in developing effective delivery strategies lags, impeding its clinical application. Extracellular nanovesicles (EVs), either in their endogenous forms or with engineered modifications, have emerged as a promising solution for CRISPR delivery. These EVs offer several advantages, including high biocompatibility, biological permeability, negligible immunogenicity, and straightforward production. Herein, we first summarize various types of functional EVs for CRISPR delivery, such as unmodified, modified, engineered virus-like particles (VLPs), and exosome-liposome hybrid vesicles, and examine their distinct intracellular pathways. Then, we outline the cutting-edge techniques for functionalizing extracellular vesicles, involving producer cell engineering, vesicle engineering, and virus-like particle engineering, emphasizing the diverse CRISPR delivery capabilities of these nanovesicles. Lastly, we address the current challenges and propose rational design strategies for their clinical translation, offering future perspectives on the development of functionalized EVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqing Wang
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
| | - Huimin Kong
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
| | - Chenya Zhuo
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Gynecology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Shixian Lv
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Du Cheng
- PCFM Lab of Ministry of Education, School of Material Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yeh-Hsing Lao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA.
| | - Yu Tao
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
| | - Mingqiang Li
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou 510630, China
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2
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Pierce BG, Felbinger N, Metcalf M, Toth EA, Ofek G, Fuerst TR. Hepatitis C Virus E1E2 Structure, Diversity, and Implications for Vaccine Development. Viruses 2024; 16:803. [PMID: 38793684 PMCID: PMC11125608 DOI: 10.3390/v16050803] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major medical health burden and the leading cause of chronic liver disease and cancer worldwide. More than 58 million people are chronically infected with HCV, with 1.5 million new infections occurring each year. An effective HCV vaccine is a major public health and medical need as recognized by the World Health Organization. However, due to the high variability of the virus and its ability to escape the immune response, HCV rapidly accumulates mutations, making vaccine development a formidable challenge. An effective vaccine must elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) in a consistent fashion. After decades of studies from basic research through clinical development, the antigen of choice is considered the E1E2 envelope glycoprotein due to conserved, broadly neutralizing antigenic domains located in the constituent subunits of E1, E2, and the E1E2 heterodimeric complex itself. The challenge has been elicitation of robust humoral and cellular responses leading to broad virus neutralization due to the relatively low immunogenicity of this antigen. In view of this challenge, structure-based vaccine design approaches to stabilize key antigenic domains have been hampered due to the lack of E1E2 atomic-level resolution structures to guide them. Another challenge has been the development of a delivery platform in which a multivalent form of the antigen can be presented in order to elicit a more robust anti-HCV immune response. Recent nanoparticle vaccines are gaining prominence in the field due to their ability to facilitate a controlled multivalent presentation and trafficking to lymph nodes, where they can interact with both the cellular and humoral components of the immune system. This review focuses on recent advances in understanding the E1E2 heterodimeric structure to facilitate a rational design approach and the potential for development of a multivalent nanoparticle-based HCV E1E2 vaccine. Both aspects are considered important in the development of an effective HCV vaccine that can effectively address viral diversity and escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian G. Pierce
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850, USA; (B.G.P.); (N.F.); (M.M.); (E.A.T.); (G.O.)
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Nathaniel Felbinger
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850, USA; (B.G.P.); (N.F.); (M.M.); (E.A.T.); (G.O.)
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Matthew Metcalf
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850, USA; (B.G.P.); (N.F.); (M.M.); (E.A.T.); (G.O.)
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Eric A. Toth
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850, USA; (B.G.P.); (N.F.); (M.M.); (E.A.T.); (G.O.)
| | - Gilad Ofek
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850, USA; (B.G.P.); (N.F.); (M.M.); (E.A.T.); (G.O.)
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Thomas R. Fuerst
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850, USA; (B.G.P.); (N.F.); (M.M.); (E.A.T.); (G.O.)
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
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Ogega CO, Skinner NE, Schoenle MV, Wilcox XE, Frumento N, Wright DA, Paul HT, Sinnis-Bourozikas A, Clark KE, Figueroa A, Bjorkman PJ, Ray SC, Flyak AI, Bailey JR. Convergent evolution and targeting of diverse E2 epitopes by human broadly neutralizing antibodies are associated with HCV clearance. Immunity 2024; 57:890-903.e6. [PMID: 38518779 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2024.03.001] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
The early appearance of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) in serum is associated with spontaneous hepatitis C virus (HCV) clearance, but to date, the majority of bNAbs have been isolated from chronically infected donors. Most of these bNAbs use the VH1-69 gene segment and target the envelope glycoprotein E2 front layer. Here, we performed longitudinal B cell receptor (BCR) repertoire analysis on an elite neutralizer who spontaneously cleared multiple HCV infections. We isolated 10,680 E2-reactive B cells, performed BCR sequencing, characterized monoclonal B cell cultures, and isolated bNAbs. In contrast to what has been seen in chronically infected donors, the bNAbs used a variety of VH genes and targeted at least three distinct E2 antigenic sites, including sites previously thought to be non-neutralizing. Diverse front-layer-reactive bNAb lineages evolved convergently, acquiring breadth-enhancing somatic mutations. These findings demonstrate that HCV clearance-associated bNAbs are genetically diverse and bind distinct antigenic sites that should be the target of vaccine-induced bNAbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clinton O Ogega
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nicole E Skinner
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Marta V Schoenle
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Xander E Wilcox
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Nicole Frumento
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Desiree A Wright
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Harry T Paul
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ariadne Sinnis-Bourozikas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kaitlyn E Clark
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alexis Figueroa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Pamela J Bjorkman
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Stuart C Ray
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrew I Flyak
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| | - Justin R Bailey
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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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.
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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.
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Chumbe A, Grobben M, Capella-Pujol J, Koekkoek SM, Zon I, Slamanig S, Merat SJ, Beaumont T, Sliepen K, Schinkel J, van Gils MJ. A panel of hepatitis C virus glycoproteins for the characterization of antibody responses using antibodies with diverse recognition and neutralization patterns. Virus Res 2024; 341:199308. [PMID: 38171391 PMCID: PMC10821612 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199308] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
A vaccine against Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is urgently needed to limit the spread of HCV. The large antigenic diversity of the HCV glycoprotein E1E2 makes it difficult to design a vaccine but also to fully understand the antibody response after infection or vaccination. Here we designed a panel of HCV pseudoparticles (HCVpps) that cover a wide range of genetically and antigenically diverse E1E2s. We validate our panel using neutralization and a binding antibody multiplex assay (BAMA). The panel of HCVpps includes E1E2 glycoproteins from acute and chronically infected cases in the Netherlands, as well as E1E2 glycoproteins from previously reported HCVs. Using eight monoclonal antibodies targeting multiple antigenic regions on E1E2, we could categorize four groups of neutralization sensitive viruses with viruses showing neutralization titers over a 100-fold range. One HCVpp (AMS0230) was extremely neutralization resistant and only neutralized by AR4-targeting antibodies. In addition, using binding antibody multiplex competition assay, we delineated mAb epitopes and their interactions. The binding and neutralization sensitivity of the HCVpps were confirmed using patient sera. At the end, eleven HCVpps with unique antibody binding and neutralization profiles were selected as the final panel for standardized HCV antibody assessments. In conclusion, this HCVpp panel can be used to evaluate antibody binding and neutralization breadth and potency as well as delineate the epitopes targeted in sera from patients or candidate vaccine trials. The HCVpp panel in combination with the established antibody competition assay present highly valuable tools for HCV vaccine development and evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Chumbe
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marloes Grobben
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joan Capella-Pujol
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sylvie M Koekkoek
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ian Zon
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Stefan Slamanig
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Tim Beaumont
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; AIMM Therapeutics, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kwinten Sliepen
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Janke Schinkel
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Marit J van Gils
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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Wang N, Liu Q, Che F, Sun Q, Wang Y, Yang C, Dai Y, Cheng J. Establishment and methodological evaluation of a chemiluminescence assay for detection of anti-envelope protein (E1, E2) antibodies in the serum of hepatitis C virus-infected patients. J Clin Lab Anal 2024; 38:e25011. [PMID: 38491776 PMCID: PMC10943255 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.25011] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To establish a chemiluminescence method for detecting anti-E1 and anti-E2 antibodies in the serum of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. METHODS The microplate was coated with recombinant envelope proteins E1 and E2 by indirect method, respectively, and the kits for detecting anti-E1 and anti-E2 antibodies were prepared. The methodological indexes were evaluated. RESULTS The methodological indexes of the kits were as follows: precision test (the variation coefficient of anti-E1 antibody 6.71%-8.95% for within run and 9.91%-12.16% for between run, the variation coefficient of anti-E2 antibody 6.06%-8.44% for within run and 10.77%-13.98% for between run, respectively). The blank limit and detection limit were 1.18 RLIR and 3.16 RLIR for the anti-E1 antibody, and 1.26 RLIR and 3.32 RLIR for the anti-E2 antibody, respectively. The correlation coefficients (r) of anti-E1 and anti-E2 were 0.9963 and 0.9828, the analysis and measurement ranges (AMR) were 1.66-41.28 RLIR and 1.55-19.46 RLIR, and the average recovery was 96.4% and 93.7%, respectively. The rheumatoid factor and other positive serum samples had no interference or cross-reaction to the test, and the kits were stable within 15 months. The positive rates of anti-E1 and anti-E2 antibodies in 45 patients with HCV infection were 35.6% (16/45) and 44.4% (20/45), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The kits for detecting anti-E1 and anti-E2 meet the requirements of methodology, and can be used in screening diagnosis, disease monitoring, prognosis evaluation, disease mechanism, and epidemiological studies of HCV infection. The HCV envelope proteins E1 and E2 have an immune response in HCV-infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningning Wang
- School of Laboratory MedicineBengbu Medical CollegeBengbuChina
| | - Qingqing Liu
- School of Laboratory MedicineBengbu Medical CollegeBengbuChina
| | - Feihu Che
- Department of Clinical ResearchThe 903rd Hospital of PLAHangzhouChina
| | - Qingyang Sun
- Department of Clinical ResearchThe 903rd Hospital of PLAHangzhouChina
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Clinical ResearchThe 903rd Hospital of PLAHangzhouChina
| | - Chunli Yang
- Department of Clinical ResearchThe 903rd Hospital of PLAHangzhouChina
| | - Yuzhu Dai
- Department of Clinical ResearchThe 903rd Hospital of PLAHangzhouChina
| | - Jun Cheng
- Department of Clinical ResearchThe 903rd Hospital of PLAHangzhouChina
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Shawky H, Tabll AA, Elshenawy RM, Helmy NM, Moustafa RI, Elesnawy YK, Abdelghany MM, El-Abd YS. Glycylglycine promotes the solubility and antigenic utility of recombinant HCV structural proteins in a point-of-care immunoassay for detection of active viremia. Microb Cell Fact 2024; 23:25. [PMID: 38238770 PMCID: PMC10795219 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-024-02297-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although E. coli is generally a well-opted platform for the overproduction of recombinant antigens as heterologous proteins, the optimization of expression conditions to maximize the yield of functional proteins remains empirical. Herein, we developed an optimized E. coli (BL21)-based system for the overproduction of soluble immunoreactive HCV core/envelope proteins that were utilized to establish a novel immunoassay for discrimination of active HCV infection. METHODS The core/E1-E2 genes were amplified and expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) in the absence/presence of glycylglycine. The antigenic performance of soluble proteins was assessed against 63 HCV-seronegative (Ab-) sera that included normal and interferent sera (HBV and/or chronic renal failure), and 383 HCV-seropositive (Ab+) samples that included viremic (chronic/relapsers) and recovered patients' sera. The color intensity (OD450) and S/Co values were estimated. RESULTS The integration of 0.1-0.4M glycylglycine in the growth media significantly enhanced the solubility/yield of recombinant core and envelope proteins by ~ 225 and 242 fold, respectively. This was reflected in their immunoreactivity and antigenic performance in the developed immunoassay, where the soluble core/E1/E2 antigen mixture showed 100% accuracy in identifying HCV viremic sera with a viral RNA load as low as 3800 IU/mL, without cross-reactivity against normal/interferent HCV-Ab-sera. The ideal S/Co threshold predicting active viremia (> 2.75) showed an AUC value of 0.9362 (95% CI: 0.9132 to 0.9593), with 87.64, 91.23% sensitivity and specificity, and 94.14, 82.11% positive and negative predictive values, respectively. The different panels of samples assayed with our EIA showed a good concordance with the viral loads and also significant correlations with the golden standards of HCV diagnosis in viremic patients. The performance of the EIA was not affected by the immunocompromised conditions or HBV co-infection. CONCLUSION The applicability of the proposed platform would extend beyond the reported approach, where glycylglycine, low inducer concentration and post-induction temperature, combined with the moderately-strong constitutive promoter enables the stable production of soluble/active proteins, even those with reported toxicity. Also, the newly developed immunoassay provides a cost-effective point-of-care diagnostic tool for active HCV viremia that could be useful in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba Shawky
- Therapeutic Chemistry Department, Pharmaceutical Industries and Drug Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt
| | - Ashraf A Tabll
- Microbial Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt
| | - Reem M Elshenawy
- Microbial Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt
| | - Naiera M Helmy
- Microbial Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt
| | - Rehab I Moustafa
- Microbial Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt
| | | | - Marwa M Abdelghany
- National Committee for Control of Viral Hepatitis (NCCVH), Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Yasmine S El-Abd
- Microbial Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt.
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8
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Frumento N, Sinnis-Bourozikas A, Paul HT, Stavrakis G, Zahid MN, Wang S, Ray SC, Flyak AI, Shaw GM, Cox AL, Bailey JR. Neutralizing antibodies evolve to exploit vulnerable sites in the HCV envelope glycoprotein E2 and mediate spontaneous clearance of infection. Immunity 2024; 57:40-51.e5. [PMID: 38171362 PMCID: PMC10874496 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2023.12.004] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Individuals who clear primary hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections clear subsequent reinfections more than 80% of the time, but the mechanisms are poorly defined. Here, we used HCV variants and plasma from individuals with repeated clearance to characterize longitudinal changes in envelope glycoprotein E2 sequences, function, and neutralizing antibody (NAb) resistance. Clearance of infection was associated with early selection of viruses with NAb resistance substitutions that also reduced E2 binding to CD81, the primary HCV receptor. Later, peri-clearance plasma samples regained neutralizing capacity against these variants. We identified a subset of broadly NAbs (bNAbs) for which these loss-of-fitness substitutions conferred resistance to unmutated bNAb ancestors but increased sensitivity to mature bNAbs. These data demonstrate a mechanism by which neutralizing antibodies contribute to repeated immune-mediated HCV clearance, identifying specific bNAbs that exploit fundamental vulnerabilities in E2. The induction of bNAbs with these specificities should be a goal of HCV vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Frumento
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ariadne Sinnis-Bourozikas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Harry T Paul
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Georgia Stavrakis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Muhammad N Zahid
- University of Bahrain, Department of Biology, College of Science, Sakhir Campus, Sakhir, Bahrain
| | - Shuyi Wang
- Department of Medicine and Department of Microbiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stuart C Ray
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrew I Flyak
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - George M Shaw
- Department of Medicine and Department of Microbiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Andrea L Cox
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Justin R Bailey
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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9
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Newby ML, Allen JD, Crispin M. Influence of glycosylation on the immunogenicity and antigenicity of viral immunogens. Biotechnol Adv 2024; 70:108283. [PMID: 37972669 PMCID: PMC10867814 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108283] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
A key aspect of successful viral vaccine design is the elicitation of neutralizing antibodies targeting viral attachment and fusion glycoproteins that embellish viral particles. This observation has catalyzed the development of numerous viral glycoprotein mimetics as vaccines. Glycans can dominate the surface of viral glycoproteins and as such, the viral glycome can influence the antigenicity and immunogenicity of a candidate vaccine. In one extreme, glycans can form an integral part of epitopes targeted by neutralizing antibodies and are therefore considered to be an important feature of key immunogens within an immunization regimen. In the other extreme, the existence of peptide and bacterially expressed protein vaccines shows that viral glycosylation can be dispensable in some cases. However, native-like glycosylation can indicate native-like protein folding and the presence of conformational epitopes. Furthermore, going beyond native glycan mimicry, in either occupancy of glycosylation sites or the glycan processing state, may offer opportunities for enhancing the immunogenicity and associated protection elicited by an immunogen. Here, we review key determinants of viral glycosylation and how recombinant immunogens can recapitulate these signatures across a range of enveloped viruses, including HIV-1, Ebola virus, SARS-CoV-2, Influenza and Lassa virus. The emerging understanding of immunogen glycosylation and its control will help guide the development of future vaccines in both recombinant protein- and nucleic acid-based vaccine technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maddy L Newby
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Joel D Allen
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK.
| | - Max Crispin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK.
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10
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Tabll AA, Sohrab SS, Ali AA, Petrovic A, Steiner Srdarevic S, Siber S, Glasnovic M, Smolic R, Smolic M. Future Prospects, Approaches, and the Government's Role in the Development of a Hepatitis C Virus Vaccine. Pathogens 2023; 13:38. [PMID: 38251345 PMCID: PMC10820710 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Developing a safe and effective vaccine against the hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a top priority for global health. Despite recent advances in antiviral therapies, the high cost and limited accessibility of these treatments impede their widespread application, particularly in resource-limited settings. Therefore, the development of the HCV vaccine remains a necessity. This review article analyzes the current technologies, future prospects, strategies, HCV genomic targets, and the governmental role in HCV vaccine development. We discuss the current epidemiological landscape of HCV infection and the potential of HCV structural and non-structural protein antigens as vaccine targets. In addition, the involvement of government agencies and policymakers in supporting and facilitating the development of HCV vaccines is emphasized. We explore how vaccine development regulatory channels and frameworks affect research goals, funding, and public health policy. The significance of international and public-private partnerships in accelerating the development of an HCV vaccine is examined. Finally, the future directions for developing an HCV vaccine are discussed. In conclusion, the review highlights the urgent need for a preventive vaccine to fight the global HCV disease and the significance of collaborative efforts between scientists, politicians, and public health organizations to reach this important public health goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf A. Tabll
- Microbial Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo 12622, Egypt
- Egypt Centre for Research and Regenerative Medicine (ECRRM), Cairo 11517, Egypt
| | - Sayed S. Sohrab
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed A. Ali
- Molecular Biology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo 12622, Egypt;
| | - Ana Petrovic
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (A.P.); (S.S.S.); (S.S.); (M.G.); (R.S.)
| | - Sabina Steiner Srdarevic
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (A.P.); (S.S.S.); (S.S.); (M.G.); (R.S.)
| | - Stjepan Siber
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (A.P.); (S.S.S.); (S.S.); (M.G.); (R.S.)
| | - Marija Glasnovic
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (A.P.); (S.S.S.); (S.S.); (M.G.); (R.S.)
| | - Robert Smolic
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (A.P.); (S.S.S.); (S.S.); (M.G.); (R.S.)
| | - Martina Smolic
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (A.P.); (S.S.S.); (S.S.); (M.G.); (R.S.)
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11
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Zhang H, Bull RA, Quadeer AA, McKay MR. HCV E1 influences the fitness landscape of E2 and may enhance escape from E2-specific antibodies. Virus Evol 2023; 9:vead068. [PMID: 38107333 PMCID: PMC10722114 DOI: 10.1093/ve/vead068] [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: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hepatitis C virus (HCV) envelope glycoprotein E1 forms a non-covalent heterodimer with E2, the main target of neutralizing antibodies. How E1-E2 interactions influence viral fitness and contribute to resistance to E2-specific antibodies remain largely unknown. We investigate this problem using a combination of fitness landscape and evolutionary modeling. Our analysis indicates that E1 and E2 proteins collectively mediate viral fitness and suggests that fitness-compensating E1 mutations may accelerate escape from E2-targeting antibodies. Our analysis also identifies a set of E2-specific human monoclonal antibodies that are predicted to be especially resilient to escape via genetic variation in both E1 and E2, providing directions for robust HCV vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Zhang
- Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Rowena A Bull
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- The Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Ahmed Abdul Quadeer
- Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, SAR, China
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Matthew R McKay
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
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12
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Abstract
There are at least 21 families of enveloped viruses that infect mammals, and many contain members of high concern for global human health. All enveloped viruses have a dedicated fusion protein or fusion complex that enacts the critical genome-releasing membrane fusion event that is essential before viral replication within the host cell interior can begin. Because all enveloped viruses enter cells by fusion, it behooves us to know how viral fusion proteins function. Viral fusion proteins are also major targets of neutralizing antibodies, and hence they serve as key vaccine immunogens. Here we review current concepts about viral membrane fusion proteins focusing on how they are triggered, structural intermediates between pre- and postfusion forms, and their interplay with the lipid bilayers they engage. We also discuss cellular and therapeutic interventions that thwart virus-cell membrane fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith M White
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA;
| | - Amanda E Ward
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Laura Odongo
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Lukas K Tamm
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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13
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Toth EA, Andrianov AK, Fuerst TR. Prospects for developing an Hepatitis C virus E1E2-based nanoparticle vaccine. Rev Med Virol 2023; 33:e2474. [PMID: 37565536 PMCID: PMC10626635 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Globally, more than 58 million people are chronically infected with Hepatitis C virus (HCV) with 1.5 million new infections occurring each year. An effective vaccine for HCV is therefore a major unmet medical and public health need. Since HCV rapidly accumulates mutations, vaccines must elicit the production of broadly neutralising antibodies (bnAbs) in a reproducible fashion. Decades of research have generated a number of HCV vaccine candidates. Based on the available data and research through clinical development, a vaccine antigen based on the E1E2 glycoprotein complex appears to be the best choice, but robust induction of humoral and cellular responses leading to virus neutralisation has not yet been achieved. One issue that has arisen in developing an HCV vaccine (and many other vaccines as well) is the platform used for antigen delivery. The majority of viral vaccine trials have employed subunit vaccines. However, subunit vaccines often have limited immunogenicity, as seen for HCV, and thus multiple formats must be examined in order to elicit a robust anti-HCV immune response. Nanoparticle vaccines are gaining prominence in the field due to their ability to facilitate a controlled multivalent presentation and trafficking to lymph nodes, where they can interact with both arms of the immune system. This review discusses the potential for development of a nanoparticle-based HCV E1E2 vaccine, with an emphasis on the potential benefits of such an approach along with the major challenges facing the incorporation of E1E2 into nanoparticulate delivery systems and how those challenges can be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric A. Toth
- University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Alexander K. Andrianov
- University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Thomas R. Fuerst
- University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
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14
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Toon K, Kalemera MD, Palor M, Rose NJ, Takeuchi Y, Grove J, Mattiuzzo G. GB Virus B and Hepatitis C Virus, Distantly Related Hepaciviruses, Share an Entry Factor, Claudin-1. J Virol 2023; 97:e0046923. [PMID: 37310242 PMCID: PMC10373534 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00469-23] [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: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to increased and broadened screening efforts, the last decade has seen a rapid expansion in the number of viral species classified into the Hepacivirus genus. Conserved genetic features of hepaciviruses suggest that they have undergone specific adaptation and have evolved to hijack similar host proteins for efficient propagation in the liver. Here, we developed pseudotyped viruses to elucidate the entry factors of GB virus B (GBV-B), the first hepacivirus described in an animal after hepatitis C virus (HCV). GBV-B-pseudotyped viral particles (GBVBpp) were shown to be uniquely sensitive to the sera of tamarins infected with GBV-B, validating their usefulness as a surrogate for GBV-B entry studies. We screened GBVBpp infection of human hepatoma cell lines that were CRISPR/Cas9 engineered to ablate the expression of individual HCV receptors/entry factors and found that claudin-1 is essential for GBV-B infection, indicating the GBV-B and HCV share an entry factor. Our data suggest that claudin-1 facilitates HCV and GBV-B entry through distinct mechanisms since the former requires the first extracellular loop and the latter is reliant on a C-terminal region containing the second extracellular loop. The observation that claudin-1 is an entry factor shared between these two hepaciviruses suggests that the tight junction protein is of fundamental mechanistic importance during cell entry. IMPORTANCE Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major public health burden; approximately 58 million individuals have chronic HCV infection and are at risk of developing cirrhosis and liver cancer. To achieve the World Health Organization's target of eliminating hepatitis by 2030, new therapeutics and vaccines are needed. Understanding how HCV enters cells can inform the design of new vaccines and treatments targeting the first stage of infection. However, the HCV cell entry mechanism is complex and has been sparsely described. Studying the entry of related hepaciviruses will increase the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of the first stages of HCV infection, such as membrane fusion, and inform structure-guided HCV vaccine design; in this work, we have identified a protein, claudin-1, that facilitates the entry of an HCV-related hepacivirus but with a mechanism not described for HCV. Similar work on other hepaciviruses may unveil a commonality of entry factors and, possibly, new mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamilla Toon
- Science Research and Innovation, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, South Mimms, United Kingdom
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mphatso D. Kalemera
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Machaela Palor
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola J. Rose
- Science Research and Innovation, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, South Mimms, United Kingdom
| | - Yasuhiro Takeuchi
- Science Research and Innovation, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, South Mimms, United Kingdom
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joe Grove
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Giada Mattiuzzo
- Science Research and Innovation, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, South Mimms, United Kingdom
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15
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Capella-Pujol J, de Gast M, Radić L, Zon I, Chumbe A, Koekkoek S, Olijhoek W, Schinkel J, van Gils MJ, Sanders RW, Sliepen K. Signatures of V H1-69-derived hepatitis C virus neutralizing antibody precursors defined by binding to envelope glycoproteins. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4036. [PMID: 37419906 PMCID: PMC10328973 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39690-0] [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: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
An effective preventive vaccine for hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a major unmet need. Antigenic region 3 (AR3) on the E1E2 envelope glycoprotein complex overlaps with the CD81 receptor binding site and represents an important epitope for broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) and is therefore important for HCV vaccine design. Most AR3 bNAbs utilize the VH1-69 gene and share structural features that define the AR3C-class of HCV bNAbs. In this work, we identify recombinant HCV glycoproteins based on a permuted E2E1 trimer design that bind to the inferred VH1-69 germline precursors of AR3C-class bNAbs. When presented on nanoparticles, these recombinant E2E1 glycoproteins efficiently activate B cells expressing inferred germline AR3C-class bNAb precursors as B cell receptors. Furthermore, we identify critical signatures in three AR3C-class bNAbs that represent two subclasses of AR3C-class bNAbs that will allow refined protein design. These results provide a framework for germline-targeting vaccine design strategies against HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Capella-Pujol
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marlon de Gast
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Laura Radić
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ian Zon
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ana Chumbe
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sylvie Koekkoek
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Wouter Olijhoek
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Janke Schinkel
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marit J van Gils
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rogier W Sanders
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
| | - Kwinten Sliepen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
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16
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Metcalf MC, Janus BM, Yin R, Wang R, Guest JD, Pozharski E, Law M, Mariuzza RA, Toth EA, Pierce BG, Fuerst TR, Ofek G. Structure of engineered hepatitis C virus E1E2 ectodomain in complex with neutralizing antibodies. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3980. [PMID: 37407593 PMCID: PMC10322937 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39659-z] [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: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major global health burden as the leading causative agent of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. While the main antigenic target for HCV-neutralizing antibodies is the membrane-associated E1E2 surface glycoprotein, the development of effective vaccines has been hindered by complications in the biochemical preparation of soluble E1E2 ectodomains. Here, we present a cryo-EM structure of an engineered, secreted E1E2 ectodomain of genotype 1b in complex with neutralizing antibodies AR4A, HEPC74, and IGH520. Structural characterization of the E1 subunit and C-terminal regions of E2 reveal an overall architecture of E1E2 that concurs with that observed for non-engineered full-length E1E2. Analysis of the AR4A epitope within a region of E2 that bridges between the E2 core and E1 defines the structural basis for its broad neutralization. Our study presents the structure of an E1E2 complex liberated from membrane via a designed scaffold, one that maintains all essential structural features of native E1E2. The study advances the understanding of the E1E2 heterodimer structure, crucial for the rational design of secreted E1E2 antigens in vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Metcalf
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Benjamin M Janus
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Rui Yin
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Ruixue Wang
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Johnathan D Guest
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Edwin Pozharski
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
- Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mansun Law
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Roy A Mariuzza
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Eric A Toth
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Brian G Pierce
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Thomas R Fuerst
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Gilad Ofek
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA.
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17
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Oliver MR, Toon K, Lewis CB, Devlin S, Gifford RJ, Grove J. Structures of the Hepaci-, Pegi-, and Pestiviruses envelope proteins suggest a novel membrane fusion mechanism. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002174. [PMID: 37432947 PMCID: PMC10335668 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002174] [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: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Enveloped viruses encode specialised glycoproteins that mediate fusion of viral and host membranes. Discovery and understanding of the molecular mechanisms of fusion have been achieved through structural analyses of glycoproteins from many different viruses, and yet the fusion mechanisms of some viral genera remain unknown. We have employed systematic genome annotation and AlphaFold modelling to predict the structures of the E1E2 glycoproteins from 60 viral species in the Hepacivirus, Pegivirus, and Pestivirus genera. While the predicted structure of E2 varied widely, E1 exhibited a very consistent fold across genera, despite little or no similarity at the sequence level. Critically, the structure of E1 is unlike any other known viral glycoprotein. This suggests that the Hepaci-, Pegi-, and Pestiviruses may possess a common and novel membrane fusion mechanism. Comparison of E1E2 models from various species reveals recurrent features that are likely to be mechanistically important and sheds light on the evolution of membrane fusion in these viral genera. These findings provide new fundamental understanding of viral membrane fusion and are relevant to structure-guided vaccinology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R. Oliver
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Kamilla Toon
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte B. Lewis
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Devlin
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Robert J. Gifford
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Joe Grove
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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18
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Ströh LJ, Krey T. Structural insights into hepatitis C virus neutralization. Curr Opin Virol 2023; 60:101316. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2023.101316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
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19
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Gomez-Escobar E, Roingeard P, Beaumont E. Current Hepatitis C Vaccine Candidates Based on the Induction of Neutralizing Antibodies. Viruses 2023; 15:v15051151. [PMID: 37243237 DOI: 10.3390/v15051151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has revolutionized hepatitis C treatment. Short courses of treatment with these drugs are highly beneficial to patients, eliminating hepatitis C virus (HCV) without adverse effects. However, this outstanding success is tempered by the continuing difficulty of eradicating the virus worldwide. Thus, access to an effective vaccine against HCV is strongly needed to reduce the burden of the disease and contribute to the elimination of viral hepatitis. The recent failure of a T-cell vaccine based on the use of viral vectors expressing the HCV non-structural protein sequences to prevent chronic hepatitis C in drug users has pointed out that the induction of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) will be essential in future vaccine candidates. To induce NAbs, vaccines must contain the main target of this type of antibody, the HCV envelope glycoproteins (E1 and E2). In this review, we summarize the structural regions in E1 and E2 proteins that are targeted by NAbs and how these proteins are presented in the vaccine candidates currently under development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Gomez-Escobar
- Inserm U1259 MAVIVH, Université de Tours and CHRU de Tours, 37000 Tours, France
| | - Philippe Roingeard
- Inserm U1259 MAVIVH, Université de Tours and CHRU de Tours, 37000 Tours, France
| | - Elodie Beaumont
- Inserm U1259 MAVIVH, Université de Tours and CHRU de Tours, 37000 Tours, France
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20
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Abstract
Recent advances aid the development of vaccines to prevent chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Offersgaard
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
- CO-HEP, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens Bukh
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
- CO-HEP, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Judith M Gottwein
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
- CO-HEP, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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21
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Alzua GP, Pihl AF, Offersgaard A, Velázquez-Moctezuma R, Duarte Hernandez CR, Augestad EH, Fahnøe U, Mathiesen CK, Krarup H, Law M, Prentoe J, Bukh J, Gottwein JM. Identification of novel neutralizing determinants for protection against HCV. Hepatology 2023; 77:982-996. [PMID: 36056620 PMCID: PMC9936975 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS HCV evasion of neutralizing antibodies (nAb) results in viral persistence and poses challenges to the development of an urgently needed vaccine. N-linked glycosylation of viral envelope proteins is a key mechanism for such evasion. To facilitate rational vaccine design, we aimed to identify determinants of protection of conserved neutralizing epitopes. APPROACH AND RESULTS Using a reverse evolutionary approach, we passaged genotype 1a, 1b, 2a, 3a, and 4a HCV with envelope proteins (E1 and E2) derived from chronically infected patients without selective pressure by nAb in cell culture. Compared with the original viruses, HCV recombinants, engineered to harbor substitutions identified in polyclonal cell culture-passaged viruses, showed highly increased fitness and exposure of conserved neutralizing epitopes in antigenic regions 3 and 4, associated with protection from chronic infection. Further reverse genetic studies of acquired E1/E2 substitutions identified positions 418 and 532 in the N1 and N6 glycosylation motifs, localizing to adjacent E2 areas, as key regulators of changes of the E1/E2 conformational state, which governed viral sensitivity to nAb. These effects were independent of predicted glycan occupancy. CONCLUSIONS We show how N-linked glycosylation motifs can trigger dramatic changes in HCV sensitivity to nAb, independent of glycan occupancy. These findings aid in the understanding of HCV nAb evasion and rational vaccine design, as they can be exploited to stabilize the structurally flexible envelope proteins in an open conformation, exposing important neutralizing epitopes. Finally, this work resulted in a panel of highly fit cell culture infectious HCV recombinants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garazi P Alzua
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases , Copenhagen University Hospital-Hvidovre , Hvidovre , Denmark.,Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences , University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Anne F Pihl
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases , Copenhagen University Hospital-Hvidovre , Hvidovre , Denmark.,Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences , University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Anna Offersgaard
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases , Copenhagen University Hospital-Hvidovre , Hvidovre , Denmark.,Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences , University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Rodrigo Velázquez-Moctezuma
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases , Copenhagen University Hospital-Hvidovre , Hvidovre , Denmark.,Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences , University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Carlos R Duarte Hernandez
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases , Copenhagen University Hospital-Hvidovre , Hvidovre , Denmark.,Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences , University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Elias H Augestad
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases , Copenhagen University Hospital-Hvidovre , Hvidovre , Denmark.,Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences , University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Ulrik Fahnøe
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases , Copenhagen University Hospital-Hvidovre , Hvidovre , Denmark.,Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences , University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Christian K Mathiesen
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases , Copenhagen University Hospital-Hvidovre , Hvidovre , Denmark.,Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences , University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Henrik Krarup
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics , Aalborg University Hospital , Aalborg , Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine , Aalborg University , Aalborg , Denmark
| | - Mansun Law
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology , The Scripps Research Institute , La Jolla , California , USA
| | - Jannick Prentoe
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases , Copenhagen University Hospital-Hvidovre , Hvidovre , Denmark.,Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences , University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Jens Bukh
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases , Copenhagen University Hospital-Hvidovre , Hvidovre , Denmark.,Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences , University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Judith M Gottwein
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases , Copenhagen University Hospital-Hvidovre , Hvidovre , Denmark.,Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences , University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
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22
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Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of the Hepatitis C Virus Envelope Glycoprotein E1E2 Heterodimer by Electron Microscopic Analysis. J Virol 2023; 97:e0178822. [PMID: 36519897 PMCID: PMC9888182 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01788-22] [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: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the development of highly effective hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatments, an effective prophylactic vaccine is still lacking. HCV infection is mediated by its envelope glycoproteins, E1 and E2, during the entry process, with E2 binding to cell receptors and E1 mediating endosomal fusion. The structure of E1E2 has only been partially resolved by X-ray crystallography of the core domain of E2 protein (E2c) and its complex with various neutralizing antibodies. Structural understanding of the E1E2 heterodimer in its native form can advance the design of candidates for HCV vaccine development. Here, we analyze the structure of the recombinant HCV E1E2 heterodimer with the aid of well-defined monoclonal anti-E1 and E2 antibodies, as well as a small-molecule chlorcyclizine-diazirine-biotin that can target and cross-link the putative E1 fusion domain. Three-dimensional (3D) models were generated after extensive 2D classification analysis with negative-stain single-particle data sets. We modeled the available crystal structures of the E2c and Fabs into 3D volumes of E1E2-Fab complexes based on the shape and dimension of the domain density. The E1E2 heterodimer exists in monomeric form and consists of a main globular body, presumably depicting the E1 and E2 stem/transmembrane domain, and a protruding structure representing the E2c region, based on anti-E2 Fab binding. At low resolution, a model generated from negative-stain analysis revealed the unique binding and orientation of individual or double Fabs onto the E1 and E2 components of the complex. Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) of the double Fab complexes resulted in a refined structural model of the E1E2 heterodimer, presented here. IMPORTANCE Recombinant HCV E1E2 heterodimer is being developed as a vaccine candidate. Using electron microscopy, we demonstrated unique features of E1E2 in complex with various neutralizing antibodies and small molecule inhibitors that are important to understanding its antigenicity and induction of immune response.
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23
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Kumar A, Rohe TC, Elrod EJ, Khan AG, Dearborn AD, Kissinger R, Grakoui A, Marcotrigiano J. Regions of hepatitis C virus E2 required for membrane association. Nat Commun 2023; 14:433. [PMID: 36702826 PMCID: PMC9879980 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36183-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) uses a hybrid entry mechanism. Current structural data suggest that upon exposure to low pH and Cluster of Differentiation 81 (CD81), the amino terminus of envelope glycoprotein E2 becomes ordered and releases an internal loop with two invariant aromatic residues into the host membrane. Here, we present the structure of an amino-terminally truncated E2 with the membrane binding loop in a bent conformation and the aromatic side chains sequestered. Comparison with three previously reported E2 structures with the same Fab indicates that this internal loop is flexible, and that local context influences the exposure of hydrophobic residues. Biochemical assays show that the amino-terminally truncated E2 lacks the baseline membrane-binding capacity of the E2 ectodomain. Thus, the amino terminal region is a critical determinant for both CD81 and membrane interaction. These results provide new insights into the HCV entry mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Kumar
- Structural Virology Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Tiana C Rohe
- Structural Virology Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Elrod
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Abdul G Khan
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Altaira D Dearborn
- Structural Virology Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Ryan Kissinger
- Research Technology Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Arash Grakoui
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Joseph Marcotrigiano
- Structural Virology Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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24
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Elbahrawy A, Atalla H, Alboraie M, Alwassief A, Madian A, El Fayoumie M, Tabll AA, Aly HH. Recent Advances in Protective Vaccines against Hepatitis Viruses: A Narrative Review. Viruses 2023; 15:214. [PMID: 36680254 PMCID: PMC9862019 DOI: 10.3390/v15010214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccination has been confirmed to be the safest and, sometimes, the only tool of defense against threats from infectious diseases. The successful history of vaccination is evident in the control of serious viral infections, such as smallpox and polio. Viruses that infect human livers are known as hepatitis viruses and are classified into five major types from A to E, alphabetically. Although infection with hepatitis A virus (HAV) is known to be self-resolving after rest and symptomatic treatment, there were 7134 deaths from HAV worldwide in 2016. In 2019, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) resulted in an estimated 820,000 and 290,000 deaths, respectively. Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a satellite virus that depends on HBV for producing its infectious particles in order to spread. The combination of HDV and HBV infection is considered the most severe form of chronic viral hepatitis. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is another orally transmitted virus, common in low- and middle-income countries. In 2015, it caused 44,000 deaths worldwide. Safe and effective vaccines are already available to prevent hepatitis A and B. Here, we review the recent advances in protective vaccines against the five major hepatitis viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf Elbahrawy
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Hassan Atalla
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Alboraie
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Alwassief
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Muscat 123, Oman
| | - Ali Madian
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | - Mohammed El Fayoumie
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Ashraf A. Tabll
- Microbial Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Center, Giza 12622, Egypt
- Egypt Center for Research and Regenerative Medicine (ECRRM), Cairo 11517, Egypt
| | - Hussein H. Aly
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Toyama1-23-1, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
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25
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Winter SL, Chlanda P. The Art of Viral Membrane Fusion and Penetration. Subcell Biochem 2023; 106:113-152. [PMID: 38159225 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-40086-5_4] [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: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
As obligate pathogens, viruses have developed diverse mechanisms to deliver their genome across host cell membranes to sites of virus replication. While enveloped viruses utilize viral fusion proteins to accomplish fusion of their envelope with the cellular membrane, non-enveloped viruses rely on machinery that causes local membrane ruptures and creates an opening through which the capsid or viral genome is released. Both membrane fusion and membrane penetration take place at the plasma membrane or in intracellular compartments, often involving the engagement of the cellular machinery and antagonism of host restriction factors. Enveloped and non-enveloped viruses have evolved intricate mechanisms to enable virus uncoating and modulation of membrane fusion in a spatiotemporally controlled manner. This chapter summarizes and discusses the current state of understanding of the mechanisms of viral membrane fusion and penetration. The focus is on the role of lipids, viral scaffold uncoating, viral membrane fusion inhibitors, and host restriction factors as physicochemical modulators. In addition, recent advances in visualizing and detecting viral membrane fusion and penetration using cryo-electron microscopy methods are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie L Winter
- Schaller Research Group, Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Petr Chlanda
- Schaller Research Group, Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
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26
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Induction of cross-neutralizing antibodies by a permuted hepatitis C virus glycoprotein nanoparticle vaccine candidate. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7271. [PMID: 36434005 PMCID: PMC9700739 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34961-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects approximately 58 million people and causes ~300,000 deaths yearly. The only target for HCV neutralizing antibodies is the highly sequence diverse E1E2 glycoprotein. Eliciting broadly neutralizing antibodies that recognize conserved cross-neutralizing epitopes is important for an effective HCV vaccine. However, most recombinant HCV glycoprotein vaccines, which usually include only E2, induce only weak neutralizing antibody responses. Here, we describe recombinant soluble E1E2 immunogens that were generated by permutation of the E1 and E2 subunits. We displayed the E2E1 immunogens on two-component nanoparticles and these nanoparticles induce significantly more potent neutralizing antibody responses than E2. Next, we generated mosaic nanoparticles co-displaying six different E2E1 immunogens. These mosaic E2E1 nanoparticles elicit significantly improved neutralization compared to monovalent E2E1 nanoparticles. These results provide a roadmap for the generation of an HCV vaccine that induces potent and broad neutralization.
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27
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Pham LV, Velázquez-Moctezuma R, Fahnøe U, Collignon L, Bajpai P, Sølund C, Weis N, Holmbeck K, Prentoe J, Bukh J. Novel HCV Genotype 4d Infectious Systems and Assessment of Direct-Acting Antivirals and Antibody Neutralization. Viruses 2022; 14:v14112527. [PMID: 36423136 PMCID: PMC9698709 DOI: 10.3390/v14112527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 4 is highly prevalent in the Middle East and parts of Africa. Subtype 4d has recently spread among high-risk groups in Europe. However, 4d infectious culture systems are not available, hampering studies of drugs, as well as neutralizing antibodies relevant for HCV vaccine development. We determined the consensus 4d sequence from a chronic hepatitis C patient by next-generation sequencing, generated a full-length clone thereof (pDH13), and demonstrated that pDH13 RNA-transcripts were viable in the human-liver chimeric mouse model, but not in Huh7.5 cells. However, a JFH1-based DH13 Core-NS5A 4d clone encoding A1671S, T1785V, and D2411G was viable in Huh7.5 cells, with efficient growth after inclusion of 10 additional substitutions [4d(C5A)-13m]. The efficacies of NS3/4A protease- and NS5A- inhibitors against genotypes 4a and 4d were similar, except for ledipasvir, which is less potent against 4d. Compared to 4a, the 4d(C5A)-13m virus was more sensitive to neutralizing monoclonal antibodies AR3A and AR5A, as well as 4a and 4d patient plasma antibodies. In conclusion, we developed the first genotype 4d infectious culture system enabling DAA efficacy testing and antibody neutralization assessment critical to optimization of DAA treatments in the clinic and for vaccine design to combat the HCV epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long V. Pham
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rodrigo Velázquez-Moctezuma
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ulrik Fahnøe
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Laura Collignon
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Priyanka Bajpai
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christina Sølund
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, DK-2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Nina Weis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, DK-2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kenn Holmbeck
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jannick Prentoe
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens Bukh
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Correspondence:
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