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Potter JA, Aitken A, Yang L, Hill J, Tortajada A, Hurwitz JL, Jones BG, Alias N, Zhou M, Connaris H. HEX17(Neumifil): An intranasal respiratory biotherapeutic with broad-acting antiviral activity. Antiviral Res 2024; 228:105945. [PMID: 38914284 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105945] [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: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Broad-acting antiviral strategies to prevent respiratory tract infections are urgently required. Emerging or re-emerging viral diseases caused by new or genetic variants of viruses such as influenza viruses (IFVs), respiratory syncytial viruses (RSVs), human rhinoviruses (HRVs), parainfluenza viruses (PIVs) or coronaviruses (CoVs), pose a severe threat to human health, particularly in the very young or old, or in those with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Although vaccines remain a key component in controlling and preventing viral infections, they are unable to provide broad-spectrum protection against recurring seasonal infections or newly emerging threats. HEX17 (aka Neumifil), is a first-in-class protein-based antiviral prophylactic for respiratory viral infections. HEX17 consists of a hexavalent carbohydrate-binding module (CBM) with high affinity to sialic acids, which are typically present on terminating branches of glycans on viral cellular receptors. This allows HEX17 to block virus engagement of host receptors and inhibit infection of a wide range of viral pathogens and their variants with reduced risk of antiviral resistance. As described herein, HEX17 has demonstrated broad-spectrum efficacy against respiratory viral pathogens including IFV, RSV, CoV and HRV in multiple in vivo and in vitro studies. In addition, HEX17 can be easily administered via an intranasal spray and is currently undergoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane A Potter
- Pneumagen Ltd., Kinburn Castle, Doubledykes Road, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9DR, UK.
| | - Angus Aitken
- Pneumagen Ltd., Kinburn Castle, Doubledykes Road, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9DR, UK
| | - Lei Yang
- Pneumagen Ltd., Kinburn Castle, Doubledykes Road, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9DR, UK
| | - Jennifer Hill
- Pneumagen Ltd., Kinburn Castle, Doubledykes Road, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9DR, UK
| | - Antoni Tortajada
- Pneumagen Ltd., Kinburn Castle, Doubledykes Road, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9DR, UK
| | - Julia L Hurwitz
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Bart G Jones
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Nadiawati Alias
- University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Mingkui Zhou
- Pneumagen Ltd., Kinburn Castle, Doubledykes Road, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9DR, UK
| | - Helen Connaris
- University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9ST, UK.
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2
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Amacher JF, Antos JM. Sortases: structure, mechanism, and implications for protein engineering. Trends Biochem Sci 2024; 49:596-610. [PMID: 38692993 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2024.04.003] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Sortase enzymes are critical cysteine transpeptidases on the surface of bacteria that attach proteins to the cell wall and are involved in the construction of bacterial pili. Due to their ability to recognize specific substrates and covalently ligate a range of reaction partners, sortases are widely used in protein engineering applications via sortase-mediated ligation (SML) strategies. In this review, we discuss recent structural studies elucidating key aspects of sortase specificity and the catalytic mechanism. We also highlight select recent applications of SML, including examples where fundamental studies of sortase structure and function have informed the continued development of these enzymes as tools for protein engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanine F Amacher
- Department of Chemistry, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA.
| | - John M Antos
- Department of Chemistry, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA.
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3
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Eden T, Schaffrath AZ, Wesolowski J, Stähler T, Tode N, Richter N, Schäfer W, Hambach J, Hermans-Borgmeyer I, Woens J, Le Gall CM, Wendler S, Linke-Winnebeck C, Stobbe M, Budnicki I, Wanney A, Heitz Y, Schimmelpfennig L, Schweitzer L, Zimmer D, Stahl E, Seyfried F, Gebhardt AJ, Dieckow L, Riecken K, Fehse B, Bannas P, Magnus T, Verdoes M, Figdor CG, Hartlepp KF, Schleer H, Füner J, Tomas NM, Haag F, Rissiek B, Mann AM, Menzel S, Koch-Nolte F. Generation of nanobodies from transgenic 'LamaMice' lacking an endogenous immunoglobulin repertoire. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4728. [PMID: 38830864 PMCID: PMC11148044 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48735-x] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to their exceptional solubility and stability, nanobodies have emerged as powerful building blocks for research tools and therapeutics. However, their generation in llamas is cumbersome and costly. Here, by inserting an engineered llama immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) locus into IgH-deficient mice, we generate a transgenic mouse line, which we refer to as 'LamaMouse'. We demonstrate that LamaMice solely express llama IgH molecules without association to Igκ or λ light chains. Immunization of LamaMice with AAV8, the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, IgE, IgG2c, and CLEC9A enabled us to readily select respective target-specific nanobodies using classical hybridoma and phage display technologies, single B cell screening, and direct cloning of the nanobody-repertoire into a mammalian expression vector. Our work shows that the LamaMouse represents a flexible and broadly applicable platform for a facilitated selection of target-specific nanobodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Eden
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alessa Z Schaffrath
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Janusz Wesolowski
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Stähler
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Natalie Tode
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nathalie Richter
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Waldemar Schäfer
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julia Hambach
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Irm Hermans-Borgmeyer
- Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jannis Woens
- Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Camille M Le Gall
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sabrina Wendler
- ChromoTek GmbH, Martinsried, Germany - A part of Proteintech Group, Martinsried, Germany
| | | | - Martina Stobbe
- ChromoTek GmbH, Martinsried, Germany - A part of Proteintech Group, Martinsried, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Fabienne Seyfried
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anna J Gebhardt
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lynn Dieckow
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kristoffer Riecken
- Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Boris Fehse
- Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Peter Bannas
- Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tim Magnus
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martijn Verdoes
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Carl G Figdor
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Klaus F Hartlepp
- ChromoTek GmbH, Martinsried, Germany - A part of Proteintech Group, Martinsried, Germany
| | | | | | - Nicola M Tomas
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Friedrich Haag
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Björn Rissiek
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anna M Mann
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Menzel
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Core Facility Nanobodies, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Friedrich Koch-Nolte
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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Braga Emidio N, Cheloha RW. Sortase-mediated labeling: Expanding frontiers in site-specific protein functionalization opens new research avenues. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2024; 80:102443. [PMID: 38503199 PMCID: PMC11164631 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2024.102443] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
New applications for biomolecules demand novel approaches for their synthesis and modification. Traditional methods for modifying proteins and cells using non-specific labeling chemistry are insufficiently precise to rigorously interrogate the mechanistic biological and physiological questions at the forefront of biomedical science. Site-specific catalytic modification of proteins promises to meet these challenges. Here, we describe recent applications of the enzyme sortase A in facilitating precise biomolecule labeling. We focus on describing new chemistries to broaden the scope of sortase-mediated labeling (sortagging), the development of new probes for imaging via enzymatic labeling, and the modulation of biological systems using probes and reactions mediated by sortase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayara Braga Emidio
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, United States
| | - Ross W Cheloha
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, United States.
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Swart IC, Van Gelder W, De Haan CAM, Bosch BJ, Oliveira S. Next generation single-domain antibodies against respiratory zoonotic RNA viruses. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1389548. [PMID: 38784667 PMCID: PMC11111979 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1389548] [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: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The global impact of zoonotic viral outbreaks underscores the pressing need for innovative antiviral strategies, particularly against respiratory zoonotic RNA viruses. These viruses possess a high potential to trigger future epidemics and pandemics due to their high mutation rate, broad host range and efficient spread through airborne transmission. Recent pandemics caused by coronaviruses and influenza A viruses underscore the importance of developing targeted antiviral strategies. Single-domain antibodies (sdAbs), originating from camelids, also known as nanobodies or VHHs (Variable Heavy domain of Heavy chain antibodies), have emerged as promising tools to combat current and impending zoonotic viral threats. Their unique structure, coupled with attributes like robustness, compact size, and cost-effectiveness, positions them as strong alternatives to traditional monoclonal antibodies. This review describes the pivotal role of sdAbs in combating respiratory zoonotic viruses, with a primary focus on enhancing sdAb antiviral potency through optimization techniques and diverse administration strategies. We discuss both the promises and challenges within this dynamically growing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris C. Swart
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Virology Section, Infectious Diseases and Immunology Division, Department Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Willem Van Gelder
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Cornelis A. M. De Haan
- Virology Section, Infectious Diseases and Immunology Division, Department Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Berend-Jan Bosch
- Virology Section, Infectious Diseases and Immunology Division, Department Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Sabrina Oliveira
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Pharmaceutics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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6
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Matthys A, Saelens X. Promises and challenges of single-domain antibodies to control influenza. Antiviral Res 2024; 222:105807. [PMID: 38219914 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105807] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
The World Health Organization advices the use of a quadrivalent vaccine as prophylaxis against influenza, to prevent severe influenza-associated disease and -mortality, and to keep up with influenza antigenic diversity. Different small molecule antivirals to treat influenza have become available. However, emergence of drug resistant influenza viruses has been observed upon use of these antivirals. An appealing alternative approach to prevent or treat influenza is the use of antibody-based antivirals, such as conventional monoclonal antibodies and single-domain antibodies (sdAbs). The surface of the influenza A and B virion is decorated with hemagglutinin molecules, which act as receptor-binding and membrane fusion proteins and represent the main target of neutralizing antibodies. SdAbs that target influenza A and B hemagglutinin have been described. In addition, sdAbs directed against the influenza A virus neuraminidase have been reported, whereas no sdAbs targeting influenza B neuraminidase have been described to date. SdAbs directed against influenza A matrix protein 2 or its ectodomain have been reported, while no sdAbs have been described targeting the influenza B matrix protein 2. Known for their high specificity, ease of production and formatting, sdAb-based antivirals could be a major leap forward in influenza control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne Matthys
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Xavier Saelens
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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7
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Mini-antibodies given mighty powers can stave off influenza. Nature 2023:10.1038/d41586-023-02090-x. [PMID: 37391613 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-023-02090-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
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