Cross-linking of glycoprotein oligomers during herpes simplex virus type 1 entry

Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Envelope Glycoprotein C Shields Glycoprotein D to Protect Virions from Entry-Blocking Antibodies

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) gD interaction with the host cell receptor nectin-1 triggers the membrane fusion cascade during viral entry. Potent neutralizing antibodies to gD prevent receptor-binding or prevent gD interaction with gH/gL critical for fusion. HSV has many strategies to evade host immune responses. We investigated the ability of virion envelope gC to protect envelope gD from antibody neutralization. HSV-1 lacking gC was more sensitive to neutralization by anti-gD monoclonal antibodies than a wild type rescuant virus. gD in the HSV-1 gC-null viral envelope had enhanced reactivity to anti-gD antibodies compared to wild type. HSV-1 ΔgC binding to the nectin-1 receptor was more readily inhibited by a neutralizing anti-gD monoclonal antibody. HSV-1 ΔgC was also more sensitive to inhibition by soluble nectin-1 receptor. The viral membrane protein composition of HSV-1 ΔgC was equivalent to that of wild type, suggesting that the lack of gC is responsible for the increased reactivity of gD-specific antibodies and the consequent increased susceptibility to neutralization by those antibodies. Together, the results suggest that gC in the HSV-1 envelope shields both receptor-binding domains and gH/gL-interacting domains of gD from neutralizing antibodies, facilitating HSV cell entry.

Crystal structures of glycoprotein D of equine alphaherpesviruses reveal potential binding sites to the entry receptor MHC-I

Cell entry of most alphaherpesviruses is mediated by the binding of glycoprotein D (gD) to different cell surface receptors. Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) and EHV-4 gDs interact with equine major histocompatibility complex I (MHC-I) to initiate entry into equine cells. We have characterized the gD-MHC-I interaction by solving the crystal structures of EHV-1 and EHV-4 gDs (gD1, gD4), performing protein-protein docking simulations, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis, and biological assays. The structures of gD1 and gD4 revealed the existence of a common V-set immunoglobulin-like (IgV-like) core comparable to those of other gD homologs. Molecular modeling yielded plausible binding hypotheses and identified key residues (F213 and D261) that are important for virus binding. Altering the key residues resulted in impaired virus growth in cells, which highlights the important role of these residues in the gD-MHC-I interaction. Taken together, our results add to our understanding of the initial herpesvirus-cell interactions and will contribute to the targeted design of antiviral drugs and vaccine development.

Conformational Changes in Herpes Simplex Virus Glycoprotein C

Low endosomal pH facilitates herpesvirus entry in a cell-specific manner. Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) causes significant morbidity and death in humans worldwide. HSV-1 enters cells by low-pH and neutral-pH pathways. Low-pH-induced conformational changes in the HSV envelope glycoprotein B (gB) may mediate membrane fusion during viral entry. HSV-1 gC, a 511-amino acid, type I integral membrane glycoprotein, mediates HSV-1 attachment to host cell surface glycosaminoglycans, but this interaction is not essential for viral entry. We previously demonstrated that gC regulates low-pH viral entry independent of its known role in cell attachment. Low-pH-triggered conformational changes in gB occur at a lower pH when gC is absent, suggesting that gC positively regulates gB conformational changes. Here, we demonstrate that mildly acidic pH triggers conformational changes in gC itself. Low-pH treatment of virions induced antigenic changes in distinct gC epitopes, and those changes were reversible. One of these gC epitopes is recognized by a monoclonal antibody that binds to a linear sequence that includes residues within gC amino acids 33 to 123. This antibody inhibited low-pH entry of HSV, suggesting that its gC N-terminal epitope is particularly important. We propose that gC plays a critical role in HSV entry through a low-pH endocytosis pathway, which is a major entry route in human epithelial cells. IMPORTANCE Herpesviruses are ubiquitous pathogens that cause lifelong latent infections and are characterized by multiple entry pathways. The HSV envelope gC regulates HSV entry by a low-pH entry route. The fusion protein gB undergoes pH-triggered conformational changes that are facilitated by gC. Here, we report that gC itself undergoes a conformational change at low pH. A monoclonal antibody to gC that binds to a region that undergoes pH-induced changes also selectively inhibits HSV low-pH entry, corroborating the importance of gC in the low-pH entry pathway. This study illustrates the complex role of endosomal pH during HSV entry and provides novel insights into the functions of gC.

The structural basis of herpesvirus entry

Herpesviruses are ubiquitous, double-stranded DNA, enveloped viruses that establish lifelong infections and cause a range of diseases. Entry into host cells requires binding of the virus to specific receptors, followed by the coordinated action of multiple viral entry glycoproteins to trigger membrane fusion. Although the core fusion machinery is conserved for all herpesviruses, each species uses distinct receptors and receptor-binding glycoproteins. Structural studies of the prototypical herpesviruses herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), HSV-2, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) entry glycoproteins have defined the interaction sites for glycoprotein complexes and receptors, and have revealed conformational changes that occur on receptor binding. Recent crystallography and electron microscopy studies have refined our model of herpesvirus entry into cells, clarifying both the conserved features and the unique features. In this Review, we discuss recent insights into herpesvirus entry by analysing the structures of entry glycoproteins, including the diverse receptor-binding glycoproteins (HSV-1 glycoprotein D (gD), EBV glycoprotein 42 (gp42) and HCMV gH-gL-gO trimer and gH-gL-UL128-UL130-UL131A pentamer), as well gH-gL and the fusion protein gB, which are conserved in all herpesviruses.

Herpesvirus membrane fusion - a team effort

One of the essential steps in every viral 'life' cycle is entry into the host cell. Membrane-enveloped viruses carry dedicated proteins to catalyse the fusion of the viral and cellular membrane. Herpesviruses feature a set of essential, structurally diverse glycoproteins on the viral surface that form a multicomponent fusion machinery, necessary for the entry mechanism. For Herpes simplex virus 1, these essential glycoproteins are gD, gH, gL and gB. In this review we describe the functions of the individual components, the potential interactions between them as well as the influence of post-translational modifications on the fusion mechanism.

Saliva enhances infection of gingival fibroblasts by herpes simplex virus 1

Oral herpes is a highly prevalent infection caused by herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). After an initial infection of the oral cavity, HSV-1 remains latent in sensory neurons of the trigeminal ganglia. Episodic reactivation of the virus leads to the formation of mucocutaneous lesions (cold sores), but asymptomatic reactivation accompanied by viral shedding is more frequent and allows virus spread to new hosts. HSV-1 DNA has been detected in many oral tissues. In particular, HSV-1 can be found in periodontal lesions and several studies associated its presence with more severe periodontitis pathologies. Since gingival fibroblasts may become exposed to salivary components in periodontitis lesions, we analyzed the effect of saliva on HSV-1 and -2 infection of these cells. We observed that human gingival fibroblasts can be infected by HSV-1. However, pre-treatment of these cells with saliva extracts from some but not all individuals led to an increased susceptibility to infection. Furthermore, the active saliva could expand HSV-1 tropism to cells that are normally resistant to infection due to the absence of HSV entry receptors. The active factor in saliva was partially purified and comprised high molecular weight complexes of glycoproteins that included secretory Immunoglobulin A. Interestingly, we observed a broad variation in the activity of saliva between donors suggesting that this activity is selectively present in the population. The active saliva factor, has not been isolated, but may lead to the identification of a relevant biomarker for susceptibility to oral herpes. The presence of a salivary factor that enhances HSV-1 infection may influence the risk of oral herpes and/or the severity of associated oral pathologies.

Glycoproteins functionalized natural and synthetic polymers for prospective biomedical applications: A review

Glycoproteins have multidimensional properties such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, non-toxicity, antimicrobial and adsorption properties; therefore, they have wide range of applications. They are blended with different polymers such as chitosan, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), polycaprolactone (PCL), heparin, polystyrene fluorescent nanoparticles (PS-NPs) and carboxyl pullulan (PC) to improve their properties like thermal stability, mechanical properties, resistance to pH, chemical stability and toughness. Considering the versatile charateristics of glycoprotein based polymers, this review sheds light on synthesis and characterization of blends and composites of glycoproteins, with natural and synthetic polymers and their potential applications in biomedical field such as drug delivery system, insulin delivery, antimicrobial wound dressing uses, targeting of cancer cells, development of anticancer vaccines, development of new biopolymers, glycoproteome research, food product and detection of dengue glycoproteins. All the technical scientific issues have been addressed; highlighting the recent advancement.

Genital Herpes: Insights into Sexually Transmitted Infectious Disease

Etiology, transmission and protection: Herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) is a leading cause of sexually transmitted infections with recurring manifestations throughout the lifetime of infected hosts. Currently no effective vaccines or prophylactics exist that provide complete protection or immunity from the virus, which is endemic throughout the world. Pathology/Symptomatology: Primary and recurrent infections result in lesions and inflammation around the genital area and the latter accounts for majority of genital herpes instances. Immunocompromised patients including neonates are susceptible to additional systemic infections including debilitating consequences of nervous system inflammation. Epidemiology, incidence and prevalence: More than 500 million people are infected worldwide and most reported cases involve the age groups between 16-40 years, which coincides with an increase in sexual activity among this age group. While these numbers are an estimate, the actual numbers may be underestimated as many people are asymptomatic or do not report the symptoms. Treatment and curability: Currently prescribed medications, mostly nucleoside analogs, only reduce the symptoms caused by an active infection, but do not eliminate the virus or reduce latency. Therefore, no cure exists against genital herpes and infected patients suffer from periodic recurrences of disease symptoms for their entire lives. Molecular mechanisms of infection: The last few decades have generated many new advances in our understanding of the mechanisms that drive HSV infection. The viral entry receptors such as nectin-1 and HVEM have been identified, cytoskeletal signaling and membrane structures such as filopodia have been directly implicated in viral entry, host motor proteins and their viral ligands have been shown to facilitate capsid transport and many host and HSV proteins have been identified that help with viral replication and pathogenesis. New understanding has emerged on the role of autophagy and other innate immune mechanisms that are subverted to enhance HSV pathogenesis. This review summarizes our current understanding of HSV-2 and associated diseases and available or upcoming new treatments.

Differentiation of the SH-SY5Y Human Neuroblastoma Cell Line

Having appropriate in vivo and in vitro systems that provide translational models for human disease is an integral aspect of research in neurobiology and the neurosciences. Traditional in vitro experimental models used in neurobiology include primary neuronal cultures from rats and mice, neuroblastoma cell lines including rat B35 and mouse Neuro-2A cells, rat PC12 cells, and short-term slice cultures. While many researchers rely on these models, they lack a human component and observed experimental effects could be exclusive to the respective species and may not occur identically in humans. Additionally, although these cells are neurons, they may have unstable karyotypes, making their use problematic for studies of gene expression and reproducible studies of cell signaling. It is therefore important to develop more consistent models of human neurological disease. The following procedure describes an easy-to-follow, reproducible method to obtain homogenous and viable human neuronal cultures, by differentiating the chromosomally stable human neuroblastoma cell line, SH-SY5Y. This method integrates several previously described methods(1-4) and is based on sequential removal of serum from media. The timeline includes gradual serum-starvation, with introduction of extracellular matrix proteins and neurotrophic factors. This allows neurons to differentiate, while epithelial cells are selected against, resulting in a homogeneous neuronal culture. Representative results demonstrate the successful differentiation of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells from an initial epithelial-like cell phenotype into a more expansive and branched neuronal phenotype. This protocol offers a reliable way to generate homogeneous populations of neuronal cultures that can be used for subsequent biochemical and molecular analyses, which provides researchers with a more accurate translational model of human infection and disease.

Using proximity biotinylation to detect herpesvirus entry glycoprotein interactions: Limitations for integral membrane glycoproteins

Herpesvirus entry into cells requires coordinated interactions among several viral transmembrane glycoproteins. Viral glycoproteins bind to receptors and interact with other glycoproteins to trigger virus-cell membrane fusion. Details of these glycoprotein interactions are not well understood because they are likely transient and/or low affinity. Proximity biotinylation is a promising protein-protein interaction assay that can capture transient interactions in live cells. One protein is linked to a biotin ligase and a second protein is linked to a short specific acceptor peptide (AP). If the two proteins interact, the ligase will biotinylate the AP, without requiring a sustained interaction. To examine herpesvirus glycoprotein interactions, the ligase and AP were linked to herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) gD and Epstein Barr virus (EBV) gB. Interactions between monomers of these oligomeric proteins (homotypic interactions) served as positive controls to demonstrate assay sensitivity. Heterotypic combinations served as negative controls to determine assay specificity, since HSV1 gD and EBV gB do not interact functionally. Positive controls showed strong biotinylation, indicating that viral glycoprotein proximity can be detected. Unexpectedly, the negative controls also showed biotinylation. These results demonstrate the special circumstances that must be considered when examining interactions among glycosylated proteins that are constrained within a membrane.

Herpes simplex virus glycoprotein D interferes with binding of herpesvirus entry mediator to its ligands through downregulation and direct competition

To initiate membrane fusion and virus entry, herpes simplex virus (HSV) gD binds to a cellular receptor such as herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM). HVEM is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family member with four natural ligands that either stimulate (LIGHT and LTα) or inhibit (BTLA and CD160) T cell function. We hypothesized that the interaction of gD with HVEM affects the binding of natural ligands, thereby modulating the immune response during infection. Here, we investigated the effect that gD has on the interaction of HVEM with its natural ligands. First, HSV gD on virions or cells downregulates HVEM from the cell surface. Similarly, trans-interaction with BTLA or LIGHT also downregulates HVEM from the cell surface, suggesting that HSV may subvert a natural mechanism for regulating HVEM activity. Second, we showed that wild-type gD had the lowest affinity for HVEM compared with the four natural ligands. Moreover, gD directly competed for binding to HVEM with BTLA but not LTα or LIGHT, indicating the possibility that gD selectively controls HVEM signals. On the other hand, natural ligands influence the use of HVEM by HSV. For instance, soluble BTLA, LTα, and LIGHT inhibited the binding of wild-type gD to HVEM, and soluble BTLA and LTα blocked HSV infection of HVEM-expressing cells. Thus, gD is at the center of the interplay between HVEM and its ligands. It can interfere with HVEM function in two ways, by competing with the natural ligands and by downregulating HVEM from the cell surface.

Glycoprotein D actively induces rapid internalization of two nectin-1 isoforms during herpes simplex virus entry

Entry of herpes simplex virus (HSV) occurs either by fusion at the plasma membrane or by endocytosis and fusion with an endosome. Binding of glycoprotein D (gD) to a receptor such as nectin-1 is essential in both cases. We show that virion gD triggered the rapid down-regulation of nectin-1 with kinetics similar to those of virus entry. In contrast, nectin-1 was not constitutively recycled from the surface of uninfected cells. Both the nectin-1alpha and beta isoforms were internalized in response to gD despite having different cytoplasmic tails. However, deletion of the nectin-1 cytoplasmic tail slowed down-regulation of nectin-1 and internalization of virions. These data suggest that nectin-1 interaction with a cytoplasmic protein is not required for its down-regulation. Overall, this study shows that gD binding actively induces the rapid internalization of various forms of nectin-1. We suggest that HSV activates a nectin-1 internalization pathway to use for endocytic entry.

The herpes simplex virus receptor nectin-1 is down-regulated after trans-interaction with glycoprotein D

During herpes simplex virus (HSV) entry, membrane fusion occurs either on the cell surface or after virus endocytosis. In both cases, binding of glycoprotein D (gD) to a receptor such as nectin-1 or HVEM is required. In this study, we co-cultured cells expressing gD with nectin-1 expressing cells to investigate the effects of gD on nectin-1 at cell contacts. After overnight co-cultures with gD expressing cells, there was a down-regulation of nectin-1 in B78H1-C10, SY5Y, A431 and HeLa cells, which HSV enters by endocytosis. In contrast, on Vero cells, which HSV enters at the plasma membrane, nectin-1 was not down-regulated. Further analysis of B78H1-derived cells showed that nectin-1 down-regulation corresponds to the ability of gD to bind nectin-1 and is achieved by internalization and low-pH-dependent degradation of nectin-1. Moreover, gD is necessary for virion internalization in B78H1 cells expressing nectin-1. These data suggest that the determinants of gD-mediated internalization of nectin-1 may direct HSV to an endocytic pathway during entry.

An HSV-1 gD mutant virus as an entry-impaired live virus vaccine

HSV-1 glycoprotein D (gD) interacts with HVEM and nectin-1 cell receptors to initiate virus entry. We prepared an HSV-1 strain with mutations in the gD gene at amino acid residues 3 and 38 by changing alanine to cysteine and tyrosine to cysteine, respectively (A3C/Y38C). These mutations were constructed with the intent of evaluating infection in vivo when virus enters by HVEM but not nectin-1 receptors and were based on prior reports demonstrating that purified gDA3C/Y38C protein binds to HVEM but not to nectin-1. While preparing a high-titered purified virus pool, the cysteine mutation at position 38 reverted to tyrosine, which occurred on two separate occasions. The resultant HSV-1 strain, KOS-gDA3C, had a single amino acid mutation at residue 3 and exhibited reduced entry into both HVEM and nectin-1 expressing cells. When tested in the murine flank model, the mutant virus was markedly attenuated for virulence and caused only mild disease, while the parental and rescued viruses produced much more severe disease. Thirty days after KOS-gDA3C infection, mice were challenged with a lethal dose of HSV-1 and were highly resistant to disease. The KOS-gDA3C mutation was stable during 30 passages in vitro and was present in each of 3 isolates obtained from infected mice. Therefore, this gD mutant virus impaired in entry may represent a novel candidate for an attenuated live HSV-1 vaccine.

Bimolecular complementation reveals that glycoproteins gB and gH/gL of herpes simplex virus interact with each other during cell fusion

Herpes simplex virus entry into cells requires four glycoproteins, gB, gD, gH, and gL. Binding of gD to one of its receptors triggers steps requiring the core fusion proteins, gB and the gH/gL heterodimer. There is evidence that gH/gL initiates hemifusion of cells, but whether this complex interacts physically with gB to cause complete fusion is unknown. We used bimolecular complementation (BiMC) of enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP) to detect glycoprotein interactions during cell-cell fusion. The N- or C-terminal half of EYFP was fused to the C terminus of gD, gB, and gH to form six chimeric proteins (Dn, Dc, Bn, Bc, Hn, and Hc). BiMC was detected by confocal microscopy. Receptor-bearing (C10) cells cotransfected with Dn and Bc or Dn, Hc, and untagged gL exhibited EYFP fluorescence, indicative of interactions between gD and gB and between gD and gH/gL. EYFP complementation did not occur in cells transfected with gL, Bc, and Hn. However, when gD was coexpressed with these other three proteins, cell-cell fusion occurred and the syncytia exhibited bright EYFP fluorescence. To separate glycoprotein expression from fusion, we transfected C10 cells with gL, Bc, and Hn for 20 h and then added soluble gD to trigger fusion. We detected fluorescent syncytia within 10 min, and both their number and size increased with exposure time to gD. Thus, when gD binds its receptor, the core fusion machinery is triggered to form a multiprotein complex as a step in fusion and possibly virus entry.

Antigenic and mutational analyses of herpes simplex virus glycoprotein B reveal four functional regions

Glycoprotein B (gB), along with gD, gH, and gL, is essential for herpes simplex virus (HSV) entry. The crystal structure of the gB ectodomain revealed it to be an elongated multidomain trimer. We generated and characterized a panel of 67 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). Eleven of the MAbs had virus-neutralizing activity. To organize gB into functional regions within these domains, we localized the epitopes recognized by the entire panel of MAbs and mapped them onto the crystal structure of gB. Most of the MAbs were directed to continuous or discontinuous epitopes, but several recognized discontinuous epitopes that showed some resistance to denaturation, and we refer to them as pseudo-continuous. Each category contained some MAbs with neutralizing activity. To map continuous epitopes, we used overlapping peptides that spanned the gB ectodomain and measured binding by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. To identify discontinuous and pseudocontinuous epitopes, a purified form of the ectodomain of gB, gB(730t), was cleaved by alpha-chymotrypsin into two major fragments comprising amino acids 98 to 472 (domains I and II) and amino acids 473 to 730 (major parts of domains III, IV, and V). We also constructed a series of gB truncations to augment the other mapping strategies. Finally, we used biosensor analysis to assign the MAbs to competition groups. Together, our results identified four functional regions: (i) one formed by residues within domain I and amino acids 697 to 725 of domain V; (ii) a second formed by residues 391 to 410, residues 454 to 475, and a less-defined region within domain II; (iii) a region containing residues of domain IV that lie close to domain III; and (iv) the first 12 residues of the N terminus that were not resolved in the crystal structure. Our data suggest that multiple domains are critical for gB function.

The multipartite system that mediates entry of herpes simplex virus into the cell

The multipartite entry-fusion system of herpes simplex virus is made of a quartet of glycoproteins-gD, gB, gH.gL-and three alternative gD receptors, herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM), nectin1 and modified sites on heparan sulphate. This multipartite system recapitulates the basic steps of virus-cell fusion, i.e. receptor recognition, triggering of fusion and fusion execution. Specifically, in addition to serving as the receptor-binding glycoprotein, gD triggers fusion through a specialised domain, named pro-fusion domain (PFD), located C-terminally in the ectodomain. In the unliganded gD the C-terminal region folds around the N-terminal region, such that gD adopts a closed autoinhibited conformation. In HVEM- and nectin1-bound gD the C-terminal region is displaced (opened conformation). gD is the tool for modification of HSV tropism, through insertion of ligands to heterologous tumour-specific receptors. It is discussed whether gD responds to the interaction with the natural and the heterologous receptors by adopting similar conformations, and whether the closed-to-open switch in conformation is a generalised mechanism of activation. A peculiar recombinant highlighted that the central Ig-folded core of gD may not encode executable functions for entry and that the 219-314 aa segment may be sufficient to trigger fusion. With respect to fusion execution, gB appears to be a prospective fusogen based on its coiled-coil trimeric structure, similar to that of another fusion glycoprotein. On the other hand, gH exhibits molecular elements typical of class 1 fusion glycoproteins, in particular heptad repeats and strong tendency to interact with lipids. Whether fusion execution is carried out by gB or gH.gL, or both glycoproteins in complex or sequentially remains to be determined.

Molecular gymnastics at the herpesvirus surface

This review analyses recent structural results that provide clues about a possible molecular mechanism for the transmission of a fusogenic signal among the envelope glycoproteins of the herpes simplex virus on receptor binding by glycoprotein gD. This signal triggers the membrane-fusion machinery of the virus--contained in glycoproteins gB, gH and gL--to induce the merging of viral and cellular membranes, and to allow virus entry into target cells. This activating process parallels that of gamma-retroviruses, in which receptor binding by the amino-terminal domain of the envelope protein activates the fusogenic potential of the virion in a similar way, despite the different organization of the envelope complexes of these two types of viruses. Therefore, the new structural results on the interaction of gD with its receptors might also provide insights into the mechanism of fusogenic signal transmission in gamma-retroviruses. Furthermore, the fusion activation parallels with retroviruses, together with the recently reported structural homology of gB with the rhabdovirus envelope glycoprotein indicate that the complex entry apparatus of herpesviruses appears to be functionally related to that of simpler enveloped viruses.

The herpesvirus glycoproteins B and H.L are sequentially recruited to the receptor-bound gD to effect membrane fusion at virus entry

Four glycoproteins (gD, gB, gH, and gL) are required for herpes simplex virus entry into the cell or for cell-cell fusion in transfected cells. gD serves as the receptor-binding glycoprotein and as the trigger of fusion; the other three execute fusion between the viral envelope and the plasma and endocytic membranes or the membranes of adjacent cells and are highly conserved among members of the herpesvirus family. Details of the interaction of gD with gB, gH, and gL were not known. Here, we report that the four glycoproteins assemble into a complex initiated by the interaction of gD with its cellular receptor. gB is recruited to the gD-receptor complex next, even in the absence of gH.gL. gH.gL is recruited next, but only to the receptor-gD-gB ensemble. A complex with the composition receptor-gD-gB-gH.gL is assembled transiently with a life span of 15-30 min in cells exposed to virus but can also be found in infected cells and in cells committed to form polykaryocytes after transfection of the glycoprotein quartet. The results indicate that the complex assembly is a critical step in the process of virus entry and fusion, and that no viral protein other than those that participate in the complex itself is required for complex assembly. These findings imply critical protein-protein interactions among the quartet as herpes simplex virions enter the cells and at cell-cell fusion, define a specific order of recruitment, and place gH.gL as the last link in the process of glycoprotein recruitment to the complex.

Structure of unliganded HSV gD reveals a mechanism for receptor-mediated activation of virus entry

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) entry into cells requires binding of the envelope glycoprotein D (gD) to one of several cell surface receptors. The 50 C-terminal residues of the gD ectodomain are essential for virus entry, but not for receptor binding. We have determined the structure of an unliganded gD molecule that includes these C-terminal residues. The structure reveals that the C-terminus is anchored near the N-terminal region and masks receptor-binding sites. Locking the C-terminus in the position observed in the crystals by an intramolecular disulfide bond abolished receptor binding and virus entry, demonstrating that this region of gD moves upon receptor binding. Similarly, a point mutant that would destabilize the C-terminus structure was nonfunctional for entry, despite increased affinity for receptors. We propose that a controlled displacement of the gD C-terminus upon receptor binding is an essential feature of HSV entry, ensuring the timely activation of membrane fusion.

Glycoprotein D receptor-dependent, low-pH-independent endocytic entry of herpes simplex virus type 1

Two herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) entry pathways have been described: direct fusion between the virion envelope and the plasma membrane, as seen on Vero cells, and low-pH-dependent endocytosis, as seen on CHO nectin-1 and HeLa cells. In this paper, we studied HSV entry into C10 murine melanoma cells and identified a third entry pathway for this virus. During entry into C10 cells, virion envelope glycoproteins rapidly became protected from the membrane-impermeable chemical cross-linker BS3 and from proteinase K. Protection was gD receptor dependent, and the time taken to detect protected protein was proportional to the rate of virus entry. Ultrastructural examination revealed that virions attached to the surface of C10 cells were localized to membrane invaginations, whereas those on the surface of receptor-negative B78 cells were peripherally attached. Virus entry into C10 cells was energy dependent, and intracellular enveloped virions were seen within membrane-bound vesicles consistent with endocytic entry. Entry was not inhibited by bafilomycin A1 or ammonium chloride, showing that passage of the virion through a low-pH environment was not required for infection. Resistance to similar reagents should therefore not be taken as proof of HSV entry by a nonendosomal pathway. These data define a novel gD receptor-dependent acid-independent endocytic entry pathway for HSV.

Herpes simplex virus entry mediator associates in infected cells in a complex with viral proteins gD and at least gH

We examined herpes simplex virus (HSV)-infected human HEp-2 cells or porcine cells that express herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM) for virus and receptor protein interactions. Antibody to HVEM, or its viral ligand gD, coimmunoprecipitated several similar proteins. A prominent 110-kDa protein that coprecipitated was identified as gH. The HVEM/gD/gH complex was detected with mild or stringent cell lysis conditions. It did not form in cells infected with HSV-1(KOS)Rid1 virus or with null virus lacking gD, gH, or gL. Thus, in cells a complex forms through physical associations of HVEM, gD, and at least gH.

Potential nectin-1 binding site on herpes simplex virus glycoprotein d

Four glycoproteins (gD, gB, gH, and gL) are essential for herpes simplex virus (HSV) entry into cells. An early step of fusion requires gD to bind one of several receptors, such as nectin-1 or herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM). We hypothesize that a conformational change in gD occurs upon receptor binding that triggers the other glycoproteins to mediate fusion. Comparison of the crystal structures of gD alone and gD bound to HVEM reveals that upon HVEM binding, the gD N terminus transitions from a flexible stretch of residues to a hairpin loop. To address the contribution of this transition to the ability of gD to trigger fusion, we attempted to "lock" the gD N terminus into a looped conformation by engineering a disulfide bond at its N and C termini. The resulting mutant (gD-A3C/Y38C) failed to trigger fusion in the absence of receptor, suggesting that formation of the loop is not the sole fusion trigger. Unexpectedly, although gD-A3C/Y38C bound HVEM, it failed to bind nectin-1. This was due to the key role played by Y38 in interacting with nectin-1. Since tyrosines are often "hot spot" residues at the center of protein-protein interfaces, we mutated residues that surround Y38 on the same face of gD and tested their binding and functional properties. Our results suggest that this region of gD is important for nectin-1 interaction and is distinct from but partially overlaps the site of HVEM binding. Unique gD mutants with altered receptor usage generated in this study may help dissect the roles played by various HSV receptors during infection.

Herpes simplex virion entry into and intracellular transport within mammalian cells

Alphaherpesviruses, membrane-enveloped DNA viruses that are responsible for a host of human ailments, bind to, enter and are directly targeted to specific intracellular domains within their mammalian host cells. This review emphasizes recent work on the best studied of the alphaherpesviruses, Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1). One area of focus is on recent work that has identified viral glycoproteins that are important in binding and internalization of the virus to the host cell. Complementary work on the receptors for those viral glycoproteins that reside on the host cell surface is also presented, with some discussion of how receptor variety might lead to the tissue tropism demonstrated by alphaherpes viruses. An additional area of focus in this review is how HSV uses the host cell transport systems to achieve intracellular targeting of the incoming virion toward the cell nucleus, and, after production of newly synthesized and assembled viral progeny, targeting them toward the plasma membrane for release.

Immunological properties of a DNA plasmid encoding a chimeric protein of herpes simplex virus type 2 glycoprotein B and glycoprotein D

A DNA plasmid containing a chimeric sequence encoding both herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) glycoprotein B (gB) and glycoprotein D (gD) external domains (pcgDB) was used to immunize BALB/c mice against genital HSV-2 infection. To determine the efficacy of this vaccine, groups of mice immunized with the pcgDB plasmid were compared with animals immunized with plasmids corresponding to the individual proteins (pcgBt or pcgDt), administered separately or in combination (pcgBt + pcgDt). We studied the response of the different mouse groups to viral challenge by analyzing clinical disease (vaginitis), serum antibody levels, as well as lymphoproliferative responses and cytokine production by spleen cells. Increased IFN-gamma levels correlated with prolonged survival in mice immunized with the plasmid pcgDB, relative to mice immunized with plasmids coding for the individual proteins alone or in combination. Our results show that immunization with the plasmid encoding the chimeric protein is advantageous over separate proteins. These findings may have important implications for the development of multivalent DNA vaccines against HSV and other complex pathogens.

A single amino acid substitution in the cytoplasmic tail of the glycoprotein B of herpes simplex virus 1 affects both syncytium formation and binding to intracellular heparan sulfate

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) (S) is a spontaneous syncytial mutant derived from the prototype HSV-1(F) after extensive plaque purification, and produces large syncytial plaques on Vero cells. Marker transfer experiments and DNA sequence analysis mapped the syncytial phenotype to a T-C base substitution at codon 787 of the cytoplasmic domain of mature gB, that results in Leu to Pro substitution and consequently belongs to the syn 3 locus. Both the cytoplasmic and the extracellular domains of gB are active in the fusion event since the addition of anti-gB monoclonal antibodies that recognize the extracellular domain of gB prevent HSV-1(S) induced cell fusion. Similarly, gD also participates in cell fusion since addition of anti-gD monoclonal antibodies also prevent HSV-1(S) induced cell fusion. Furthermore the glycoproteins B and D formed complexes in cells infected with mutant or wild type viruses. The amount of gB bound to total heparan sulfate is lower in the mutant than in the wild type strain. This difference becomes particularly profound when gB is associated with a portion of heparan sulfate intercalated to the membranes. The discrepancy in the binding of the mutant and wild type gB to heparan sulfate may be related to the mechanism of cell fusion induced by HSV-1(S).

Structure-based analysis of the herpes simplex virus glycoprotein D binding site present on herpesvirus entry mediator HveA (HVEM)

Binding of herpes simplex virus (HSV) envelope glycoprotein D (gD) to a cell surface receptor is an essential step of virus entry. We recently determined the crystal structure of gD bound to one receptor, HveA. HveA is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family and contains four characteristic cysteine-rich domains (CRDs). The first two CRDs of HveA are necessary and sufficient for gD binding. The structure of the gD-HveA complex reveals that 17 amino acids in HveA CRD1 and 4 amino acids in HveA CRD2 directly contact gD. To determine the contribution of these 21 HveA residues to virus entry, we constructed forms of HveA mutated in each of these contact residues. We determined the ability of the mutant proteins to bind gD, facilitate virus entry, and form HveA oligomers. Our results point to a binding hot spot centered around HveA-Y23, a residue that protrudes into a crevice on the surface of gD. Both the hydroxyl group and phenyl group of HveA-Y23 contribute to HSV entry. Our results also suggest that an intermolecular beta-sheet formed between gD and HveA residues 35 to 37 contributes to binding and that a C37-C19 disulfide bond in CRD1 is a critical component of HveA structure necessary for gD binding. The results argue that CRD2 is required for gD binding mainly to provide structural support for a gD binding site in CRD1. Only one mutant, HveA-R75A, exhibited enhanced gD binding. While some mutations influenced complex formation, the majority did not affect HSV entry, suggesting that most contact residues contribute to HveA receptor function collectively rather than individually. This structure-based dissection of the gD-HveA binding site highlights the contribution of key residues within HveA to gD binding and HSV entry and defines a target region for the design of small-molecule inhibitors.

Restoration of function of carboxy-terminally truncated pseudorabies virus glycoprotein B by point mutations in the ectodomain

Glycoprotein B (gB) of pseudorabies virus (PrV) is essential for virus entry into target cells and direct viral cell-to-cell spread. Recently, we described a carboxy-terminally truncated derivative of PrV gB, gB-007, which was inefficiently incorporated into virions, was unable to complement infectivity, but was fully capable of restoring direct viral cell-to-cell spread of gB-negative PrV (R. Nixdorf, B. G. Klupp, and T. C. Mettenleiter, J. Virol. 74:7137-7145, 2000). Since recombinant PrV-007, which expresses gB-007 instead of wild-type gB, was able to spread directly from cell to cell, we attempted to obtain compensatory mutations leading to restoration of the entry defect by performing serial passages in cell culture. This procedure has previously been used to successfully restore entry defects in gD- or gL-deficient PrV mutants. From an initial titer of 100 PFU per ml in the supernatant, titers increased, reaching wild-type levels of up to 10(7) PFU after ca. 20 passages. One single-plaque isolate of the passaged mutant, designated PrV-007Pass, was further characterized. PrV-007Pass gB was efficiently incorporated into the viral envelope and restored infectivity to a gB-negative PrV mutant, PrV-gB(-). Interestingly, localization of PrV-007Pass gB in the plasma membrane was similar to that of PrV-007. In contrast, wild-type gB is mainly found in intracellular vesicles. Marker rescue experiments and trans-complementation assays demonstrated the presence of compensatory mutations within the gB gene of PrV-007Pass. DNA sequencing revealed two point mutations in the gB open reading frame of PrV-007Pass, resulting in amino acid substitutions at positions 305 and 744 of gB, both of which are required for compensation of the defect in PrV-007. Our data again demonstrate the power of reversion analysis of herpesviruses and suggest that cytosolic and ectodomains play a role in incorporation of gB into virions.

Glycoprotein K specified by herpes simplex virus type 1 is expressed on virions as a Golgi complex-dependent glycosylated species and functions in virion entry

To facilitate detection of glycoprotein K (gK) specified by herpes simplex virus, a 12-amino-acid epitope tag was inserted within gK domain III. Recombinant virus gKprotC-DIII, expressing the tagged gK, was isolated. This virus formed wild-type plaques and replicated as efficiently as the wild-type KOS virus in Vero cells. Anti-protein C MAb detected high-mannose and Golgi complex-dependent glycosylated gK within cells as well as on purified virions. The gK-null virus DeltagK (gK(-/-)) entered Vero cells substantially more slowly than the wild-type KOS (gK(+/+)), while DeltagK virus grown in complementing VK302 cells (gK(-/+)) entered with entry kinetics similar to those of the KOS virus.

HveC (nectin-1) is expressed at high levels in sensory neurons, but not in motor neurons, of the rat peripheral nervous system

The entry of herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 into cells is a complex process mediated in part by the binding of the HSV glycoprotein D (gD) to a specific cellular receptor identified as HveC, or nectin-1. We examined the distribution of HveC in sensory and motor neurons of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) by immunocytochemistry. HveC is expressed at high levels in sensory neurons of dorsal root ganglion and their peripheral axons, at lower levels in motor neurons of spinal cord, and without detectable expression in motor nerve terminals at the neuromuscular junction. These results have implications regarding the tropism of HSV to specific neuronal populations, and for the construction of HSV-based vectors for the peripheral nervous system.

Plasma membrane requirements for cell fusion induced by herpes simplex virus type 1 glycoproteins gB, gD, gH and gL

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) glycoproteins gB, gD and gHL are capable of inducing cell fusion when expressed from plasmid vectors in the absence of any other virus components. Fusion requires the expression of all four glycoproteins on the same membrane, since they are unable to cooperate in trans to induce syncytium formation. In addition, the fusion event is dependent on the expression of a gD receptor on target cell membranes and does not require the presence of cell-surface glycosaminoglycans.

Modified FGF4 signal peptide inhibits entry of herpes simplex virus type 1

Entry of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) into host cells occurs through fusion of the viral envelope with the plasma membrane and involves complex and poorly understood interactions between several viral and cellular proteins. One strategy for dissecting the function of this fusion machine is through the use of specific inhibitors. We identified a peptide with antiviral activity that blocks HSV-1 infection at the entry stage and during cell-to-cell spreading. This peptide (called EB for "entry blocker") consists of the FGF4 signal sequence with an RRKK tetramer at the amino terminus to improve solubility. The activity of EB depends exclusively but not canonically on the signal sequence. Inhibition of virus entry (hrR3) and plaque formation (KOS) strongly depend on virus concentrations and serum addition, with 50% inhibitory concentrations typically ranging from 1 to 10 microM. Blocking preadsorbed virus requires higher EB concentrations. Cytotoxic effects (trypan blue exclusion) are first noted at 50 microM EB in serum-free medium and at > or = 200 microM in the presence of serum. EB does not affect gC-dependent mechanisms of virus attachment and does not block virus attachment at 4 degrees C. Instead, EB directly interacts with virions and inactivates them irreversibly without, however, disrupting their physical integrity as judged by electron microscopy. At subvirucidal concentrations, EB changes the adhesive properties of virions, causing aggregation at high virus concentrations. This peptide may be a useful tool for studying viral entry mechanisms.

Assembly and organization of glycoproteins B, C, D, and H in herpes simplex virus type 1 particles lacking individual glycoproteins: No evidence for the formation of a complex of these molecules

Glycoprotein B (gB), gC, gD, and gH:L of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) are implicated in virus adsorption and penetration. gB, gD, and gH:L are essential for these processes, and their expression is necessary and sufficient to induce cell fusion. The current view is that these molecules act in concert as a functional complex, and cross-linking studies support this view (C. G. Handler, R. J. Eisenberg, and G. H. Cohen, J. Virol. 70:6067-6075, 1996). We examined the glycoprotein composition, with respect to gB, gC, gD, and gH, of mutant virions lacking individual glycoproteins and the sedimentation characteristics of glycoproteins extracted from these virions. The amounts of gB, gC, gD, or gH detected in virions did not alter when any one of these molecules was absent, and it therefore appears that they are incorporated into the virion independently of each other. The sedimentation characteristics of gB and gD from mutant virions were not different from those of wild-type virions. We confirmed that gB, gC, and gD could be cross-linked to each other on the virion surface but found that the absence of one glycoprotein did not alter the outcome of cross-linking reactions between the remaining molecules. The incorporation and arrangement of these glycoproteins in the virion envelope therefore appear to be independent of the individual molecular species. This is difficult to reconcile with the concept that gB, gC, gD, and gH:L are incorporated as a functional complex into the virion envelope.

Mutations in the conserved carboxy-terminal hydrophobic region of glycoprotein gB affect infectivity of herpes simplex virus

Glycoprotein gB is the most highly conserved glycoprotein in the herpesvirus family and plays a critical role in virus entry and fusion. Glycoprotein gB of herpes simplex virus type 1 contains a hydrophobic stretch of 69 aa near the carboxy terminus that is essential for its biological activity. To determine the role(s) of specific amino acids in the carboxy-terminal hydrophobic region, a number of amino acids were mutagenized that are highly conserved in this region within the gB homologues of the family HERPESVIRIDAE: Three conserved residues in the membrane anchor domain, namely A786, A790 and A791, as well as amino acids G743, G746, G766, G770 and P774, that are non-variant in Herpesviridae, were mutagenized. The ability of the mutant proteins to rescue the infectivity of the gB-null virus, K082, in trans was measured by a complementation assay. All of the mutant proteins formed dimers and were incorporated in virion particles produced in the complementation assay. Mutants G746N, G766N, F770S and P774L showed negligible complementation of K082, whereas mutant G743R showed a reduced activity. Virion particles containing these four mutant glycoproteins also showed a markedly reduced rate of entry compared to the wild-type. The results suggest that non-variant residues in the carboxy-terminal hydrophobic region of the gB protein may be important in virus infectivity.

The first immunoglobulin-like domain of HveC is sufficient to bind herpes simplex virus gD with full affinity, while the third domain is involved in oligomerization of HveC

The human herpesvirus entry mediator C (HveC/PRR1) is a member of the immunoglobulin family used as a cellular receptor by the alphaherpesviruses herpes simplex virus (HSV), pseudorabies virus, and bovine herpesvirus type 1. We previously demonstrated direct binding of the purified HveC ectodomain to purified HSV type 1 (HSV-1) and HSV-2 glycoprotein D (gD). Here, using a baculovirus expression system, we constructed and purified truncated forms of the receptor containing one [HveC(143t)], two [HveC(245t)], or all three immunoglobulin-like domains [HveC(346t)] of the extracellular region. All three constructs were equally able to compete with HveC(346t) for gD binding. The variable domain bound to virions and blocked HSV infection as well as HveC(346t). Thus, all of the binding to the receptor occurs within the first immunoglobulin-like domain, or V-domain, of HveC. These data confirm and extend those of Cocchi et al. (F. Cocchi, M. Lopez, L. Menotti, M. Aoubala, P. Dubreuil, and G. Campadelli-Fiume, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 95:15700, 1998). Using biosensor analysis, we measured the affinity of binding of gD from HSV strains KOS and rid1 to two forms of HveC. Soluble gDs from the KOS strain of HSV-1 had the same affinity for HveC(346t) and HveC(143t). The mutant gD(rid1t) had an increased affinity for HveC(346t) and HveC(143t) due to a faster rate of complex formation. Interestingly, we found that HveC(346t) was a tetramer in solution, whereas HveC(143t) and HveC(245t) formed dimers, suggesting a role for the third immunoglobulin-like domain of HveC in oligomerization. In addition, the stoichiometry between gD and HveC appeared to be influenced by the level of HveC oligomerization.

Three-dimensional structure of herpes simplex virus type 1 glycoprotein D at 2.4-nanometer resolution

Herpes simplex virus type 1 glycoprotein D (gD) is essential for virus infectivity and is responsible for binding to cellular membrane proteins and subsequently promoting fusion between the virus envelope and the cell. No structural data are available for gD or for any other herpesvirus envelope protein. Here we present a three-dimensional model for the baculovirus-expressed truncated protein gD1(306t) based on electron microscopic data. We demonstrate that gD1(306t) appears as a homotetramer containing a pronounced pocket in the center of the molecule. Monoclonal antibody binding demonstrates that the molecule is oriented such that the pocket protrudes away from the virus envelope.

Interference of the low-pH inactivated herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) strain HSZP with the early shutoff function of superinfecting HSV-1 strain KOS

In former studies, we described that the HSZP strain of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) was defective with respect to the early shutoff of host protein synthesis but was effective at interfering with the early shutoff function of the HSV-1 strain KOS, even when heat-inactivated or neutralized by antibody. However, the HSZP strain failed to interfere when inactivated with zinc ions or purified from cells treated with 2-deoxy-D-glucose. In this study, we provide evidence that the ability of the purified low-pH inactivated (citrate buffer, pH 3.0) and gel-filtered (Sephadex G-25) HSZP virions to adsorb host cells was not significantly affected. However, their ability to induce interference with the early shutoff function of the superinfecting HSV-1 strain KOS was restricted. In comparison with native virus, up to eight times more low-pH inactivated HSZP virions were needed to interfere with the shutoff by strain KOS. The interference was not due to exclusion of strain KOS by HSZP at the level of adsorption and/or penetration. The restriction was partially overcome by treatment of the cells with polyethylene glycol after adsorption of the low-pH inactivated HSZP virions. This observation indicates that the direct fusion of the virion envelope of low-pH inactivated HSZP with the plasma cell membrane was predominantly hampered.

Herpes simplex virus glycoprotein D can bind to poliovirus receptor-related protein 1 or herpesvirus entry mediator, two structurally unrelated mediators of virus entry

Several cell membrane proteins have been identified as herpes simplex virus (HSV) entry mediators (Hve). HveA (formerly HVEM) is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family, whereas the poliovirus receptor-related proteins 1 and 2 (PRR1 and PRR2, renamed HveC and HveB) belong to the immunoglobulin superfamily. Here we show that a truncated form of HveC directly binds to HSV glycoprotein D (gD) in solution and at the surface of virions. This interaction is dependent on the native conformation of gD but independent of its N-linked glycosylation. Complex formation between soluble gD and HveC appears to involve one or two gD molecules for one HveC protein. Since HveA also mediates HSV entry by interacting with gD, we compared both structurally unrelated receptors for their binding to gD. Analyses of several gD variants indicated that structure and accessibility of the N-terminal domain of gD, essential for HveA binding, was not necessary for HveC interaction. Mutations in functional regions II, III, and IV of gD had similar effects on binding to either HveC or HveA. Competition assays with neutralizing anti-gD monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) showed that MAbs from group Ib prevented HveC and HveA binding to virions. However, group Ia MAbs blocked HveC but not HveA binding, and conversely, group VII MAbs blocked HveA but not HveC binding. Thus, we propose that HSV entry can be mediated by two structurally unrelated gD receptors through related but not identical binding with gD.

Heparan sulfate proteoglycan binding by herpes simplex virus type 1 glycoproteins B and C, which differ in their contributions to virus attachment, penetration, and cell-to-cell spread

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) mutants defective for envelope glycoprotein C (gC) and gB are highly impaired in the ability to attach to cell surface heparan sulfate (HS) moieties of proteoglycans, the initial virus receptor. Here we report studies aimed at defining the HS binding element of HSV-1 (strain KOS) gB and determining whether this structure is functionally independent of gB's role in extracellular virus penetration or intercellular virus spread. A mutant form of gB deleted for a putative HS binding lysine-rich (pK) sequence (residues 68 to 76) was transiently expressed in Vero cells and shown to be processed normally, leading to exposure on the cell surface. Solubilized gBpK- also had substantially lower affinity for heparin-acrylic beads than did wild-type gB, confirming that the HS binding domain had been inactivated. The gBpK- gene was used to rescue a KOS gB null mutant virus to produce the replication-competent mutant KgBpK-. Compared with wild-type virus, KgBpK- showed reduced binding to mouse L cells (ca. 20%), while a gC null mutant virus in which the gC coding sequence was replaced by the lacZ gene (KCZ) was substantially more impaired (ca. 65%-reduced binding), indicating that the contribution of gC to HS binding was greater than that of gB. The effect of combining both mutations into a single virus (KgBpK-gC-) was additive (ca. 80%-reduced binding to HS) and displayed a binding activity similar to that observed for KOS virus attachment to sog9 cells, a glycosaminoglycan-deficient L-cell line. Cell-adsorbed individual and double HS mutant viruses exhibited a lower rate of virus entry following attachment, suggesting that HS binding plays a role in the process of virus penetration. Moreover, the KgBpK- mutant virus produced small plaques on Vero cells in the presence of neutralizing antibody where plaque formation depended on cell-to-cell virus spread. These studies permitted the following conclusions: (i) the pK sequence is not essential for gB processing or function in virus infection, (ii) the lysine-rich sequence of gB is responsible for HS binding, and (iii) binding to HS is cooperatively linked to the process of efficient virus entry and lateral spread but is not absolutely required for virus infectivity.

Examination of the kinetics of herpes simplex virus glycoprotein D binding to the herpesvirus entry mediator, using surface plasmon resonance

Previously, we showed that truncated soluble forms of herpes simplex virus (HSV) glycoprotein D (gDt) bound directly to a truncated soluble form of the herpesvirus entry mediator (HveAt, formerly HVEMt), a cellular receptor for HSV. The purpose of the present study was to determine the affinity of gDt for HveAt by surface plasmon resonance and to compare and contrast the kinetics of an expanded panel of gDt variants in binding to HveAt in an effort to better understand the mechanism of receptor binding and virus entry. Both HveAt and gDt are dimers in solution and interact with a 2:1 stoichiometry. With HveAt, gD1(306t) (from the KOS strain of HSV-1) had a dissociation constant (KD) of 3.2 x 10(-6) M and gD2(306t) had a KD of 1.5 x 10(-6) M. The interaction between gDt and HveAt fits a 1:1 Langmuir binding model, i.e., two dimers of HveAt may act as one binding unit to interact with one dimer of gDt as the second binding unit. A gD variant lacking all signals for N-linked oligosaccharides had an affinity for HveAt similar to that of gD1(306t). A variant lacking the bond from cysteine 1 to cysteine 5 had an affinity for HveAt that did not differ from that of the wild type. However, variants with double cysteine mutations that eliminated either of the other two disulfide bonds showed decreased affinity for HveAt. This result suggests that two of the three disulfide bonds of gD are important for receptor binding. Four nonfunctional gDt variants, each representing one functional domain of gD, were also studied. Mutations in functional regions I and II drastically decreased the affinity of gDt for HveAt. Surprisingly, a variant with an insertion in functional region III had a wild-type level of affinity for HveAt, suggesting that this domain may function in virus entry at a step other than receptor binding. A variant with a deletion in functional region IV [gD1(Delta290-299t)] exhibited a 100-fold enhancement in affinity for HveAt (KD = 3.3 x 10(-8) M) due mainly to a 40-fold increase in its kinetic on rate. This agrees with the results of other studies showing the enhanced ability of gD1(Delta290-299t) to block infection. Interestingly, all the variants with decreased affinities for HveAt exhibited decreased kinetic on rates but only minor changes in their kinetic off rates. The results suggest that once the complex between gDt and HveAt forms, its stability is unaffected by a variety of changes in gD.

Glycoproteins gB, gD, and gHgL of herpes simplex virus type 1 are necessary and sufficient to mediate membrane fusion in a Cos cell transfection system

Herpes simplex virus type 1 glycoproteins gB, gD, and gHgL were expressed by transient transfection of Cos cells. Polykaryocyte formation above the background level seen in untransfected controls was observed only if all three components were expressed. Thus, gB, gD, and gHgL are necessary and sufficient to induce membrane fusion.

Oligomeric structure of glycoproteins in herpes simplex virus type 1

A number of herpes simplex virus (HSV) glycoproteins are found in oligomeric states: glycoprotein E (gE)-gI and gH-gL form heterodimers, and both gB and gC have been detected as homodimers. We have further explored the organization of glycoproteins in the virion envelope by using both purified virions to quantitate glycoprotein amounts and proportions and chemical cross-linkers to detect oligomers. We purified gB, gC, gD, and gH from cells infected with HSV type 1 and used these as immunological standards. Glycoproteins present in sucrose gradient-purified preparations of two strains of HSV type 1, KOS and NS, were detected with antibodies to each of the purified proteins. From these data, glycoprotein molar ratios of 1:2:11:16 and 1:1:14:9 were calculated for gB/gC/gD/gH in KOS and NS, respectively. gL was also detected in virions, although we lacked a purified gL standard for quantitation. We then asked whether complexes of these glycoproteins could be identified, and if they existed as homo- or hetero-oligomers. Purified KOS was incubated at 4 degrees C with bis (sulfosuccinimidyl) suberate (BS3), an 11.4 A (1A = 0.1 mm) noncleavable, water-soluble cross-linker. Virus extracts were examined by Western blotting (immunoblotting), or immunoprecipitation followed by Western blotting, to assay for homo- and hetero-oligomers. Homodimers of gB, gC, and gD were detected, and hetero-oligomers containing gB cross-linked to gC, gC to gD, and gD to gB were also identified. gH and gL were detected as a hetero-oligomeric pair and could be cross-linked to gD or gC but not to gB. We conclude that these glycoproteins are capable of forming associations with one another. These studies suggest that glycoproteins are closely associated in virions and have the potential to function as oligomeric complexes.