Electron tomography imaging of surface glycoproteins on human parainfluenza virus 3: association of receptor binding and fusion proteins before receptor engagement

How a paramyxovirus fusion/entry complex adapts to escape a neutralizing antibody

Paramyxoviruses including measles, Nipah, and parainfluenza viruses are public health threats with pandemic potential. Human parainfluenza virus type 3 (HPIV3) is a leading cause of illness in pediatric, older, and immunocompromised populations. There are no approved vaccines or therapeutics for HPIV3. Neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that target viral fusion are a potential strategy for mitigating paramyxovirus infection, however their utility may be curtailed by viral evolution that leads to resistance. Paramyxoviruses enter cells by fusing with the cell membrane in a process mediated by a complex consisting of a receptor binding protein (HN) and a fusion protein (F). Existing atomic resolution structures fail to reveal physiologically relevant interactions during viral entry. We present cryo-ET structures of pre-fusion HN-F complexes in situ on surfaces of virions that evolved resistance to an anti-HPIV3 F neutralizing mAb. Single mutations in F abolish mAb binding and neutralization. In these complexes, the HN protein that normally restrains F triggering has shifted to uncap the F apex. These complexes are more readily triggered to fuse. These structures shed light on the adaptability of the pre-fusion HN-F complex and mechanisms of paramyxoviral resistance to mAbs, and help define potential barriers to resistance for the design of mAbs.

Glycan-shielded homodimer structure and dynamical features of the canine distemper virus hemagglutinin relevant for viral entry and efficient vaccination

Canine distemper virus (CDV) belongs to morbillivirus, including measles virus (MeV) and rinderpest virus, which causes serious immunological and neurological disorders in carnivores, including dogs and rhesus monkeys, as recently reported, but their vaccines are highly effective. The attachment glycoprotein hemagglutinin (CDV-H) at the CDV surface utilizes signaling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM) and Nectin-4 (also called poliovirus-receptor-like-4; PVRL4) as entry receptors. Although fusion models have been proposed, the molecular mechanism of morbillivirus fusion entry is poorly understood. Here, we determined the crystal structure of the globular head domain of CDV-H vaccine strain at 3.2 Å resolution, revealing that CDV-H exhibits a highly tilted homodimeric form with a six-bladed β-propeller fold. While the predicted Nectin-4-binding site is well conserved with that of MeV-H, that of SLAM is similar but partially different, which is expected to contribute to host specificity. Five N-linked sugars covered a broad area of the CDV-H surface to expose receptor-binding sites only, supporting the effective production of neutralizing antibodies. These features are common to MeV-H, although the glycosylation sites are completely different. Furthermore, real-time observation using high-speed atomic force microscopy revealed highly mobile features of the CDV-H dimeric head via the connector region. These results suggest that sugar-shielded tilted homodimeric structure and dynamic conformational changes are common characteristics of morbilliviruses and ensure effective fusion entry and vaccination.

Assembly of respiratory syncytial virus matrix protein lattice and its coordination with fusion glycoprotein trimers

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an enveloped, filamentous, negative-strand RNA virus that causes significant respiratory illness worldwide. RSV vaccines are available, however there is still significant need for research to support the development of vaccines and therapeutics against RSV and related Mononegavirales viruses. Individual virions vary in size, with an average diameter of ~130 nm and ranging from ~500 nm to over 10 µm in length. Though the general arrangement of structural proteins in virions is known, we use cryo-electron tomography and sub-tomogram averaging to determine the molecular organization of RSV structural proteins. We show that the peripheral membrane-associated RSV matrix (M) protein is arranged in a packed helical-like lattice of M-dimers. We report that RSV F glycoprotein is frequently observed as pairs of trimers oriented in an anti-parallel conformation to support potential interactions between trimers. Our sub-tomogram averages indicate the positioning of F-trimer pairs is correlated with the underlying M lattice. These results provide insight into RSV virion organization and may aid in the development of RSV vaccines and anti-viral targets.

Prefusion stabilization of the Hendra and Langya virus F proteins

Nipah virus (NiV) and Hendra virus (HeV) are pathogenic paramyxoviruses that cause mild-to-severe disease in humans. As members of the Henipavirus genus, NiV and HeV use an attachment (G) glycoprotein and a class I fusion (F) glycoprotein to invade host cells. The F protein rearranges from a metastable prefusion form to an extended postfusion form to facilitate host cell entry. Prefusion NiV F elicits higher neutralizing antibody titers than postfusion NiV F, indicating that stabilization of prefusion F may aid vaccine development. A combination of amino acid substitutions (L104C/I114C, L172F, and S191P) is known to stabilize NiV F in its prefusion conformation, although the extent to which substitutions transfer to other henipavirus F proteins is not known. Here, we perform biophysical and structural studies to investigate the mechanism of prefusion stabilization in F proteins from three henipaviruses: NiV, HeV, and Langya virus (LayV). Three known stabilizing substitutions from NiV F transfer to HeV F and exert similar structural and functional effects. One engineered disulfide bond, located near the fusion peptide, is sufficient to stabilize the prefusion conformations of both HeV F and LayV F. Although LayV F shares low overall sequence identity with NiV F and HeV F, the region around the fusion peptide exhibits high sequence conservation across all henipaviruses. Our findings indicate that substitutions targeting this site of conformational change might be applicable to prefusion stabilization of other henipavirus F proteins and support the use of NiV as a prototypical pathogen for henipavirus vaccine antigen design.IMPORTANCEPathogenic henipaviruses such as Nipah virus (NiV) and Hendra virus (HeV) cause respiratory symptoms, with severe cases resulting in encephalitis, seizures, and coma. The work described here shows that the NiV and HeV fusion (F) proteins share common structural features with the F protein from an emerging henipavirus, Langya virus (LayV). Sequence alignment alone was sufficient to predict which known prefusion-stabilizing amino acid substitutions from NiV F would stabilize the prefusion conformations of HeV F and LayV F. This work also reveals an unexpected oligomeric interface shared by prefusion HeV F and NiV F. Together, these advances lay a foundation for future antigen design targeting henipavirus F proteins. In this way, Nipah virus can serve as a prototypical pathogen for the development of protective vaccines and monoclonal antibodies to prepare for potential henipavirus outbreaks.

Piercing of the Human Parainfluenza Virus by Nanostructured Surfaces

This paper presents a comprehensive experimental and theoretical investigation into the antiviral properties of nanostructured surfaces and explains the underlying virucidal mechanism. We used reactive ion etching to fabricate silicon (Si) surfaces featuring an array of sharp nanospikes with an approximate tip diameter of 2 nm and a height of 290 nm. The nanospike surfaces exhibited a 1.5 log reduction in infectivity of human parainfluenza virus type 3 (hPIV-3) after 6 h, a substantially enhanced efficiency, compared to that of smooth Si. Theoretical modeling of the virus-nanospike interactions determined the virucidal action of the nanostructured substrata to be associated with the ability of the sharp nanofeatures to effectively penetrate the viral envelope, resulting in the loss of viral infectivity. Our research highlights the significance of the potential application of nanostructured surfaces in combating the spread of viruses and bacteria. Notably, our study provides valuable insights into the design and optimization of antiviral surfaces with a particular emphasis on the crucial role played by sharp nanofeatures in maximizing their effectiveness.

Novel Roles of the Nipah Virus Attachment Glycoprotein and Its Mobility in Early and Late Membrane Fusion Steps

The Paramyxoviridae family comprises important pathogens that include measles (MeV), mumps, parainfluenza, and the emerging deadly zoonotic Nipah virus (NiV) and Hendra virus (HeV). Paramyxoviral entry into cells requires viral-cell membrane fusion, and formation of paramyxoviral pathognomonic syncytia requires cell-cell membrane fusion. Both events are coordinated by intricate interactions between the tetrameric attachment (G/H/HN) and trimeric fusion (F) glycoproteins. We report that receptor binding induces conformational changes in NiV G that expose its stalk domain, which triggers F through a cascade from prefusion to prehairpin intermediate (PHI) to postfusion conformations, executing membrane fusion. To decipher how the NiV G stalk may trigger F, we introduced cysteines along the G stalk to increase tetrameric strength and restrict stalk mobility. While most point mutants displayed near-wild-type levels of cell surface expression and receptor binding, most yielded increased NiV G oligomeric strength, and showed remarkably strong defects in syncytium formation. Furthermore, most of these mutants displayed stronger F/G interactions and significant defects in their ability to trigger F, indicating that NiV G stalk mobility is key to proper F triggering via moderate G/F interactions. Also remarkably, a mutant capable of triggering F and of fusion pore formation yielded little syncytium formation, implicating G or G/F interactions in a late step occurring post fusion pore formation, such as the extensive fusion pore expansion required for syncytium formation. This study uncovers novel mechanisms by which the G stalk and its oligomerization/mobility affect G/F interactions, the triggering of F, and a late fusion pore expansion step-exciting novel findings for paramyxoviral attachment glycoproteins. IMPORTANCE The important Paramyxoviridae family includes measles, mumps, human parainfluenza, and the emerging deadly zoonotic Nipah virus (NiV) and Hendra virus (HeV). The deadly emerging NiV can cause neurologic and respiratory symptoms in humans with a >60% mortality rate. NiV has two surface proteins, the receptor binding protein (G) and fusion (F) glycoproteins. They mediate the required membrane fusion during viral entry into host cells and during syncytium formation, a hallmark of paramyxoviral and NiV infections. We previously discovered that the G stalk domain is important for triggering F (via largely unknown mechanisms) to induce membrane fusion. Here, we uncovered new roles and mechanisms by which the G stalk and its mobility modulate the triggering of F and also unexpectedly affect a very late step in membrane fusion, namely fusion pore expansion. Importantly, these novel findings may extend to other paramyxoviruses, offering new potential targets for therapeutic interventions.

Single-virus assay reveals membrane determinants and mechanistic features of Sendai virus binding

Sendai virus (SeV, formally murine respirovirus) is a membrane-enveloped, negative-sense RNA virus in the Paramyxoviridae family and is closely related to human parainfluenza viruses. SeV has long been utilized as a model paramyxovirus and has recently gained attention as a viral vector candidate for both laboratory and clinical applications. To infect host cells, SeV must first bind to sialic acid glycolipid or glycoprotein receptors on the host cell surface via its hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) protein. Receptor binding induces a conformational change in HN, which allosterically triggers the viral fusion (F) protein to catalyze membrane fusion. While it is known that SeV binds to α2,3-linked sialic acid receptors, and there has been some study into the chemical requirements of those receptors, key mechanistic features of SeV binding remain unknown, in part because traditional approaches often convolve binding and fusion. Here, we develop and employ a fluorescence microscopy-based assay to observe SeV binding to supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) at the single-particle level, which easily disentangles binding from fusion. Using this assay, we investigate mechanistic questions of SeV binding. We identify chemical structural features of ganglioside receptors that influence viral binding and demonstrate that binding is cooperative with respect to receptor density. We measure the characteristic decay time of unbinding and provide evidence supporting a "rolling" mechanism of viral mobility following receptor binding. We also study the dependence of binding on target cholesterol concentration. Interestingly, we find that although SeV binding shows striking parallels in cooperative binding with a prior report of Influenza A virus, it does not demonstrate a similar sensitivity to cholesterol concentration and receptor nanocluster formation.

Parainfluenza virus entry at the onset of infection

Parainfluenza viruses, members of the enveloped, negative-sense, single stranded RNA Paramyxoviridae family, impact global child health as the cause of significant lower respiratory tract infections. Parainfluenza viruses enter cells by fusing directly at the cell surface membrane. How this fusion occurs via the coordinated efforts of the two molecules that comprise the viral surface fusion complex, and how these efforts may be blocked, are the subjects of this chapter. The receptor binding protein of parainfluenza forms a complex with the fusion protein of the virus, remaining stably associated until a receptor is reached. At that point, the receptor binding protein actively triggers the fusion protein to undergo a series of transitions that ultimately lead to membrane fusion and viral entry. In recent years it has become possible to examine this remarkable process on the surface of viral particles and to begin to understand the steps in the transition of this molecular machine, using a structural biology approach. Understanding the steps in entry leads to several possible strategies to prevent fusion and inhibit infection.

Human parainfluenza virus fusion complex glycoproteins imaged in action on authentic viral surfaces

Infection by human parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs) causes widespread lower respiratory diseases, including croup, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia, and there are no vaccines or effective treatments for these viruses. HPIV3 is a member of the Respirovirus species of the Paramyxoviridae family. These viruses are pleomorphic, enveloped viruses with genomes composed of single-stranded negative-sense RNA. During viral entry, the first step of infection, the viral fusion complex, comprised of the receptor-binding glycoprotein hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) and the fusion glycoprotein (F), mediates fusion upon receptor binding. The HPIV3 transmembrane protein HN, like the receptor-binding proteins of other related viruses that enter host cells using membrane fusion, binds to a receptor molecule on the host cell plasma membrane, which triggers the F glycoprotein to undergo major conformational rearrangements, promoting viral entry. Subsequent fusion of the viral and host membranes allows delivery of the viral genetic material into the host cell. The intermediate states in viral entry are transient and thermodynamically unstable, making it impossible to understand these transitions using standard methods, yet understanding these transition states is important for expanding our knowledge of the viral entry process. In this study, we use cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) to dissect the stepwise process by which the receptor-binding protein triggers F-mediated fusion, when forming a complex with receptor-bearing membranes. Using an on-grid antibody capture method that facilitates examination of fresh, biologically active strains of virus directly from supernatant fluids and a series of biological tools that permit the capture of intermediate states in the fusion process, we visualize the series of events that occur when a pristine, authentic viral particle interacts with target receptors and proceeds from the viral entry steps of receptor engagement to membrane fusion.

Structural characteristics of measles virus entry

Measles virus, a member of the genus Morbillivirus, is highly contagious and still shows considerable mortality with over 100000 deaths annually, although efficient attenuated vaccines exist. Recent studies of measles virus haemagglutinin (MeV-H) and its receptor, including crystallographic and electron microscopic structural analyses combined with functional assays, have revealed how the MeV-H protein recognizes its cognate receptors, SLAM and Nectin-4, and how the glycan shield ensures effective vaccination. In addition, the crystal structure of the MeV-F protein indicated its similarity to those of other paramyxoviruses. Taking into account these data, several models of viral entry/membrane fusion of measles viruses and related paramyxoviruses have been proposed. Furthermore, anti-MeV-F inhibitors targeted to specific regions to inhibit MeV-F protein activation were reported, with potency for preventing MeV infection. The inhibitors targeted for entry events may potentially be applied to treatment of MeV-derived diseases, although escape mutations and drug profiles should be considered.

Receptor-mediated cell entry of paramyxoviruses: Mechanisms, and consequences for tropism and pathogenesis

Research in the last decade has uncovered many new paramyxoviruses, airborne agents that cause epidemic diseases in animals including humans. Most paramyxoviruses enter epithelial cells of the airway using sialic acid as a receptor and cause only mild disease. However, others cross the epithelial barrier and cause more severe disease. For some of these viruses, the host receptors have been identified, and the mechanisms of cell entry have been elucidated. The tetrameric attachment proteins of paramyxoviruses have vastly different binding affinities for their cognate receptors, which they contact through different binding surfaces. Nevertheless, all input signals are converted to the same output: conformational changes that trigger refolding of trimeric fusion proteins and membrane fusion. Experiments with selectively receptor-blinded viruses inoculated into their natural hosts have provided insights into tropism, identifying the cells and tissues that support growth and revealing the mechanisms of pathogenesis. These analyses also shed light on diabolically elegant mechanisms used by morbilliviruses, including the measles virus, to promote massive amplification within the host, followed by efficient aerosolization and rapid spread through host populations. In another paradigm of receptor-facilitated severe disease, henipaviruses, including Nipah and Hendra viruses, use different members of one protein family to cause zoonoses. Specific properties of different paramyxoviruses, like neurotoxicity and immunosuppression, are now understood in the light of receptor specificity. We propose that research on the specific receptors for several newly identified members of the Paramyxoviridae family that may not bind sialic acid is needed to anticipate their zoonotic potential and to generate effective vaccines and antiviral compounds.

A structural basis for antibody-mediated neutralization of Nipah virus reveals a site of vulnerability at the fusion glycoprotein apex

Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly pathogenic paramyxovirus that causes frequent outbreaks of severe neurologic and respiratory disease in humans with high case fatality rates. The 2 glycoproteins displayed on the surface of the virus, NiV-G and NiV-F, mediate host-cell attachment and membrane fusion, respectively, and are targets of the host antibody response. Here, we provide a molecular basis for neutralization of NiV through antibody-mediated targeting of NiV-F. Structural characterization of a neutralizing antibody (nAb) in complex with trimeric prefusion NiV-F reveals an epitope at the membrane-distal domain III (DIII) of the molecule, a region that undergoes substantial refolding during host-cell entry. The epitope of this monoclonal antibody (mAb66) is primarily protein-specific and we observe that glycosylation at the periphery of the interface likely does not inhibit mAb66 binding to NiV-F. Further characterization reveals that a Hendra virus-F-specific nAb (mAb36) and many antibodies in an antihenipavirus-F polyclonal antibody mixture (pAb835) also target this region of the molecule. Integrated with previously reported paramyxovirus F-nAb structures, these data support a model whereby the membrane-distal region of the F protein is targeted by the antibody-mediated immune response across henipaviruses. Notably, our domain-specific sequence analysis reveals no evidence of selective pressure at this region of the molecule, suggestive that functional constraints prevent immune-driven sequence variation. Combined, our data reveal the membrane-distal region of NiV-F as a site of vulnerability on the NiV surface.

Structures of enveloped virions determined by cryogenic electron microscopy and tomography

Enveloped viruses enclose their genomes inside a lipid bilayer which is decorated by membrane proteins that mediate virus entry. These viruses display a wide range of sizes, morphologies and symmetries. Spherical viruses are often isometric and their envelope proteins follow icosahedral symmetry. Filamentous and pleomorphic viruses lack such global symmetry but their surface proteins may display locally ordered assemblies. Determining the structures of enveloped viruses, including the envelope proteins and their protein-protein interactions on the viral surface, is of paramount importance. These structures can reveal how the virions are assembled and released by budding from the infected host cell, how the progeny virions infect new cells by membrane fusion, and how antibodies bind surface epitopes to block infection. In this chapter, we discuss the uses of cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) in elucidating structures of enveloped virions. Starting from a detailed outline of data collection and processing strategies, we highlight how cryo-EM has been successfully utilized to provide unique insights into enveloped virus entry, assembly, and neutralization.

Promotion of virus assembly and organization by the measles virus matrix protein

Measles virus (MeV) remains a major human pathogen, but there are presently no licensed antivirals to treat MeV or other paramyxoviruses. Here, we use cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) to elucidate the principles governing paramyxovirus assembly in MeV-infected human cells. The three-dimensional (3D) arrangement of the MeV structural proteins including the surface glycoproteins (F and H), matrix protein (M), and the ribonucleoprotein complex (RNP) are characterized at stages of virus assembly and budding, and in released virus particles. The M protein is observed as an organized two-dimensional (2D) paracrystalline array associated with the membrane. A two-layered F–M lattice is revealed suggesting that interactions between F and M may coordinate processes essential for MeV assembly. The RNP complex remains associated with and in close proximity to the M lattice. In this model, the M lattice facilitates the well-ordered incorporation and concentration of the surface glycoproteins and the RNP at sites of virus assembly.

Virus assembly is technically challenging to study. Here the authors use cryo-electron tomography of measles virus-infected human cells to determine native-state virus structure and they locate well-ordered M lattices that organize viral glycoproteins, RNP, and drive assembly.

Functional analysis of amino acids at stalk/head interface of human parainfluenza virus type 3 hemagglutinin-neuraminidase protein in the membrane fusion process

Human parainfluenza virus type 3 (hPIV3) is an important respiratory pathogen that causes the majority of viral pneumonia of infants and young children. hPIV3 can infect host cells through the synergistic action of hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) protein and the homotypic fusion (F) protein on the viral surface. HN protein plays a variety of roles during the virus invasion process, such as promoting viral particles to bind to receptors, cleaving sialic acid, and activating the F protein. Crystal structure research shows that HN tetramer adopted a "heads-down" conformation, at least two heads dimmer on flank of the four-helix bundle stalk, which forms a symmetrical interaction interface. The stalk region determines interactions and activation of F protein in specificity, and the heads in down position statically shield these residues. In order to make further research on the function of these amino acids at the hPIV3 HN stalk/head interface, fifteen mutations (8 sites from stalk and 7 sites from head) were engineered into this interface by site-directed mutagenesis in this study. Alanine substitution in this region of hPIV3 HN had various effects on cell fusion promotion, receptor binding, and neuraminidase activity. Besides, L151A also affected surface protein expression efficiency. Moreover, I112A, D120A, and R122A mutations of the stalk region that were masked by global head in down position had influence on the interaction between F and HN proteins.

Structure and organization of paramyxovirus particles

The paramyxovirus family comprises major human and animal pathogens such as measles virus (MeV), mumps virus (MuV), the parainfluenzaviruses, Newcastle disease virus (NDV), and the highly pathogenic zoonotic hendra (HeV) and nipah (NiV) viruses. Paramyxovirus particles are pleomorphic, with a lipid envelope, nonsegmented RNA genomes of negative polarity, and densely packed glycoproteins on the virion surface. A number of crystal structures of different paramyxovirus proteins and protein fragments were solved, but the available information concerning overall virion organization remains limited. However, recent studies have reported cryo-electron tomography-based reconstructions of Sendai virus (SeV), MeV, NDV, and human parainfluenza virus type 3 (HPIV3) particles and a surface assessment of NiV-derived virus-like particles (VLPs), which have yielded innovative hypotheses concerning paramyxovirus particle assembly, budding, and organization. Following a summary of the current insight into paramyxovirus virion morphology, this review will focus on discussing the implications of these particle reconstructions on the present models of paramyxovirus assembly and infection.

Flexibility of the Head-Stalk Linker Domain of Paramyxovirus HN Glycoprotein Is Essential for Triggering Virus Fusion

The Paramyxoviridae comprise a large family of enveloped, negative-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses with significant economic and public health implications. For nearly all paramyxoviruses, infection is initiated by fusion of the viral and host cell plasma membranes in a pH-independent fashion. Fusion is orchestrated by the receptor binding protein hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN; also called H or G depending on the virus type) protein and a fusion (F) protein, the latter undergoing a major refolding process to merge the two membranes. Mechanistic details regarding the coupling of receptor binding to F activation are not fully understood. Here, we have identified the flexible loop region connecting the bulky enzymatically active head and the four-helix bundle stalk to be essential for fusion promotion. Proline substitution in this region of HN of parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) and Newcastle disease virus HN abolishes cell-cell fusion, whereas HN retains receptor binding and neuraminidase activity. By using reverse genetics, we engineered recombinant PIV5-EGFP viruses with mutations in the head-stalk linker region of HN. Mutations in this region abolished virus recovery and infectivity. In sum, our data suggest that the loop region acts as a "hinge" around which the bulky head of HN swings to-and-fro to facilitate timely HN-mediate F-triggering, a notion consistent with the stalk-mediated activation model of paramyxovirus fusion.

IMPORTANCE

Paramyxovirus fusion with the host cell plasma membrane is essential for virus infection. Membrane fusion is orchestrated via interaction of the receptor binding protein (HN, H, or G) with the viral fusion glycoprotein (F). Two distinct models have been suggested to describe the mechanism of fusion: these include "the clamp" and the "provocateur" model of activation. By using biochemical and reverse genetics tools, we have obtained strong evidence in favor of the HN stalk-mediated activation of paramyxovirus fusion. Specifically, our data strongly support the notion that the short linker between the head and stalk plays a role in "conformational switching" of the head group to facilitate F-HN interaction and triggering.

Paramyxovirus Glycoproteins and the Membrane Fusion Process

The family Paramyxoviridae includes many viruses that significantly affect human and animal health. An essential step in the paramyxovirus life cycle is viral entry into host cells, mediated by virus-cell membrane fusion. Upon viral entry, infection results in expression of the paramyxoviral glycoproteins on the infected cell surface. This can lead to cell-cell fusion (syncytia formation), often linked to pathogenesis. Thus membrane fusion is essential for both viral entry and cell-cell fusion and an attractive target for therapeutic development. While there are important differences between viral-cell and cell-cell membrane fusion, many aspects are conserved. The paramyxoviruses generally utilize two envelope glycoproteins to orchestrate membrane fusion. Here, we discuss the roles of these glycoproteins in distinct steps of the membrane fusion process. These findings can offer insights into evolutionary relationships among Paramyxoviridae genera and offer future targets for prophylactic and therapeutic development.

Measles Virus Fusion Protein: Structure, Function and Inhibition

Measles virus (MeV), a highly contagious member of the Paramyxoviridae family, causes measles in humans. The Paramyxoviridae family of negative single-stranded enveloped viruses includes several important human and animal pathogens, with MeV causing approximately 120,000 deaths annually. MeV and canine distemper virus (CDV)-mediated diseases can be prevented by vaccination. However, sub-optimal vaccine delivery continues to foster MeV outbreaks. Post-exposure prophylaxis with antivirals has been proposed as a novel strategy to complement vaccination programs by filling herd immunity gaps. Recent research has shown that membrane fusion induced by the morbillivirus glycoproteins is the first critical step for viral entry and infection, and determines cell pathology and disease outcome. Our molecular understanding of morbillivirus-associated membrane fusion has greatly progressed towards the feasibility to control this process by treating the fusion glycoprotein with inhibitory molecules. Current approaches to develop anti-membrane fusion drugs and our knowledge on drug resistance mechanisms strongly suggest that combined therapies will be a prerequisite. Thus, discovery of additional anti-fusion and/or anti-attachment protein small-molecule compounds may eventually translate into realistic therapeutic options.

Dynamic Viral Glycoprotein Machines: Approaches for Probing Transient States That Drive Membrane Fusion

The fusion glycoproteins that decorate the surface of enveloped viruses undergo dramatic conformational changes in the course of engaging with target cells through receptor interactions and during cell entry. These refolding events ultimately drive the fusion of viral and cellular membranes leading to delivery of the genetic cargo. While well-established methods for structure determination such as X-ray crystallography have provided detailed structures of fusion proteins in the pre- and post-fusion fusion states, to understand mechanistically how these fusion glycoproteins perform their structural calisthenics and drive membrane fusion requires new analytical approaches that enable dynamic intermediate states to be probed. Methods including structural mass spectrometry, small-angle X-ray scattering, and electron microscopy have begun to provide new insight into pathways of conformational change and fusion protein function. In combination, the approaches provide a significantly richer portrait of viral fusion glycoprotein structural variation and fusion activation as well as inhibition by neutralizing agents. Here recent studies that highlight the utility of these complementary approaches will be reviewed with a focus on the well-characterized influenza virus hemagglutinin fusion glycoprotein system.

Canine Distemper Virus Fusion Activation: Critical Role of Residue E123 of CD150/SLAM

Measles virus (MeV) and canine distemper virus (CDV) possess tetrameric attachment proteins (H) and trimeric fusion proteins, which cooperate with either SLAM or nectin 4 receptors to trigger membrane fusion for cell entry. While the MeV H-SLAM cocrystal structure revealed the binding interface, two distinct oligomeric H assemblies were also determined. In one of the conformations, two SLAM units were sandwiched between two discrete H head domains, thus spotlighting two binding interfaces ("front" and "back"). Here, we investigated the functional relevance of both interfaces in activating the CDV membrane fusion machinery. While alanine-scanning mutagenesis identified five critical regulatory residues in the front H-binding site of SLAM, the replacement of a conserved glutamate residue (E at position 123, replaced with A [E123A]) led to the most pronounced impact on fusion promotion. Intriguingly, while determination of the interaction of H with the receptor using soluble constructs revealed reduced binding for the identified SLAM mutants, no effect was recorded when physical interaction was investigated with the full-length counterparts of both molecules. Conversely, although mutagenesis of three strategically selected residues within the back H-binding site of SLAM did not substantially affect fusion triggering, nevertheless, the mutants weakened the H-SLAM interaction recorded with the membrane-anchored protein constructs. Collectively, our findings support a mode of binding between the attachment protein and the V domain of SLAM that is common to all morbilliviruses and suggest a major role of the SLAM residue E123, located at the front H-binding site, in triggering the fusion machinery. However, our data additionally support the hypothesis that other microdomain(s) of both glycoproteins (including the back H-binding site) might be required to achieve fully productive H-SLAM interactions.

IMPORTANCE

A complete understanding of the measles virus and canine distemper virus (CDV) cell entry molecular framework is still lacking, thus impeding the rational design of antivirals. Both viruses share many biological features that partially rely on the use of analogous Ig-like host cell receptors, namely, SLAM and nectin 4, for entering immune and epithelial cells, respectively. Here, we provide evidence that the mode of binding between the membrane-distal V domain of SLAM and the attachment protein (H) of morbilliviruses is very likely conserved. Moreover, although structural information revealed two discrete conformational states of H, one of the structures displayed two H-SLAM binding interfaces ("front" and "back"). Our data not only spotlight the front H-binding site of SLAM as the main determinant of membrane fusion promotion but suggest that the triggering efficiency of the viral entry machinery may rely on a local conformational change within the front H-SLAM interactive site rather than the binding affinity.

The Fusion Protein Specificity of the Parainfluenza Virus Hemagglutinin-Neuraminidase Protein Is Not Solely Defined by the Primary Structure of Its Stalk Domain

Virus-specific interaction between the attachment protein (HN) and the fusion protein (F) is prerequisite for the induction of membrane fusion by parainfluenza viruses. This HN-F interaction presumably is mediated by particular amino acids in the HN stalk domain and those in the F head domain. We found in the present study, however, that a simian virus 41 (SV41) F-specific chimeric HPIV2 HN protein, SCA, whose cytoplasmic, transmembrane, and stalk domains were derived from the SV41 HN protein, could not induce cell-cell fusion of BHK-21 cells when coexpressed with an SV41 HN-specific chimeric PIV5 F protein, no. 36. Similarly, a headless form of the SV41 HN protein failed to induce fusion with chimera no. 36, whereas it was able to induce fusion with the SV41 F protein. Interestingly, replacement of 13 amino acids of the SCA head domain, which are located at or around the dimer interface of the head domain, with SV41 HN counterparts resulted in a chimeric HN protein, SCA-RII, which induced fusion with chimera no. 36 but not with the SV41 F protein. More interestingly, retroreplacement of 11 out of the 13 amino acids of SCA-RII with the SCA counterparts resulted in another chimeric HN protein, IM18, which induced fusion either with chimera no. 36 or with the SV41 F protein, similar to the SV41 HN protein. Thus, we conclude that the F protein specificity of the HN protein that is observed in the fusion event is not solely defined by the primary structure of the HN stalk domain.

IMPORTANCE

It is appreciated that the HN head domain initially conceals the HN stalk domain but exposes it after the head domain has bound to the receptors, which allows particular amino acids in the stalk domain to interact with the F protein and trigger it to induce fusion. However, other regulatory roles of the HN head domain in the fusion event have been ill defined. We have shown in the current study that removal of the head domain or amino acid substitutions in a particular region of the head domain drastically change the F protein specificity of the HN protein, suggesting that the ability of a given HN protein to interact with an F protein is defined not only by the primary structure of the HN stalk domain but also by its conformation. This notion seems to account for the unidirectional substitutability among rubulavirus HN proteins in triggering noncognate F proteins.

Sequential conformational changes in the morbillivirus attachment protein initiate the membrane fusion process

Despite large vaccination campaigns, measles virus (MeV) and canine distemper virus (CDV) cause major morbidity and mortality in humans and animals, respectively. The MeV and CDV cell entry system relies on two interacting envelope glycoproteins: the attachment protein (H), consisting of stalk and head domains, co-operates with the fusion protein (F) to mediate membrane fusion. However, how receptor-binding by the H-protein leads to F-triggering is not fully understood. Here, we report that an anti-CDV-H monoclonal antibody (mAb-1347), which targets the linear H-stalk segment 126-133, potently inhibits membrane fusion without interfering with H receptor-binding or F-interaction. Rather, mAb-1347 blocked the F-triggering function of H-proteins regardless of the presence or absence of the head domains. Remarkably, mAb-1347 binding to headless CDV H, as well as standard and engineered bioactive stalk-elongated CDV H-constructs treated with cells expressing the SLAM receptor, was enhanced. Despite proper cell surface expression, fusion promotion by most H-stalk mutants harboring alanine substitutions in the 126-138 "spacer" section was substantially impaired, consistent with deficient receptor-induced mAb-1347 binding enhancement. However, a previously reported F-triggering defective H-I98A variant still exhibited the receptor-induced "head-stalk" rearrangement. Collectively, our data spotlight a distinct mechanism for morbillivirus membrane fusion activation: prior to receptor contact, at least one of the morbillivirus H-head domains interacts with the membrane-distal "spacer" domain in the H-stalk, leaving the F-binding site located further membrane-proximal in the stalk fully accessible. This "head-to-spacer" interaction conformationally stabilizes H in an auto-repressed state, which enables intracellular H-stalk/F engagement while preventing the inherent H-stalk's bioactivity that may prematurely activate F. Receptor-contact disrupts the "head-to-spacer" interaction, which subsequently "unlocks" the stalk, allowing it to rearrange and trigger F. Overall, our study reveals essential mechanistic requirements governing the activation of the morbillivirus membrane fusion cascade and spotlights the H-stalk "spacer" microdomain as a possible drug target for antiviral therapy.