1
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Wang N, Liu Q, Che F, Sun Q, Wang Y, Yang C, Dai Y, Cheng J. Establishment and methodological evaluation of a chemiluminescence assay for detection of anti-envelope protein (E1, E2) antibodies in the serum of hepatitis C virus-infected patients. J Clin Lab Anal 2024; 38:e25011. [PMID: 38491776 PMCID: PMC10943255 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.25011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To establish a chemiluminescence method for detecting anti-E1 and anti-E2 antibodies in the serum of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. METHODS The microplate was coated with recombinant envelope proteins E1 and E2 by indirect method, respectively, and the kits for detecting anti-E1 and anti-E2 antibodies were prepared. The methodological indexes were evaluated. RESULTS The methodological indexes of the kits were as follows: precision test (the variation coefficient of anti-E1 antibody 6.71%-8.95% for within run and 9.91%-12.16% for between run, the variation coefficient of anti-E2 antibody 6.06%-8.44% for within run and 10.77%-13.98% for between run, respectively). The blank limit and detection limit were 1.18 RLIR and 3.16 RLIR for the anti-E1 antibody, and 1.26 RLIR and 3.32 RLIR for the anti-E2 antibody, respectively. The correlation coefficients (r) of anti-E1 and anti-E2 were 0.9963 and 0.9828, the analysis and measurement ranges (AMR) were 1.66-41.28 RLIR and 1.55-19.46 RLIR, and the average recovery was 96.4% and 93.7%, respectively. The rheumatoid factor and other positive serum samples had no interference or cross-reaction to the test, and the kits were stable within 15 months. The positive rates of anti-E1 and anti-E2 antibodies in 45 patients with HCV infection were 35.6% (16/45) and 44.4% (20/45), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The kits for detecting anti-E1 and anti-E2 meet the requirements of methodology, and can be used in screening diagnosis, disease monitoring, prognosis evaluation, disease mechanism, and epidemiological studies of HCV infection. The HCV envelope proteins E1 and E2 have an immune response in HCV-infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningning Wang
- School of Laboratory MedicineBengbu Medical CollegeBengbuChina
| | - Qingqing Liu
- School of Laboratory MedicineBengbu Medical CollegeBengbuChina
| | - Feihu Che
- Department of Clinical ResearchThe 903rd Hospital of PLAHangzhouChina
| | - Qingyang Sun
- Department of Clinical ResearchThe 903rd Hospital of PLAHangzhouChina
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Clinical ResearchThe 903rd Hospital of PLAHangzhouChina
| | - Chunli Yang
- Department of Clinical ResearchThe 903rd Hospital of PLAHangzhouChina
| | - Yuzhu Dai
- Department of Clinical ResearchThe 903rd Hospital of PLAHangzhouChina
| | - Jun Cheng
- Department of Clinical ResearchThe 903rd Hospital of PLAHangzhouChina
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2
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Metcalf MC, Janus BM, Yin R, Wang R, Guest JD, Pozharski E, Law M, Mariuzza RA, Toth EA, Pierce BG, Fuerst TR, Ofek G. Structure of engineered hepatitis C virus E1E2 ectodomain in complex with neutralizing antibodies. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3980. [PMID: 37407593 PMCID: PMC10322937 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39659-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major global health burden as the leading causative agent of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. While the main antigenic target for HCV-neutralizing antibodies is the membrane-associated E1E2 surface glycoprotein, the development of effective vaccines has been hindered by complications in the biochemical preparation of soluble E1E2 ectodomains. Here, we present a cryo-EM structure of an engineered, secreted E1E2 ectodomain of genotype 1b in complex with neutralizing antibodies AR4A, HEPC74, and IGH520. Structural characterization of the E1 subunit and C-terminal regions of E2 reveal an overall architecture of E1E2 that concurs with that observed for non-engineered full-length E1E2. Analysis of the AR4A epitope within a region of E2 that bridges between the E2 core and E1 defines the structural basis for its broad neutralization. Our study presents the structure of an E1E2 complex liberated from membrane via a designed scaffold, one that maintains all essential structural features of native E1E2. The study advances the understanding of the E1E2 heterodimer structure, crucial for the rational design of secreted E1E2 antigens in vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Metcalf
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Benjamin M Janus
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Rui Yin
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Ruixue Wang
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Johnathan D Guest
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Edwin Pozharski
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
- Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mansun Law
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Roy A Mariuzza
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Eric A Toth
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Brian G Pierce
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Thomas R Fuerst
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Gilad Ofek
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA.
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3
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Gomez-Escobar E, Roingeard P, Beaumont E. Current Hepatitis C Vaccine Candidates Based on the Induction of Neutralizing Antibodies. Viruses 2023; 15:1151. [PMID: 37243237 PMCID: PMC10220683 DOI: 10.3390/v15051151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has revolutionized hepatitis C treatment. Short courses of treatment with these drugs are highly beneficial to patients, eliminating hepatitis C virus (HCV) without adverse effects. However, this outstanding success is tempered by the continuing difficulty of eradicating the virus worldwide. Thus, access to an effective vaccine against HCV is strongly needed to reduce the burden of the disease and contribute to the elimination of viral hepatitis. The recent failure of a T-cell vaccine based on the use of viral vectors expressing the HCV non-structural protein sequences to prevent chronic hepatitis C in drug users has pointed out that the induction of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) will be essential in future vaccine candidates. To induce NAbs, vaccines must contain the main target of this type of antibody, the HCV envelope glycoproteins (E1 and E2). In this review, we summarize the structural regions in E1 and E2 proteins that are targeted by NAbs and how these proteins are presented in the vaccine candidates currently under development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Philippe Roingeard
- Inserm U1259 MAVIVH, Université de Tours and CHRU de Tours, 37000 Tours, France;
| | - Elodie Beaumont
- Inserm U1259 MAVIVH, Université de Tours and CHRU de Tours, 37000 Tours, France;
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4
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Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of the Hepatitis C Virus Envelope Glycoprotein E1E2 Heterodimer by Electron Microscopic Analysis. J Virol 2023; 97:e0178822. [PMID: 36519897 PMCID: PMC9888182 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01788-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the development of highly effective hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatments, an effective prophylactic vaccine is still lacking. HCV infection is mediated by its envelope glycoproteins, E1 and E2, during the entry process, with E2 binding to cell receptors and E1 mediating endosomal fusion. The structure of E1E2 has only been partially resolved by X-ray crystallography of the core domain of E2 protein (E2c) and its complex with various neutralizing antibodies. Structural understanding of the E1E2 heterodimer in its native form can advance the design of candidates for HCV vaccine development. Here, we analyze the structure of the recombinant HCV E1E2 heterodimer with the aid of well-defined monoclonal anti-E1 and E2 antibodies, as well as a small-molecule chlorcyclizine-diazirine-biotin that can target and cross-link the putative E1 fusion domain. Three-dimensional (3D) models were generated after extensive 2D classification analysis with negative-stain single-particle data sets. We modeled the available crystal structures of the E2c and Fabs into 3D volumes of E1E2-Fab complexes based on the shape and dimension of the domain density. The E1E2 heterodimer exists in monomeric form and consists of a main globular body, presumably depicting the E1 and E2 stem/transmembrane domain, and a protruding structure representing the E2c region, based on anti-E2 Fab binding. At low resolution, a model generated from negative-stain analysis revealed the unique binding and orientation of individual or double Fabs onto the E1 and E2 components of the complex. Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) of the double Fab complexes resulted in a refined structural model of the E1E2 heterodimer, presented here. IMPORTANCE Recombinant HCV E1E2 heterodimer is being developed as a vaccine candidate. Using electron microscopy, we demonstrated unique features of E1E2 in complex with various neutralizing antibodies and small molecule inhibitors that are important to understanding its antigenicity and induction of immune response.
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5
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Induction of cross-neutralizing antibodies by a permuted hepatitis C virus glycoprotein nanoparticle vaccine candidate. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7271. [PMID: 36434005 PMCID: PMC9700739 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34961-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects approximately 58 million people and causes ~300,000 deaths yearly. The only target for HCV neutralizing antibodies is the highly sequence diverse E1E2 glycoprotein. Eliciting broadly neutralizing antibodies that recognize conserved cross-neutralizing epitopes is important for an effective HCV vaccine. However, most recombinant HCV glycoprotein vaccines, which usually include only E2, induce only weak neutralizing antibody responses. Here, we describe recombinant soluble E1E2 immunogens that were generated by permutation of the E1 and E2 subunits. We displayed the E2E1 immunogens on two-component nanoparticles and these nanoparticles induce significantly more potent neutralizing antibody responses than E2. Next, we generated mosaic nanoparticles co-displaying six different E2E1 immunogens. These mosaic E2E1 nanoparticles elicit significantly improved neutralization compared to monovalent E2E1 nanoparticles. These results provide a roadmap for the generation of an HCV vaccine that induces potent and broad neutralization.
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6
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de la Peña AT, Sliepen K, Eshun-Wilson L, Newby ML, Allen JD, Zon I, Koekkoek S, Chumbe A, Crispin M, Schinkel J, Lander GC, Sanders RW, Ward AB. Structure of the hepatitis C virus E1E2 glycoprotein complex. Science 2022; 378:263-269. [PMID: 36264808 PMCID: PMC10512783 DOI: 10.1126/science.abn9884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma in humans and afflicts more than 58 million people worldwide. The HCV envelope E1 and E2 glycoproteins are essential for viral entry and comprise the primary antigenic target for neutralizing antibody responses. The molecular mechanisms of E1E2 assembly, as well as how the E1E2 heterodimer binds broadly neutralizing antibodies, remain elusive. Here, we present the cryo-electron microscopy structure of the membrane-extracted full-length E1E2 heterodimer in complex with three broadly neutralizing antibodies-AR4A, AT1209, and IGH505-at ~3.5-angstrom resolution. We resolve the interface between the E1 and E2 ectodomains and deliver a blueprint for the rational design of vaccine immunogens and antiviral drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Torrents de la Peña
- Department of Integrative Structural Biology and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Kwinten Sliepen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Lisa Eshun-Wilson
- Department of Integrative Structural Biology and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Maddy L. Newby
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Joel D. Allen
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Ian Zon
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sylvie Koekkoek
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ana Chumbe
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Max Crispin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Janke Schinkel
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Gabriel C. Lander
- Department of Integrative Structural Biology and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Rogier W. Sanders
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Andrew B. Ward
- Department of Integrative Structural Biology and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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7
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Stejskal L, Kalemera MD, Lewis CB, Palor M, Walker L, Daviter T, Lees WD, Moss DS, Kremyda-Vlachou M, Kozlakidis Z, Gallo G, Bailey D, Rosenberg W, Illingworth CJR, Shepherd AJ, Grove J. An entropic safety catch controls hepatitis C virus entry and antibody resistance. eLife 2022; 11:e71854. [PMID: 35796426 PMCID: PMC9333995 DOI: 10.7554/elife.71854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
E1 and E2 (E1E2), the fusion proteins of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), are unlike that of any other virus yet described, and the detailed molecular mechanisms of HCV entry/fusion remain unknown. Hypervariable region-1 (HVR-1) of E2 is a putative intrinsically disordered protein tail. Here, we demonstrate that HVR-1 has an autoinhibitory function that suppresses the activity of E1E2 on free virions; this is dependent on its conformational entropy. Thus, HVR-1 is akin to a safety catch that prevents premature triggering of E1E2 activity. Crucially, this mechanism is turned off by host receptor interactions at the cell surface to allow entry. Mutations that reduce conformational entropy in HVR-1, or genetic deletion of HVR-1, turn off the safety catch to generate hyper-reactive HCV that exhibits enhanced virus entry but is thermally unstable and acutely sensitive to neutralising antibodies. Therefore, the HVR-1 safety catch controls the efficiency of virus entry and maintains resistance to neutralising antibodies. This discovery provides an explanation for the ability of HCV to persist in the face of continual immune assault and represents a novel regulatory mechanism that is likely to be found in other viral fusion machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Stejskal
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck CollegeLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Mphatso D Kalemera
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Charlotte B Lewis
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus ResearchGlasgowUnited Kingdom
| | - Machaela Palor
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Lucas Walker
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Tina Daviter
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck CollegeLondonUnited Kingdom
- Shared Research Facilities, The Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - William D Lees
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck CollegeLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - David S Moss
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck CollegeLondonUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Zisis Kozlakidis
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health OrganizationLyonFrance
| | | | | | - William Rosenberg
- Division of Medicine, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Christopher JR Illingworth
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus ResearchGlasgowUnited Kingdom
- Department of Genetics, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Institut für Biologische Physik, Universität zu KölnCologneGermany
- MRC Biostatistics Unit, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Adrian J Shepherd
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck CollegeLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Joe Grove
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus ResearchGlasgowUnited Kingdom
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8
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Zhao Q, He K, Zhang X, Xu M, Zhang X, Li H. Production and immunogenicity of different prophylactic vaccines for hepatitis C virus (Review). Exp Ther Med 2022; 24:474. [PMID: 35761816 PMCID: PMC9214603 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health challenge, and prophylactic vaccines are the most effective way to eliminate the infection. To date, numerous forms of preventive vaccines have entered the clinical trial stage, including the virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine, recombinant subunit vaccine, peptide vaccine and nucleic acid vaccine. The rational design makes it easier to obtain specific vaccine structures with a broad spectrum and strong immunogenicity. Different vaccine antigens can evoke different immune responses, including humoral and T-cell immune responses, and can be produced using different expression systems, such as bacteria, yeast, mammals, plants, insects or parasites. Intracellular and insoluble production and a narrow immune spectrum are two difficulties that limit the application of vaccines. The present study summarizes the immunogenicity of different preventive vaccines, evaluates the characteristics of different expression systems used for vaccine production, and analyzes the strategies to enhance the secretion and immune spectrum of vaccine proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Zhao
- Microbiology Department, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Kun He
- Microbiology Department, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Xiuhua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biological Drugs, Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Science, Jinan, Shandong 250101, P.R. China
| | - Mingjie Xu
- Microbiology Department, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Xiuping Zhang
- Microbiology Department, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Huanjie Li
- Medical Research and Laboratory Diagnostic Center, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
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9
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Pfaff-Kilgore JM, Davidson E, Kadash-Edmondson K, Hernandez M, Rosenberg E, Chambers R, Castelli M, Clementi N, Mancini N, Bailey JR, Crowe JE, Law M, Doranz BJ. Sites of vulnerability in HCV E1E2 identified by comprehensive functional screening. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110859. [PMID: 35613596 PMCID: PMC9281441 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The E1 and E2 envelope proteins of hepatitis C virus (HCV) form a heterodimer that drives virus-host membrane fusion. Here, we analyze the role of each amino acid in E1E2 function, expressing 545 individual alanine mutants of E1E2 in human cells, incorporating them into infectious viral pseudoparticles, and testing them against 37 different monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to ascertain full-length translation, folding, heterodimer assembly, CD81 binding, viral pseudoparticle incorporation, and infectivity. We propose a model describing the role of each critical residue in E1E2 functionality and use it to examine how MAbs neutralize infection by exploiting functionally critical sites of vulnerability on E1E2. Our results suggest that E1E2 is a surprisingly fragile protein complex where even a single alanine mutation at 92% of positions disrupts its function. The amino-acid-level targets identified are highly conserved and functionally critical and can be exploited for improved therapies and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Edgar Davidson
- Integral Molecular, Inc., 3711 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - Mayda Hernandez
- Integral Molecular, Inc., 3711 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Erin Rosenberg
- Integral Molecular, Inc., 3711 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ross Chambers
- Integral Molecular, Inc., 3711 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Matteo Castelli
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology and Virology, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Clementi
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology and Virology, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy; IRCSS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicasio Mancini
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology and Virology, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy; IRCSS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Justin R Bailey
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - James E Crowe
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Mansun Law
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Benjamin J Doranz
- Integral Molecular, Inc., 3711 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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10
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Wang R, Suzuki S, Guest JD, Heller B, Almeda M, Andrianov AK, Marin A, Mariuzza RA, Keck ZY, Foung SKH, Yunus AS, Pierce BG, Toth EA, Ploss A, Fuerst TR. Induction of broadly neutralizing antibodies using a secreted form of the hepatitis C virus E1E2 heterodimer as a vaccine candidate. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2112008119. [PMID: 35263223 PMCID: PMC8931252 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2112008119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
SignificanceHepatitis C virus chronically infects approximately 1% of the world's population, making an effective vaccine for hepatitis C virus a major unmet public health need. The membrane-associated E1E2 envelope glycoprotein has been used in clinical studies as a vaccine candidate. However, limited neutralization breadth and difficulty in producing large amounts of homogeneous membrane-associated E1E2 have hampered efforts to develop an E1E2-based vaccine. Our previous work described the design and biochemical validation of a native-like soluble secreted form of E1E2 (sE1E2). Here, we describe the immunogenic characterization of the sE1E2 complex. sE1E2 elicited broadly neutralizing antibodies in immunized mice, with increased neutralization breadth relative to the membrane-associated E1E2, thereby validating this platform as a promising model system for vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixue Wang
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850
| | - Saori Suzuki
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540
| | - Johnathan D. Guest
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
| | - Brigitte Heller
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540
| | - Maricar Almeda
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540
| | - Alexander K. Andrianov
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850
| | - Alexander Marin
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850
| | - Roy A. Mariuzza
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
| | - Zhen-Yong Keck
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Steven K. H. Foung
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Abdul S. Yunus
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850
| | - Brian G. Pierce
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
| | - Eric A. Toth
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850
| | - Alexander Ploss
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540
| | - Thomas R. Fuerst
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
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11
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The Molecular Basis for E rns Dimerization in Classical Swine Fever Virus. Viruses 2021; 13:v13112204. [PMID: 34835010 PMCID: PMC8625691 DOI: 10.3390/v13112204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The pestivirus classical swine fever virus (CSFV) represents one of the most important pathogens of swine. Its virulence is dependent on the RNase activity of the essential structural glycoprotein Erns that uses an amphipathic helix as a membrane anchor and forms homodimers via disulfide bonds employing cysteine 171. Dimerization is not necessary for CSFV viability but for its virulence. Mutant Erns proteins lacking cysteine 171 are still able to interact transiently as shown in crosslink experiments. Deletion analysis did not reveal the presence of a primary sequence-defined contact surface essential for dimerization, but indicated a general importance of an intact ectodomain for efficient establishment of dimers. Pseudoreverted viruses reisolated in earlier experiments from pigs with mutations Cys171Ser/Ser209Cys exhibited partially restored virulence and restoration of the ability to form Erns homodimers. Dimer formation was also observed for experimentally mutated proteins, in which other amino acids at different positions of the membrane anchor region of Erns were replaced by cysteine. However, with one exception of two very closely located residues, the formation of disulfide-linked dimers was only observed for cysteine residues located at the same position of the helix.
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12
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Lozada C, Barlow TMA, Gonzalez S, Lubin-Germain N, Ballet S. Identification and Characteristics of Fusion Peptides Derived From Enveloped Viruses. Front Chem 2021; 9:689006. [PMID: 34497798 PMCID: PMC8419435 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.689006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Membrane fusion events allow enveloped viruses to enter and infect cells. The study of these processes has led to the identification of a number of proteins that mediate this process. These proteins are classified according to their structure, which vary according to the viral genealogy. To date, three classes of fusion proteins have been defined, but current evidence points to the existence of additional classes. Despite their structural differences, viral fusion processes follow a common mechanism through which they exert their actions. Additional studies of the viral fusion proteins have demonstrated the key role of specific proteinogenic subsequences within these proteins, termed fusion peptides. Such peptides are able to interact and insert into membranes for which they hold interest from a pharmacological or therapeutic viewpoint. Here, the different characteristics of fusion peptides derived from viral fusion proteins are described. These criteria are useful to identify new fusion peptides. Moreover, this review describes the requirements of synthetic fusion peptides derived from fusion proteins to induce fusion by themselves. Several sequences of the viral glycoproteins E1 and E2 of HCV were, for example, identified to be able to induce fusion, which are reviewed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Lozada
- BioCIS, CNRS, CY Cergy-Paris Université, Cergy-Pontoise, France
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thomas M. A. Barlow
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Simon Gonzalez
- BioCIS, CNRS, CY Cergy-Paris Université, Cergy-Pontoise, France
| | | | - Steven Ballet
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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13
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Mu Y, Tews BA, Luttermann C, Meyers G. Interaction of Pestiviral E1 and E2 Sequences in Dimer Formation and Intracellular Retention. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147285. [PMID: 34298900 PMCID: PMC8306095 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pestiviruses contain three envelope proteins: Erns, E1, and E2. Expression of HA-tagged E1 or mutants thereof showed that E1 forms homodimers and -trimers. C123 and, to a lesser extent, C171, affected the oligomerization of E1 with a double mutant C123S/C171S preventing oligomerization completely. E1 also establishes disulfide linked heterodimers with E2, which are crucial for the recovery of infectious viruses. Co-expression analyses with the HA-tagged E1 wt/E1 mutants and E2 wt/E2 mutants demonstrated that C123 in E1 and C295 in E2 are the critical sites for E1/E2 heterodimer formation. Introduction of mutations preventing E1/E2 heterodimer formation into the full-length infectious clone of BVDV CP7 prevented the recovery of infectious viruses, proving that C123 in E1 and C295 in E2 play an essential role in the BVDV life cycle, and further support the conclusion that heterodimer formation is the crucial step. Interestingly, we found that the retention signal of E1 is mandatory for intracellular localization of the heterodimer, so that absence of the E1 retention signal directs the heterodimer to the cell surface even though the E2 retention signal is still present. The covalent linkage between E1 and E2 plays an essential role for this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Mu
- Institut für Immunologie, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (Y.M.); (C.L.)
| | - Birke Andrea Tews
- Institut für Infektionsmedizin, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany;
| | - Christine Luttermann
- Institut für Immunologie, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (Y.M.); (C.L.)
| | - Gregor Meyers
- Institut für Immunologie, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (Y.M.); (C.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)-3835-171-0
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14
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Sevvana M, Keck Z, Foung SK, Kuhn RJ. Structural perspectives on HCV humoral immune evasion mechanisms. Curr Opin Virol 2021; 49:92-101. [PMID: 34091143 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2021.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms of hepatitis C virus (HCV) persistence and pathogenesis are poorly understood. The design of an effective HCV vaccine is challenging despite a robust humoral immune response against closely related strains of HCV. This is primarily because of the huge genetic diversity of HCV and the molecular evolution of various virus escape mechanisms. These mechanisms are steered by the presence of a high mutational rate in HCV, structural plasticity of the immunodominant regions on the virion surface of diverse HCV genotypes, and constant amino acid substitutions on key structural components of HCV envelope glycoproteins. Here, we review the molecular basis of neutralizing antibody (nAb)-mediated immune response against diverse HCV variants, HCV-steered humoral immune evasion strategies and explore the essential structural elements to consider for designing a universal HCV vaccine. Structural perspectives on key escape pathways mediated by a point mutation within the epitope, allosteric modulation of the epitope by distant mutations and glycan shift on envelope glycoproteins will be highlighted (abstract graphic).
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhumati Sevvana
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47904, USA; Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology, and Infectious Disease, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47904, USA
| | - Zhenyong Keck
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Steven Kh Foung
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Richard J Kuhn
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47904, USA; Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology, and Infectious Disease, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47904, USA.
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15
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Structural and Biophysical Characterization of the HCV E1E2 Heterodimer for Vaccine Development. Viruses 2021; 13:v13061027. [PMID: 34072451 PMCID: PMC8227786 DOI: 10.3390/v13061027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
An effective vaccine for the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major unmet medical and public health need, and it requires an antigen that elicits immune responses to multiple key conserved epitopes. Decades of research have generated a number of vaccine candidates; based on these data and research through clinical development, a vaccine antigen based on the E1E2 glycoprotein complex appears to be the best choice. One bottleneck in the development of an E1E2-based vaccine is that the antigen is challenging to produce in large quantities and at high levels of purity and antigenic/functional integrity. This review describes the production and characterization of E1E2-based vaccine antigens, both membrane-associated and a novel secreted form of E1E2, with a particular emphasis on the major challenges facing the field and how those challenges can be addressed.
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16
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Structure-Based and Rational Design of a Hepatitis C Virus Vaccine. Viruses 2021; 13:v13050837. [PMID: 34063143 PMCID: PMC8148096 DOI: 10.3390/v13050837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A hepatitis C virus (HCV) vaccine is a critical yet unfulfilled step in addressing the global disease burden of HCV. While decades of research have led to numerous clinical and pre-clinical vaccine candidates, these efforts have been hindered by factors including HCV antigenic variability and immune evasion. Structure-based and rational vaccine design approaches have capitalized on insights regarding the immune response to HCV and the structures of antibody-bound envelope glycoproteins. Despite successes with other viruses, designing an immunogen based on HCV glycoproteins that can elicit broadly protective immunity against HCV infection is an ongoing challenge. Here, we describe HCV vaccine design approaches where immunogens were selected and optimized through analysis of available structures, identification of conserved epitopes targeted by neutralizing antibodies, or both. Several designs have elicited immune responses against HCV in vivo, revealing correlates of HCV antigen immunogenicity and breadth of induced responses. Recent studies have elucidated the functional, dynamic and immunological features of key regions of the viral envelope glycoproteins, which can inform next-generation immunogen design efforts. These insights and design strategies represent promising pathways to HCV vaccine development, which can be further informed by successful immunogen designs generated for other viruses.
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17
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From Structural Studies to HCV Vaccine Design. Viruses 2021; 13:v13050833. [PMID: 34064532 PMCID: PMC8147963 DOI: 10.3390/v13050833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a serious and growing public health problem despite recent developments of antiviral therapeutics. To achieve global elimination of HCV, an effective cross-genotype vaccine is needed. The failure of previous vaccination trials to elicit an effective cross-reactive immune response demands better vaccine antigens to induce a potent cross-neutralizing response to improve vaccine efficacy. HCV E1 and E2 envelope (Env) glycoproteins are the main targets for neutralizing antibodies (nAbs), which aid in HCV clearance and protection. Therefore, a molecular-level understanding of the nAb responses against HCV is imperative for the rational design of cross-genotype vaccine antigens. Here we summarize the recent advances in structural studies of HCV Env and Env-nAb complexes and how they improve our understanding of immune recognition of HCV. We review the structural data defining HCV neutralization epitopes and conformational plasticity of the Env proteins, and the knowledge applicable to rational vaccine design.
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18
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Abstract
Antibody responses in hepatitis C virus (HCV) have been a rather mysterious research topic for many investigators working in the field. Chronic HCV infection is often associated with dysregulation of immune functions particularly in B cells, leading to abnormal lymphoproliferation or the production of autoantibodies that exacerbate inflammation and extrahepatic diseases. When considering the antiviral function of antibody, it was difficult to endorse its role in HCV protection, whereas T-cell response has been shown unequivocally critical for natural recovery. Recent breakthroughs in the study of HCV and antigen-specific antibody responses provide important insights into viral vulnerability to antibodies and the immunogenetic and structural properties of the neutralizing antibodies. The new knowledge reinvigorates HCV vaccine research by illuminating a new path for the rational design of vaccine antigens to elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies for protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansun Law
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92109, USA
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19
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Guest JD, Wang R, Elkholy KH, Chagas A, Chao KL, Cleveland TE, Kim YC, Keck ZY, Marin A, Yunus AS, Mariuzza RA, Andrianov AK, Toth EA, Foung SKH, Pierce BG, Fuerst TR. Design of a native-like secreted form of the hepatitis C virus E1E2 heterodimer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2015149118. [PMID: 33431677 PMCID: PMC7826332 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2015149118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major worldwide health burden, and a preventive vaccine is needed for global control or eradication of this virus. A substantial hurdle to an effective HCV vaccine is the high variability of the virus, leading to immune escape. The E1E2 glycoprotein complex contains conserved epitopes and elicits neutralizing antibody responses, making it a primary target for HCV vaccine development. However, the E1E2 transmembrane domains that are critical for native assembly make it challenging to produce this complex in a homogenous soluble form that is reflective of its state on the viral envelope. To enable rational design of an E1E2 vaccine, as well as structural characterization efforts, we have designed a soluble, secreted form of E1E2 (sE1E2). As with soluble glycoprotein designs for other viruses, it incorporates a scaffold to enforce assembly in the absence of the transmembrane domains, along with a furin cleavage site to permit native-like heterodimerization. This sE1E2 was found to assemble into a form closer to its expected size than full-length E1E2. Preservation of native structural elements was confirmed by high-affinity binding to a panel of conformationally specific monoclonal antibodies, including two neutralizing antibodies specific to native E1E2 and to its primary receptor, CD81. Finally, sE1E2 was found to elicit robust neutralizing antibodies in vivo. This designed sE1E2 can both provide insights into the determinants of native E1E2 assembly and serve as a platform for production of E1E2 for future structural and vaccine studies, enabling rational optimization of an E1E2-based antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnathan D Guest
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
| | - Ruixue Wang
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850
| | - Khadija H Elkholy
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850
- Molecular Biology Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Division, National Research Centre, Cairo 12622, Egypt
| | - Andrezza Chagas
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850
| | - Kinlin L Chao
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
| | - Thomas E Cleveland
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850
- Biomolecular Measurement Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899
| | - Young Chang Kim
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Zhen-Yong Keck
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Alexander Marin
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850
| | - Abdul S Yunus
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850
| | - Roy A Mariuzza
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
| | - Alexander K Andrianov
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850
| | - Eric A Toth
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850
| | - Steven K H Foung
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Brian G Pierce
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850;
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
| | - Thomas R Fuerst
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850;
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
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20
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Sokolova TM. [Hepatitis C virus (Flaviviridae: Hepacivirus: Hepacivirus C): regulation of signaling reactions of innate immunity]. Vopr Virusol 2021; 65:307-316. [PMID: 33533227 DOI: 10.36233/0507-4088-2020-65-6-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Studying the regulation of signaling reactions of innate immunity by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) will help to reveal the causes of the transition of the acute form of the disease to a chronic course. The molecular mechanisms of activation by HCV RNA of innate immunity receptors TLR and RLR and signal transduction processes leading to the synthesis of IFN and inflammatory cytokines are considered. The inhibitory effects of non-structural and structural HCV proteins on immune signaling reactions are analyzed in detail. The information presented is the result of an analysis of literature data published in international databases mainly over the past 5 years. In conclusion, signaling receptors are proposed as targets for the development of new antiviral drugs with immunotherapeutic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Sokolova
- D.I. Ivanovsky Institute of Virology of National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology named after the honorary academician N.F. Gamaleya
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21
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Ströh LJ, Krey T. HCV Glycoprotein Structure and Implications for B-Cell Vaccine Development. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186781. [PMID: 32947858 PMCID: PMC7555785 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the approval of highly efficient direct-acting antivirals in the last decade Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a global health burden and the development of a vaccine would constitute an important step towards the control of HCV. The high genetic variability of the viral glycoproteins E1 and E2, which carry the main neutralizing determinants, together with their intrinsic structural flexibility, the high level of glycosylation that shields conserved neutralization epitopes and immune evasion using decoy epitopes renders the design of an efficient vaccine challenging. Recent structural and functional analyses have highlighted the role of the CD81 receptor binding site on E2, which overlaps with those neutralization epitopes within E2 that have been structurally characterized to date. This CD81 binding site consists of three distinct segments including “epitope I”, “epitope II” and the “CD81 binding loop”. In this review we summarize the structural features of the HCV glycoproteins that have been derived from X-ray structures of neutralizing and non-neutralizing antibody fragments complexed with either recombinant E2 or epitope-derived linear peptides. We focus on the current understanding how neutralizing antibodies interact with their cognate antigen, the structural features of the respective neutralization epitopes targeted by nAbs and discuss the implications for informed vaccine design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa J. Ströh
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Thomas Krey
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany;
- Center of Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Luebeck, 23562 Luebeck, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel-Riems, 23562 Luebeck, Germany
- Excellence Cluster 2155 RESIST, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), 22607 Hamburg, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)451–3101-3101
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22
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Hu Z, Rolt A, Hu X, Ma CD, Le DJ, Park SB, Houghton M, Southall N, Anderson DE, Talley DC, Lloyd JR, Marugan JC, Liang TJ. Chlorcyclizine Inhibits Viral Fusion of Hepatitis C Virus Entry by Directly Targeting HCV Envelope Glycoprotein 1. Cell Chem Biol 2020; 27:780-792.e5. [PMID: 32386595 PMCID: PMC7368827 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2020.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Chlorcyclizine (CCZ) is a potent hepatitis C virus (HCV) entry inhibitor, but its molecular mechanism is unknown. Here, we show that CCZ directly targets the fusion peptide of HCV E1 and interferes with the fusion process. Generation of CCZ resistance-associated substitutions of HCV in vitro revealed six missense mutations in the HCV E1 protein, five being in the putative fusion peptide. A viral fusion assay demonstrated that CCZ blocked HCV entry at the membrane fusion step and that the mutant viruses acquired resistance to CCZ's action in blocking membrane fusion. UV cross-linking of photoactivatable CCZ-diazirine-biotin in both HCV-infected cells and recombinant HCV E1/E2 protein demonstrated direct binding to HCV E1 glycoprotein. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that CCZ cross-linked to an E1 sequence adjacent to the putative fusion peptide. Docking simulations demonstrate a putative binding model, wherein CCZ binds to a hydrophobic pocket of HCV E1 and forms extensive interactions with the fusion peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongyi Hu
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Adam Rolt
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Xin Hu
- Division of Pre-Clinical Innovations, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Christopher D Ma
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Derek J Le
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Seung Bum Park
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Michael Houghton
- Li Ka Shing Virology Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Noel Southall
- Division of Pre-Clinical Innovations, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - D Eric Anderson
- Advanced Mass Spectrometry Facility, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Daniel C Talley
- Division of Pre-Clinical Innovations, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - John R Lloyd
- Advanced Mass Spectrometry Facility, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Juan C Marugan
- Division of Pre-Clinical Innovations, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - T Jake Liang
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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23
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Abriata LA, Dal Peraro M. State-of-the-art web services for de novo protein structure prediction. Brief Bioinform 2020; 22:5870389. [PMID: 34020540 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbaa139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Residue coevolution estimations coupled to machine learning methods are revolutionizing the ability of protein structure prediction approaches to model proteins that lack clear homologous templates in the Protein Data Bank (PDB). This has been patent in the last round of the Critical Assessment of Structure Prediction (CASP), which presented several very good models for the hardest targets. Unfortunately, literature reporting on these advances often lacks digests tailored to lay end users; moreover, some of the top-ranking predictors do not provide webservers that can be used by nonexperts. How can then end users benefit from these advances and correctly interpret the predicted models? Here we review the web resources that biologists can use today to take advantage of these state-of-the-art methods in their research, including not only the best de novo modeling servers but also datasets of models precomputed by experts for structurally uncharacterized protein families. We highlight their features, advantages and pitfalls for predicting structures of proteins without clear templates. We present a broad number of applications that span from driving forward biochemical investigations that lack experimental structures to actually assisting experimental structure determination in X-ray diffraction, cryo-EM and other forms of integrative modeling. We also discuss issues that must be considered by users yet still require further developments, such as global and residue-wise model quality estimates and sources of residue coevolution other than monomeric tertiary structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano A Abriata
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Matteo Dal Peraro
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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24
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Center RJ, Boo I, Phu L, McGregor J, Poumbourios P, Drummer HE. Enhancing the antigenicity and immunogenicity of monomeric forms of hepatitis C virus E2 for use as a preventive vaccine. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:7179-7192. [PMID: 32299914 PMCID: PMC7247312 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.013015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The E2 glycoprotein of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the major target of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) that are critical for the efficacy of a prophylactic HCV vaccine. We previously showed that a cell culture-derived, disulfide-linked high-molecular-weight (HMW) form of the E2 receptor-binding domain lacking three variable regions, Δ123-HMW, elicits broad neutralizing activity against the seven major genotypes of HCV. A limitation to the use of this antigen is that it is produced only at low yields and does not have a homogeneous composition. Here, we employed a sequential reduction and oxidation strategy to efficiently refold two high-yielding monomeric E2 species, D123 and a disulfide-minimized version (D123A7), into disulfide-linked HMW-like species (Δ123r and Δ123A7r). These proteins exhibited normal reactivity to bNAbs with continuous epitopes on the neutralizing face of E2, but reduced reactivity to conformation-dependent bNAbs and nonneutralizing antibodies (non-NAbs) compared with the corresponding monomeric species. Δ123r and Δ123A7r recapitulated the immunogenic properties of cell culture-derived D123-HMW in guinea pigs. The refolded antigens elicited antibodies that neutralized homologous and heterologous HCV genotypes, blocked the interaction between E2 and its cellular receptor CD81, and targeted the AS412, AS434, and AR3 domains. Of note, antibodies directed to epitopes overlapping with those of non-NAbs were absent. The approach to E2 antigen engineering outlined here provides an avenue for the development of preventive HCV vaccine candidates that induce bNAbs at higher yield and lower cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rob J Center
- Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne 3004, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3000, Australia
| | - Irene Boo
- Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne 3004, Australia
| | - Lilian Phu
- Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne 3004, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3000, Australia
| | - Joey McGregor
- Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne 3004, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3000, Australia
| | - Pantelis Poumbourios
- Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne 3004, Australia; Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton 3056, Australia
| | - Heidi E Drummer
- Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne 3004, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3000, Australia; Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton 3056, Australia.
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Stejskal L, Lees WD, Moss DS, Palor M, Bingham RJ, Shepherd AJ, Grove J. Flexibility and intrinsic disorder are conserved features of hepatitis C virus E2 glycoprotein. PLoS Comput Biol 2020; 16:e1007710. [PMID: 32109245 PMCID: PMC7065822 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1007710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The glycoproteins of hepatitis C virus, E1E2, are unlike any other viral fusion machinery yet described, and are the current focus of immunogen design in HCV vaccine development; thus, making E1E2 both scientifically and medically important. We used pre-existing, but fragmentary, structures to model a complete ectodomain of the major glycoprotein E2 from three strains of HCV. We then performed molecular dynamic simulations to explore the conformational landscape of E2, revealing a number of important features. Despite high sequence divergence, and subtle differences in the models, E2 from different strains behave similarly, possessing a stable core flanked by highly flexible regions, some of which perform essential functions such as receptor binding. Comparison with sequence data suggest that this consistent behaviour is conferred by a network of conserved residues that act as hinge and anchor points throughout E2. The variable regions (HVR-1, HVR-2 and VR-3) exhibit particularly high flexibility, and bioinformatic analysis suggests that HVR-1 is a putative intrinsically disordered protein region. Dynamic cross-correlation analyses demonstrate intramolecular communication and suggest that specific regions, such as HVR-1, can exert influence throughout E2. To support our computational approach we performed small-angle X-ray scattering with purified E2 ectodomain; this data was consistent with our MD experiments, suggesting a compact globular core with peripheral flexible regions. This work captures the dynamic behaviour of E2 and has direct relevance to the interaction of HCV with cell-surface receptors and neutralising antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Stejskal
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck College, London, United Kingdom
| | - William D. Lees
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck College, London, United Kingdom
| | - David S. Moss
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Machaela Palor
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J. Bingham
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian J. Shepherd
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joe Grove
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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