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Lee IJ, Lan YH, Wu PY, Wu YW, Chen YH, Tseng SC, Kuo TJ, Sun CP, Jan JT, Ma HH, Liao CC, Liang JJ, Ko HY, Chang CS, Liu WC, Ko YA, Chen YH, Sie ZL, Tsung SI, Lin YL, Wang IH, Tao MH. A receptor-binding domain-based nanoparticle vaccine elicits durable neutralizing antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2 and variants of concern. Emerg Microbes Infect 2023; 12:2149353. [PMID: 36395071 PMCID: PMC9793938 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2149353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Numerous vaccines have been developed to address the current COVID-19 pandemic, but safety, cross-neutralizing efficacy, and long-term protectivity of currently approved vaccines are still important issues. In this study, we developed a subunit vaccine, ASD254, by using a nanoparticle vaccine platform to encapsulate the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) protein. As compared with the aluminum-adjuvant RBD vaccine, ASD254 induced higher titers of RBD-specific antibodies and generated 10- to 30-fold more neutralizing antibodies. Mice vaccinated with ASD254 showed protective immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 challenge, with undetectable infectious viral loads and reduced typical lesions in lung. Besides, neutralizing antibodies in vaccinated mice lasted for at least one year and were effective against various SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, including B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.351 (Beta), P.1 (Gamma), B.1.617.2 (Delta), and B.1.1.529 (Omicron). Furthermore, particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta-potential of ASD254 remained stable after 8-month storage at 4°C. Thus, ASD254 is a promising nanoparticle vaccine with good immunogenicity and stability to be developed as an effective vaccine option in controlling upcoming waves of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- I-Jung Lee
- Graduate Institute of Microbiology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hua Lan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Yi Wu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yan-Wei Wu
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hung Chen
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Che Tseng
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Jiun Kuo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Pu Sun
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Tsrong Jan
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Hua Ma
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Che Liao
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jian-Jong Liang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ying Ko
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Shin Chang
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chun Liu
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-An Ko
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Hui Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Zong-Lin Sie
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Szu-I Tsung
- Graduate Institute of Microbiology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ling Lin
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan,Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - I-Hsuan Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mi-Hua Tao
- Graduate Institute of Microbiology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan,Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, Mi-Hua Tao Graduate Institute of Microbiology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan; Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei115, Taiwan
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2
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Protective role of zinc in the pathogenesis of respiratory diseases. Eur J Clin Nutr 2022; 77:427-435. [PMID: 35982216 PMCID: PMC9387421 DOI: 10.1038/s41430-022-01191-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory diseases remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. An imbalance of zinc, an essential trace element, is associated with a variety of lung diseases. We reviewed and summarized recent research (human subjects, animal studies, in vitro studies) on zinc in respiratory diseases to explore the protective mechanism of zinc from the perspective of regulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, lipid metabolism, and apoptosis. In the lungs, zinc has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral effects; can inhibit cancer cell migration; can regulate lipid metabolism and immune cells; and exerts other protective effects. Our comprehensive evaluation highlights the clinical and experimental effects of zinc in the pathogenesis of respiratory diseases. Our analysis also provides insight into the clinical application of zinc-targeted therapy for respiratory diseases.
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Roman-Sosa G, Leske A, Ficht X, Dau TH, Holzerland J, Hoenen T, Beer M, Kammerer R, Schirmbeck R, Rey FA, Cordo SM, Groseth A. Immunization with GP1 but Not Core-like Particles Displaying Isolated Receptor-Binding Epitopes Elicits Virus-Neutralizing Antibodies against Junín Virus. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10020173. [PMID: 35214632 PMCID: PMC8874384 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10020173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
New World arenaviruses are rodent-transmitted viruses and include a number of pathogens that are responsible for causing severe human disease. This includes Junín virus (JUNV), which is the causative agent of Argentine hemorrhagic fever. The wild nature and mobility of the rodent reservoir host makes it difficult to control the disease, and currently passive immunization with high-titer neutralizing antibody-containing plasma from convalescent patients is the only specific therapy. However, dwindling supplies of naturally available convalescent plasma, and challenges in developing similar resources for other closely related viruses, have made the development of alternative antibody-based therapeutic approaches of critical importance. In this study, we sought to induce a neutralizing antibody response in rabbits against the receptor-binding subunit of the viral glycoprotein, GP1, and the specific peptide sequences in GP1 involved in cellular receptor contacts. While these specific receptor-interacting peptides did not efficiently induce the production of neutralizing antibodies when delivered as a particulate antigen (as part of hepatitis B virus core-like particles), we showed that recombinant JUNV GP1 purified from transfected mammalian cells induced virus-neutralizing antibodies at high titers in rabbits. Further, neutralization was observed across a range of unrelated JUNV strains, a feature that is critical for effectiveness in the field. These results underscore the potential of GP1 alone to induce a potent neutralizing antibody response and highlight the importance of epitope presentation. In addition, effective virus neutralization by rabbit antibodies supports the potential applicability of this species for the future development of immunotherapeutics (e.g., based on humanized monoclonal antibodies). Such information can be applied in the design of vaccines and immunogens for both prevention and specific therapies against this and likely also other closely related pathogenic New World arenaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gleyder Roman-Sosa
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (X.F.); (R.S.)
- Correspondence: (G.R.-S.); (A.G.)
| | - Anne Leske
- Laboratory for Arenavirus Biology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (A.L.); (J.H.)
| | - Xenia Ficht
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (X.F.); (R.S.)
| | - Tung Huy Dau
- Laboratory for Immunogenetics, Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (T.H.D.); (R.K.)
| | - Julia Holzerland
- Laboratory for Arenavirus Biology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (A.L.); (J.H.)
| | - Thomas Hoenen
- Laboratory for Integrative Cell and Infection Biology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald, Germany;
| | - Martin Beer
- National and OIE Reference Laboratory for BHV-1, Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald, Germany;
| | - Robert Kammerer
- Laboratory for Immunogenetics, Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (T.H.D.); (R.K.)
| | - Reinhold Schirmbeck
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (X.F.); (R.S.)
| | - Felix A. Rey
- Structural Virology Unit, CNRS UMR3569, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, 75015 Paris, France;
| | - Sandra M. Cordo
- Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), University of Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Pabellón II, Piso 4, Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina;
| | - Allison Groseth
- Laboratory for Arenavirus Biology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (A.L.); (J.H.)
- Correspondence: (G.R.-S.); (A.G.)
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4
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Mekonnen D, Mengist HM, Jin T. SARS-CoV-2 subunit vaccine adjuvants and their signaling pathways. Expert Rev Vaccines 2022; 21:69-81. [PMID: 34633259 PMCID: PMC8567292 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1991794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vaccines are the agreed upon weapon against the COVID-19 pandemic. This review discusses about COVID-19 subunit vaccines adjuvants and their signaling pathways, which could provide a glimpse into the selection of appropriate adjuvants for prospective vaccine development studies. AREAS COVERED In the introduction, a brief background about the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the vaccine development race and classes of vaccine adjuvants were provided. . The antigen, trial stage, and types of adjuvants were extracted from the included articles and thun assimilated. Finally, the pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), their classes, cognate adjuvants, and potential signaling pathways were comprehended. EXPERT OPINION Adjuvants are unsung heroes of subunit vaccines. The in silico studies are very vital in avoiding several costly trial errors and save much work times. The majority of the (pre)clinical studies are promising. It is encouraging that most of the selected adjuvants are novel. Much emphasis must be paid to the optimal paring of antigen-adjuvant-PRRs for obtaining the desired vaccine effect. A good subunit vaccine/adjuvant is one that has high efficacy, safety, dose sparing, and rapid seroconversion rate and broad spectrum of immune response. In the years to come, COVID-19 adjuvanted subunit vaccines are expected to have superior utility than any other vaccines for various reasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Mekonnen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Hylemariam Mihiretie Mengist
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Cas Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Tengchuan Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Cas Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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5
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Freeman KG, Wetzel KS, Zhang Y, Zack KM, Jacobs-Sera D, Walters SM, Barbeau DJ, McElroy AK, Williams JV, Hatfull GF. A Mycobacteriophage-Based Vaccine Platform: SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Expression and Display. Microorganisms 2021; 9:2414. [PMID: 34946016 PMCID: PMC8704799 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The explosion of SARS-CoV-2 infections in 2020 prompted a flurry of activity in vaccine development and exploration of various vaccine platforms, some well-established and some new. Phage-based vaccines were described previously, and we explored the possibility of using mycobacteriophages as a platform for displaying antigens of SARS-CoV-2 or other infectious agents. The potential advantages of using mycobacteriophages are that a large and diverse variety of them have been described and genomically characterized, engineering tools are available, and there is the capacity to display up to 700 antigen copies on a single particle approximately 100 nm in size. The phage body may itself be a good adjuvant, and the phages can be propagated easily, cheaply, and to high purity. Furthermore, the recent use of these phages therapeutically, including by intravenous administration, suggests an excellent safety profile, although efficacy can be restricted by neutralizing antibodies. We describe here the potent immunogenicity of mycobacteriophage Bxb1, and Bxb1 recombinants displaying SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista G. Freeman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA; (K.G.F.); (K.S.W.); (K.M.Z.); (D.J.-S.)
| | - Katherine S. Wetzel
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA; (K.G.F.); (K.S.W.); (K.M.Z.); (D.J.-S.)
| | - Yu Zhang
- UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA; (Y.Z.); (S.M.W.); (A.K.M.); (J.V.W.)
- Center for Vaccine Research, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA;
| | - Kira M. Zack
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA; (K.G.F.); (K.S.W.); (K.M.Z.); (D.J.-S.)
| | - Deborah Jacobs-Sera
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA; (K.G.F.); (K.S.W.); (K.M.Z.); (D.J.-S.)
| | - Sara M. Walters
- UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA; (Y.Z.); (S.M.W.); (A.K.M.); (J.V.W.)
| | - Dominique J. Barbeau
- Center for Vaccine Research, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA;
| | - Anita K. McElroy
- UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA; (Y.Z.); (S.M.W.); (A.K.M.); (J.V.W.)
- Center for Vaccine Research, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA;
| | - John V. Williams
- UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA; (Y.Z.); (S.M.W.); (A.K.M.); (J.V.W.)
- Center for Vaccine Research, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA;
| | - Graham F. Hatfull
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA; (K.G.F.); (K.S.W.); (K.M.Z.); (D.J.-S.)
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A bioluminescent and homogeneous SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD and hACE2 interaction assay for antiviral screening and monitoring patient neutralizing antibody levels. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18428. [PMID: 34531417 PMCID: PMC8445915 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97330-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Here we describe a homogeneous bioluminescent immunoassay based on the interaction between Fc-tagged SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD and human ACE2, and its detection by secondary antibodies labeled with NanoLuc luciferase fragments LgBit and SmBit. The assay utility for the discovery of novel inhibitors was demonstrated with a panel of anti-RBD antibodies, ACE2-derived miniproteins and soluble ACE2. Studying the effect of RBD mutations on ACE2 binding showed that the N501Y mutation increased RBD apparent affinity toward ACE2 tenfold that resulted in escaping inhibition by some anti-RBD antibodies. In contrast, while E484K mutation did not highly change the binding affinity, it still escaped antibody inhibition likely due to changes in the epitope recognized by the antibody. Also, neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) from COVID-19 positive samples from two distinct regions (USA and Brazil) were successfully detected and the results further suggest the persistence of NAbs for at least 6 months post symptom onset. Finally, sera from vaccinated individuals were tested for NAbs and showed varying neutralizing activity after first and second doses, suggesting the assay can be used to assess immunity of vaccinated populations. Our results demonstrate the broad utility and ease of use of this methodology both for drug discovery and clinical research applications.
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Ding C, He J, Zhang X, Jiang C, Sun Y, Zhang Y, Chen Q, He H, Li W, Xie J, Liu Z, Gao Y. Crucial Mutations of Spike Protein on SARS-CoV-2 Evolved to Variant Strains Escaping Neutralization of Convalescent Plasmas and RBD-Specific Monoclonal Antibodies. Front Immunol 2021; 12:693775. [PMID: 34484190 PMCID: PMC8416052 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.693775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Small number of SARS-CoV-2 epidemic lineages did not efficiently exhibit a neutralization profile, while single amino acid mutation in the spike protein has not been confirmed in altering viral antigenicity resulting in immune escape. To identify crucial mutations in spike protein that escape humoral immune response, we evaluated the cross-neutralization of convalescent plasmas and RBD-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against various spike protein-based pseudoviruses. Three of 24 SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviruses containing different mutations in spike protein, including D614G, A475V, and E484Q, consistently showed an altered sensitivity to neutralization by convalescent plasmas. A475V and E484Q mutants are highly resistant to neutralization by mAb B38 and 2-4, suggesting that some crucial mutations in spike protein might evolve SARS-CoV-2 variants capable of escaping humoral immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengchao Ding
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, China
| | - Jun He
- Department of Microbiology, Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hefei, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, China
| | - Chengcheng Jiang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, China
| | - Yong Sun
- Department of Microbiology, Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hefei, China
| | - Yuqing Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, China
| | - Qingqing Chen
- Department of Microbiology, Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hefei, China
| | - Hongliang He
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, China
| | - Wenting Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, China
| | - Jiajia Xie
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, China
| | - Zhirong Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hefei, China
| | - Yong Gao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, China
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8
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Nguyen K, Chakraborty S, Mansbach RA, Korber B, Gnanakaran S. Exploring the Role of Glycans in the Interaction of SARS-CoV-2 RBD and Human Receptor ACE2. Viruses 2021; 13:927. [PMID: 34067878 PMCID: PMC8156887 DOI: 10.3390/v13050927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is a highly infectious respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. It has become a global pandemic and its frequent mutations may pose new challenges for vaccine design. During viral infection, the Spike RBD of SARS-CoV-2 binds the human host cell receptor ACE2, enabling the virus to enter the host cell. Both the Spike and ACE2 are densely glycosylated, and it is unclear how distinctive glycan types may modulate the interaction of RBD and ACE2. Detailed understanding of these determinants is key for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. To this end, we perform extensive all-atom simulations of the (i) RBD-ACE2 complex without glycans, (ii) RBD-ACE2 with oligomannose MAN9 glycans in ACE2, and (iii) RBD-ACE2 with complex FA2 glycans in ACE2. These simulations identify the key residues at the RBD-ACE2 interface that form contacts with higher probabilities, thus providing a quantitative evaluation that complements recent structural studies. Notably, we find that this RBD-ACE2 contact signature is not altered by the presence of different glycoforms, suggesting that RBD-ACE2 interaction is robust. Applying our simulated results, we illustrate how the recently prevalent N501Y mutation may alter specific interactions with host ACE2 that facilitate the virus-host binding. Furthermore, our simulations reveal how the glycan on Asn90 of ACE2 can play a distinct role in the binding and unbinding of RBD. Finally, an energetics analysis shows that MAN9 glycans on ACE2 decrease RBD-ACE2 affinity, while FA2 glycans lead to enhanced binding of the complex. Together, our results provide a more comprehensive picture of the detailed interplay between virus and human receptor, which is much needed for the discovery of effective treatments that aim at modulating the physical-chemical properties of this virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kien Nguyen
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA; (K.N.); (S.C.); (B.K.)
| | - Srirupa Chakraborty
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA; (K.N.); (S.C.); (B.K.)
- Center for Nonlinear Studies, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA
| | | | - Bette Korber
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA; (K.N.); (S.C.); (B.K.)
| | - Sandrasegaram Gnanakaran
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA; (K.N.); (S.C.); (B.K.)
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