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Bauer MS, Gruber S, Hausch A, Melo MCR, Gomes PSFC, Nicolaus T, Milles LF, Gaub HE, Bernardi RC, Lipfert J. Single-molecule force stability of the SARS-CoV-2-ACE2 interface in variants-of-concern. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 19:399-405. [PMID: 38012274 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-023-01536-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in SARS-CoV-2 have shown effective evasion of population immunity and increased affinity to the cellular receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). However, in the dynamic environment of the respiratory tract, forces act on the binding partners, which raises the question of whether not only affinity but also force stability of the SARS-CoV-2-ACE2 interaction might be a selection factor for mutations. Using magnetic tweezers, we investigate the impact of amino acid substitutions in variants of concern (Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta) and on force-stability and bond kinetic of the receptor-binding domain-ACE2 interface at a single-molecule resolution. We find a higher affinity for all of the variants of concern (>fivefold) compared with the wild type. In contrast, Alpha is the only variant of concern that shows higher force stability (by 17%) compared with the wild type. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we rationalize the mechanistic molecular origins of this increase in force stability. Our study emphasizes the diversity of contributions to the transmissibility of variants and establishes force stability as one of the several factors for fitness. Understanding fitness advantages opens the possibility for the prediction of probable mutations, allowing a rapid adjustment of therapeutics, vaccines and intervention measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magnus S Bauer
- Department of Physics and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sophia Gruber
- Department of Physics and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Adina Hausch
- Department of Physics and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Center for Protein Assemblies, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Thomas Nicolaus
- Department of Physics and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lukas F Milles
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Hermann E Gaub
- Department of Physics and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Jan Lipfert
- Department of Physics and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
- Department of Physics and Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Chen F, Liu Z, Kang W, Jiang F, Yang X, Yin F, Zhou Z, Li Z. Single-domain antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 RBD from a two-stage phage screening of universal and focused synthetic libraries. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:199. [PMID: 38350843 PMCID: PMC10865538 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09022-8] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an evolving global pandemic, and nanobodies, as well as other single-domain antibodies (sdAbs), have been recognized as a potential diagnostic and therapeutic tool for infectious diseases. High-throughput screening techniques such as phage display have been developed as an alternative to in vivo immunization for the discovery of antibody-like target-specific binders. METHODS We designed and constructed a highly diverse synthetic phage library sdAb-U (single-domain Antibody - Universal library ) based on a human framework. The SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) was expressed and purified. The universal library sdAb-U was panned against the RBD protein target for two rounds, followed by monoclonal phage ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) to identify RBD-specific binders (the first stage). High-affinity binders were sequenced and the obtained CDR1 and CDR2 sequences were combined with fully randomized CDR3 to construct a targeted (focused) phage library sdAb-RBD, for subsequent second-stage phage panning (also two rounds) and screening. Then, sequences with high single-to-background ratios in phage ELISA were selected for expression. The binding affinities of sdAbs to RBD were measured by an ELISA-based method. In addition, we conducted competition ELISA (using ACE2 ectodomain S19-D615) and SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus neutralization assays for the high-affinity RBD-binding sdAb39. RESULTS Significant enrichments were observed in both the first-stage (universal library) and the second-stage (focused library) phage panning. Five RBD-specific binders were identified in the first stage with high ELISA signal-to-background ratios. In the second stage, we observed a much higher possibility of finding RBD-specific clones in phage ELISA. Among 45 selected RBD-positive sequences, we found eight sdAbs can be well expressed, and five of them show high-affinity to RBD (EC50 < 100nM). We finally found that sdAb39 (EC50 ~ 4nM) can compete with ACE2 for binding to RBD. CONCLUSION Overall, this two-stage strategy of synthetic phage display libraries enables rapid selection of SARS-CoV-2 RBD sdAb with potential therapeutic activity, and this two-stage strategy can potentially be used for rapid discovery of sdAbs against other targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhihong Liu
- Pingshan Translational Medicine Center, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei Kang
- NanoAI Biotech Co., Ltd, Pingshan District, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fan Jiang
- NanoAI Biotech Co., Ltd, Pingshan District, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Xixiao Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Feng Yin
- Pingshan Translational Medicine Center, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ziyuan Zhou
- National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zigang Li
- Pingshan Translational Medicine Center, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China.
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Wu Y, Shi J, He X, Lu J, Gao X, Zhu X, Chen X, Zhang M, Fang L, Zhang J, Yuan Z, Xiao G, Zhou P, Pan X. Protection of the receptor binding domain (RBD) dimer against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. J Virol 2023; 97:e0127923. [PMID: 37843372 PMCID: PMC10688353 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01279-23] [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: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants achieved immune escape and became less virulent and easily transmissible through rapid mutation in the spike protein, thus the efficacy of vaccines on the market or in development continues to be challenged. Updating the vaccine, exploring compromise vaccination strategies, and evaluating the efficacy of candidate vaccines for the emerging variants in a timely manner are important to combat complex and volatile SARS-CoV-2. This study reports that vaccines prepared from the dimeric receptor-binding domain (RBD) recombinant protein, which can be quickly produced using a mature and stable process platform, had both good immunogenicity and protection in vivo and could completely protect rodents from lethal challenge by SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, including the emerging Omicron XBB.1.16, highlighting the value of dimeric recombinant vaccines in the post-COVID-19 era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian Shi
- Wuhan YZY Biopharma Co., Ltd., Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoxue He
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Jia Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuerui Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinlan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Man Zhang
- Wuhan YZY Biopharma Co., Ltd., Wuhan, China
| | | | - Jing Zhang
- Wuhan YZY Biopharma Co., Ltd., Wuhan, China
| | - Zhiming Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Gengfu Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | | | - Xiaoyan Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
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4
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Pitsillou E, Yu Y, Beh RC, Liang JJ, Hung A, Karagiannis TC. Chronicling the 3-year evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic: analysis of disease management, characteristics of major variants, and impacts on pathogenicity. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:3277-3298. [PMID: 37615803 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01168-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Announced on December 31, 2019, the novel coronavirus arising in Wuhan City, Hubei Province resulted in millions of cases and lives lost. Following intense tracking, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was identified as the cause of COVID-19 and the continuous evolution of the virus has given rise to several variants. In this review, a comprehensive analysis of the response to the pandemic over the first three-year period is provided, focusing on disease management, development of vaccines and therapeutics, and identification of variants. The transmissibility and pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 variants including Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron are compared. The binding characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and reproduction numbers are evaluated. The effects of major variants on disease severity, hospitalisation, and case-fatality rates are outlined. In addition to the spike protein, open reading frames mutations are investigated. We also compare the pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 with SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Overall, this study highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the global response to the pandemic, as well as the importance of prevention and preparedness. Monitoring the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 is critical in identifying and potentially predicting the health outcomes of concerning variants as they emerge. The ultimate goal would be a position in which existing vaccines and therapeutics could be adapted to suit new variants in as close to real-time as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Pitsillou
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Yiping Yu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Raymond C Beh
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Julia J Liang
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Andrew Hung
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Tom C Karagiannis
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
- Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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5
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Sergeeva AP, Katsamba PS, Liao J, Sampson JM, Bahna F, Mannepalli S, Morano NC, Shapiro L, Friesner RA, Honig B. Free Energy Perturbation Calculations of Mutation Effects on SARS-CoV-2 RBD::ACE2 Binding Affinity. J Mol Biol 2023:168187. [PMID: 37355034 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
The strength of binding between human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and the receptor binding domain (RBD) of viral spike protein plays a role in the transmissibility of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In this study we focus on a subset of RBD mutations that have been frequently observed in infected individuals and probe binding affinity changes to ACE2 using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) measurements and free energy perturbation (FEP) calculations. Our SPR results are largely in accord with previous studies but discrepancies do arise due to differences in experimental methods and to protocol differences even when a single method is used. Overall, we find that FEP performance is superior to that of other computational approaches examined as determined by agreement with experiment and, in particular, by its ability to identify stabilizing mutations. Moreover, the calculations successfully predict the observed cooperative stabilization of binding by the Q498R N501Y double mutant present in Omicron variants and offer a physical explanation for the underlying mechanism. Overall, our results suggest that despite the significant computational cost, FEP calculations may offer an effective strategy to understand the effects of interfacial mutations on protein-protein binding affinities and, hence, in a variety of practical applications such as the optimization of neutralizing antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina P Sergeeva
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - Phinikoula S Katsamba
- Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Junzhuo Liao
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Jared M Sampson
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Schrödinger, Inc., New York, NY 10036, USA
| | - Fabiana Bahna
- Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Seetha Mannepalli
- Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Nicholas C Morano
- Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Lawrence Shapiro
- Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | | | - Barry Honig
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032; Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032.
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6
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Ahmadi S, Bazargan M, Elahi R, Esmaeilzadeh A. Immune evasion of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2); molecular approaches. Mol Immunol 2023; 156:10-19. [PMID: 36857806 PMCID: PMC9684099 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2022.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In December 2019, a new betacoronavirus, known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), caused an outbreak at the Wuhan seafood market in China. The disease was further named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the disease to be a pandemic, as more cases were reported globally. SARS-CoV-2, like many other viruses, employs diverse strategies to elude the host immune response and/or counter immune responses. The infection outcome mainly depends on interactions between the virus and the host immune system. Inhibiting IFN production, blocking IFN signaling, enhancing IFN resistance, and hijacking the host's translation machinery to expedite the production of viral proteins are among the main immune evasion mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 also downregulates the expression of MHC-I on infected cells, which is an additional immune-evasion mechanism of this virus. Moreover, antigenic modifications to the spike (S) protein, such as deletions, insertions, and also substitutions are essential for resistance to SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies. This review assesses the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and host immune response and cellular and molecular approaches used by SARS-CoV-2 for immune evasion. Understanding the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 immune evasion is essential since it can improve the development of novel antiviral treatment options as well as vaccination methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahrzad Ahmadi
- Virology Research Center, The National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Masih Daneshvari Hospital, Allergy and Immunology Subspecialty Lab, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Bazargan
- Virology Research Center, The National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Masih Daneshvari Hospital, Allergy and Immunology Subspecialty Lab, Tehran, Iran,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Sahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Elahi
- M.D., School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Abdolreza Esmaeilzadeh
- Department of Immunology, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran; Cancer Gene Therapy Research Center (CGRC), Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
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7
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McQuaid C, Solorzano A, Dickerson I, Deane R. Uptake of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 spike protein mediated by angiotensin converting enzyme 2 and ganglioside in human cerebrovascular cells. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1117845. [PMID: 36875642 PMCID: PMC9980911 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1117845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction There is clinical evidence of neurological manifestations in coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). However, it is unclear whether differences in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)/spike protein (SP) uptake by cells of the cerebrovasculature contribute to significant viral uptake to cause these symptoms. Methods Since the initial step in viral invasion is binding/uptake, we used fluorescently labeled wild type and mutant SARS-CoV-2/SP to study this process. Three cerebrovascular cell types were used (endothelial cells, pericytes, and vascular smooth muscle cells), in vitro. Results There was differential SARS-CoV-2/SP uptake by these cell types. Endothelial cells had the least uptake, which may limit SARS-CoV-2 uptake into brain from blood. Uptake was time and concentration dependent, and mediated by angiotensin converting enzyme 2 receptor (ACE2), and ganglioside (mono-sialotetrahexasylganglioside, GM1) that is predominantly expressed in the central nervous system and the cerebrovasculature. SARS-CoV-2/SPs with mutation sites, N501Y, E484K, and D614G, as seen in variants of interest, were also differentially taken up by these cell types. There was greater uptake compared to that of the wild type SARS-CoV-2/SP, but neutralization with anti-ACE2 or anti-GM1 antibodies was less effective. Conclusion The data suggested that in addition to ACE2, gangliosides are also an important entry point of SARS-CoV-2/SP into these cells. Since SARS-CoV-2/SP binding/uptake is the initial step in the viral penetration into cells, a longer exposure and higher titer are required for significant uptake into the normal brain. Gangliosides, including GM1, could be an additional potential SARS-CoV-2 and therapeutic target at the cerebrovasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rashid Deane
- Department of Neuroscience, Del Monte Institute Neuroscience, University of Rochester, University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), Rochester, NY, United States
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8
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Sahu LK, Singh K. Cross-variant proof predictive vaccine design based on SARS-CoV-2 spike protein using immunoinformatics approach. BENI-SUEF UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF BASIC AND APPLIED SCIENCES 2023; 12:5. [PMID: 36644779 PMCID: PMC9831375 DOI: 10.1186/s43088-023-00341-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The SARS-CoV-2 virus is evolving continuously. The omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 has the highest mutation in its spike protein, thus making the presently available vaccine ineffective or reducing its efficiency. Furthermore, the majority of the vaccines are constructed using a spike protein sequence from wild-type SARS-CoV-2. This raises the possibility of the virus evolving to the point where the vaccine's effectiveness is completely lost, even after booster doses. The study aims to develop a predictive vaccine as well as the epitopes for the updating of the vaccine sequences of currently available vaccines. In this study, following the immunoinformatics approach, predictive vaccine construction was done with the help of epitopes present on spike proteins of wild-type, delta, and omicron variants that encompass the majority of variants and possible new variants that arise from the combination of circulating variants. Results The vaccine that was constructed was stable and immunogenic. The vaccine was constructed with the help of 18 B-cell epitopes, 5 MHC class I epitopes, and 6 MHC class II epitopes. The epitope conservancy analysis suggests that the vaccine will work for the previously known variant of concern. The vaccine bound to TLR4, TLR2, B-cell receptor chains A and B, and ACE2 receptors with a z score of - 1.4, - 1.7, - 1.4, - 1.7, and - 1.4, respectively, with a cluster size of 121 highest for the ACE2 receptor and 46 lowest for B-cell receptor chain A. The C-ImmSim simulation results indicate that the vaccine is generating both humoral and cell-mediated responses at a sufficient level throughout the month upon injection of the vaccine as an antigen. Conclusion The study's findings indicate that the vaccine was both stable and immunogenic, providing a sufficient level of immunity. Following experimental validation, the vaccine can be used, and the epitopes can be employed for therapeutic purposes such as antibody synthesis. Graphical Abstract Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s43088-023-00341-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavanya Kumar Sahu
- grid.419487.70000 0000 9191 860XDepartment of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh India
| | - Kiran Singh
- grid.419487.70000 0000 9191 860XDepartment of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh India
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9
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Dabisch PA, Sanjak JS, Boydston JA, Yeager J, Herzog A, Biryukov J, Beck K, Do D, Seman BG, Green B, Bohannon JK, Holland B, Miller D, Ammons T, Freeburger D, Miller S, Jenkins T, Rippeon S, Miller J, Clarke D, Manan E, Patty A, Rhodes K, Sweeney T, Winpigler M, Altamura LA, Zimmerman H, Hail AS, Wahl V, Hevey M. Comparison of Dose-Response Relationships for Two Isolates of SARS-CoV-2 in a Nonhuman Primate Model of Inhalational COVID-19. J Aerosol Med Pulm Drug Deliv 2022; 35:296-306. [PMID: 36318785 PMCID: PMC9807281 DOI: 10.1089/jamp.2022.0043] [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] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: As the COVID-19 pandemic has progressed, numerous variants of SARS-CoV-2 have arisen, with several displaying increased transmissibility. Methods: The present study compared dose-response relationships and disease presentation in nonhuman primates infected with aerosols containing an isolate of the Gamma variant of SARS-CoV-2 to the results of our previous study with the earlier WA-1 isolate of SARS-CoV-2. Results: Disease in Gamma-infected animals was mild, characterized by dose-dependent fever and oronasal shedding of virus. Differences were observed in shedding in the upper respiratory tract between Gamma- and WA-1-infected animals that have the potential to influence disease transmission. Specifically, the estimated median doses for shedding of viral RNA or infectious virus in nasal swabs were approximately 10-fold lower for the Gamma variant than the WA-1 isolate. Given that the median doses for fever were similar, this suggests that there is a greater difference between the median doses for viral shedding and fever for Gamma than for WA-1 and potentially an increased range of doses for Gamma over which asymptomatic shedding and disease transmission are possible. Conclusions: These results complement those of previous studies, which suggested that differences in exposure dose may help to explain the range of clinical disease presentations observed in individuals with COVID-19, highlighting the importance of public health measures designed to limit exposure dose, such as masking and social distancing. The dose-response data provided by this study are important to inform disease transmission and hazard modeling, as well as to inform dose selection in future studies examining the efficacy of therapeutics and vaccines in animal models of inhalational COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A. Dabisch
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA.,Address correspondence to: Paul A. Dabisch, PhD, National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 8300 Research Plaza, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Jaleal S. Sanjak
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Jeremy A. Boydston
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - John Yeager
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Jennifer Biryukov
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Katie Beck
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Danh Do
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Brittany G. Seman
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Brian Green
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Jordan K. Bohannon
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Brian Holland
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - David Miller
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Taylor Ammons
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Denise Freeburger
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Susan Miller
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Tammy Jenkins
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Sherry Rippeon
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - James Miller
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - David Clarke
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Emmanuel Manan
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Ashley Patty
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Kim Rhodes
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Tina Sweeney
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael Winpigler
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Louis A. Altamura
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Heather Zimmerman
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Alec S. Hail
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Victoria Wahl
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael Hevey
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
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10
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Durmaz V, Köchl K, Krassnigg A, Parigger L, Hetmann M, Singh A, Nutz D, Korsunsky A, Kahler U, König C, Chang L, Krebs M, Bassetto R, Pavkov-Keller T, Resch V, Gruber K, Steinkellner G, Gruber CC. Structural bioinformatics analysis of SARS-CoV-2 variants reveals higher hACE2 receptor binding affinity for Omicron B.1.1.529 spike RBD compared to wild type reference. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14534. [PMID: 36008461 PMCID: PMC9406262 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18507-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, more than 263 million people have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic. In many countries, the global spread occurred in multiple pandemic waves characterized by the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants. Here we report a sequence and structural-bioinformatics analysis to estimate the effects of amino acid substitutions on the affinity of the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor binding domain (RBD) to the human receptor hACE2. This is done through qualitative electrostatics and hydrophobicity analysis as well as molecular dynamics simulations used to develop a high-precision empirical scoring function (ESF) closely related to the linear interaction energy method and calibrated on a large set of experimental binding energies. For the latest variant of concern (VOC), B.1.1.529 Omicron, our Halo difference point cloud studies reveal the largest impact on the RBD binding interface compared to all other VOC. Moreover, according to our ESF model, Omicron achieves a much higher ACE2 binding affinity than the wild type and, in particular, the highest among all VOCs except Alpha and thus requires special attention and monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Michael Hetmann
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, 8010, Graz, Austria.,Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Amit Singh
- Innophore GmbH, 8010, Graz, Austria.,Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | | | | | | | | | - Lee Chang
- AWS Diagnostic Development Initiative-Global Social Impact, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Marius Krebs
- Amazon Web Services EMEA SARL, 80807, Muenchen, Germany
| | | | - Tea Pavkov-Keller
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Karl Gruber
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, 8010, Graz, Austria.,Field of Excellence BioHealth-University of Graz, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Georg Steinkellner
- Innophore GmbH, 8010, Graz, Austria. .,Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, 8010, Graz, Austria.
| | - Christian C Gruber
- Innophore GmbH, 8010, Graz, Austria. .,Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, 8010, Graz, Austria.
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11
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Impact of SARS-CoV-2 RBD Mutations on the Production of a Recombinant RBD Fusion Protein in Mammalian Cells. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091170. [PMID: 36139010 PMCID: PMC9496381 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091170] [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: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) is a major target for the development of diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics directed against COVID-19. Important efforts have been dedicated to the rapid and efficient production of recombinant RBD proteins for clinical and diagnostic applications. One of the main challenges is the ongoing emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants that carry mutations within the RBD, resulting in the constant need to design and optimise the production of new recombinant protein variants. We describe here the impact of naturally occurring RBD mutations on the secretion of a recombinant Fc-tagged RBD protein expressed in HEK 293 cells. We show that mutation E484K of the B.1.351 variant interferes with the proper disulphide bond formation and folding of the recombinant protein, resulting in its retention into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and reduced protein secretion. Accumulation of the recombinant B.1.351 RBD-Fc fusion protein in the ER correlated with the upregulation of endogenous ER chaperones, suggestive of the unfolded protein response (UPR). Overexpression of the chaperone and protein disulphide isomerase PDIA2 further impaired protein secretion by altering disulphide bond formation and increasing ER retention. This work contributes to a better understanding of the challenges faced in producing mutant RBD proteins and can assist in the design of optimisation protocols.
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12
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Patrick C, Upadhyay V, Lucas A, Mallela KM. Biophysical Fitness Landscape of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant Receptor Binding Domain. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167622. [PMID: 35533762 PMCID: PMC9076029 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Among the five known SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, Delta is the most virulent leading to severe symptoms and increased mortality among infected people. Our study seeks to examine how the biophysical parameters of the Delta variant correlate to the clinical observations. Receptor binding domain (RBD) is the first point of contact with the human host cells and is the immunodominant form of the spike protein. Delta variant RBD contains two novel mutations L452R and T478K. We examined the effect of single as well as the double mutations on RBD expression in human Expi293 cells, RBD stability using urea and thermal denaturation, and RBD binding to angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and to neutralizing antibodies using isothermal titration calorimetry. Delta variant RBD showed significantly higher expression compared to the wild-type RBD, and the increased expression is due to L452R mutation. Despite their non-conservative nature, none of the mutations significantly affected RBD structure and stability. All mutants showed similar binding affinity to ACE2 and to Class 1 antibodies (CC12.1 and LY-CoV016) as that of the wild-type. Delta double mutant L452R/T478K showed no binding to Class 2 antibodies (P2B-2F6 and LY-CoV555) and a hundred-fold weaker binding to a Class 3 antibody (REGN10987), and the decreased antibody binding is determined by the L452R mutation. These results indicate that the immune escape from neutralizing antibodies, rather than increased receptor binding, is the main biophysical parameter that determined the fitness landscape of the Delta variant RBD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Krishna M.G. Mallela
- Corresponding author at: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12850 E. Montview Blvd, MS C238-V20, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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13
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Bazargan M, Elahi R, Esmaeilzadeh A. OMICRON: Virology, immunopathogenesis, and laboratory diagnosis. J Gene Med 2022; 24:e3435. [PMID: 35726542 PMCID: PMC9350010 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Since its emersion, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been a significant global dilemma. Several mutations in the severe acute respiratory virus (SARS-Co-2) genome has given rise to different variants with various levels of transmissibility, severity and mortality. Up until November 2021, the variants of concern declared by the World Health Organization were Alpha, Beta, Delta and Gamma. Since then, a novel variant named Omicron (B.1.1.529) has been developed. BA.1, BA.1.1, BA.2 and BA.3 are four known subvariants of Omicron. The Omicron variant involves new mutations in its spike protein, most of which are in its receptor binding site, and increase its transmissibility and decrease its antibody and vaccine response. Understanding the virology and mutations of Omicron is necessary for developing diagnostic and therapeutic methods. Moreover, important issues, such as the risk of re-infection, the response to different kinds of vaccines, the need for a booster vaccine dose and the increased risk of Omicron infection in pediatrics, need to be addressed. In this article, we provide an overview of the biological and immunopathological properties of Omicron and its subvariants, its clinical signs and symptoms, Omicron and pediatrics, vaccines against Omicron, re-infection with Omicron, diagnostic approaches and specific challenges of Omicron in the successful control and management of the rapid global spread of this variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Bazargan
- Department of Immunology, School of MedicineSahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
- Virology Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Masih Daneshvari HospitalSahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Reza Elahi
- School of MedicineZanjan University of Medical SciencesZanjanIran
| | - Abdolreza Esmaeilzadeh
- Department of ImmunologyZanjan University of Medical SciencesZanjanIran
- Cancer Gene Therapy Research CenterZanjan University of Medical SciencesZanjanIran
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14
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Lata S, Akif M. Probing structural basis for enhanced binding of SARS-CoV-2 P.1 variant spike protein with the human ACE2 receptor. J Cell Biochem 2022; 123:1207-1221. [PMID: 35620980 PMCID: PMC9347910 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30276] [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: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The initial step of infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) involves the binding of receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein to the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. Each successive wave of SARS‐CoV‐2 reports emergence of many new variants, which is associated with mutations in the RBD as well as other parts of the spike protein. These mutations are reported to have enhanced affinity towards the ACE2 receptor as well as are also crucial for the virus transmission. Many computational and experimental studies have demonstrated the effect of individual mutation on the RBD‐ACE2 binding. However, the cumulative effect of mutations on the RBD and away from the RBD was not investigated in detail. We report here a comparative analysis on the structural communication and dynamics of the RBD and truncated S1 domain of spike protein in complex with the ACE2 receptor from SARS‐CoV‐2 wild type and its P.1 variant. Our integrative network and dynamics approaches highlighted a subtle conformational changes in the RBD as well as truncated S1 domain of spike protein at the protein contact level, responsible for the increased affinity with the ACE2 receptor. Moreover, our study also identified the commonalities and differences in the dynamics of the interactions between spike protein of SARS‐CoV‐2 wild type and its P.1 variant with the ACE2 receptor. Further, our investigation yielded an understanding towards identification of the unique RBD residues crucial for the interaction with the ACE2 host receptor. Overall, the study provides an insight for designing better therapeutics against the circulating P.1 variants as well as other future variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surabhi Lata
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Mohd Akif
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
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15
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Padilla-Blanco M, Gucciardi F, Guercio A, Rubio V, Princiotta A, Veses V, Terrana M, Sheth CC, Pascual-Ortiz M, Maiques E, Purpari G, Rubio-Guerri C. Pilot Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 Variants in the Island of Sicily Prior to and in the Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:869559. [PMID: 35558104 PMCID: PMC9087553 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.869559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
After 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to face vital challenges stemming from SARS-CoV-2 variation, causing changes in disease transmission and severity, viral adaptation to animal hosts, and antibody/vaccine evasion. Since the monitoring, characterization, and cataloging of viral variants are important and the existing information on this was scant for Sicily, this pilot study explored viral variants circulation on this island before and in the growth phase of the second wave of COVID-19 (September and October 2020), and in the downslope of that wave (early December 2020) through sequence analysis of 54 SARS-CoV-2-positive samples. The samples were nasopharyngeal swabs collected from Sicilian residents by a state-run one-health surveillance laboratory in Palermo. Variant characterization was based on RT-PCR amplification and sequencing of four regions of the viral genome. The B.1.177 variant was the most prevalent one, strongly predominating before the second wave and also as the wave downsized, although its relative prevalence decreased as other viral variants, particularly B.1.160, contributed to virus circulation. The occurrence of the B.1.160 variant may have been driven by the spread of that variant in continental Europe and by the relaxation of travel restrictions in the summer of 2020. No novel variants were identified. As sequencing of the entire viral genome in Sicily for the period covered here was restricted to seven deposited viral genome sequences, our results shed some light on SARS-CoV-2 variant circulation during that wave in this insular region of Italy which combines its partial insular isolation with being a major entry point for the African immigration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Padilla-Blanco
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Francesca Gucciardi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Palermo, Italy
| | - Annalisa Guercio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Palermo, Italy
| | - Vicente Rubio
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia (IBV-CSIC), CIBER of Rare Diseases (CIBERER-ISCIII), Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonina Princiotta
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Palermo, Italy
| | - Veronica Veses
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mariangela Terrana
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Palermo, Italy
| | - Chirag C Sheth
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marina Pascual-Ortiz
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Elisa Maiques
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Giuseppa Purpari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Palermo, Italy
| | - Consuelo Rubio-Guerri
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
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16
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Cheng MH, Krieger JM, Banerjee A, Xiang Y, Kaynak B, Shi Y, Arditi M, Bahar I. Impact of new variants on SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and neutralization: A molecular assessment of the alterations in the spike-host protein interactions. iScience 2022; 25:103939. [PMID: 35194576 PMCID: PMC8851820 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.103939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants necessitates rational assessment of their impact on the recognition and neutralization of the virus by the host cell. We present a comparative analysis of the interactions of Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta variants with cognate molecules (ACE2 and/or furin), neutralizing nanobodies (Nbs), and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) using in silico methods, in addition to Nb-binding assays. Our study elucidates the molecular origin of the ability of Beta and Delta variants to evade selected antibodies, such as REGN10933, LY-CoV555, B38, C105, or H11-H4, while being insensitive to others including REGN10987. Experiments confirm that nanobody Nb20 retains neutralizing activity against the Delta variant. The substitutions T478K and L452R in the Delta variant enhance associations with ACE2, whereas P681R promotes recognition by proteases, thus facilitating viral entry. The Ab-specific responses of variants highlight how full-atomic structure and dynamics analyses are required for assessing the response to newly emerging variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Hongying Cheng
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - James M. Krieger
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Anupam Banerjee
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Yufei Xiang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Burak Kaynak
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Yi Shi
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Moshe Arditi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, and Biomedical Sciences, Infectious and Immunologic Diseases Research Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Ivet Bahar
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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