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Zheng H, Zhao H, Xiong H, Awais MM, Zeng S, Sun J. Bioproduction and immunogenic evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 prototype vaccine in silkworm BmN cells. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 276:134027. [PMID: 39033889 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134027] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has presented a significant challenge to global health, security, and the economy. Vaccination is considered a crucial measure in preventing virus transmission. The silkworm bioreactor has gained widespread usage in antigen presentation, monoclonal antibody preparation, and subunit vaccine development due to its safety, efficiency, convenience, and cost-effectiveness. In this study, we employed silkworm BmN cells and the silkworm MultiBac multigene co-expression system to successfully produce two prototype vaccines: a recombinant baculovirus vector vaccine (NPV) co-displaying the SARS-CoV-2 virus capsid protein and a capsid protein virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine. Following the purification of these vaccines, we immunized BALB/c mice to evaluate their immunogenicity. Our results demonstrated that both VLP and NPV prototype vaccines effectively elicited robust immune responses in mice. However, when equal inoculation doses between groups were compared, the recombinant NPV vaccine exhibited significantly higher serum antibody titers and increased expression of spleen cytokines and lymphocyte immune regulatory factors compared to the VLP group. These results suggested an increased immune efficacy of the recombinant NPV vaccine. Conversely, the VLP prototype vaccine displayed more pronounced effects on lymphocyte cell differentiation induction. This study successfully constructed two distinct morphological recombinant vaccine models and systematically elucidated their differences in humoral immune response and lymphocyte differentiation rate. Furthermore, it has fully harnessed the immense potential of silkworm bioreactors for vaccine research and development, providing valuable technical insights for studying mutated viruses like coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, Subtropical Sericulture and Mulberry Resources Protection and Safety Engineering Research Center, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Hengfeng Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, Subtropical Sericulture and Mulberry Resources Protection and Safety Engineering Research Center, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Haifan Xiong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, Subtropical Sericulture and Mulberry Resources Protection and Safety Engineering Research Center, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Mian Muhammad Awais
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, Subtropical Sericulture and Mulberry Resources Protection and Safety Engineering Research Center, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Songrong Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Utilization and Conservation of Food and Medicinal Resources in Northern Region, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan 512005, China
| | - Jingchen Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, Subtropical Sericulture and Mulberry Resources Protection and Safety Engineering Research Center, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China.
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Ferdoush J, Abdul Kadir R, Simay Kaplanoglu S, Osborn M. SARS-CoV-2 and UPS with potentials for therapeutic interventions. Gene 2024; 912:148377. [PMID: 38490508 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148377] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
The Ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS), an essential eukaryotic/host/cellular post-translational modification (PTM), plays a critical role in the regulation of diverse cellular functions including regulation of protein stability, immune signaling, antiviral activity, as well as virus replication. Although UPS regulation of viral proteins may be utilized by the host as a defense mechanism to invade viruses, viruses may have adapted to take advantage of the host UPS. This system can be manipulated by viruses such as the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to stimulate various steps of the viral replication cycle and facilitate pathogenesis, thereby causing the respiratory disease COVID-19. Many SARS-CoV-2 encoded proteins including open reading frame 3a (ORF3a), ORF6, ORF7a, ORF9b, and ORF10 interact with the host's UPS machinery, influencing host immune signaling and apoptosis. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 encoded papain-like protease (PLpro) interferes with the host UPS to facilitate viral replication and to evade the host's immune system. These alterations in SARS-CoV-2 infected cells have been revealed by various proteomic studies, suggesting potential targets for clinical treatment. To provide insight into the underlying causes of COVID-19 and suggest possible directions for therapeutic interventions, this paper reviews the intricate relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and UPS. Promising treatment strategies are also investigated in this paper including targeting PLpro with zinc-ejector drugs, as well as targeting viral non-structural protein (nsp12) via heat treatment associated ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation to reduce viral pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannatul Ferdoush
- Department of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga 615 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA.
| | - Rizwaan Abdul Kadir
- Department of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga 615 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA
| | - Selin Simay Kaplanoglu
- Department of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga 615 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA
| | - Morgan Osborn
- Department of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga 615 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA
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3
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Rajan A, Nair AS, Pillai VS, Kumar B, Pai AR, Benny B, Veettil MV. Highly sensitive and quantitative HiBiT-tagged Nipah virus-like particles: A platform for rapid antibody neutralization studies. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31905. [PMID: 38868026 PMCID: PMC11167343 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31905] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Biocontainment regulations restrict the research on NiV to BSL-4 laboratories, thus limiting the mechanistic studies related to viral entry and allied pathogenesis. Understanding the precise process of viral-particle production and host cell entry is critical for designing targeted therapies or particle-based vaccines. In this study, we have synthesized HiBiT-tagged-NiV-VLPs to ease in-vitro BSL-2 particle handling. We propose a simple yet effective approach of generating substantial amount of HiBiT-tagged NiV-VLPs in vitro by co-expressing viral structural proteins in HEK293T cells. Though homologous to parent virus, the incapacitated replication potential facilitates a BSL-2 handling of these particles. The inclusion of a highly sensitive HiBiT tag on these VLPs allows for a quick detection of viral binding and entry, as well as in assessing the efficiency of neutralizing antibodies in vitro using the NanoBiT technology. The HiBiT-tag binds in high affinity with LgBiT (Large BiT an 18 kDa fusion protein and complementary subunit of HiBiT peptide), and the resultant complex elicits high intensity luminescence in the presence of substrate. The VLPs produced were morphologically and functionally identical to the native virus, and the HiBiT-tag permitted their quick application in viral binding, entry, and antibody neutralization assays. "Thus, we report a simple setting for generating HiBiT-NiV VLPs which can be utilized in a BSL-2 laboratory, to concurrently quantify features of NiV assembly, binding and entry. This also offers an alternate-safe and effective platform for viral based antibody neutralization assays in vitro".
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Affiliation(s)
- Arathi Rajan
- Department of General Virology, Institute of Advanced Virology (IAV), Kerala, 695317, India
| | - Anuja S. Nair
- Department of General Virology, Institute of Advanced Virology (IAV), Kerala, 695317, India
| | - Vinod Soman Pillai
- Department of General Virology, Institute of Advanced Virology (IAV), Kerala, 695317, India
| | - Binod Kumar
- Department of Antiviral Research, Institute of Advanced Virology (IAV), Kerala, 695317, India
| | - Anupama R. Pai
- Department of General Virology, Institute of Advanced Virology (IAV), Kerala, 695317, India
| | - Bimitha Benny
- Department of General Virology, Institute of Advanced Virology (IAV), Kerala, 695317, India
| | - Mohanan Valiya Veettil
- Department of General Virology, Institute of Advanced Virology (IAV), Kerala, 695317, India
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4
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Li S, Li H, Lian R, Xie J, Feng R. New perspective of small-molecule antiviral drugs development for RNA viruses. Virology 2024; 594:110042. [PMID: 38492519 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2024.110042] [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: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
High variability and adaptability of RNA viruses allows them to spread between humans and animals, causing large-scale infectious diseases which seriously threat human and animal health and social development. At present, AIDS, viral hepatitis and other viral diseases with high incidence and low cure rate are still spreading around the world. The outbreaks of Ebola, Zika, dengue and in particular of the global pandemic of COVID-19 have presented serious challenges to the global public health system. The development of highly effective and broad-spectrum antiviral drugs is a substantial and urgent research subject to deal with the current RNA virus infection and the possible new viral infections in the future. In recent years, with the rapid development of modern disciplines such as artificial intelligence technology, bioinformatics, molecular biology, and structural biology, some new strategies and targets for antivirals development have emerged. Here we review the main strategies and new targets for developing small-molecule antiviral drugs against RNA viruses through the analysis of the new drug development progress against several highly pathogenic RNA viruses, to provide clues for development of future antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Li
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China; Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioengineering of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Huixia Li
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioengineering of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Ruiya Lian
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China; Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioengineering of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Jingying Xie
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China; Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioengineering of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Ruofei Feng
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioengineering of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China.
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Puarattana-aroonkorn S, Tharakaraman K, Suriyawipada D, Ruchirawat M, Fuangthong M, Sasisekharan R, Artpradit C. Rapid and Scalable Production of Functional SARS-CoV-2 Virus-like Particles (VLPs) by a Stable HEK293 Cell Pool. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:561. [PMID: 38932290 PMCID: PMC11209123 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
At times of pandemics, such as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, the situation demands rapid development and production timelines of safe and effective vaccines for delivering life-saving medications quickly to patients. Typical biologics production relies on using the lengthy and arduous approach of stable single-cell clones. Here, we used an alternative approach, a stable cell pool that takes only weeks to generate compared to a stable single-cell clone that needs several months to complete. We employed the membrane, envelope, and highly immunogenic spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 to produce virus-like particles (VLPs) using the HEK293-F cell line as a host system with an economical transfection reagent. The cell pool showed the stability of protein expression for more than one month. We demonstrated that the production of SARS-CoV-2 VLPs using this cell pool was scalable up to a stirred-tank 2 L bioreactor in fed-batch mode. The purified VLPs were properly assembled, and their size was consistent with the authentic virus. Our particles were functional as they specifically entered the cell that naturally expresses ACE-2. Notably, this work reports a practical and cost-effective manufacturing platform for scalable SARS-CoV-2 VLPs production and chromatographic purification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kannan Tharakaraman
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Disapan Suriyawipada
- Translational Research Unit, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand (M.F.)
| | - Mathuros Ruchirawat
- Translational Research Unit, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand (M.F.)
- Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), OPS, MHESI, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Mayuree Fuangthong
- Translational Research Unit, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand (M.F.)
- Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), OPS, MHESI, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Program in Applied Biological Sciences, Chulabhorn Graduate Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Ram Sasisekharan
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Charlermchai Artpradit
- Translational Research Unit, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand (M.F.)
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6
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Xiao X, Fu Y, You W, Huang C, Zeng F, Gu X, Sun X, Li J, Zhang Q, Du W, Cheng G, Liu Z, Liu L. Inhibition of the RLR signaling pathway by SARS-CoV-2 ORF7b is mediated by MAVS and abrogated by ORF7b-homologous interfering peptide. J Virol 2024; 98:e0157323. [PMID: 38572974 PMCID: PMC11092349 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01573-23] [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: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and characterized by dysregulated immune response. Studies have shown that the SARS-CoV-2 accessory protein ORF7b induces host cell apoptosis through the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) pathway and blocks the production of interferon beta (IFN-β). The underlying mechanism remains to be investigated. In this study, we found that ORF7b facilitated viral infection and production, and inhibited the RIG-I-like receptor (RLR) signaling pathway through selectively interacting with mitochondrial antiviral-signaling protein (MAVS). MAVS439-466 region and MAVS Lys461 were essential for the physical association between MAVS and ORF7b, and the inhibition of the RLR signaling pathway by ORF7b. MAVSK461/K63 ubiquitination was essential for the RLR signaling regulated by the MAVS-ORF7b complex. ORF7b interfered with the recruitment of tumor necrosis factor receptor-related factor 6 (TRAF6) and the activation of the RLR signaling pathway by MAVS. Furthermore, interfering peptides targeting the ORF7b complex reversed the ORF7b-suppressed MAVS-RLR signaling pathway. The most potent interfering peptide V disrupts the formation of ORF7b tetramers, reverses the levels of the ORF7b-inhibited physical association between MAVS and TRAF6, leading to the suppression of viral growth and infection. Overall, this study provides a mechanism for the suppression of innate immunity by SARS-CoV-2 infection and the mechanism-based approach via interfering peptides to potentially prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection.IMPORTANCEThe pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and continues to be a threat to public health. It is imperative to understand the biology of SARS-CoV-2 infection and find approaches to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and ameliorate COVID-19. Multiple SARS-CoV-2 proteins are known to function on the innate immune response, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. This study shows that ORF7b inhibits the RIG-I-like receptor (RLR) signaling pathway through the physical association between ORF7b and mitochondrial antiviral-signaling protein (MAVS), impairing the K63-linked MAVS polyubiquitination and its recruitment of tumor necrosis factor receptor-related factor 6 (TRAF6) to MAVS. The most potent interfering peptide V targeting the ORF7b-MAVS complex may reverse the suppression of the MAVS-mediated RLR signaling pathway by ORF7b and prevent viral infection and production. This study may provide new insights into the pathogenic mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 and a strategy to develop new drugs to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Xiao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Yanan Fu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Wanling You
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Congcong Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Feng Zeng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Xinsheng Gu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Xiaoguang Sun
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Qiwei Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weixing Du
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Gong Cheng
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhixin Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Long Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
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7
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Lei R, Qing E, Odle A, Yuan M, Gunawardene CD, Tan TJC, So N, Ouyang WO, Wilson IA, Gallagher T, Perlman S, Wu NC, Wong LYR. Functional and antigenic characterization of SARS-CoV-2 spike fusion peptide by deep mutational scanning. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4056. [PMID: 38744813 PMCID: PMC11094058 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48104-8] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The fusion peptide of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is functionally important for membrane fusion during virus entry and is part of a broadly neutralizing epitope. However, sequence determinants at the fusion peptide and its adjacent regions for pathogenicity and antigenicity remain elusive. In this study, we perform a series of deep mutational scanning (DMS) experiments on an S2 region spanning the fusion peptide of authentic SARS-CoV-2 in different cell lines and in the presence of broadly neutralizing antibodies. We identify mutations at residue 813 of the spike protein that reduced TMPRSS2-mediated entry with decreased virulence. In addition, we show that an F823Y mutation, present in bat betacoronavirus HKU9 spike protein, confers resistance to broadly neutralizing antibodies. Our findings provide mechanistic insights into SARS-CoV-2 pathogenicity and also highlight a potential challenge in developing broadly protective S2-based coronavirus vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruipeng Lei
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Enya Qing
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA
| | - Abby Odle
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Meng Yuan
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Chaminda D Gunawardene
- Center for Virus-Host Innate Immunity, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Timothy J C Tan
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Natalie So
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Department of Computer Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Wenhao O Ouyang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Ian A Wilson
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
- The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Tom Gallagher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA.
| | - Stanley Perlman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
| | - Nicholas C Wu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
| | - Lok-Yin Roy Wong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
- Center for Virus-Host Innate Immunity, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
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8
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Wu G, Li Q, Dai J, Mao G, Ma Y. Design and Application of Biosafe Coronavirus Engineering Systems without Virulence. Viruses 2024; 16:659. [PMID: 38793541 PMCID: PMC11126016 DOI: 10.3390/v16050659] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In the last twenty years, three deadly zoonotic coronaviruses (CoVs)-namely, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and SARS-CoV-2-have emerged. They are considered highly pathogenic for humans, particularly SARS-CoV-2, which caused the 2019 CoV disease pandemic (COVID-19), endangering the lives and health of people globally and causing unpredictable economic losses. Experiments on wild-type viruses require biosafety level 3 or 4 laboratories (BSL-3 or BSL-4), which significantly hinders basic virological research. Therefore, the development of various biosafe CoV systems without virulence is urgently needed to meet the requirements of different research fields, such as antiviral and vaccine evaluation. This review aimed to comprehensively summarize the biosafety of CoV engineering systems. These systems combine virological foundations with synthetic genomics techniques, enabling the development of efficient tools for attenuated or non-virulent vaccines, the screening of antiviral drugs, and the investigation of the pathogenic mechanisms of novel microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqiang Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; (G.W.); (Q.L.); (J.D.)
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau SAR 999078, China
| | - Qiaoyu Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; (G.W.); (Q.L.); (J.D.)
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Junbiao Dai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; (G.W.); (Q.L.); (J.D.)
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China
| | - Guobin Mao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; (G.W.); (Q.L.); (J.D.)
| | - Yingxin Ma
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; (G.W.); (Q.L.); (J.D.)
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9
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Dey D, Qing E, He Y, Chen Y, Jennings B, Cohn W, Singh S, Gakhar L, Schnicker NJ, Pierce BG, Whitelegge JP, Doray B, Orban J, Gallagher T, Hasan SS. A single C-terminal residue controls SARS-CoV-2 spike trafficking and incorporation into VLPs. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8358. [PMID: 38102143 PMCID: PMC10724246 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44076-3] [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: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 is delivered to the virion assembly site in the ER-Golgi Intermediate Compartment (ERGIC) from both the ER and cis-Golgi in infected cells. However, the relevance and modulatory mechanism of this bidirectional trafficking are unclear. Here, using structure-function analyses, we show that S incorporation into virus-like particles (VLP) and VLP fusogenicity are determined by coatomer-dependent S delivery from the cis-Golgi and restricted by S-coatomer dissociation. Although S mimicry of the host coatomer-binding dibasic motif ensures retrograde trafficking to the ERGIC, avoidance of the host-like C-terminal acidic residue is critical for S-coatomer dissociation and therefore incorporation into virions or export for cell-cell fusion. Because this C-terminal residue is the key determinant of SARS-CoV-2 assembly and fusogenicity, our work provides a framework for the export of S protein encoded in genetic vaccines for surface display and immune activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debajit Dey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Enya Qing
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA
| | - Yanan He
- University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Yihong Chen
- University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Benjamin Jennings
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Whitaker Cohn
- Pasarow Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, The Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Suruchi Singh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Lokesh Gakhar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Protein and Crystallography Facility, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- PAQ Therapeutics, Burlington, MA, 01803, USA
| | - Nicholas J Schnicker
- Protein and Crystallography Facility, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Brian G Pierce
- University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Julian P Whitelegge
- Pasarow Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, The Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Balraj Doray
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - John Orban
- University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Tom Gallagher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA
| | - S Saif Hasan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
- Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA.
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10
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Lei R, Qing E, Odle A, Yuan M, Tan TJ, So N, Ouyang WO, Wilson IA, Gallagher T, Perlman S, Wu NC, Wong LYR. Functional and antigenic characterization of SARS-CoV-2 spike fusion peptide by deep mutational scanning. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.28.569051. [PMID: 38076875 PMCID: PMC10705381 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.28.569051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The fusion peptide of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is functionally important for membrane fusion during virus entry and is part of a broadly neutralizing epitope. However, sequence determinants at the fusion peptide and its adjacent regions for pathogenicity and antigenicity remain elusive. In this study, we performed a series of deep mutational scanning (DMS) experiments on an S2 region spanning the fusion peptide of authentic SARS-CoV-2 in different cell lines and in the presence of broadly neutralizing antibodies. We identified mutations at residue 813 of the spike protein that reduced TMPRSS2-mediated entry with decreased virulence. In addition, we showed that an F823Y mutation, present in bat betacoronavirus HKU9 spike protein, confers resistance to broadly neutralizing antibodies. Our findings provide mechanistic insights into SARS-CoV-2 pathogenicity and also highlight a potential challenge in developing broadly protective S2-based coronavirus vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruipeng Lei
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Enya Qing
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Abby Odle
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Meng Yuan
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Timothy J.C. Tan
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Natalie So
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Department of Computer Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Wenhao O. Ouyang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Ian A. Wilson
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Tom Gallagher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Stanley Perlman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Nicholas C. Wu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Lok-Yin Roy Wong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Center for Virus-Host-Innate Immunity, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
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11
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S Mesquita F, Abrami L, Bracq L, Panyain N, Mercier V, Kunz B, Chuat A, Carlevaro-Fita J, Trono D, van der Goot FG. SARS-CoV-2 hijacks a cell damage response, which induces transcription of a more efficient Spike S-acyltransferase. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7302. [PMID: 37952051 PMCID: PMC10640587 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43027-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection requires Spike protein-mediated fusion between the viral and cellular membranes. The fusogenic activity of Spike depends on its post-translational lipid modification by host S-acyltransferases, predominantly ZDHHC20. Previous observations indicate that SARS-CoV-2 infection augments the S-acylation of Spike when compared to mere Spike transfection. Here, we find that SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers a change in the transcriptional start site of the zdhhc20 gene, both in cells and in an in vivo infection model, resulting in a 67-amino-acid-long N-terminally extended protein with approx. 40 times higher Spike acylating activity, resulting in enhanced fusion of viruses with host cells. Furthermore, we observed the same induced transcriptional change in response to other challenges, such as chemically induced colitis and pore-forming toxins, indicating that SARS-CoV-2 hijacks an existing cell damage response pathway to optimize it fusion glycoprotein.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laurence Abrami
- Global Health Institute, School of Life Sciences, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lucie Bracq
- Global Health Institute, School of Life Sciences, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nattawadee Panyain
- Global Health Institute, School of Life Sciences, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Mercier
- Global Health Institute, School of Life Sciences, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
- ACCESS, Department of Biochemistry, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Béatrice Kunz
- Global Health Institute, School of Life Sciences, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Audrey Chuat
- Global Health Institute, School of Life Sciences, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Didier Trono
- Global Health Institute, School of Life Sciences, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
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12
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Roessler J, Pich D, Krähling V, Becker S, Keppler OT, Zeidler R, Hammerschmidt W. SARS-CoV-2 and Epstein-Barr Virus-like Particles Associate and Fuse with Extracellular Vesicles in Virus Neutralization Tests. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2892. [PMID: 38001893 PMCID: PMC10669694 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11112892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The successful development of effective viral vaccines depends on well-known correlates of protection, high immunogenicity, acceptable safety criteria, low reactogenicity, and well-designed immune monitoring and serology. Virus-neutralizing antibodies are often a good correlate of protective immunity, and their serum concentration is a key parameter during the pre-clinical and clinical testing of vaccine candidates. Viruses are inherently infectious and potentially harmful, but we and others developed replication-defective SARS-CoV-2 virus-like-particles (VLPs) as surrogates for infection to quantitate neutralizing antibodies with appropriate target cells using a split enzyme-based approach. Here, we show that SARS-CoV-2 and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-derived VLPs associate and fuse with extracellular vesicles in a highly specific manner, mediated by the respective viral fusion proteins and their corresponding host receptors. We highlight the capacity of virus-neutralizing antibodies to interfere with this interaction and demonstrate a potent application using this technology. To overcome the common limitations of most virus neutralization tests, we developed a quick in vitro diagnostic assay based on the fusion of SARS-CoV-2 VLPs with susceptible vesicles to quantitate neutralizing antibodies without the need for infectious viruses or living cells. We validated this method by testing a set of COVID-19 patient serum samples, correlated the results with those of a conventional test, and found good sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this serological assay can be adapted to a human herpesvirus, EBV, and possibly other enveloped viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Roessler
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, 81377 Munich, Germany; (J.R.); (R.Z.)
- Research Unit Gene Vectors, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, 81377 Munich, Germany;
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany;
| | - Dagmar Pich
- Research Unit Gene Vectors, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, 81377 Munich, Germany;
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany;
| | - Verena Krähling
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (V.K.); (S.B.)
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Giessen-Marburg-Langen, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Becker
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (V.K.); (S.B.)
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Giessen-Marburg-Langen, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Oliver T. Keppler
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany;
- COVID-19 Registry of the LMU Munich (CORKUM), LMU University Hospital, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute and Gene Center, Virology, National Reference Center for Retroviruses, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Reinhard Zeidler
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, 81377 Munich, Germany; (J.R.); (R.Z.)
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany;
- Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Munich, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Hammerschmidt
- Research Unit Gene Vectors, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, 81377 Munich, Germany;
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany;
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13
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Bodakuntla S, Kuhn CC, Biertümpfel C, Mizuno N. Cryo-electron microscopy in the fight against COVID-19-mechanism of virus entry. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1252529. [PMID: 37867557 PMCID: PMC10587472 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1252529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and electron tomography (cryo-ET) have become a critical tool for studying viral particles. Cryo-EM has enhanced our understanding of viral assembly and replication processes at a molecular resolution. Meanwhile, in situ cryo-ET has been used to investigate how viruses attach to and invade host cells. These advances have significantly contributed to our knowledge of viral biology. Particularly, prompt elucidations of structures of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and its variants have directly impacted the development of vaccines and therapeutic measures. This review discusses the progress made by cryo-EM based technologies in comprehending the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-Cov-2), the virus responsible for the devastating global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 with focus on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the mechanisms of the virus entry and replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satish Bodakuntla
- Laboratory of Structural Cell Biology, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Christopher Cyrus Kuhn
- Laboratory of Structural Cell Biology, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Christian Biertümpfel
- Laboratory of Structural Cell Biology, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Naoko Mizuno
- Laboratory of Structural Cell Biology, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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14
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Ju X, Wang Z, Wang P, Ren W, Yu Y, Yu Y, Yuan B, Song J, Zhang X, Zhang Y, Xu C, Tian B, Shi Y, Zhang R, Ding Q. SARS-CoV-2 main protease cleaves MAGED2 to antagonize host antiviral defense. mBio 2023; 14:e0137323. [PMID: 37439567 PMCID: PMC10470497 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01373-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the agent causing the global pandemic of COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 genome encodes a main protease (nsp5, also called Mpro) and a papain-like protease (nsp3, also called PLpro), which are responsible for processing viral polyproteins to assemble a functional replicase complex. In this study, we found that Mpro of SARS-CoV-2 can cleave human MAGED2 and other mammalian orthologs at Gln-263. Moreover, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV Mpro can also cleave human MAGED2, suggesting MAGED2 cleavage by Mpro is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism of coronavirus infection in mammals. Intriguingly, Mpro from Beta variant cleaves MAGED2 more efficiently than wild type, but Omicron Mpro is opposite. Further studies show that MAGED2 inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection at viral replication step. Mechanistically, MAGED2 is associated with SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein through its N-terminal region in an RNA-dependent manner, and this disrupts the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein and viral genome, thus inhibiting viral replication. When MAGED2 is cleaved by Mpro, the N-terminal of MAGED2 will translocate into the nucleus, and the truncated MAGED2 is unable to suppress SARS-CoV-2 replication. This work not only discovers the antiviral function of MAGED2 but also provides new insights into how SARS-CoV-2 Mpro antagonizes host antiviral response. IMPORTANCE Host factors that restrict severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection remain elusive. Here, we found that MAGED2 can be cleaved by SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) at Gln-263. SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV Mpro can also cleave MAGED2, and MAGED2 from multiple species can be cleaved by SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. Mpro from Beta variant cleaves MAGED2 more efficiently efficiently than wild type, but Omicron is the opposite. MAGED2 depletion enhances SARS-CoV-2 infection, suggesting its inhibitory role in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mechanistically, MAGED2 restricts SARS-CoV-2 replication by disrupting the interaction between nucleocapsid and viral genomes. When MAGED2 is cleaved, its N-terminal will translocate into the nucleus. In this way, Mpro relieves MAGED2' inhibition on viral replication. This study improves our understanding of complex viral-host interaction and provides novel targets to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Ju
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ziqiao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Biosafety Level 3 Laboratory, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pengcheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Biosafety Level 3 Laboratory, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenlin Ren
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanying Yu
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Biosafety Level 3 Laboratory, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Yuan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingwei Song
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaochun Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Chang Xu
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Boxue Tian
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Shi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Biosafety Level 3 Laboratory, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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15
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Qing E, Gallagher T. Adaptive variations in SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins: effects on distinct virus-cell entry stages. mBio 2023; 14:e0017123. [PMID: 37382441 PMCID: PMC10470846 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00171-23] [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: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Evolved SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) spread through human populations in succession. Major virus variations are in the entry-facilitating viral spike (S) proteins; Omicron VOCs have 29-40 S mutations relative to ancestral D614G viruses. The impacts of this Omicron divergence on S protein structure, antigenicity, cell entry pathways, and pathogenicity have been extensively evaluated, yet gaps remain in correlating specific alterations with S protein functions. In this study, we compared the functions of ancestral D614G and Omicron VOCs using cell-free assays that can reveal differences in several distinct steps of the S-directed virus entry process. Relative to ancestral D614G, Omicron BA.1 S proteins were hypersensitized to receptor activation, to conversion into intermediate conformational states, and to membrane fusion-activating proteases. We identified mutations conferring these changes in S protein character by evaluating domain-exchanged D614G/Omicron recombinants in the cell-free assays. Each of the three functional alterations was mapped to specific S protein domains, with the recombinants providing insights on inter-domain interactions that fine-tune S-directed virus entry. Our results provide a structure-function atlas of the S protein variations that may promote the transmissibility and infectivity of current and future SARS-CoV-2 VOCs. IMPORTANCE Continuous SARS-CoV-2 adaptations generate increasingly transmissible variants. These succeeding variants show ever-increasing evasion of suppressive antibodies and host factors, as well as increasing invasion of susceptible host cells. Here, we evaluated the adaptations enhancing invasion. We used reductionist cell-free assays to compare the entry steps of ancestral (D614G) and Omicron (BA.1) variants. Relative to D614G, Omicron entry was distinguished by heightened responsiveness to entry-facilitating receptors and proteases and by enhanced formation of intermediate states that execute virus-cell membrane fusion. We found that these Omicron-specific characteristics arose from mutations in specific S protein domains and subdomains. The results reveal the inter-domain networks controlling S protein dynamics and efficiencies of entry steps, and they offer insights on the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants that arise and ultimately dominate infections worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enya Qing
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, USA
| | - Tom Gallagher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, USA
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16
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Gullberg RC, Frydman J. Novel Mode of nanoLuciferase Packaging in SARS-CoV-2 Virions and VLPs Provides Versatile Reporters for Virus Production. Viruses 2023; 15:1335. [PMID: 37376634 DOI: 10.3390/v15061335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is a positive-strand RNA virus in the Coronaviridae family that is responsible for morbidity and mortality worldwide. To better understand the molecular pathways leading to SARS-CoV-2 virus assembly, we examined a virus-like particle (VLP) system co-expressing all structural proteins together with an mRNA reporter encoding nanoLuciferase (herein nLuc). Surprisingly, the 19 kDa nLuc protein itself was encapsidated into VLPs, providing a better reporter than nLuc mRNA itself. Strikingly, infecting nLuc-expressing cells with the SARS-CoV-2, NL63 or OC43 coronaviruses yielded virions containing packaged nLuc that served to report viral production. In contrast, infection with the flaviviruses, dengue or Zika, did not lead to nLuc packaging and secretion. A panel of reporter protein variants revealed that the packaging is size-limited and requires cytoplasmic expression, indicating that the large virion of coronaviruses can encaspidate a small cytoplasmic reporter protein. Our findings open the way for powerful new approaches to measure coronavirus particle production, egress and viral entry mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Judith Frydman
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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17
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Veena Rani N, Kapoor N, Krishnan A. Efficient generation and characterization of chimeric dengue viral-like particles. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 654:10-17. [PMID: 36878035 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.02.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Viral-like particles (VLPs) because of their non-infectious and high immunogenic properties have important applications in diagnostics, drug delivery, and vaccine production. They also serve as an attractive model system to study virus assembly and fusion processes. Unlike other flaviviruses, Dengue virus (DENV) is not very efficient in the production of VLPs on the expression of DENV structural proteins. On the other hand, the stem region and transmembrane region (TM) of G protein of Vesicular Stomatitis virus (VSV) alone are sufficient for budding. Here we generated chimeric VLPs replacing regions of stem and transmembrane domain (STEM) or only transmembrane domain (TM) of E protein of DENV-2 with corresponding regions of VSV G protein. Both chimeric proteins secreted VLPs at higher levels than the wild type (2-4 folds) without any significant change in the expression in the cell. Chimeric VLPs could be recognized by a conformational monoclonal antibody, 4G2. They were also found to interact with dengue-infected patient sera effectively thus implying that their antigenic determinants are preserved. In addition, they were able to bind to its putative receptor, heparin with similar affinity as the parent counterpart thus retaining its functional property. However, cell-cell fusion revealed that there is no significant increase in the fusion ability of chimeras as compared to the parent clone, whereas VSV G protein displayed high cell-cell fusion activity. Overall, this study suggests that chimeric dengue VLPs can be taken forward for their likely potential as vaccine production and serodiagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Veena Rani
- School of Sciences, IGNOU, New Delhi, 110068, India
| | - Neera Kapoor
- School of Sciences, IGNOU, New Delhi, 110068, India
| | - Anuja Krishnan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India.
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18
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Contreras PS, Tapia PJ, Jeong E, Ghosh S, Altan-Bonnet N, Puertollano R. Beta-coronaviruses exploit cellular stress responses by modulating TFEB and TFE3 activity. iScience 2023; 26:106169. [PMID: 36785787 PMCID: PMC9908431 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Beta-coronaviruses have emerged as a severe threat to global health. Undercovering the interplay between host and beta-coronaviruses is essential for understanding disease pathogenesis and developing efficient treatments. Here we report that the transcription factors TFEB and TFE3 translocate from the cytosol to the nucleus in response to beta-coronavirus infection by a mechanism that requires activation of calcineurin phosphatase. In the nucleus, TFEB and TFE3 bind to the promoter of multiple lysosomal and immune genes. Accordingly, MHV-induced upregulation of immune regulators is significantly decreased in TFEB/TFE3-depleted cells. Conversely, over-expression of either TFEB or TFE3 is sufficient to increase expression of several cytokines and chemokines. The reduced immune response observed in the absence of TFEB and TFE3 results in increased cellular survival of infected cells but also in reduced lysosomal exocytosis and decreased viral infectivity. These results suggest a central role of TFEB and TFE3 in cellular response to beta-coronavirus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo S. Contreras
- Cell and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Pablo J. Tapia
- Cell and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Eutteum Jeong
- Cell and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sourish Ghosh
- Cell and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nihal Altan-Bonnet
- Cell and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rosa Puertollano
- Cell and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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19
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Radiothermal Emission of Nanoparticles with a Complex Shape as a Tool for the Quality Control of Pharmaceuticals Containing Biologically Active Nanoparticles. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15030966. [PMID: 36986826 PMCID: PMC10059067 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
It has recently been shown that the titer of the SARS-CoV-2 virus decreases in a cell culture when the cell suspension is irradiated with electromagnetic waves at a frequency of 95 GHz. We assumed that a frequency range in the gigahertz and sub-terahertz ranges was one of the key aspects in the “tuning” of flickering dipoles in the dispersion interaction process of the surfaces of supramolecular structures. To verify this assumption, the intrinsic thermal radio emission in the gigahertz range of the following nanoparticles was studied: virus-like particles (VLP) of SARS-CoV-2 and rotavirus A, monoclonal antibodies to various RBD epitopes of SARS-CoV-2, interferon-α, antibodies to interferon-γ, humic–fulvic acids, and silver proteinate. At 37 °C or when activated by light with λ = 412 nm, these particles all demonstrated an increased (by two orders of magnitude compared to the background) level of electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range. The thermal radio emission flux density specifically depended on the type of nanoparticles, their concentration, and the method of their activation. The thermal radio emission flux density was capable of reaching 20 μW/(m2 sr). The thermal radio emission significantly exceeded the background only for nanoparticles with a complex surface shape (nonconvex polyhedra), while the thermal radio emission from spherical nanoparticles (latex spheres, serum albumin, and micelles) did not differ from the background. The spectral range of the emission apparently exceeded the frequencies of the Ka band (above 30 GHz). It was assumed that the complex shape of the nanoparticles contributed to the formation of temporary dipoles which, at a distance of up to 100 nm and due to the formation of an ultrahigh strength field, led to the formation of plasma-like surface regions that acted as emitters in the millimeter range. Such a mechanism makes it possible to explain many phenomena of the biological activity of nanoparticles, including the antibacterial properties of surfaces.
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20
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Kicmal T, Qing E, Hawkins GM, Wilcox A, Gallagher T. A cell-free platform to measure coronavirus membrane fusion. STAR Protoc 2023; 4:102189. [PMID: 36952334 PMCID: PMC9986121 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Here we present a protocol to measure coronavirus-mediated membrane fusion, an essential event in coronavirus cell entry. The approach uses nanoluciferase (Nluc) "HiBiT"-tagged corona virus-like particles (VLPs) and Nluc "LgBiT"-containing extracellular vesicles (EVs) as proxies for virus and cell, respectively. VLP-EV membrane fusion allows HiBiT and LgBiT to combine into measurable Nluc, which signifies virus fusion with target cell membranes. We highlight assay utility with methods to assess coronavirus-mediated fusion and its inhibition by antibodies and antiviral agents. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Qing et al. (2021),1 Qing et al. (2022),2 and Marcink et al. (2022).3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kicmal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA.
| | - Enya Qing
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Grant M Hawkins
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Alexandria Wilcox
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Tom Gallagher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA.
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21
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Low-volume label-free SARS-CoV-2 detection with the microcavity-based optical fiber sensor. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1512. [PMID: 36707671 PMCID: PMC9880943 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28790-y] [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] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Accurate and fast detection of viruses is crucial for controlling outbreaks of many diseases; therefore, to date, numerous sensing systems for their detection have been studied. On top of the performance of these sensing systems, the availability of biorecognition elements specific to especially the new etiological agents is an additional fundamental challenge. Therefore, besides high sensitivity and selectivity, such advantages as the size of the sensor and possibly low volume of analyzed samples are also important, especially at the stage of evaluating the receptor-target interactions in the case of new etiological agents when typically, only tiny amounts of the receptor are available for testing. This work introduces a real-time, highly miniaturized sensing solution based on microcavity in-line Mach-Zehnder interferometer (μIMZI) induced in optical fiber for SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles detection. The assay is designed to detect conserved regions of the SARS-CoV-2 viral particles in a sample with a volume as small as hundreds of picoliters, reaching the detection limit at the single ng per mL level.
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22
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SARS-CoV-2 Virus-like Particles (VLPs) Specifically Detect Humoral Immune Reactions in an ELISA-Based Platform. Antibodies (Basel) 2022; 11:antib11040076. [PMID: 36546901 PMCID: PMC9774516 DOI: 10.3390/antib11040076] [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] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A key in controlling the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is the assessment of the immune status of the population. We explored the utility of SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles (VLPs) as antigens to detect specific humoral immune reactions in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). For this purpose, SARS-CoV-2 VLPs were produced from an engineered cell line and characterized by Western blot, ELISA, and nanoparticle tracking analysis. Subsequently, we collected 42 serum samples from before the pandemic (2014), 89 samples from healthy subjects, and 38 samples from vaccinated subjects. Seventeen samples were collected less than three weeks after infection, and forty-four samples more than three weeks after infection. All serum samples were characterized for their reactivity with VLPs and the SARS-CoV-2 N- and S-protein. Finally, we compared the performance of the VLP-based ELISA with a certified in vitro diagnostic device (IVD). In the applied set of samples, we determined a sensitivity of 95.5% and a specificity of 100% for the certified IVD. There were seven samples with an uncertain outcome. Our VLP-ELISA demonstrated a superior performance, with a sensitivity of 97.5%, a specificity of 100%, and only three uncertain outcomes. This result warrants further research to develop a certified IVD based on SARS-CoV-2 VLPs as an antigen.
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23
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Gupta RK, Mlcochova P. Cyclin D3 restricts SARS-CoV-2 envelope incorporation into virions and interferes with viral spread. EMBO J 2022; 41:e111653. [PMID: 36161661 PMCID: PMC9539236 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022111653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) presents a great threat to human health. The interplay between the virus and host plays a crucial role in successful virus replication and transmission. Understanding host-virus interactions are essential for the development of new COVID-19 treatment strategies. Here, we show that SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers redistribution of cyclin D1 and cyclin D3 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, followed by proteasomal degradation. No changes to other cyclins or cyclin-dependent kinases were observed. Further, cyclin D depletion was independent of SARS-CoV-2-mediated cell cycle arrest in the early S phase or S/G2/M phase. Cyclin D3 knockdown by small-interfering RNA specifically enhanced progeny virus titres in supernatants. Finally, cyclin D3 co-immunoprecipitated with SARS-CoV-2 envelope (E) and membrane (M) proteins. We propose that cyclin D3 impairs the efficient incorporation of envelope protein into virions during assembly and is depleted during SARS-CoV-2 infection to restore efficient assembly and release of newly produced virions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi K Gupta
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease (CITIID)CambridgeUK,Department of MedicineUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK,Africa Health Research InstituteDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Petra Mlcochova
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease (CITIID)CambridgeUK,Department of MedicineUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
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24
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Jaron M, Lehky M, Zarà M, Zaydowicz CN, Lak A, Ballmann R, Heine PA, Wenzel EV, Schneider KT, Bertoglio F, Kempter S, Köster RW, Barbieri SS, van den Heuvel J, Hust M, Dübel S, Schubert M. Baculovirus-Free SARS-CoV-2 Virus-like Particle Production in Insect Cells for Rapid Neutralization Assessment. Viruses 2022. [PMID: 36298643 DOI: 10.3390/v14102087/s1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) resemble authentic virus while not containing any genomic information. Here, we present a fast and powerful method for the production of SARS-CoV-2 VLP in insect cells and the application of these VLPs to evaluate the inhibition capacity of monoclonal antibodies and sera of vaccinated donors. Our method avoids the baculovirus-based approaches commonly used in insect cells by employing direct plasmid transfection to co-express SARS-CoV-2 envelope, membrane, and spike protein that self-assemble into VLPs. After optimization of the expression plasmids and vector ratios, VLPs with an ~145 nm diameter and the typical "Corona" aura were obtained, as confirmed by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Fusion of the membrane protein to GFP allowed direct quantification of binding inhibition to angiotensin II-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on cells by therapeutic antibody candidates or sera from vaccinated individuals. Neither VLP purification nor fluorescent labeling by secondary antibodies are required to perform these flow cytometric assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Jaron
- Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Michael Lehky
- Recombinant Protein Expression Platform, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Marta Zarà
- Unit of Brain-Heart Axis, IRCCS Monzino Cardiology Center, Via C. Parea 4, 20138 Milano, Italy
| | - Chris Nicole Zaydowicz
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Aidin Lak
- Institute for Electrical Measurement Science and Fundamental Electrical Engineering, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hans-Sommer-Straße 66, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Rico Ballmann
- Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Philip Alexander Heine
- Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | | | - Kai-Thomas Schneider
- Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Federico Bertoglio
- Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Susanne Kempter
- Department of Physics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1, 80539 München, Germany
| | - Reinhard Wolfgang Köster
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Silvia Stella Barbieri
- Unit of Brain-Heart Axis, IRCCS Monzino Cardiology Center, Via C. Parea 4, 20138 Milano, Italy
| | - Joop van den Heuvel
- Recombinant Protein Expression Platform, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Michael Hust
- Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Stefan Dübel
- Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Maren Schubert
- Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
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25
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Jaron M, Lehky M, Zarà M, Zaydowicz CN, Lak A, Ballmann R, Heine PA, Wenzel EV, Schneider KT, Bertoglio F, Kempter S, Köster RW, Barbieri SS, van den Heuvel J, Hust M, Dübel S, Schubert M. Baculovirus-Free SARS-CoV-2 Virus-like Particle Production in Insect Cells for Rapid Neutralization Assessment. Viruses 2022; 14:v14102087. [PMID: 36298643 PMCID: PMC9606917 DOI: 10.3390/v14102087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) resemble authentic virus while not containing any genomic information. Here, we present a fast and powerful method for the production of SARS-CoV-2 VLP in insect cells and the application of these VLPs to evaluate the inhibition capacity of monoclonal antibodies and sera of vaccinated donors. Our method avoids the baculovirus-based approaches commonly used in insect cells by employing direct plasmid transfection to co-express SARS-CoV-2 envelope, membrane, and spike protein that self-assemble into VLPs. After optimization of the expression plasmids and vector ratios, VLPs with an ~145 nm diameter and the typical “Corona” aura were obtained, as confirmed by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Fusion of the membrane protein to GFP allowed direct quantification of binding inhibition to angiotensin II-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on cells by therapeutic antibody candidates or sera from vaccinated individuals. Neither VLP purification nor fluorescent labeling by secondary antibodies are required to perform these flow cytometric assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Jaron
- Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Michael Lehky
- Recombinant Protein Expression Platform, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Marta Zarà
- Unit of Brain-Heart Axis, IRCCS Monzino Cardiology Center, Via C. Parea 4, 20138 Milano, Italy
| | - Chris Nicole Zaydowicz
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Aidin Lak
- Institute for Electrical Measurement Science and Fundamental Electrical Engineering, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hans-Sommer-Straße 66, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Rico Ballmann
- Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Philip Alexander Heine
- Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | | | - Kai-Thomas Schneider
- Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Federico Bertoglio
- Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Susanne Kempter
- Department of Physics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1, 80539 München, Germany
| | - Reinhard Wolfgang Köster
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Silvia Stella Barbieri
- Unit of Brain-Heart Axis, IRCCS Monzino Cardiology Center, Via C. Parea 4, 20138 Milano, Italy
| | - Joop van den Heuvel
- Recombinant Protein Expression Platform, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Michael Hust
- Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Stefan Dübel
- Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Maren Schubert
- Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
- Correspondence:
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26
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Shekh S, Moi S, Gowd KH. Virtual screening of sulfur compounds of Allium against coronavirus proteases: E-Ajoene is a potential dual protease targeting covalent inhibitor. J Sulphur Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/17415993.2022.2119086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shamasoddin Shekh
- Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical Sciences, Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi, India
| | - Smriti Moi
- Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical Sciences, Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi, India
| | - Konkallu Hanumae Gowd
- Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical Sciences, Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi, India
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27
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Thiopurines inhibit coronavirus Spike protein processing and incorporation into progeny virions. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010832. [PMID: 36121863 PMCID: PMC9522307 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010832] [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: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an outstanding need for broadly acting antiviral drugs to combat emerging viral diseases. Here, we report that thiopurines inhibit the replication of the betacoronaviruses HCoV-OC43 and SARS-CoV-2. 6-Thioguanine (6-TG) disrupted early stages of infection, limiting accumulation of full-length viral genomes, subgenomic RNAs and structural proteins. In ectopic expression models, we observed that 6-TG increased the electrophoretic mobility of Spike from diverse betacoronaviruses, matching the effects of enzymatic removal of N-linked oligosaccharides from Spike in vitro. SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles (VLPs) harvested from 6-TG-treated cells were deficient in Spike. 6-TG treatment had a similar effect on production of lentiviruses pseudotyped with SARS-CoV-2 Spike, yielding pseudoviruses deficient in Spike and unable to infect ACE2-expressing cells. Together, these findings from complementary ectopic expression and infection models strongly indicate that defective Spike trafficking and processing is an outcome of 6-TG treatment. Using biochemical and genetic approaches we demonstrated that 6-TG is a pro-drug that must be converted to the nucleotide form by hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase 1 (HPRT1) to achieve antiviral activity. This nucleotide form has been shown to inhibit small GTPases Rac1, RhoA, and CDC42; however, we observed that selective chemical inhibitors of these GTPases had no effect on Spike processing or accumulation. By contrast, the broad GTPase agonist ML099 countered the effects of 6-TG, suggesting that the antiviral activity of 6-TG requires the targeting of an unknown GTPase. Overall, these findings suggest that small GTPases are promising targets for host-targeted antivirals. The COVID-19 pandemic has ignited efforts to repurpose existing drugs as safe and effective antivirals. Rather than directly inhibiting viral enzymes, host-targeted antivirals inhibit host cell processes to indirectly impede viral replication and/or stimulate antiviral responses. Here, we describe a new antiviral mechanism of action for an FDA-approved thiopurine known as 6-thioguanine (6-TG). We demonstrate that 6-TG is a pro-drug that must be metabolized by host enzymes to gain antiviral activity. We show that it can inhibit the replication of human coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, at least in part by interfering with the processing and accumulation of Spike glycoproteins, thereby impeding assembly of infectious progeny viruses. We provide evidence implicating host cell GTPase enzymes in the antiviral mechanism of action.
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28
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Chu KB, Lee SH, Kim MJ, Kim AR, Moon EK, Quan FS. Virus-like particles coexpressing the PreF and Gt antigens of respiratory syncytial virus confer protection in mice. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2022; 17:1159-1171. [DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2022-0082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: The purpose of this study was to assess the protective efficacy of virus-like particles (VLPs) co-expressing the pre-fusogenic (PreF) and G protein with tandem repeats (Gt) antigens of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in mice. Materials & methods: VLP constructs expressing PreF, Gt or both were used to immunize mice, and the protective efficacies were evaluated using antibody responses, neutralizing antibody titers, T-cell responses, histopathological assessment and plaque assay. Results: PreF+Gt VLP immunization elicited strong RSV-specific antibody responses and pulmonary T-cell responses that contributed to lessening virus titer and inflammation. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that coexpressing PreF and Gt antigens elicits better protection than either one alone. This combinatorial approach could assist in future RSV vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki-Back Chu
- Medical Research Center for Bioreaction to Reactive Oxygen Species & Biomedical Science Institute, School of Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Hwa Lee
- Department of Medical Zoology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Ju Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Ah-Ra Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Kyung Moon
- Department of Medical Zoology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Fu-Shi Quan
- Medical Research Center for Bioreaction to Reactive Oxygen Species & Biomedical Science Institute, School of Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Zoology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
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29
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Sbarigia C, Vardanyan D, Buccini L, Tacconi S, Dini L. SARS-CoV-2 and extracellular vesicles: An intricate interplay in pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment. FRONTIERS IN NANOTECHNOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fnano.2022.987034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are widely recognized as intercellular communication mediators. Among the different biological processes, EVs play a role in viral infections, supporting virus entrance and spread into host cells and immune response evasion. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection became an urgent public health issue with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, being responsible for the current COVID-19 pandemic. Since EVs are implicated in SARS-CoV-2 infection in a morphological and functional level, they have gained growing interest for a better understanding of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and represent possible diagnostic tools to track the disease progression. Furthermore, thanks to their biocompatibility and efficient immune activation, the use of EVs may also represent a promising strategy for the development of new therapeutic strategies against COVID-19. In this review, we explore the role of EVs in viral infections with a focus on SARS-CoV-2 biology and pathogenesis, considering recent morphometric studies. The common biogenesis aspects and structural similarities between EVs and SARS-CoV-2 will be examined, offering a panoramic of their multifaceted interplay and presenting EVs as a machinery supporting the viral cycle. On the other hand, EVs may be exploited as early diagnostic biomarkers and efficient carriers for drug delivery and vaccination, and ongoing studies will be reviewed to highlight EVs as potential alternative therapeutic strategies against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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30
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Gourdelier M, Swain J, Arone C, Mouttou A, Bracquemond D, Merida P, Saffarian S, Lyonnais S, Favard C, Muriaux D. Optimized production and fluorescent labeling of SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14651. [PMID: 36030323 PMCID: PMC9419636 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18681-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA enveloped virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic that conducted in 6 million deaths worldwide so far. SARS-CoV-2 particles are mainly composed of the 4 main structural proteins M, N, E and S to form 100 nm diameter viral particles. Based on productive assays, we propose an optimal transfected plasmid ratio mimicking the viral RNA ratio in infected cells. This allows SARS-CoV-2 Virus-Like Particle (VLPs) formation composed of the viral structural proteins M, N, E and mature S. Furthermore, fluorescent or photoconvertible VLPs were generated by adding a fluorescent protein tag on N or M mixing with unlabeled viral proteins and characterized by western blots, atomic force microscopy coupled to fluorescence and immuno-spotting. Thanks to live fluorescence and super-resolution microscopies, we quantified VLPs size and concentration. SARS-CoV-2 VLPs present a diameter of 110 and 140 nm respectively for MNE-VLPs and MNES-VLPs with a concentration of 10e12 VLP/ml. In this condition, we were able to establish the incorporation of the Spike in the fluorescent VLPs. Finally, the Spike functionality was assessed by monitoring fluorescent MNES-VLPs docking and internalization in human pulmonary cells expressing or not the receptor hACE2. Results show a preferential maturation of S on N(GFP) labeled VLPs and an hACE2-dependent VLP internalization and a potential fusion in host cells. This work provides new insights on the use of non-fluorescent and fluorescent VLPs to study and visualize the SARS-CoV-2 viral life cycle in a safe environment (BSL-2 instead of BSL-3). Moreover, optimized SARS-CoV-2 VLP production can be further adapted to vaccine design strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Gourdelier
- Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier (IRIM), Université de Montpellier, CNRS UMR9004, Montpellier, France
| | - Jitendriya Swain
- Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier (IRIM), Université de Montpellier, CNRS UMR9004, Montpellier, France
| | - Coline Arone
- Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier (IRIM), Université de Montpellier, CNRS UMR9004, Montpellier, France
| | - Anita Mouttou
- Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier (IRIM), Université de Montpellier, CNRS UMR9004, Montpellier, France
| | - David Bracquemond
- Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier (IRIM), Université de Montpellier, CNRS UMR9004, Montpellier, France
| | - Peggy Merida
- Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier (IRIM), Université de Montpellier, CNRS UMR9004, Montpellier, France
| | - Saveez Saffarian
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Center for Cell and Genome Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Cyril Favard
- Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier (IRIM), Université de Montpellier, CNRS UMR9004, Montpellier, France
| | - Delphine Muriaux
- Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier (IRIM), Université de Montpellier, CNRS UMR9004, Montpellier, France.
- CEMIPAI, Université de Montpellier, CNRS UAR3725, Montpellier, France.
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Marcink TC, Kicmal T, Armbruster E, Zhang Z, Zipursky G, Golub KL, Idris M, Khao J, Drew-Bear J, McGill G, Gallagher T, Porotto M, des Georges A, Moscona A. Intermediates in SARS-CoV-2 spike-mediated cell entry. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabo3153. [PMID: 35984891 PMCID: PMC9390989 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo3153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 cell entry is completed after viral spike (S) protein-mediated membrane fusion between viral and host cell membranes. Stable prefusion and postfusion S structures have been resolved by cryo-electron microscopy and cryo-electron tomography, but the refolding intermediates on the fusion pathway are transient and have not been examined. We used an antiviral lipopeptide entry inhibitor to arrest S protein refolding and thereby capture intermediates as S proteins interact with hACE2 and fusion-activating proteases on cell-derived target membranes. Cryo-electron tomography imaged both extended and partially folded intermediate states of S2, as well as a novel late-stage conformation on the pathway to membrane fusion. The intermediates now identified in this dynamic S protein-directed fusion provide mechanistic insights that may guide the design of CoV entry inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara C. Marcink
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Thomas Kicmal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Emily Armbruster
- Structural Biology Initiative, CUNY Advanced Science Research Center, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zhening Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gillian Zipursky
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kate L. Golub
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mohab Idris
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Jennifer Drew-Bear
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gael McGill
- Digizyme Inc., Brookline, MA, USA
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Dynamics, Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tom Gallagher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Matteo Porotto
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli,” 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Amédée des Georges
- Structural Biology Initiative, CUNY Advanced Science Research Center, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The City College of New York, New York, NY, USA
- Ph.D. Programs in Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anne Moscona
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
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32
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Park JE, Kim JH, Park JY, Jun SH, Shin HJ. A chimeric MERS-CoV virus-like particle vaccine protects mice against MERS-CoV challenge. Virol J 2022; 19:112. [PMID: 35761402 PMCID: PMC9235161 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-022-01844-9] [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: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) causes severe respiratory disease in humans, with a case fatality rate of approximately 35%, thus posing a considerable threat to public health. The lack of approved vaccines or antivirals currently constitutes a barrier in controlling disease outbreaks and spread. Methods In this study, using a mammalian expression system, which is advantageous for maintaining correct protein glycosylation patterns, we constructed chimeric MERS-CoV virus-like particles (VLPs) and determined their immunogenicity and protective efficacy in mice. Results Western blot and cryo-electron microscopy analyses demonstrated that MERS-CoV VLPs were efficiently produced in cells co-transfected with MERS-CoV spike (S), envelope, membrane and murine hepatitis virus nucleocapsid genes. We examined their ability as a vaccine in a human dipeptidyl peptidase 4 knock-in C57BL/6 congenic mouse model. Mice immunized with MERS VLPs produced S-specific antibodies with virus neutralization activity. Furthermore, MERS-CoV VLP immunization provided complete protection against a lethal challenge with mouse-adapted MERS-CoV and improved virus clearance in the lung. Conclusions Overall, these data demonstrate that MERS-CoV VLPs have excellent immunogenicity and represent a promising vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Eun Park
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea. .,Research Institute of Veterinary Research, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ji-Hee Kim
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Yeon Park
- Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Hoon Jun
- Electron Microscopy & Spectroscopy Team, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju, Chungcheongbukdo, 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Jin Shin
- Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea. .,Research Institute of Veterinary Research, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea.
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33
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Li YR, Lee KL, Chen KM, Lu YC, Wu PC, Chen SH, Lee JH, Wei PK. Direct detection of virus-like particles using color images of plasmonic nanostructures. OPTICS EXPRESS 2022; 30:22233-22246. [PMID: 36224926 DOI: 10.1364/oe.461428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
We propose a measurement method for sensitive and label-free detections of virus-like particles (VLPs) using color images of nanoplasmonic sensing chips. The nanoplasmonic chip consists of 5×5 gold nanoslit arrays and the gold surface is modified with specific antibodies for spike protein. The resonant wavelength of the 430-nm-period gold nanoslit arrays underwater environment is about 570 nm which falls between the green and red bands of the color CCD. The captured VLPs by the specific antibodies shift the plasmonic resonance of the gold nanoslits. It results in an increased brightness of green pixels and decreased brightness of red pixels. The image contrast signals of (green - red) / (red + green) show good linearity with the surface particle density. The experimental tests show the image contrast method can detect 100-nm polystyrene particles with a surface density smaller than 2 particles/µm2. We demonstrate the application for direct detection of SARS-CoV-2 VLPs using a simple scanner platform. A detection limit smaller than 1 pg/mL with a detection time less than 30 minutes can be achieved.
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34
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Qing E, Li P, Cooper L, Schulz S, Jäck HM, Rong L, Perlman S, Gallagher T. Inter-domain communication in SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins controls protease-triggered cell entry. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110786. [PMID: 35477024 PMCID: PMC9015963 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve into variants of concern (VOC), with greatest variability in the multidomain, entry-facilitating spike proteins. To recognize the significance of adaptive spike protein changes, we compare variant SARS-CoV-2 virus particles in several assays reflecting authentic virus-cell entry. Virus particles with adaptive changes in spike amino-terminal domains (NTDs) are hypersensitive to proteolytic activation of membrane fusion, an essential step in virus-cell entry. Proteolysis is within fusion domains (FDs), at sites over 10 nm from the VOC-specific NTD changes, indicating allosteric inter-domain control of fusion activation. In addition, NTD-specific antibodies block FD cleavage, membrane fusion, and virus-cell entry, suggesting restriction of inter-domain communication as a neutralization mechanism. Finally, using structure-guided mutagenesis, we identify an inter-monomer β sheet structure that facilitates NTD-to-FD transmissions and subsequent fusion activation. This NTD-to-FD axis that sensitizes viruses to infection and to NTD-specific antibody neutralization provides new context for understanding selective forces driving SARS-CoV-2 evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enya Qing
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Pengfei Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Laura Cooper
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Sebastian Schulz
- Division of Molecular Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hans-Martin Jäck
- Division of Molecular Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lijun Rong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Stanley Perlman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Tom Gallagher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA,Corresponding author
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35
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Jeremiah SS, Miyakawa K, Ryo A. Detecting SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing immunity: highlighting the potential of split nanoluciferase technology. J Mol Cell Biol 2022; 14:6567849. [PMID: 35416249 PMCID: PMC9387144 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjac023] [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: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has progressed over 2 years since its onset causing significant health concerns all over the world and is currently curtailed by mass vaccination. Immunity acquired against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can be following either infection or vaccination. However, one can never be sure whether the acquired immunity is adequate to protect the individual from subsequent infection because of three important factors: individual variations in humoral response dynamics, waning of protective antibodies over time, and the emergence of immune escape mutants. Therefore, a test that can accurately differentiate the protected from the vulnerable is the need of the hour. The plaque reduction neutralization assay is the conventional gold standard test for estimating the titers of neutralizing antibodies that confer protection. However, it has got several drawbacks, which hinder the practical application of this test for wide-scale usage. Hence, various tests have been developed to detect protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2 that directly or indirectly assess the presence of neutralizing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in a lower biosafety setting. In this review, the pros and cons of the currently available assays are elaborated in detail and special focus is put on the scope of the novel split nanoluciferase technology for detecting SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kei Miyakawa
- Department of Microbiology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Akihide Ryo
- Department of Microbiology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
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36
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Chen J, Deng Y, Huang B, Han D, Wang W, Huang M, Zhai C, Zhao Z, Yang R, Zhao Y, Wang W, Zhai D, Tan W. DNA Vaccines Expressing the Envelope and Membrane Proteins Provide Partial Protection Against SARS-CoV-2 in Mice. Front Immunol 2022; 13:827605. [PMID: 35281016 PMCID: PMC8907653 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.827605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become a public health emergency of international concern, and an effective vaccine is urgently needed to control the pandemic. Envelope (E) and membrane (M) proteins are highly conserved structural proteins among SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV and have been proposed as potential targets for the development of cross-protective vaccines. Here, synthetic DNA vaccines encoding SARS-CoV-2 E/M proteins (called p-SARS-CoV-2-E/M) were developed, and mice were immunised with three doses via intramuscular injection and electroporation. Significant cellular immune responses were elicited, whereas no robust humoral immunity was detected. In addition, novel H-2d-restricted T-cell epitopes were identified. Notably, although no drop in lung tissue virus titre was detected in DNA-vaccinated mice post-challenge with SARS-CoV-2, immunisation with either p-SARS-CoV-2-E or p-SARS-CoV-2-M provided minor protection and co-immunisation with p-SARS-CoV-2-E+M increased protection. Therefore, E/M proteins should be considered as vaccine candidates as they may be valuable in the optimisation of vaccination strategies against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinni Chen
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Deng
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC, Beijing, China
| | - Baoying Huang
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC, Beijing, China
| | - Di Han
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC, Beijing, China.,Basic Medical College, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Wen Wang
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC, Beijing, China
| | - Mengjing Huang
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC, Beijing, China.,Basic Medical College, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Chengcheng Zhai
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC, Beijing, China.,School of Public Health, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
| | - Zhimin Zhao
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC, Beijing, China
| | - Ren Yang
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Wenling Wang
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC, Beijing, China
| | - Desheng Zhai
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Wenjie Tan
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC, Beijing, China
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Jing Si Herbal Drink as a prospective adjunctive therapy for COVID-19 treatment: Molecular evidence and mechanisms. PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH - MODERN CHINESE MEDICINE 2022. [PMCID: PMC8654706 DOI: 10.1016/j.prmcm.2021.100024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background SARS-CoV-2 has led to a sharp increase in the number of hospitalizations and deaths from pneumonia and multiorgan disease worldwide; therefore, SARS-CoV-2 has become a global health problem. Supportive therapies remain the mainstay treatments against COVID-19, such as oxygen inhalation, antiviral drugs, and antibiotics. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been shown clinically to relieve the symptoms of COVID-19 infection, and TCMs can affect the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro. Jing Si Herbal Drink (JSHD), an eight herb formula jointly developed by Tzu Chi University and Tzu Chi Hospital, has shown potential as an adjuvant treatment for COVID-19 infection. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) of JSHD as an adjuvant treatment in patients with COVID-19 infection is underway Objectives This article aims to explore the efficacy of the herbs in JSHD against COVID-19 infection from a mechanistic standpoint and provide a reference for the rational utilization of JSHD in the treatment of COVID-19. Method We compiled evidence of the herbs in JSHD to treat COVID-19 in vivo and in vitro. Results We described the efficacy and mechanism of action of the active ingredients in JSHD to treat COVID-19 based on experimental evidence. JSHD includes 5 antiviral herbs, 7 antioxidant herbs, and 7 anti-inflammatory herbs. In addition, 2 herbs inhibit the overactive immune system, 1 herb reduces cell apoptosis, and 1 herb possesses antithrombotic ability. Conclusion Although experimental data have confirmed that the ingredients in JSHD are effective against COVID-19, more rigorously designed studies are required to confirm the efficacy and safety of JSHD as a COVID-19 treatment.
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Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike (S) glycoprotein mediates viral entry and membrane fusion. Its cleavage at S1/S2 and S2′ sites during the biosynthesis in virus producer cells and viral entry are critical for viral infection and transmission. In contrast, the biological significance of the junction region between both cleavage sites for S protein synthesis and function is less understood. By analyzing the conservation and structure of S protein, we found that intrachain contacts formed by the conserved tyrosine (Y) residue 756 (Y756) with three α-helices contribute to the spike’s conformational stability. When Y756 is mutated to an amino acid residue that can provide hydrogen bonds, S protein could be expressed as a cleaved form, but not vice versa. Also, the L753 mutation linked to the Y756 hydrogen bond prevents the S protein from being cleaved. Y756 and L753 mutations alter S protein subcellular localization. Importantly, Y756 and L753 mutations are demonstrated to reduce the infectivity of the SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviruses by interfering with the incorporation of S protein into pseudovirus particles and causing the pseudoviruses to lose their sensitivity to neutralizing antibodies. Furthermore, both mutations affect the assembly and production of SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles in cell culture. Together, our findings reveal for the first time a critical role for the conserved L753-LQ-Y756 motif between S1/S2 and S2′ cleavage sites in S protein synthesis and processing as well as virus assembly and infection. IMPORTANCE The continuous emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants such as the delta or lambda lineage caused the continuation of the COVID-19 epidemic and challenged the effectiveness of the existing vaccines. Logically, the spike (S) protein mutation has attracted much concern. However, the key amino acids in S protein for its structure and function are still not very clear. In this study, we discovered for the first time that the conserved residues Y756 and L753 at the junction between the S1/S2 and S2′ sites are very important, like the S2′ cleavage site R815, for the synthesis and processing of S protein such as protease cleavage, and that the mutations severely interfered with the incorporation of S protein into pseudotyped virus particles and SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles. Consequently, we delineate the novel potential target for the design of broad-spectrum antiviral drugs in the future, especially in the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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39
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Moon KB, Jeon JH, Choi H, Park JS, Park SJ, Lee HJ, Park JM, Cho HS, Moon JS, Oh H, Kang S, Mason HS, Kwon SY, Kim HS. Construction of SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles in plant. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1005. [PMID: 35046461 PMCID: PMC8770512 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-04883-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The pandemic of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a public health emergency, and research on the development of various types of vaccines is rapidly progressing at an unprecedented development speed internationally. Some vaccines have already been approved for emergency use and are being supplied to people around the world, but there are still many ongoing efforts to create new vaccines. Virus-like particles (VLPs) enable the construction of promising platforms in the field of vaccine development. Here, we demonstrate that non-infectious SARS-CoV-2 VLPs can be successfully assembled by co-expressing three important viral proteins membrane (M), envelop (E) and nucleocapsid (N) in plants. Plant-derived VLPs were purified by sedimentation through a sucrose cushion. The shape and size of plant-derived VLPs are similar to native SARS-CoV-2 VLPs without spike. Although the assembled VLPs do not have S protein spikes, they could be developed as formulations that can improve the immunogenicity of vaccines including S antigens, and further could be used as platforms that can carry S antigens of concern for various mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki-Beom Moon
- Plant Systems Engineering Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Heung Jeon
- Plant Systems Engineering Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyukjun Choi
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, UNIST-Gil 50, Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Sun Park
- Plant Systems Engineering Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Jin Park
- Plant Systems Engineering Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Jun Lee
- Plant Systems Engineering Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Mee Park
- Plant Systems Engineering Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Sun Cho
- Plant Systems Engineering Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Sun Moon
- Plant Systems Engineering Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunwoo Oh
- Core Facility Management Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Sebyung Kang
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, UNIST-Gil 50, Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Hugh S Mason
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy (CIVV), The Biodesign Institute at ASU, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Suk-Yoon Kwon
- Plant Systems Engineering Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyun-Soon Kim
- Plant Systems Engineering Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
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40
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Naskalska A, Dabrowska A, Szczepanski A, Jasik KP, Gromadzka B, Pyrc K. Functional Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Virus-Like Particles From Insect Cells. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:732998. [PMID: 34745036 PMCID: PMC8565087 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.732998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains a major epidemic threat since the beginning of 2020. Efforts to combat the virus and the associated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease are being undertaken worldwide. To facilitate the research on the virus itself, a number of surrogate systems have been developed. Here, we report the efficient production of SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles (VLPs) in insect cells. Contrary to widely used pseudovirus particles, where only one coronaviral protein is displayed within a heterologous scaffold, developed VLPs are structurally similar to the native virus and allow for more throughput studies on the biology of the infection. On the other hand, being devoid of the viral genome, VLPs are unable to replicate and thus safe to work with. Importantly, this is the first report showing that SARS-CoV-2 VLPs can be efficiently produced in insect cells and purified using scalable affinity chromatography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonina Naskalska
- Virogenetics Laboratory of Virology, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Dabrowska
- Virogenetics Laboratory of Virology, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland.,Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Artur Szczepanski
- Virogenetics Laboratory of Virology, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland.,Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Krzysztof P Jasik
- Department of Pathology, School of Pharmacy, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Beata Gromadzka
- Department of "in vitro" Studies, Institute of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, Gdańsk, Poland.,NanoExpo®, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Pyrc
- Virogenetics Laboratory of Virology, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
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Elsaid AM, Mohamed HA, Abdelaziz GB, Ahmed MS. A critical review of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems within the context of a global SARS-CoV-2 epidemic. PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION : TRANSACTIONS OF THE INSTITUTION OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERS, PART B 2021; 155:230-261. [PMID: 34566275 PMCID: PMC8450051 DOI: 10.1016/j.psep.2021.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has spread over the world, resulting in more than 225 million patients, and 4.7 million deaths in September 2021. It also caused panic and terror, halted numerous activities, and resulted in the world economy deteriorates. It altered human behavior and compelled people to alter their lifestyles to avoid infection. Air conditioning systems are one of the most important sectors that must be considered because of the pandemic SARS-CoV-2 all over the world. Air is used as a heat transfer medium in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. The air contains a variety of pollutants, viruses, and bacteria, all of which have an impact on and destroy human life. Significantly in summer, people spend more time in air conditioners which results in lower levels of vitamin D and melatonin which may affect the functioning of their immune system and are susceptible to receiving SARS-CoV-2 from other individuals. As an important component of air conditioning and ventilation systems, the air filter plays a significant role. As a result, researchers must work harder to improve its design to prevent the ultra-small particles loaded with COVID-19. This paper contributes to the design of existing HVAC systems in terms of their suitability and impact on the spread of the hybrid SARS-CoV-2 epidemic, as well as efforts to obtain a highly efficient air filter to remove super-sized particles for protection against epidemic infection. In addition, important guideline recommendations have been extracted to limit the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 throughout the world and to get the highest quality indoor air in air-conditioned places.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf Mimi Elsaid
- Department of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology, Faculty of Technology and Education, Helwan University, Cairo 11282, Egypt
| | - Hany A Mohamed
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Assiut University, Asyut 71516, Egypt
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Higher Technological Institute, 10th Ramadan, Ramadan City 44634, Egypt
| | - Gamal B Abdelaziz
- Mechanical Department, Faculty of Technology and Education, Suez University, Suez, Egypt
| | - M Salem Ahmed
- Mechanical Department, Faculty of Technology and Education, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
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Bracquemond D, Muriaux D. Betacoronavirus Assembly: Clues and Perspectives for Elucidating SARS-CoV-2 Particle Formation and Egress. mBio 2021; 12:e0237121. [PMID: 34579570 PMCID: PMC8546641 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02371-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2019, a new pandemic virus belonging to the betacoronavirus family emerged, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This new coronavirus appeared in Wuhan, China, and is responsible for severe respiratory pneumonia in humans, namely, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Having infected almost 200 million people worldwide and caused more than 4.1 million deaths as of today, this new disease has raised a significant number of questions about its molecular mechanism of replication and, in particular, how infectious viral particles are produced. Although viral entry is well characterized, the full assembly steps of SARS-CoV-2 have still not been fully described. Coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, have four main structural proteins, namely, the spike glycoprotein (S), the membrane glycoprotein (M), the envelope protein (E), and the nucleocapsid protein (N). All these proteins have key roles in the process of coronavirus assembly and budding. In this review, we gathered the current knowledge about betacoronavirus structural proteins involved in viral particle assembly, membrane curvature and scission, and then egress in order to suggest and question a coherent model for SARS-CoV-2 particle production and release.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Bracquemond
- Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, CNRS UMR9004, Montpellier, France
| | - Delphine Muriaux
- Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, CNRS UMR9004, Montpellier, France
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Mesquita FS, Abrami L, Sergeeva O, Turelli P, Qing E, Kunz B, Raclot C, Paz Montoya J, Abriata LA, Gallagher T, Dal Peraro M, Trono D, D'Angelo G, van der Goot FG. S-acylation controls SARS-CoV-2 membrane lipid organization and enhances infectivity. Dev Cell 2021; 56:2790-2807.e8. [PMID: 34599882 PMCID: PMC8486083 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 virions are surrounded by a lipid bilayer that contains membrane proteins such as spike, responsible for target-cell binding and virus fusion. We found that during SARS-CoV-2 infection, spike becomes lipid modified, through the sequential action of the S-acyltransferases ZDHHC20 and 9. Particularly striking is the rapid acylation of spike on 10 cytosolic cysteines within the ER and Golgi. Using a combination of computational, lipidomics, and biochemical approaches, we show that this massive lipidation controls spike biogenesis and degradation, and drives the formation of localized ordered cholesterol and sphingolipid-rich lipid nanodomains in the early Golgi, where viral budding occurs. Finally, S-acylation of spike allows the formation of viruses with enhanced fusion capacity. Our study points toward S-acylating enzymes and lipid biosynthesis enzymes as novel therapeutic anti-viral targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laurence Abrami
- Global Health Institute, School of Life Sciences, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Oksana Sergeeva
- Global Health Institute, School of Life Sciences, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Priscilla Turelli
- Global Health Institute, School of Life Sciences, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Enya Qing
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Béatrice Kunz
- Global Health Institute, School of Life Sciences, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Charlène Raclot
- Global Health Institute, School of Life Sciences, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jonathan Paz Montoya
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Luciano A Abriata
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tom Gallagher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Matteo Dal Peraro
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Didier Trono
- Global Health Institute, School of Life Sciences, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni D'Angelo
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Secretory Vesicles Are the Principal Means of SARS-CoV-2 Egress. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082047. [PMID: 34440816 PMCID: PMC8393858 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) egress, similar to those of other coronaviruses, remain poorly understood. The virus buds in intracellular compartments and is therefore thought to be released by the biosynthetic secretory pathway. However, several studies have recently challenged this hypothesis. It has been suggested that coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, use lysosomes for egress. In addition, a focused ion-beam scanning electron microscope (FIB/SEM) study suggested the existence of exit tunnels linking cellular compartments rich in viral particles to the extracellular space resembling those observed for the human immunodeficiency (HIV) in macrophages. Here, we analysed serial sections of Vero cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We found that SARS-CoV-2 was more likely to exit the cell in small secretory vesicles. Virus trafficking within the cells involves small vesicles, with each generally containing a single virus particle. These vesicles then fuse with the plasma membrane to release the virus into the extracellular space. This work sheds new light on the late stages of the SARS-CoV-2 infectious cycle of potential value for guiding the development of new antiviral strategies.
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Abstract
Selective pressures drive adaptive changes in the coronavirus spike proteins directing virus-cell entry. These changes are concentrated in the amino-terminal domains (NTDs) and the receptor-binding domains (RBDs) of complex modular spike protein trimers. The impact of this hypervariability on virus entry is often unclear, particularly with respect to sarbecovirus NTD variations. Therefore, we constructed indels and substitutions within hypervariable NTD regions and used severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus-like particles and quantitative virus-cell entry assays to elucidate spike structures controlling this initial infection stage. We identified NTD variations that increased SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-mediated membrane fusion and cell entry. Increased cell entry correlated with greater presentation of RBDs to ACE2 receptors. This revealed a significant allosteric effect, in that changes within the NTDs can orient RBDs for effective virus-cell binding. Yet, those NTD changes elevating receptor binding and membrane fusion also reduced interdomain associations, leaving spikes on virus-like particles susceptible to irreversible inactivation. These findings parallel those obtained decades ago, in which comparisons of murine coronavirus spike protein variants established inverse relationships between membrane fusion potential and virus stability. Considerable hypervariability in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein NTDs also appear to be driven by counterbalancing pressures for effective virus-cell entry and durable extracellular virus infectivity. These forces may selectively amplify SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.
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Abstract
As an enveloped virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) contains a membrane protein (M) that mediates viral release from cellular membranes. However, the molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 virion release remain poorly understood. In the present study, we performed RNA interference (RNAi) screening and identified the E3 ligase RNF5, which mediates the ubiquitination of SARS-CoV-2 M at residue K15 to enhance the interaction of the viral envelope protein (E) with M, whereas the deubiquitinating enzyme POH1 negatively regulates this process. The M-E complex ensures the uniform size of viral particles for viral maturation and mediates virion release. Moreover, M traffics from the Golgi apparatus to autophagosomes and uses autophagosomes for virion release, and this process is dependent on RNF5-mediated ubiquitin modification and M-E interaction. These results demonstrate that ubiquitin modification of SARS-CoV-2 M stabilizes the M-E complex and uses autophagosomes for virion release. IMPORTANCE Enveloped virus particles are released from the membranes of host cells, and viral membrane proteins (M) are critical for this process. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 assembly and budding is critical for the development of antiviral therapies. Envelope protein (E) and M of SARS-CoV-2 form complexes to mediate viral assembly and budding. RNF5 was identified to play a role as the E3 ligase, and POH1 was demonstrated to function as the deubiquitinating enzyme of SARS-CoV-2 M. The two components collectively regulate the interaction of M with E to promote viral assembly and budding. Ubiquitinated M uses autophagosomes for viral release. Our findings provide insights into the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 assembly and budding, demonstrating the importance of ubiquitination modification and autophagy in viral replication.
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Asha K, Khanna M, Kumar B. Current Insights into the Host Immune Response to Respiratory Viral Infections. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1313:59-83. [PMID: 34661891 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-67452-6_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory viral infections often lead to severe illnesses varying from mild or asymptomatic upper respiratory tract infections to severe bronchiolitis and pneumonia or/and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Common viral infections, including but not limited to influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus and coronavirus, are often the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Since the lungs are continuously exposed to foreign particles, including respiratory pathogens, it is also well equipped for recognition and antiviral defense utilizing the complex network of innate and adaptive immune cells. Immediately upon infection, a range of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines and an interferon response is generated, thereby making the immune response a two edged sword, on one hand it is required to eliminate viral pathogens while on other hand it's prolonged response can lead to chronic infection and significant pulmonary damage. Since vaccines to all respiratory viruses are not available, a better understanding of the virus-host interactions, leading to the development of immune response, is critically needed to design effective therapies to limit the severity of inflammatory damage, enhance viral clearance and to compliment the current strategies targeting the virus. In this chapter, we discuss the host responses to common respiratory viral infections, the key players of adaptive and innate immunity and the fine balance that exists between the viral clearance and immune-mediated damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumari Asha
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Madhu Khanna
- Department of Virology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Binod Kumar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
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