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El-Assaad AM, Hamieh T. SARS-CoV-2: Prediction of critical ionic amino acid mutations. Comput Biol Med 2024; 178:108688. [PMID: 38870723 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.108688] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), that caused coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has been studied thoroughly, and several variants are revealed across the world with their corresponding mutations. Studies and vaccines development focus on the genetic mutations of the S protein due to its vital role in allowing the virus attach and fuse with the membrane of a host cell. In this perspective, we study the effects of all ionic amino acid mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 viral spike protein S1 when bound to Antibody CC12.1 within the SARS-CoV-2:CC12.1 complex model. Binding free energy calculations between SARS-CoV-2 and antibody CC12.1 are based on the Analysis of Electrostatic Similarities of Proteins (AESOP) framework, where the electrostatic potentials are calculated using Adaptive Poisson-Boltzmann Solver (APBS). The atomic radii and charges that feed into the APBS calculations are calculated using the PDB2PQR software. Our results are the first to propose in silico potential life-threatening mutations of SARS-CoV-2 beyond the present mutations found in the five common variants worldwide. We find each of the following mutations: K378A, R408A, K424A, R454A, R457A, K458A, and K462A, to play significant roles in the binding to Antibody CC12.1, since they are turned into strong inhibitors on both chains of the S1 protein, whereas the mutations D405A, D420A, and D427A, show to play important roles in this binding, as they are turned into mild inhibitors on both chains of the S1 protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atlal M El-Assaad
- Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, University of Toledo (UT), Toledo OH 43606, USA; Department of Computer Science, Lebanese International University (LIU), Bekaa, Lebanon.
| | - Tayssir Hamieh
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, the Netherlands; Laboratory of Materials, Catalysis, Environment and Analytical Methods (MCEMA), Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon.
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2
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Mukherjee AG, Wanjari UR, Kannampuzha S, Das S, Murali R, Namachivayam A, Renu K, Ramanathan G, Doss C GP, Vellingiri B, Dey A, Valsala Gopalakrishnan A. The pathophysiological and immunological background of the monkeypox virus infection: An update. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28206. [PMID: 36217803 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In addition to the COVID-19 waves, the globe is facing global monkeypox (MPX) outbreak. MPX is an uncommon zoonotic infection characterized by symptoms similar to smallpox. It is caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), a double-stranded DNA virus that belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus (OPXV). MPXV, which causes human disease, has been confined to Africa for many years, with only a few isolated cases in other areas. Outside of Africa, the continuing MPXV outbreak in multiple countries in 2022 is the greatest in recorded history. The current outbreak, with over 10 000 confirmed cases in over 50 countries between May and July 2022, demonstrates that MPXV may travel rapidly among humans and pose a danger to human health worldwide. The rapid spread of such outbreaks in recent times has elevated MPX to the status of a rising zoonotic disease with significant epidemic potential. While the MPXV is not as deadly or contagious as the variola virus that causes smallpox, it poses a threat because it could evolve into a more potent human pathogen. This review assesses the potential threat to the human population and provides a brief overview of what is currently known about this reemerging virus. By analyzing the biological effects of MPXV on human health, its shifting epidemiological footprint, and currently available therapeutic options, this review has presented the most recent insights into the biology of the virus. This study also clarifies the key potential causes that could be to blame for the present MPX outbreak and draw attention to major research questions and promising new avenues for combating the current MPX epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Goutam Mukherjee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Uddesh Ramesh Wanjari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sandra Kannampuzha
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Soumik Das
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Reshma Murali
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Arunraj Namachivayam
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kaviyarasi Renu
- Department of Biochemistry, Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD), Saveetha Dental College & Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Gnanasambandan Ramanathan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - George Priya Doss C
- Department of Integrative Biology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Balachandar Vellingiri
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
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Lamers C, Xue X, Smieško M, van Son H, Wagner B, Berger N, Sfyroera G, Gros P, Lambris JD, Ricklin D. Insight into mode-of-action and structural determinants of the compstatin family of clinical complement inhibitors. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5519. [PMID: 36127336 PMCID: PMC9488889 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33003-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
With the addition of the compstatin-based complement C3 inhibitor pegcetacoplan, another class of complement targeted therapeutics have recently been approved. Moreover, compstatin derivatives with enhanced pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles are in clinical development (e.g., Cp40/AMY-101). Despite this progress, the target binding and inhibitory modes of the compstatin family remain incompletely described. Here, we present the crystal structure of Cp40 complexed with its target C3b at 2.0-Å resolution. Structure-activity-relationship studies rationalize the picomolar affinity and long target residence achieved by lead optimization, and reveal a role for structural water in inhibitor binding. We provide explanations for the narrow species specificity of this drug class and demonstrate distinct target selection modes between clinical compstatin derivatives. Functional studies provide further insight into physiological complement activation and corroborate the mechanism of its compstatin-mediated inhibition. Our study may thereby guide the application of existing and development of next-generation compstatin analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Lamers
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
- Institute of Drug Discovery, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Brüderstrasse 34, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Xiaoguang Xue
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Smieško
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Henri van Son
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bea Wagner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nadja Berger
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 401 Stellar Chance, 422 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, 19104, PA, USA
| | - Georgia Sfyroera
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 401 Stellar Chance, 422 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, 19104, PA, USA
| | - Piet Gros
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - John D Lambris
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 401 Stellar Chance, 422 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, 19104, PA, USA.
| | - Daniel Ricklin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.
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Potential participation of CTRP6, a complement regulator, in the pathology of age related macular degeneration. Jpn J Ophthalmol 2022; 66:326-334. [PMID: 35397057 DOI: 10.1007/s10384-022-00913-4] [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: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the localized expression of C1q/tumor necrosis factor related protein (CTRP) 6 in human age-related macular degeneration (AMD) retinal tissues. EXPERIMENTAL STUDY DESIGN 4 AMD and 3 non-AMD whole eyes of Caucasian donors were used. Eyecups were excised at Eye Bank CorneaGen, Inc. METHODS To elucidate the effects of CTRP6, C3b was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent-like assay. CFB versus CTRP6 competitive binding assay was applied to clarify the inhibition by CTRP6 of C3bBb complex formation. The cornea, iris, lens, and vitreous were removed and the eyes were cut into a posterior eye-cup including the retina, choroid, and sclera. Six-µm-thick serial sections of frozen samples underwent hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and indirect immunohistochemical staining using primary antibodies, anti-CTRP6, -CTRP5, -CTRP10, -Complement factor H (CFH) and -Clusterin (CLU). Results The two in vitro studies confirmed that CTRP6 has an inhibitory effect on alternative pathways of complement (APC) function and that the molecular target of CTRP6 is the inhibition of the formation of C3bBb. Localized expression for CTRP6 and CFH was found in the drusen of the AMD eyes, both associated with APC inhibition, CLU associated with membrane-attack complex (MAC) inhibition, and CTRP5 associated with retinal degeneration. CONCLUSION The localized expression of CTRP6 in the drusen of AMD eyes may open a new insight into the possible involvement of APC regulatory factors in the pathogenesis of AMD, together with the known CFH so far analyzed solely as an APC inhibitor.
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Complement component C3: A structural perspective and potential therapeutic implications. Semin Immunol 2022; 59:101627. [PMID: 35760703 PMCID: PMC9842190 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2022.101627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
As the most abundant component of the complement system, C3 and its proteolytic derivatives serve essential roles in the function of all three complement pathways. Central to this is a network of protein-protein interactions made possible by the sequential proteolysis and far-reaching structural changes that accompany C3 activation. Beginning with the crystal structures of C3, C3b, and C3c nearly twenty years ago, the physical transformations underlying C3 function that had long been suspected were finally revealed. In the years that followed, a compendium of crystallographic information on C3 derivatives bound to various enzymes, regulators, receptors, and inhibitors generated new levels of insight into the structure and function of the C3 molecule. This Review provides a concise classification, summary, and interpretation of the more than 50 unique crystal structure determinations for human C3. It also highlights other salient features of C3 structure that were made possible through solution-based methods, including Hydrogen/Deuterium Exchange and Small Angle X-ray Scattering. At this pivotal time when the first C3-targeted therapeutics begin to see use in the clinic, some perspectives are also offered on how this continually growing body of structural information might be leveraged for future development of next-generation C3 inhibitors.
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6
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Mutational signatures in GATA3 transcription factor and its DNA binding domain that stimulate breast cancer and HDR syndrome. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22762. [PMID: 34815386 PMCID: PMC8611019 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01832-z] [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: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) play important roles in many biochemical processes. Many human genetic disorders have been associated with mutations in the genes encoding these transcription factors, and so those mutations became targets for medications and drug design. In parallel, since many transcription factors act either as tumor suppressors or oncogenes, their mutations are mostly associated with cancer. In this perspective, we studied the GATA3 transcription factor when bound to DNA in a crystal structure and assessed the effect of different mutations encountered in patients with different diseases and phenotypes. We generated all missense mutants of GATA3 protein and DNA within the adjacent and the opposite GATA3:DNA complex models. We mutated every amino acid and studied the new binding of the complex after each mutation. Similarly, we did for every DNA base. We applied Poisson-Boltzmann electrostatic calculations feeding into free energy calculations. After analyzing our data, we identified amino acids and DNA bases keys for binding. Furthermore, we validated those findings against experimental genetic data. Our results are the first to propose in silico modeling for GATA:DNA bound complexes that could be used to score effects of missense mutations in other classes of transcription factors involved in common and genetic diseases.
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Malekshahi Z, Bernklau S, Schiela B, Koske I, Banki Z, Stiasny K, Harris CL, Würzner R, Stoiber H. Incorporation of CD55 into the Zika Viral Envelope Contributes to Its Stability against Human Complement. Viruses 2021; 13:v13030510. [PMID: 33808725 PMCID: PMC8003375 DOI: 10.3390/v13030510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid spread of the virus in Latin America and the association of the infection with microcephaly in newborns or Guillain–Barré Syndrome in adults prompted the WHO to declare the Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic to be an international public health emergency in 2016. As the virus was first discovered in monkeys and is spread not only by mosquitos but also from human to human, we investigated the stability to the human complement of ZIKV derived from mosquito (ZIKVInsect), monkey (ZIKVVero), or human cells (ZIKVA549 and ZIKVFibro), respectively. At a low serum concentration (10%), which refers to complement concentrations found on mucosal surfaces, the virus was relatively stable at 37 °C. At higher complement levels (up to 50% serum concentration), ZIKV titers differed significantly depending on the cell line used for the propagation of the virus. While the viral titer of ZIKVInsect decreased about two orders in magnitude, when incubated with human serum, the virus derived from human cells was more resistant to complement-mediated lysis (CML). By virus-capture assay and Western blots, the complement regulator protein CD55 was identified to be incorporated into the viral envelope. Blocking of CD55 by neutralizing Abs significantly increased the sensitivity to human complement. Taken together, these data indicate that the incorporation of CD55 from human cells contributes to the stability of ZIKV against complement-mediated virolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Malekshahi
- Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (Z.M.); (S.B.); (B.S.); (I.K.); (Z.B.)
| | - Sarah Bernklau
- Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (Z.M.); (S.B.); (B.S.); (I.K.); (Z.B.)
| | - Britta Schiela
- Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (Z.M.); (S.B.); (B.S.); (I.K.); (Z.B.)
| | - Iris Koske
- Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (Z.M.); (S.B.); (B.S.); (I.K.); (Z.B.)
| | - Zoltan Banki
- Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (Z.M.); (S.B.); (B.S.); (I.K.); (Z.B.)
| | - Karin Stiasny
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Claire L. Harris
- Translational & Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK;
| | - Reinhard Würzner
- Institute of Hygiene & Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Correspondence: (R.W.); (H.S.)
| | - Heribert Stoiber
- Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (Z.M.); (S.B.); (B.S.); (I.K.); (Z.B.)
- Correspondence: (R.W.); (H.S.)
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8
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Narkhede YB, Gautam AK, Hsu RV, Rodriguez W, Zewde NT, Harrison RES, Arantes PR, Gaieb Z, Gorham RD, Kieslich C, Morikis D, Sahu A, Palermo G. Role of Electrostatic Hotspots in the Selectivity of Complement Control Proteins Toward Human and Bovine Complement Inhibition. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:618068. [PMID: 33829039 PMCID: PMC8020814 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.618068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Poxviruses are dangerous pathogens, which can cause fatal infection in unvaccinated individuals. The causative agent of smallpox in humans, variola virus, is closely related to the bovine vaccinia virus, yet the molecular basis of their selectivity is currently incompletely understood. Here, we examine the role of the electrostatics in the selectivity of the smallpox protein SPICE and vaccinia protein VCP toward the human and bovine complement protein C3b, a key component of the complement immune response. Electrostatic calculations, in-silico alanine-scan and electrostatic hotspot analysis, as introduced by Kieslich and Morikis (PLoS Comput. Biol. 2012), are used to assess the electrostatic complementarity and to identify sites resistant to local perturbation where the electrostatic potential is likely to be evolutionary conserved. The calculations suggest that the bovine C3b is electrostatically prone to selectively bind its VCP ligand. On the other hand, the human isoform of C3b exhibits a lower electrostatic complementarity toward its SPICE ligand. Yet, the human C3b displays a highly preserved electrostatic core, which suggests that this isoform could be less selective in binding different ligands like SPICE and the human Factor H. This is supported by experimental cofactor activity assays revealing that the human C3b is prone to bind both SPICE and Factor H, which exhibit diverse electrostatic properties. Additional investigations considering mutants of SPICE and VCP that revert their selectivity reveal an “electrostatic switch” into the central modules of the ligands, supporting the critical role of the electrostatics in the selectivity. Taken together, these evidences provide insights into the selectivity mechanism of the complement regulator proteins encoded by the variola and vaccinia viruses to circumvent the complement immunity and exert their pathogenic action. These fundamental aspects are valuable for the development of novel vaccines and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogesh B Narkhede
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA
| | - Avneesh K Gautam
- National Centre for Cell Science, Pune University Campus, Ganeshkhind, India
| | - Rohaine V Hsu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA
| | - Wilson Rodriguez
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA
| | - Nehemiah T Zewde
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA
| | - Reed E S Harrison
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA
| | - Pablo R Arantes
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA
| | - Zied Gaieb
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA
| | - Ronald D Gorham
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA
| | - Chris Kieslich
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
| | - Dimitrios Morikis
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA
| | - Arvind Sahu
- National Centre for Cell Science, Pune University Campus, Ganeshkhind, India
| | - Giulia Palermo
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA.,Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, CA
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Sinha A, Singh AK, Kadni TS, Mullick J, Sahu A. Virus-Encoded Complement Regulators: Current Status. Viruses 2021; 13:v13020208. [PMID: 33573085 PMCID: PMC7912105 DOI: 10.3390/v13020208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses require a host for replication and survival and hence are subjected to host immunological pressures. The complement system, a crucial first response of the host immune system, is effective in targeting viruses and virus-infected cells, and boosting the antiviral innate and acquired immune responses. Thus, the system imposes a strong selection pressure on viruses. Consequently, viruses have evolved multiple countermeasures against host complement. A major mechanism employed by viruses to subvert the complement system is encoding proteins that target complement. Since viruses have limited genome size, most of these proteins are multifunctional in nature. In this review, we provide up to date information on the structure and complement regulatory functions of various viral proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwesha Sinha
- Complement Biology Laboratory, National Centre for Cell Science, S. P. Pune University Campus, Ganeskhind, Pune 411007, India; (A.S.); (A.K.S.); (T.S.K.)
| | - Anup Kumar Singh
- Complement Biology Laboratory, National Centre for Cell Science, S. P. Pune University Campus, Ganeskhind, Pune 411007, India; (A.S.); (A.K.S.); (T.S.K.)
| | - Trupti Satish Kadni
- Complement Biology Laboratory, National Centre for Cell Science, S. P. Pune University Campus, Ganeskhind, Pune 411007, India; (A.S.); (A.K.S.); (T.S.K.)
| | - Jayati Mullick
- Polio Virology Group, Microbial Containment Complex, ICMR-National Institute of Virology, Pune 411021, India;
| | - Arvind Sahu
- Complement Biology Laboratory, National Centre for Cell Science, S. P. Pune University Campus, Ganeskhind, Pune 411007, India; (A.S.); (A.K.S.); (T.S.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +91-20-2570-8083; Fax: +91-20-2569-2259
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10
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Malekshahi Z, Schiela B, Bernklau S, Banki Z, Würzner R, Stoiber H. Interference of the Zika Virus E-Protein With the Membrane Attack Complex of the Complement System. Front Immunol 2020; 11:569549. [PMID: 33193347 PMCID: PMC7655927 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.569549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The complement system has developed different strategies to clear infections by several effector mechanisms, such as opsonization, which supports phagocytosis, attracting immune cells by C3 and C5 cleavage products, or direct killing of pathogens by the formation of the membrane attack complex (MAC). As the Zika virus (ZIKV) activates the classical complement pathway and thus has to avoid clearance by the complement system, we analyzed putative viral escape mechanisms, which limit virolysis. We identified binding of the recombinant viral envelope E protein to components of the terminal pathway complement (C5b6, C7, C8, and C9) by ELISA. Western blot analyses revealed that ZIKV E protein interfered with the polymerization of C9, induced on cellular surfaces, either by purified terminal complement proteins or by normal human serum (NHS) as a source of the complement. Further, the hemolytic activity of NHS was significantly reduced in the presence of the recombinant E protein or entire viral particles. This data indicates that ZIKV reduces MAC formation and complement-mediated lysis by binding terminal complement proteins to the viral E protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Malekshahi
- Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Britta Schiela
- Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sarah Bernklau
- Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Zoltan Banki
- Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Reinhard Würzner
- Institute of Hygiene & Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Heribert Stoiber
- Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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11
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Agrawal P, Sharma S, Pal P, Ojha H, Mullick J, Sahu A. The imitation game: a viral strategy to subvert the complement system. FEBS Lett 2020; 594:2518-2542. [DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Palak Agrawal
- Complement Biology Laboratory National Centre for Cell Science S. P. Pune University Campus Ganeshkhind Pune 411007 India
| | - Samriddhi Sharma
- Complement Biology Laboratory National Centre for Cell Science S. P. Pune University Campus Ganeshkhind Pune 411007 India
| | - Pradipta Pal
- Complement Biology Laboratory National Centre for Cell Science S. P. Pune University Campus Ganeshkhind Pune 411007 India
| | - Hina Ojha
- Complement Biology Laboratory National Centre for Cell Science S. P. Pune University Campus Ganeshkhind Pune 411007 India
| | - Jayati Mullick
- Microbial Containment Complex ICMR‐National Institute of Virology Pune 411021 India
| | - Arvind Sahu
- Complement Biology Laboratory National Centre for Cell Science S. P. Pune University Campus Ganeshkhind Pune 411007 India
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12
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Species Specificity of Vaccinia Virus Complement Control Protein for the Bovine Classical Pathway Is Governed Primarily by Direct Interaction of Its Acidic Residues with Factor I. J Virol 2017; 91:JVI.00668-17. [PMID: 28724763 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00668-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Poxviruses display species tropism-variola virus is a human-specific virus, while vaccinia virus causes repeated outbreaks in dairy cattle. Consistent with this, variola virus complement regulator SPICE (smallpox inhibitor of complement enzymes) exhibits selectivity in inhibiting the human alternative complement pathway and vaccinia virus complement regulator VCP (vaccinia virus complement control protein) displays selectivity in inhibiting the bovine alternative complement pathway. In the present study, we examined the species specificity of VCP and SPICE for the classical pathway (CP). We observed that VCP is ∼43-fold superior to SPICE in inhibiting bovine CP. Further, functional assays revealed that increased inhibitory activity of VCP for bovine CP is solely due to its enhanced cofactor activity, with no effect on decay of bovine CP C3-convertase. To probe the structural basis of this specificity, we utilized single- and multi-amino-acid substitution mutants wherein 1 or more of the 11 variant VCP residues were substituted in the SPICE template. Examination of these mutants for their ability to inhibit bovine CP revealed that E108, E120, and E144 are primarily responsible for imparting the specificity and contribute to the enhanced cofactor activity of VCP. Binding and functional assays suggested that these residues interact with bovine factor I but not with bovine C4(H2O) (a moiety conformationally similar to C4b). Mapping of these residues onto the modeled structure of bovine C4b-VCP-bovine factor I supported the mutagenesis data. Taken together, our data help explain why the vaccine strain of vaccinia virus was able to gain a foothold in domesticated animals.IMPORTANCE Vaccinia virus was used for smallpox vaccination. The vaccine-derived virus is now circulating and causing outbreaks in dairy cattle in India and Brazil. However, the reason for this tropism is unknown. It is well recognized that the virus is susceptible to neutralization by the complement classical pathway (CP). Because the virus encodes a soluble complement regulator, VCP, we examined whether this protein displays selectivity in targeting bovine CP. Our data show that it does exhibit selectivity in inhibiting the bovine CP and that this is primarily determined by its amino acids E108, E120, and E144, which interact with bovine serine protease factor I to inactivate bovine C4b-one of the two subunits of CP C3-convertase. Of note, the variola complement regulator SPICE contains positively charged residues at these positions. Thus, these variant residues in VCP help enhance its potency against the bovine CP and thereby the fitness of the virus in cattle.
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Agrawal P, Nawadkar R, Ojha H, Kumar J, Sahu A. Complement Evasion Strategies of Viruses: An Overview. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1117. [PMID: 28670306 PMCID: PMC5472698 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Being a major first line of immune defense, the complement system keeps a constant vigil against viruses. Its ability to recognize large panoply of viruses and virus-infected cells, and trigger the effector pathways, results in neutralization of viruses and killing of the infected cells. This selection pressure exerted by complement on viruses has made them evolve a multitude of countermeasures. These include targeting the recognition molecules for the avoidance of detection, targeting key enzymes and complexes of the complement pathways like C3 convertases and C5b-9 formation - either by encoding complement regulators or by recruiting membrane-bound and soluble host complement regulators, cleaving complement proteins by encoding protease, and inhibiting the synthesis of complement proteins. Additionally, viruses also exploit the complement system for their own benefit. For example, they use complement receptors as well as membrane regulators for cellular entry as well as their spread. Here, we provide an overview on the complement subversion mechanisms adopted by the members of various viral families including Poxviridae, Herpesviridae, Adenoviridae, Flaviviridae, Retroviridae, Picornaviridae, Astroviridae, Togaviridae, Orthomyxoviridae and Paramyxoviridae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palak Agrawal
- Complement Biology Laboratory, National Centre for Cell Science, Savitribai Phule Pune UniversityPune, India
| | - Renuka Nawadkar
- Complement Biology Laboratory, National Centre for Cell Science, Savitribai Phule Pune UniversityPune, India
| | - Hina Ojha
- Complement Biology Laboratory, National Centre for Cell Science, Savitribai Phule Pune UniversityPune, India
| | - Jitendra Kumar
- Complement Biology Laboratory, National Centre for Cell Science, Savitribai Phule Pune UniversityPune, India
| | - Arvind Sahu
- Complement Biology Laboratory, National Centre for Cell Science, Savitribai Phule Pune UniversityPune, India
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14
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Ricklin D, Reis ES, Mastellos DC, Gros P, Lambris JD. Complement component C3 - The "Swiss Army Knife" of innate immunity and host defense. Immunol Rev 2016; 274:33-58. [PMID: 27782325 PMCID: PMC5427221 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 273] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
As a preformed defense system, complement faces a delicate challenge in providing an immediate, forceful response to pathogens even at first encounter, while sparing host cells in the process. For this purpose, it engages a tightly regulated network of plasma proteins, cell surface receptors, and regulators. Complement component C3 plays a particularly versatile role in this process by keeping the cascade alert, acting as a point of convergence of activation pathways, fueling the amplification of the complement response, exerting direct effector functions, and helping to coordinate downstream immune responses. In recent years, it has become evident that nature engages the power of C3 not only to clear pathogens but also for a variety of homeostatic processes ranging from tissue regeneration and synapse pruning to clearing debris and controlling tumor cell progression. At the same time, its central position in immune surveillance makes C3 a target for microbial immune evasion and, if improperly engaged, a trigger point for various clinical conditions. In our review, we look at the versatile roles and evolutionary journey of C3, discuss new insights into the molecular basis for C3 function, provide examples of disease involvement, and summarize the emerging potential of C3 as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ricklin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Edimara S Reis
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Dimitrios C Mastellos
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- National Center for Scientific Research 'Demokritos', Athens, Greece
| | - Piet Gros
- Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - John D Lambris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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15
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El-Assaad A, Dawy Z, Nemer G. Electrostatic study of Alanine mutational effects on transcription: application to GATA-3:DNA interaction complex. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2016; 2015:4005-8. [PMID: 26737172 DOI: 10.1109/embc.2015.7319272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Protein-DNA interaction is of fundamental importance in molecular biology, playing roles in functions as diverse as DNA transcription, DNA structure formation, and DNA repair. Protein-DNA association is also important in medicine; understanding Protein-DNA binding kinetics can assist in identifying disease root causes which can contribute to drug development. In this perspective, this work focuses on the transcription process by the GATA Transcription Factor (TF). GATA TF binds to DNA promoter region represented by `G,A,T,A' nucleotides sequence, and initiates transcription of target genes. When proper regulation fails due to some mutations on the GATA TF protein sequence or on the DNA promoter sequence (weak promoter), deregulation of the target genes might lead to various disorders. In this study, we aim to understand the electrostatic mechanism behind GATA TF and DNA promoter interactions, in order to predict Protein-DNA binding in the presence of mutations, while elaborating on non-covalent binding kinetics. To generate a family of mutants for the GATA:DNA complex, we replaced every charged amino acid, one at a time, with a neutral amino acid like Alanine (Ala). We then applied Poisson-Boltzmann electrostatic calculations feeding into free energy calculations, for each mutation. These calculations delineate the contribution to binding from each Ala-replaced amino acid in the GATA:DNA interaction. After analyzing the obtained data in view of a two-step model, we are able to identify potential key amino acids in binding. Finally, we applied the model to GATA-3:DNA (crystal structure with PDB-ID: 3DFV) binding complex and validated it against experimental results from the literature.
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16
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Forneris F, Wu J, Xue X, Ricklin D, Lin Z, Sfyroera G, Tzekou A, Volokhina E, Granneman JC, Hauhart R, Bertram P, Liszewski MK, Atkinson JP, Lambris JD, Gros P. Regulators of complement activity mediate inhibitory mechanisms through a common C3b-binding mode. EMBO J 2016; 35:1133-49. [PMID: 27013439 PMCID: PMC4868954 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201593673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulators of complement activation (RCA) inhibit complement‐induced immune responses on healthy host tissues. We present crystal structures of human RCA (MCP, DAF, and CR1) and a smallpox virus homolog (SPICE) bound to complement component C3b. Our structural data reveal that up to four consecutive homologous CCP domains (i–iv), responsible for inhibition, bind in the same orientation and extended arrangement at a shared binding platform on C3b. Large sequence variations in CCP domains explain the diverse C3b‐binding patterns, with limited or no contribution of some individual domains, while all regulators show extensive contacts with C3b for the domains at the third site. A variation of ~100° rotation around the longitudinal axis is observed for domains binding at the fourth site on C3b, without affecting the overall binding mode. The data suggest a common evolutionary origin for both inhibitory mechanisms, called decay acceleration and cofactor activity, with variable C3b binding through domains at sites ii, iii, and iv, and provide a framework for understanding RCA disease‐related mutations and immune evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Forneris
- Crystal and Structural Chemistry, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jin Wu
- Crystal and Structural Chemistry, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Xiaoguang Xue
- Crystal and Structural Chemistry, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Ricklin
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Zhuoer Lin
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Georgia Sfyroera
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Apostolia Tzekou
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elena Volokhina
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology (830), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Joke Cm Granneman
- Crystal and Structural Chemistry, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Richard Hauhart
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Paula Bertram
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - M Kathryn Liszewski
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - John P Atkinson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - John D Lambris
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Piet Gros
- Crystal and Structural Chemistry, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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17
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Anti-complement activity of the Ixodes scapularis salivary protein Salp20. Mol Immunol 2015; 69:62-9. [PMID: 26675068 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2015.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Revised: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Complement, a major component of innate immunity, presents a rapid and robust defense of the intravascular space. While regulatory proteins protect host cells from complement attack, when these measures fail, unrestrained complement activation may trigger self-tissue injury, leading to pathologic conditions. Of the three complement activation pathways, the alternative pathway (AP) in particular has been implicated in numerous disease and injury states. Consequently, the AP components represent attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. The common hard-bodied ticks from the family Ixodidae derive nourishment from the blood of their mammalian hosts. During its blood meal the tick is exposed to host immune effectors, including the complement system. In defense, the tick produces salivary proteins that can inhibit host immune functions. The Salp20 salivary protein of Ixodes scapularis inhibits the host AP pathway by binding properdin and dissociating C3bBbP, the active C3 convertase. In these studies we examined Salp20 activity in various complement-mediated pathologies. Our results indicate that Salp20 can inhibit AP-dependent pathogenesis in the mouse. Its efficacy may be part in due to synergic effects it provides with the endogenous AP regulator, factor H. While Salp20 itself would be expected to be highly immunogenic and therefore inappropriate for therapeutic use, its emergence speaks for the potential development of a non-immunogenic Salp20 mimic that replicates its anti-properdin activity.
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18
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A theoretical view of the C3d:CR2 binding controversy. Mol Immunol 2014; 64:112-22. [PMID: 25433434 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2014.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2014] [Accepted: 11/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The C3d:CR2(SCR1-2) interaction plays an important role in bridging innate and adaptive immunity, leading to enhanced antibody production at sites of complement activation. Over the past decade, there has been much debate over the binding mode of this interaction. An initial cocrystal structure (PDB: 1GHQ) was published in 2001, in which the only interactions observed were between the SCR2 domain of CR2 and a side-face of C3d whereas a cocrystal structure (PDB: 3OED) published in 2011 showed both the SCR1 and SCR2 domains of CR2 interacting with an acidic patch on the concave surface of C3d. The initial 1GHQ structure is at odds with the majority of existing biochemical data and the publication of the 3OED structure renewed uncertainty regarding the physiological relevance of 1GHQ, suggesting that crystallization may have been influenced by the presence of zinc acetate in the crystallization process. In our study, we used a variety of computational approaches to gain insight into the binding mode between C3d and CR2 and demonstrate that the binding site at the acidic patch (3OED) is electrostatically more favorable, exhibits better structural and dissociative stability, specifically at the SCR1 domain, and has higher binding affinity than the 1GHQ binding mode. We also observe that nonphysiological zinc ions enhance the formation of the C3d:CR2 complex at the side face of C3d (1GHQ) through increases in electrostatic favorability, intermolecular interactions, dissociative character and overall energetic favorability. These results provide a theoretical basis for the association of C3d:CR2 at the acidic cavity of C3d and provide an explanation for binding of CR2 at the side face of C3d in the presence of nonphysiological zinc ions.
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19
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Ojha H, Panwar HS, Gorham RD, Morikis D, Sahu A. Viral regulators of complement activation: structure, function and evolution. Mol Immunol 2014; 61:89-99. [PMID: 24976595 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2014.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Revised: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 06/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The complement system surveillance in the host is effective in controlling viral propagation. Consequently, to subvert this effector mechanism, viruses have developed a series of adaptations. One among these is encoding mimics of host regulators of complement activation (RCA) which help viruses to avoid being labeled as 'foreign' and protect them from complement-mediated neutralization and complement-enhanced antiviral adaptive immunity. In this review, we provide an overview on the structure, function and evolution of viral RCA proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hina Ojha
- National Centre for Cell Science, Pune University Campus, Ganeshkhind, Pune 411007, India
| | - Hemendra Singh Panwar
- National Centre for Cell Science, Pune University Campus, Ganeshkhind, Pune 411007, India
| | - Ronald D Gorham
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Dimitrios Morikis
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
| | - Arvind Sahu
- National Centre for Cell Science, Pune University Campus, Ganeshkhind, Pune 411007, India.
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20
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Schmidt CQ, Bai H, Lin Z, Risitano AM, Barlow PN, Ricklin D, Lambris JD. Rational engineering of a minimized immune inhibitor with unique triple-targeting properties. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 190:5712-21. [PMID: 23616575 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1203548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Inadequate control of the complement system is the underlying or aggravating factor in many human diseases. Whereas treatment options that specifically target the alternative pathway (AP) of complement activation are considered highly desirable, no such option is available in the clinic. In this study, we present a successful example of protein engineering, guided by structural insight on the complement regulator factor H (FH), yielding a novel complement-targeted therapeutic (mini-FH) with clinical potential. Despite a 70% reduction in size, mini-FH retained and in some respects exceeded the regulatory activity and cell surface-recognition properties of its parent protein FH, including the recently described recognition of sites of oxidative stress. Importantly, the chosen design extended the functional spectrum of the inhibitor, as mini-FH showed increased binding to the surface-bound opsonins iC3b and C3dg when compared with FH. Thus, mini-FH is equipped with a unique and clinically valuable triple-targeting profile toward diseased host cells, through its binding to sites of ongoing complement activation, markers of oxidative damage, and host surface-specific polyanions. When assessed in a clinically relevant AP-mediated disease model of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, mini-FH largely outperformed FH and indicated advantages over clinically evaluated AP inhibitors. Thus, the rational engineering of a streamlined FH construct not only provided insight into the function of a key complement regulator, but also yielded a novel inhibitor that combines a triple-targeting approach with high AP-specific inhibitory activity (IC50 ~ 40 nM), which may pave the way toward new options for the treatment of complement-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Q Schmidt
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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21
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Yadav VN, Pyaram K, Ahmad M, Sahu A. Species selectivity in poxviral complement regulators is dictated by the charge reversal in the central complement control protein modules. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 189:1431-9. [PMID: 22732591 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1200946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Variola and vaccinia viruses, the two most important members of the family Poxviridae, are known to encode homologs of the human complement regulators named smallpox inhibitor of complement enzymes (SPICE) and vaccinia virus complement control protein (VCP), respectively, to subvert the host complement system. Intriguingly, consistent with the host tropism of these viruses, SPICE has been shown to be more human complement-specific than VCP, and in this study we show that VCP is more bovine complement-specific than SPICE. Based on mutagenesis and mechanistic studies, we suggest that the major determinant for the switch in species selectivity of SPICE and VCP is the presence of oppositely charged residues in the central complement control modules, which help enhance their interaction with factor I and C3b, the proteolytically cleaved form of C3. Thus, our results provide a molecular basis for the species selectivity in poxviral complement regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viveka Nand Yadav
- National Centre for Cell Science, Pune University, Ganeshkhind, Pune 411007, India
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22
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Hudson PN, Self J, Weiss S, Braden Z, Xiao Y, Girgis NM, Emerson G, Hughes C, Sammons SA, Isaacs SN, Damon IK, Olson VA. Elucidating the role of the complement control protein in monkeypox pathogenicity. PLoS One 2012; 7:e35086. [PMID: 22496894 PMCID: PMC3322148 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0035086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2011] [Accepted: 03/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Monkeypox virus (MPXV) causes a smallpox-like disease in humans. Clinical and epidemiological studies provide evidence of pathogenicity differences between two geographically distinct monkeypox virus clades: the West African and Congo Basin. Genomic analysis of strains from both clades identified a ∼10 kbp deletion in the less virulent West African isolates sequenced to date. One absent open reading frame encodes the monkeypox virus homologue of the complement control protein (CCP). This modulatory protein prevents the initiation of both the classical and alternative pathways of complement activation. In monkeypox virus, CCP, also known as MOPICE, is a ∼24 kDa secretory protein with sequence homology to this superfamily of proteins. Here we investigate CCP expression and its role in monkeypox virulence and pathogenesis. CCP was incorporated into the West African strain and removed from the Congo Basin strain by homologous recombination. CCP expression phenotypes were confirmed for both wild type and recombinant monkeypox viruses and CCP activity was confirmed using a C4b binding assay. To characterize the disease, prairie dogs were intranasally infected and disease progression was monitored for 30 days. Removal of CCP from the Congo Basin strain reduced monkeypox disease morbidity and mortality, but did not significantly decrease viral load. The inclusion of CCP in the West African strain produced changes in disease manifestation, but had no apparent effect on disease-associated mortality. This study identifies CCP as an important immuno-modulatory protein in monkeypox pathogenesis but not solely responsible for the increased virulence seen within the Congo Basin clade of monkeypox virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul N Hudson
- Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases and Biotechnology Core Facility Branch, Division of Safety Research, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America.
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23
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Complement Inhibition by Staphylococcus aureus: Electrostatics of C3d–EfbC and C3d–Ehp Association. Cell Mol Bioeng 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s12195-011-0195-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
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24
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DeHaven BC, Gupta K, Isaacs SN. The vaccinia virus A56 protein: a multifunctional transmembrane glycoprotein that anchors two secreted viral proteins. J Gen Virol 2011; 92:1971-1980. [PMID: 21715594 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.030460-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The vaccinia virus A56 protein was one of the earliest-described poxvirus proteins with an identifiable activity. While originally characterized as a haemagglutinin protein, A56 has other functions as well. The A56 protein is capable of binding two viral proteins, a serine protease inhibitor (K2) and the vaccinia virus complement control protein (VCP), and anchoring them to the surface of infected cells. This is important; while both proteins have biologically relevant functions at the cell surface, neither one can locate there on its own. The A56-K2 complex reduces the amount of virus superinfecting an infected cell and also prevents the formation of syncytia by infected cells; the A56-VCP complex can protect infected cells from complement attack. Deletion of the A56R gene results in varying effects on vaccinia virus virulence. In addition, since the gene encoding the A56 protein is non-essential, it can be used as an insertion point for foreign genes and has been deleted in some viruses that are in clinical development as oncolytic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian C DeHaven
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kushol Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Stuart N Isaacs
- Infectious Diseases Section, Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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25
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Electrostatic exploration of the C3d-FH4 interaction using a computational alanine scan. Mol Immunol 2011; 48:1844-50. [PMID: 21683447 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2011.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2011] [Accepted: 05/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The complement system is a component of innate immunity and is activated by a cascade of protein interactions whose function is vital to our ability to fight infection. When proper regulation fails, the complement system is unable to recognize "self" from "nonself" and, therefore, attacks own tissues leading to autoimmune diseases. The central protein of the complement system is C3, which is the convergence point of three independently activated but communicating pathways. Regulation of C3 occurs through modular proteins which consist of many repeats of complement control protein (CCP) modules. CCP modules have diverse sequences, similar structures, and diverse physicochemical compositions, with excess of charge being a predominant characteristic. The goal of our study is to understand the electrostatic mechanism that underlies the interaction between the C3d domain of C3 and the fourth module of the complement regulator Factor H (FH4). We have performed a computational alanine scan in which we have replaced every ionizable amino acid, one at a time, with an alanine to generate a family of mutants for the C3d-FH4 complex. We have used Poisson-Boltzmann electrostatic calculations in combination with clustering of spatial distributions of electrostatic potentials and free energy calculations to delineate the contribution of each replaced amino acid to the C3d-FH4 interaction. We have analyzed our data in view of a two-step model which separates association into long-range recognition and short-range binding and we have identified key amino acids that contribute to association. We discuss the complex role of C3d in binding FH4 and the bacterial proteins Efb/Ehp from Staphylococcus aureus.
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26
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The effect of electrostatics on factor H function and related pathologies. J Mol Graph Model 2011; 29:1047-55. [PMID: 21605993 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2011.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2011] [Revised: 04/26/2011] [Accepted: 04/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Factor H (FH) contributes to the regulation of the complement system by binding to polyanionic surfaces and the proteins C3b/C3c/C3d. This implicates charge and electrostatic interactions in recognition and binding of FH. Despite the large amount of experimental and pathology data the exact mechanism at molecular level is not yet known. We have implemented a computational framework for comparative analysis of the charge and electrostatic diversity of FH modules and C3b domains to identify electrostatic hotspots and predict potential binding sites. Our electrostatic potential clustering analysis shows that charge distributions and electrostatic potential distributions are more useful in understanding C3b-FH interactions than net charges alone. We present a model of non-specific electrostatic interactions of FH with polyanion-rich surfaces and specific interactions with C3b, using our computational data and existing experimental data. We discuss the electrostatic contributions to the formation of the C3b-FH complex and the competition between FH and Factor Bb (Bb) for binding to C3b. We also discuss the significance of mutations of charged amino acids in the pathobiology of FH-mediated disease, such as age-related macular degeneration, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, and dense deposit disease. Our data can be used to guide future experimental studies.
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Kieslich CA, Morikis D, Yang J, Gunopulos D. Automated computational framework for the analysis of electrostatic similarities of proteins. Biotechnol Prog 2011; 27:316-25. [PMID: 21485028 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Charge plays an important role in protein-protein interactions. In the case of excessively charged proteins, their electrostatic potentials contribute to the processes of recognition and binding with other proteins or ligands. We present an automated computational framework for determining the contribution of each charged amino acid to the electrostatic properties of proteins, at atomic resolution level. This framework involves computational alanine scans, calculation of Poisson-Boltzmann electrostatic potentials, calculation of electrostatic similarity distances (ESDs), hierarchical clustering analysis of ESDs, calculation of solvation free energies of association, and visualization of the spatial distributions of electrostatic potentials. The framework is useful to classify families of mutants with similar electrostatic properties and to compare them with the parent proteins in the complex. The alanine scan mutants introduce perturbations in the local electrostatic properties of the proteins and aim in delineating the contribution of each mutated amino acid in the spatial distribution of electrostatic potential, and in biological function when electrostatics is a dominant contributing factor in protein-protein interactions. The framework can be used to design new proteins with tailored electrostatic properties, such as immune system regulators, inhibitors, and vaccines, and in guiding experimental studies. We present an example for the interaction of the immune system protein C3d (the d-fragment of complement protein C3) with its receptor CR2, and we discuss our data in view of a binding site controversy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris A Kieslich
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
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Kotwal GJ. Influence of glycosylation and oligomerization of vaccinia virus complement control protein on level and pattern of functional activity and immunogenicity. Protein Cell 2011; 1:1084-92. [PMID: 21213103 DOI: 10.1007/s13238-010-0139-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2010] [Accepted: 11/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccinia virus complement control protein (VCP) is one of the proteins encoded by vaccinia virus to modulate the host inflammatory response. VCP modulates the inflammatory response and protects viral habitat by inhibiting the classical and the alternative pathways of complement activation. The extended structure of VCP, mobility between its sequential domains, charge distribution and type of residues at the binding regions are factors that have been identified to influence its ability to bind to complement proteins. We report that a Lister strain of vaccinia virus encodes a VCP homolog (Lis VCP) that is functional, glycosylated, has two amino acids less than the well-characterized VCP from vaccinia virus WR strain (WR VCP), and the human smallpox inhibitor of complement enzymes (SPICE) from variola virus. The glycosylated VCP of Lister is immunogenic in contrast to the weak immunogenicity of the nonglycosylated VCP. Lis VCP is the only orthopoxviral VCP homolog found to be glycosylated, and we speculate that glycosylation influences its pattern of complement inhibition. We also correlate dimerization of VCP observed only in mammalian and baculovirus expression systems to higher levels of activity than monomers, observed in the yeast expression system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girish J Kotwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sullivan University College of Pharmacy, Louisville, KY, USA.
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The Vaccinia virus complement control protein modulates adaptive immune responses during infection. J Virol 2010; 85:2547-56. [PMID: 21191012 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01474-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Complement activation is an important component of the innate immune response against viral infection and also shapes adaptive immune responses. Despite compelling evidence that complement activation enhances T cell and antibody (Ab) responses during viral infection, it is unknown whether inhibition of complement by pathogens alters these responses. Vaccinia virus (VACV) modulates complement activation by encoding a complement regulatory protein called the vaccinia virus complement control protein (VCP). Although VCP has been described as a virulence factor, the mechanisms by which VCP enhances VACV pathogenesis have not been fully defined. Since complement is necessary for optimal adaptive immune responses to several viruses, we hypothesized that VCP contributes to pathogenesis by modulating anti-VACV T cell and Ab responses. In this study, we used an intradermal model of VACV infection to compare pathogenesis of wild-type virus (vv-VCPwt) and a virus lacking VCP (vv-VCPko). vv-VCPko formed smaller lesions in wild-type mice but not in complement-deficient mice. Attenuation of vv-VCPko correlated with increased accumulation of T cells at the site of infection, enhanced neutralizing antibody responses, and reduced viral titers. Importantly, depleting CD8(+) T cells together with CD4(+) T cells, which also eliminated T helper cell-dependent Ab responses, restored vv-VCPko to wild-type levels of virulence. These results suggest that VCP contributes to virulence by dampening both antibody and T cell responses. This work provides insight into how modulation of complement by poxviruses contributes to virulence and demonstrates that a pathogen-encoded complement regulatory protein can modulate adaptive immunity.
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Electrostatic clustering and free energy calculations provide a foundation for protein design and optimization. Ann Biomed Eng 2010; 39:1252-63. [PMID: 21140293 PMCID: PMC3069318 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-010-0226-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2010] [Accepted: 11/24/2010] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Electrostatic interactions are ubiquitous in proteins and dictate stability and function. In this review, we discuss several methods for the analysis of electrostatics in protein–protein interactions. We discuss alanine-scanning mutagenesis, Poisson–Boltzmann electrostatics, free energy calculations, electrostatic similarity distances, and hierarchical clustering of electrostatic potentials. Our recently developed computational framework, known as Analysis of Electrostatic Similarities Of Proteins (AESOP), incorporates these tools to efficiently elucidate the role of electrostatic potentials in protein interactions. We present the application of AESOP to several proteins and protein complexes, for which charge is purported to facilitate protein association. Specifically, we illustrate how recent work has shaped the formulation of electrostatic calculations, the correlation of electrostatic free energies and electrostatic potential clustering results with experimental binding and activity data, the pH dependence of protein stability and association, the design of mutant proteins with enhanced immunological activity, and how AESOP can expose deficiencies in structural models and experimental data. This integrative approach can be utilized to develop mechanistic models and to guide experimental studies by predicting mutations with desired physicochemical properties and function. Alteration of the electrostatic properties of proteins offers a basis for the design of proteins with optimized binding and activity.
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Pyaram K, Yadav VN, Reza MJ, Sahu A. Virus–complement interactions: an assiduous struggle for dominance. Future Virol 2010. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl.10.60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The complement system is a major component of the innate immune system that recognizes invading pathogens and eliminates them by means of an array of effector mechanisms, in addition to using direct lytic destruction. Viruses, in spite of their small size and simple composition, are also deftly recognized and neutralized by the complement system. In turn, as a result of years of coevolution with the host, viruses have developed multiple mechanisms to evade the host complement. These complex interactions between the complement system and viruses have been an area of focus for over three decades. In this article, we provide a broad overview of the field using key examples and up-to-date information on the complement-evasion strategies of viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalyani Pyaram
- National Centre for Cell Science, Pune University Campus, Ganeshkhind, Pune 411007, India
| | - Viveka Nand Yadav
- National Centre for Cell Science, Pune University Campus, Ganeshkhind, Pune 411007, India
| | - Malik Johid Reza
- National Centre for Cell Science, Pune University Campus, Ganeshkhind, Pune 411007, India
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Moulton EA, Bertram P, Chen N, Buller RML, Atkinson JP. Ectromelia virus inhibitor of complement enzymes protects intracellular mature virus and infected cells from mouse complement. J Virol 2010; 84:9128-39. [PMID: 20610727 PMCID: PMC2937632 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02677-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2009] [Accepted: 06/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Poxviruses produce complement regulatory proteins to subvert the host's immune response. Similar to the human pathogen variola virus, ectromelia virus has a limited host range and provides a mouse model where the virus and the host's immune response have coevolved. We previously demonstrated that multiple components (C3, C4, and factor B) of the classical and alternative pathways are required to survive ectromelia virus infection. Complement's role in the innate and adaptive immune responses likely drove the evolution of a virus-encoded virulence factor that regulates complement activation. In this study, we characterized the ectromelia virus inhibitor of complement enzymes (EMICE). Recombinant EMICE regulated complement activation on the surface of CHO cells, and it protected complement-sensitive intracellular mature virions (IMV) from neutralization in vitro. It accomplished this by serving as a cofactor for the inactivation of C3b and C4b and by dissociating the catalytic domain of the classical pathway C3 convertase. Infected murine cells initiated synthesis of EMICE within 4 to 6 h postinoculation. The levels were sufficient in the supernatant to protect the IMV, upon release, from complement-mediated neutralization. EMICE on the surface of infected murine cells also reduced complement activation by the alternative pathway. In contrast, classical pathway activation by high-titer antibody overwhelmed EMICE's regulatory capacity. These results suggest that EMICE's role is early during infection when it counteracts the innate immune response. In summary, ectromelia virus produced EMICE within a few hours of an infection, and EMICE in turn decreased complement activation on IMV and infected cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Moulton
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri 63110, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University Health Sciences Center, Saint Louis, Missouri 63104
| | - Paula Bertram
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri 63110, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University Health Sciences Center, Saint Louis, Missouri 63104
| | - Nanhai Chen
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri 63110, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University Health Sciences Center, Saint Louis, Missouri 63104
| | - R. Mark L. Buller
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri 63110, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University Health Sciences Center, Saint Louis, Missouri 63104
| | - John P. Atkinson
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri 63110, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University Health Sciences Center, Saint Louis, Missouri 63104
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Poxvirus complement control proteins are expressed on the cell surface through an intermolecular disulfide bridge with the viral A56 protein. J Virol 2010; 84:11245-54. [PMID: 20719953 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00372-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The vaccinia virus (VACV) complement control protein (VCP) is an immunomodulatory protein that is both secreted from and expressed on the surface of infected cells. Surface expression of VCP occurs though an interaction with the viral transmembrane protein A56 and is dependent on a free N-terminal cysteine of VCP. Although A56 and VCP have been shown to interact in infected cells, the mechanism remains unclear. To investigate if A56 is sufficient for surface expression, we transiently expressed VCP and A56 in eukaryotic cell lines and found that they interact on the cell surface in the absence of other viral proteins. Since A56 contains three extracellular cysteines, we hypothesized that one of the cysteines may be unpaired and could therefore form a disulfide bridge with VCP. To test this, we generated a series of A56 mutants in which each cysteine was mutated to a serine, and we found that mutation of cysteine 162 abrogated VCP cell surface expression. We also tested the ability of other poxvirus complement control proteins to bind to VACV A56. While the smallpox homolog of VCP is able to bind VACV A56, the ectromelia virus (ECTV) VCP homolog is only able to bind the ECTV homolog of A56, indicating that these proteins may have coevolved. Surface expression of poxvirus complement control proteins may have important implications in viral pathogenesis, as a virus that does not express cell surface VCP is attenuated in vivo. This suggests that surface expression of VCP may contribute to poxvirus pathogenesis.
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Thorgersen EB, Ludviksen JK, Lambris JD, Sfyroera G, Nielsen EW, Mollnes TE. Anti-inflammatory effects of C1-Inhibitor in porcine and human whole blood are independent of its protease inhibition activity. Innate Immun 2010; 16:254-64. [PMID: 19710096 PMCID: PMC2891294 DOI: 10.1177/1753425909340420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
C1-Inhibitor (C1-INH) is an important biological inhibitor, regulating several protein cascade systems. Recent research has shown that the molecule exhibits properties not dependent on its protease inhibition activity. Serum and whole blood from pigs and humans were pre-incubated with C1-INH, iC1-INH or the complement inhibitors SPICE or compstatin. Whole, live Escherichia coli were then added for further incubation. Complement activation, a range of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors, as well as the leukocyte activation markers wCD11R3 (pig) and CD11b (human) were measured. Both C1-INH and iC1-INH dose-dependently and significantly (P<0.05) reduced a range of E. coli-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in porcine and human whole blood, as well as growth factors in human whole blood. Differences between the two forms of C1-INH and between the two species were modest. Most of these anti-inflammatory effects could not be explained by complement inhibition, as specific complement inhibitors had minor effect on several of the mediators. C1-Inhibitor had no inhibitory effect on E. coli-induced complement activation, while iC1-INH enhanced complement activation. The presented data indicate that C1-INH has broad anti-inflammatory effects in E. coli-induced inflammation in pig and human whole blood. These effects are largely independent of the protease inhibition activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebbe Billmann Thorgersen
- Institute of Immunology, Rikshospitalet University Hospital, and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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Complement inhibition decreases the procoagulant response and confers organ protection in a baboon model of Escherichia coli sepsis. Blood 2010; 116:1002-10. [PMID: 20466856 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2010-02-269746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe sepsis leads to massive activation of coagulation and complement cascades that could contribute to multiple organ failure and death. To investigate the role of the complement and its crosstalk with the hemostatic system in the pathophysiology and therapeutics of sepsis, we have used a potent inhibitor (compstatin) administered early or late after Escherichia coli challenge in a baboon model of sepsis-induced multiple organ failure. Compstatin infusion inhibited sepsis-induced blood and tissue biomarkers of complement activation, reduced leucopenia and thrombocytopenia, and lowered the accumulation of macrophages and platelets in organs. Compstatin decreased the coagulopathic response by down-regulating tissue factor and PAI-1, diminished global blood coagulation markers (fibrinogen, fibrin-degradation products, APTT), and preserved the endothelial anticoagulant properties. Compstatin treatment also improved cardiac function and the biochemical markers of kidney and liver damage. Histologic analysis of vital organs collected from animals euthanized after 24 hours showed decreased microvascular thrombosis, improved vascular barrier function, and less leukocyte infiltration and cell death, all consistent with attenuated organ injury. We conclude that complement-coagulation interplay contributes to the progression of severe sepsis and blocking the harmful effects of complement activation products, especially during the organ failure stage of severe sepsis is a potentially important therapeutic strategy.
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Pyaram K, Kieslich CA, Yadav VN, Morikis D, Sahu A. Influence of electrostatics on the complement regulatory functions of Kaposica, the complement inhibitor of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2010; 184:1956-67. [PMID: 20089702 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0903261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Kaposica, the complement regulator of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, inhibits complement by supporting factor I-mediated inactivation of the proteolytically activated form of C3 (C3b) and C4 (C4b) (cofactor activity [CFA]) and by accelerating the decay of classical and alternative pathway C3-convertases (decay-accelerating activity [DAA]). Previous data suggested that electrostatic interactions play a critical role in the binding of viral complement regulators to their targets, C3b and C4b. We therefore investigated how electrostatic potential on Kaposica influences its activities. We built a homology structure of Kaposica and calculated the electrostatic potential of the molecule, using the Poisson-Boltzmann equation. Mutants were then designed to alter the overall positive potential of the molecule or of each of its domains and linkers by mutating Lys/Arg to Glu/Gln, and the functional activities of the expressed mutants were analyzed. Our data indicate that 1) positive potential at specific sites and not the overall positive potential on the molecule guides the CFAs and classical pathway DAA; 2) positive potential around the linkers between complement control protein domains (CCPs) 1-2 and 2-3 is more important for DAAs than for CFAs; 3) positive potential in CCP1 is crucial for binding to C3b and C4b, and thereby its functional activities; 4) conversion to negative or enhancement of negative potential for CCPs 2-4 has a marked effect on C3b-linked activities as opposed to C4b-linked activities; and 5) reversal of the electrostatic potential of CCP4 to negative has a differential effect on classical and alternative pathway DAAs. Together, our data provide functional relevance to conservation of positive potential in CCPs 1 and 4 and the linkers of viral complement regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalyani Pyaram
- National Centre for Cell Science, Pune University Campus, Ganeshkhind, Pune, India
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Liszewski MK, Leung MK, Hauhart R, Fang CJ, Bertram P, Atkinson JP. Smallpox inhibitor of complement enzymes (SPICE): dissecting functional sites and abrogating activity. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2009; 183:3150-9. [PMID: 19667083 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0901366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Although smallpox was eradicated as a global illness more than 30 years ago, variola virus and other related pathogenic poxviruses, such as monkeypox, remain potential bioterrorist weapons or could re-emerge as natural infections. Poxviruses express virulence factors that down-modulate the host's immune system. We previously compared functional profiles of the poxviral complement inhibitors of smallpox, vaccinia, and monkeypox known as SPICE, VCP (or VICE), and MOPICE, respectively. SPICE was the most potent regulator of human complement and attached to cells via glycosaminoglycans. The major goals of the present study were to further characterize the complement regulatory and heparin binding sites of SPICE and to evaluate a mAb that abrogates its function. Using substitution mutagenesis, we established that (1) elimination of the three heparin binding sites severely decreases but does not eliminate glycosaminoglycan binding, (2) there is a hierarchy of activity for heparin binding among the three sites, and (3) complement regulatory sites overlap with each of the three heparin binding motifs. By creating chimeras with interchanges of SPICE and VCP residues, a combination of two SPICE amino acids (H77 plus K120) enhances VCP activity approximately 200-fold. Also, SPICE residue L131 is critical for both complement regulatory function and accounts for the electrophoretic differences between SPICE and VCP. An evolutionary history for these structure-function adaptations of SPICE is proposed. Finally, we identified and characterized a mAb that inhibits the complement regulatory activity of SPICE, MOPICE, and VCP and thus could be used as a therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kathryn Liszewski
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Surviving mousepox infection requires the complement system. PLoS Pathog 2008; 4:e1000249. [PMID: 19112490 PMCID: PMC2597719 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1000249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2008] [Accepted: 11/26/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Poxviruses subvert the host immune response by producing immunomodulatory proteins, including a complement regulatory protein. Ectromelia virus provides a mouse model for smallpox where the virus and the host's immune response have co-evolved. Using this model, our study investigated the role of the complement system during a poxvirus infection. By multiple inoculation routes, ectromelia virus caused increased mortality by 7 to 10 days post-infection in C57BL/6 mice that lack C3, the central component of the complement cascade. In C3−/− mice, ectromelia virus disseminated earlier to target organs and generated higher peak titers compared to the congenic controls. Also, increased hepatic inflammation and necrosis correlated with these higher tissue titers and likely contributed to the morbidity in the C3−/− mice. In vitro, the complement system in naïve C57BL/6 mouse sera neutralized ectromelia virus, primarily through the recognition of the virion by natural antibody and activation of the classical and alternative pathways. Sera deficient in classical or alternative pathway components or antibody had reduced ability to neutralize viral particles, which likely contributed to increased viral dissemination and disease severity in vivo. The increased mortality of C4−/− or Factor B−/− mice also indicates that these two pathways of complement activation are required for survival. In summary, the complement system acts in the first few minutes, hours, and days to control this poxviral infection until the adaptive immune response can react, and loss of this system results in lethal infection. As one of the most successful pathogens ever, smallpox caused death and disfigurement worldwide until its eradication in the 1970s. The complement system, an essential part of the innate immune response, protects against many pathogens; however, its role during smallpox infection is unclear. In this study, we investigated the importance of the complement system in mousepox infection as a model for human smallpox disease. We compared mice with and without genetic deficiencies in complement following infection by multiple routes with ectromelia virus, the causative agent of mousepox. Deficiencies in several complement proteins reduced survival of ectromelia infection. Sera from these same complement-deficient mice also have reduced ability to neutralize ectromelia virus in vitro. In complement-deficient mice, ectromelia virus disseminated from the inoculation site earlier and produced higher levels of virus in the bloodstream, spleen, and liver. The increased infection in the liver resulted in greater tissue damage. We hypothesize that the complement-deficient mice's reduced ability to neutralize ectromelia virus at the inoculation site resulted in earlier dissemination and more severe disease. We have demonstrated that surviving ectromelia virus infection requires the complement system, which suggests that this system may also protect against smallpox infection.
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Inhibition of complement and CD14 attenuates the Escherichia coli-induced inflammatory response in porcine whole blood. Infect Immun 2008; 77:725-32. [PMID: 19047409 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01305-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The innate immune response is a double-edged sword in systemic inflammation and sepsis. Uncontrolled or inappropriate activation can damage and be lethal to the host. Several studies have investigated inhibition of downstream mediators, including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta). Emerging evidence indicates that upstream inhibition is a better therapeutic approach for attenuating damaging immune activation. Therefore, we investigated inhibition of two central innate immune pathways, those of complement and CD14/Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation protein 2 (MD-2), in a porcine in vitro model of Escherichia coli-induced inflammation. Porcine whole blood anticoagulated with lepuridin, which did not interfere with the complement system, was incubated with E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or whole bacteria. Inhibitors of complement and CD14 and thus the LPS CD14/TLR4/MD-2 receptor complex were tested to investigate the effect on the inflammatory response. A broad range of inflammatory readouts were used to monitor the effect. Anti-CD14 was found to saturate the CD14 molecule on granulocytes and completely inhibited LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokines in a dose-dependent manner. Anti-CD14 significantly reduced the levels of the E. coli-induced proinflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-1beta, but not IL-8, in a dose-dependent manner. No effect on bacterial clearance was seen. Vaccinia complement control protein and smallpox inhibitor of complement enzymes, two Orthopoxvirus-encoded complement inhibitors, completely inhibited complement activation. Furthermore, these agents almost completely inhibited the expression of wCD11R3, which is associated with CD18 as a beta2 integrin, on porcine granulocytes and decreased IL-8 levels significantly in a dose-dependent manner. As expected, complement inhibition reduced bacterial clearance. We conclude that inhibition of complement and CD14 attenuates E. coli-induced inflammation and might be used as a therapeutic regimen in gram-negative sepsis along with appropriate treatment with antibiotics.
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Liszewski MK, Bertram P, Leung MK, Hauhart R, Zhang L, Atkinson JP. Smallpox inhibitor of complement enzymes (SPICE): regulation of complement activation on cells and mechanism of its cellular attachment. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2008; 181:4199-207. [PMID: 18768877 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.181.6.4199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Despite eradication of smallpox three decades ago, public health concerns remain due to its potential use as a bioterrorist weapon. Smallpox and other orthopoxviruses express virulence factors that inhibit the host's complement system. In this study, our goals were to characterize the ability of the smallpox inhibitor of complement enzymes, SPICE, to regulate human complement on the cell surface. We demonstrate that SPICE binds to a variety of cell types and that the heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycans serve as attachment sites. A transmembrane-engineered version as well as soluble recombinant SPICE inhibited complement activation at the C3 convertase step with equal or greater efficiency than that of the related host regulators. Moreover, SPICE attached to glycosaminoglycans was more efficient than transmembrane SPICE. We also demonstrate that this virulence activity of SPICE on cells could be blocked by a mAb to SPICE. These results provide insights related to the complement inhibitory activities of poxviral inhibitors of complement and describe a mAb with therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kathryn Liszewski
- Department of Medicine/Division of Rheumatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Abstract
SUMMARY Monkeypox is a disease that is endemic in Central and Western Africa. However, in 2003, there was an outbreak in the United States, representing the first documented monkeypox cases in the Western hemisphere. Although monkeypox virus is less fatal and not as transmissible as variola virus, the causative agent of smallpox, there is concern that monkeypox virus could become a more efficient human pathogen. The reason for this may lie in the virus' genetic makeup, ecological changes, changes in host behavior, and the fact that with the eradication of variola virus, routine smallpox vaccination is no longer carried out. In this review, we focus on the viral proteins that are predicted to modulate the host immune response and compare the genome of monkeypox virus with the genomes of variola virus and the vaccinia virus, the orthopoxvirus that represented the smallpox vaccine. There are differences found in several of these immune-modulating genes including genes that express proteins that affect cytokines such as interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor, and interferon. There are also differences in genes that code for virulence factors and host range proteins. Genetic differences likely also explain the differences in virulence between two strains of monkeypox virus found in two different regions of Africa. In the current setting of limited smallpox vaccination and little orthopoxvirus immunity in parts of the world, monkeypox could become a more efficient human pathogen under the right circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica R Weaver
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6073, USA
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42
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Haspel N, Ricklin D, Geisbrecht BV, Kavraki LE, Lambris JD. Electrostatic contributions drive the interaction between Staphylococcus aureus protein Efb-C and its complement target C3d. Protein Sci 2008; 17:1894-906. [PMID: 18687868 DOI: 10.1110/ps.036624.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The C3-inhibitory domain of Staphylococcus aureus extracellular fibrinogen-binding protein (Efb-C) defines a novel three-helix bundle motif that regulates complement activation. Previous crystallographic studies of Efb-C bound to its cognate subdomain of human C3 (C3d) identified Arg-131 and Asn-138 of Efb-C as key residues for its activity. In order to characterize more completely the physical and chemical driving forces behind this important interaction, we employed in this study a combination of structural, biophysical, and computational methods to analyze the interaction of C3d with Efb-C and the single-point mutants R131A and N138A. Our results show that while these mutations do not drastically affect the structure of the Efb-C/C3d recognition complex, they have significant adverse effects on both the thermodynamic and kinetic profiles of the resulting complexes. We also characterized other key interactions along the Efb-C/C3d binding interface and found an intricate network of salt bridges and hydrogen bonds that anchor Efb-C to C3d, resulting in its potent complement inhibitory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurit Haspel
- Department of Computer Science, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, USA
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43
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Cell surface expression of the vaccinia virus complement control protein is mediated by interaction with the viral A56 protein and protects infected cells from complement attack. J Virol 2008; 82:4205-14. [PMID: 18287241 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02426-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The vaccinia virus (VACV) complement control protein (VCP) is the major protein secreted from VACV-infected cells. It has been reported that VCP binds to the surfaces of uninfected cells by interacting with heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). In this study, we show that VCP is also expressed on the surfaces of infected cells and demonstrate that surface localization occurs independently of HSPGs. Since VCP does not contain a transmembrane domain, we hypothesized that VCP interacts with a membrane protein that localizes to the infected-cell surface. We show that the VACV A56 membrane protein is necessary for the cell surface expression of VCP and demonstrate that VCP and A56 interact in VACV-infected cells. Since the surface expression of VCP was abrogated by reducing agents, we examined the contribution of an unpaired cysteine residue on VCP to VCP surface expression and VCP's interaction with A56. To do this, we mutated the unpaired cysteine in VCP and generated a recombinant virus expressing the altered form of VCP. Following the infection of cells with the mutant virus, VCP was neither expressed on the cell surface nor able to interact with A56. Importantly, the cell surface expression of VCP was found to protect infected cells from complement-mediated lysis. Our findings suggest a new function for VCP that may be important for poxvirus pathogenesis and impact immune responses to VACV-based vaccines.
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Lambris JD, Ricklin D, Geisbrecht BV. Complement evasion by human pathogens. Nat Rev Microbiol 2008; 6:132-42. [PMID: 18197169 DOI: 10.1038/nrmicro1824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 542] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The human immune system has developed an elaborate network of cascades for dealing with microbial intruders. Owing to its ability to rapidly recognize and eliminate microorganisms, the complement system is an essential and efficient component of this machinery. However, many pathogenic organisms have found ways to escape the attack of complement through a range of different mechanisms. Recent discoveries in this field have provided important insights into these processes on a molecular level. These vital developments could augment our knowledge of the pathology and treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Lambris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 422 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
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45
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Identification of hot spots in the variola virus complement inhibitor (SPICE) for human complement regulation. J Virol 2008; 82:3283-94. [PMID: 18216095 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01935-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Variola virus, the causative agent of smallpox, encodes a soluble complement regulator named SPICE. Previously, SPICE has been shown to be much more potent in inactivating human complement than the vaccinia virus complement control protein (VCP), although they differ only in 11 amino acid residues. In the present study, we have expressed SPICE, VCP, and mutants of VCP by substituting each or more of the 11 non-variant VCP residues with the corresponding residue of SPICE to identify hot spots that impart functional advantage to SPICE over VCP. Our data indicate that (i) SPICE is approximately 90-fold more potent than VCP in inactivating human C3b, and the residues Y98, Y103, K108 and K120 are predominantly responsible for its enhanced activity; (ii) SPICE is 5.4-fold more potent in inactivating human C4b, and residues Y98, Y103, K108, K120 and L193 mainly dictate this increase; (iii) the classical pathway decay-accelerating activity of activity is only twofold higher than that of VCP, and the 11 mutations in SPICE do not significantly affect this activity; (iv) SPICE possesses significantly greater binding ability to human C3b compared to VCP, although its binding to human C4b is lower than that of VCP; (v) residue N144 is largely responsible for the increased binding of SPICE to human C3b; and (vi) the human specificity of SPICE is dictated primarily by residues Y98, Y103, K108, and K120 since these are enough to formulate VCP as potent as SPICE. Together, these results suggest that principally 4 of the 11 residues that differ between SPICE and VCP partake in its enhanced function against human complement.
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46
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Activator-specific requirement of properdin in the initiation and amplification of the alternative pathway complement. Blood 2007; 111:732-40. [PMID: 17916747 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2007-05-089821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Properdin is a positive regulator of alternative pathway (AP) complement. The current understanding of properdin function is that it facilitates AP complement activation by stabilizing the C3 convertase C3bBb. Properdin-deficient patients are susceptible to lethal meningococcal infection, but the mechanism of this selective predisposition is not fully understood. By gene targeting in the mouse, we show here that properdin is essential for AP complement activation induced by bacterial lipopolysacharride (LPS) and lipooligosacharride (LOS) and other, but not all, AP complement activators. LPS- and LOS-induced AP complement activation was abolished in properdin-/- mouse serum, and properdin-/- mice were unable to clear Crry-deficient erythrocytes, which are known to be susceptible to AP complement-mediated extravascular hemolysis. In contrast, zymosan- and cobra venom factor-induced AP complement activation, and classical pathway-triggered AP complement amplification were only partially or minimally affected in properdin-/- mice. We further show that the ability of human properdin to restore LPS-dependent AP complement activity in properdin-/- mouse serum correlated with the human properdin-binding affinity of the LPS. These results reveal a novel role of properdin in AP complement initiation and have implications for understanding the selective predisposition of properdin-deficient patients to meningococcal infection.
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47
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Ricklin D, Lambris JD. Exploring the complement interaction network using surface plasmon resonance. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2007; 598:260-78. [PMID: 17892218 DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-71767-8_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ricklin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104-6100, USA.
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48
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Hammel M, Sfyroera G, Pyrpassopoulos S, Ricklin D, Ramyar KX, Pop M, Jin Z, Lambris JD, Geisbrecht BV. Characterization of Ehp, a secreted complement inhibitory protein from Staphylococcus aureus. J Biol Chem 2007; 282:30051-61. [PMID: 17699522 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m704247200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We report here the discovery and characterization of Ehp, a new secreted Staphylococcus aureus protein that potently inhibits the alternative complement activation pathway. Ehp was identified through a genomic scan as an uncharacterized secreted protein from S. aureus, and immunoblotting of conditioned S. aureus culture medium revealed that the Ehp protein was secreted at the highest levels during log-phase bacterial growth. The mature Ehp polypeptide is composed of 80 residues and is 44% identical to the complement inhibitory domain of S. aureus Efb (extracellular fibrinogen-binding protein). We observed preferential binding by Ehp to native and hydrolyzed C3 relative to fully active C3b and found that Ehp formed a subnanomolar affinity complex with these various forms of C3 by binding to its thioester-containing C3d domain. Site-directed mutagenesis demonstrated that Arg(75) and Asn(82) are important in forming the Ehp.C3d complex, but loss of these side chains did not completely disrupt Ehp/C3d binding. This suggested the presence of a second C3d-binding site in Ehp, which was mapped to the proximity of Ehp Asn(63). Further molecular level details of the Ehp/C3d interaction were revealed by solving the 2.7-A crystal structure of an Ehp.C3d complex in which the low affinity site had been mutationally inactivated. Ehp potently inhibited C3b deposition onto sensitized surfaces by the alternative complement activation pathway. This inhibition was directly related to Ehp/C3d binding and was more potent than that seen for Efb-C. An altered conformation in Ehp-bound C3 was detected by monoclonal antibody C3-9, which is specific for a neoantigen exposed in activated forms of C3. Our results suggest that increased inhibitory potency of Ehp relative to Efb-C is derived from the second C3-binding site in this new protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Hammel
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri 64110, USA
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49
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Kuttner-Kondo L, Hourcade DE, Anderson VE, Muqim N, Mitchell L, Soares DC, Barlow PN, Medof ME. Structure-based mapping of DAF active site residues that accelerate the decay of C3 convertases. J Biol Chem 2007; 282:18552-18562. [PMID: 17395591 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m611650200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Focused complement activation on foreign targets depends on regulatory proteins that decay the bimolecular C3 convertases. Although this process is central to complement control, how the convertases engage and disassemble is not established. The second and third complement control protein (CCP) modules of the cell surface regulator, decay-accelerating factor (DAF, CD55), comprise the simplest structure mediating this activity. Positioning the functional effects of 31 substitution mutants of DAF CCP2 to -4 on partial structures was previously reported. In light of the high resolution crystal structure of the DAF four-CCP functional region, we now reexamine the effects of these and 40 additional mutations. Moreover, we map six monoclonal antibody epitopes and overlap their effects with those of the amino acid substitutions. The data indicate that the interaction of DAF with the convertases is mediated predominantly by two patches approximately 13 A apart, one centered around Arg69 and Arg96 on CCP2 and the other around Phe148 and Leu171 on CCP3. These patches on the same face of the adjacent modules bracket an intermodular linker of critical length (16 A.) Although the key DAF residues in these patches are present or there are conservative substitutions in all other C3 convertase regulators that mediate decay acceleration and/or provide factor I-cofactor activity, the linker region is highly conserved only in the former. Intra-CCP regions also differ. Linker region comparisons suggest that the active CCPs of the decay accelerators are extended, whereas those of the cofactors are tilted. Intra-CCP comparisons suggest that the two classes of regulators bind different regions on their respective ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Kuttner-Kondo
- Institute of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Dennis E Hourcade
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Vernon E Anderson
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Nasima Muqim
- Institute of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Lynne Mitchell
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Dinesh C Soares
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology and School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JJ, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Paul N Barlow
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology and School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JJ, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - M Edward Medof
- Institute of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106.
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50
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Zhang L, Mallik B, Morikis D. Immunophysical exploration of C3d-CR2(CCP1-2) interaction using molecular dynamics and electrostatics. J Mol Biol 2007; 369:567-83. [PMID: 17434528 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2007.02.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2006] [Revised: 01/31/2007] [Accepted: 02/21/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The formation of the complex between the d-fragment of the complement component C3 (C3d) and the modular complement receptor-2 (CR2) is important for cross-linking foreign antigens with surface-bound antibodies and C3d on the surface of B cells. The first two modules of CR2, complement control protein modules (CCPs), participate in non-bonded interactions with C3d. We have used computational methods to analyze the dynamic and electrostatic properties of the C3d-CR2(CCP1-2) complex. The interaction between C3d and CR2 is known to depend on pH and ionic strength. Also, the intermodular mobility of the CR2 modules has been questioned before. We performed a 10 ns molecular dynamics simulation to generate a relaxed structure from crystal packing effects for the C3d-CR2(CCP1-2) complex and to study the energetics of the C3d-CR2(CCP1-2) association. The MD simulation suggests a tendency for intermodular twisting in CR2(CCP1-2). We propose a two-step model for recognition and binding of C3d with CR2(CCP1-2), driven by long and short/medium-range electrostatic interactions. We have calculated the matrix of specific short/medium-range pairwise electrostatic free energies of interaction involved in binding and in intermodular communications. Electrostatic interactions may mediate allosteric effects important for C3d-CR2(CCP1-2) association. We present calculations for the pH and ionic strength-dependence of C3d-CR2(CCP1-2) ionization free energies, which are in overall agreement with experimental binding data. We show how comparison of the calculated and experimental data allows for the decomposition of the contributions of electrostatic from other effects in association. We critically compare predicted stabilities for several mutants of the C3d-CR2(CCP1-2) complex with the available experimental data for binding ability. Finally, we propose that CR2(CCP1-2) is capable of assuming a large array of intermodular topologies, ranging from closed V-shaped to open linear states, with similar recognition properties for C3d, but we cannot exclude an additional contact site with C3d.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of California at Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
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