scholarly journals Ultrapotent and Broad Neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 Variants by Modular, Tetravalent, Bi-paratopic Antibodies

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shane Miersch ◽  
Reza Saberianfar ◽  
Chao Chen ◽  
Nitin Sharma ◽  
Gaya K. Amarasinghe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Binding Sites ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Protein S ◽  
Receptor Binding Domain ◽  
Modular Assembly ◽  
S Protein ◽  
C Terminus ◽  
Rapid Production ◽  
Modular Platform ◽  
High Yields

Neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) that target the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S-protein) are promising therapeutics for COVID-19. However, natural bivalent nAbs suffer from limited potency and are vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 variants with mutated RBDs. We report a novel format that enables modular assembly of bi-paratopic, tetravalent nAbs with antigen-binding sites from two distinct nAbs. The diabody-Fc-Fab format consists of a central Fc with a bivalent diabody fused to its N-terminus and two Fabs fused to its C-terminus. The diabody and Fab modules do not interfere with each other, and thus, any diabody can be combined with any Fab in a facile manner. We engineered a diabody-Fc-Fab that contained the paratopes of two distinct nAbs derived from a phage-displayed library of synthetic Abs. The tetravalent nAb was purified in high yields with methods used to produce conventional IgGs, and it exhibited favorable biophysical characteristics comparable to those of approved therapeutic antibodies. The tetravalent nAb bound to the S-protein trimer at least 100-fold more tightly than the bivalent IgGs (apparent KD <1 pM). Most importantly, the tetravalent nAb exhibited extremely high potencies in neutralization assays across a panel of pseudoviruses representing seven natural SARS-CoV-2 variants (IC50 <5 ng/mL), including several that resisted IgGs and are known to evade approved IgG drugs. Taken together, our results showed that the tetravalent diabody-Fc-Fab is a robust, modular platform for rapid production of drug-grade nAbs with potencies and breadth of coverage that far exceed those of conventional bivalent IgGs.

scholarly journals Peptide-antibody Fusions Engineered by Phage Display Exhibit Ultrapotent and Broad Neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 Variants

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan M Labriola ◽  
Shane Miersch ◽  
Gang Chen ◽  
Chao Chen ◽  
Alevtina Pavlenco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Protein S ◽  
Receptor Binding Domain ◽  
Resistant Variant ◽  
S Protein ◽  
High Affinity ◽  
Protein Receptor ◽  
Peptide Antibody ◽  
N Terminus ◽  
Host Infection

The COVID-19 pandemic has been exacerbated by the emergence of variants of concern (VoCs). Many VoC mutations are found in the viral spike protein (S-protein), and are thus implicated in host infection and response to therapeutics. Bivalent neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) targeting the S-protein receptor-binding domain (RBD) are promising therapeutics for COVID-19, but are limited due to low potency and vulnerability to RBD mutations found in VoCs. To address these issues, we used naive phage-displayed peptide libraries to isolate and optimize 16-residue peptides that bind to the RBD or the N-terminal domain (NTD) of the S-protein. We fused these peptides to the N-terminus of a moderate affinity nAb to generate tetravalent peptide-IgG fusions, and showed that both classes of peptides were able to improve affinities for the S-protein trimer by >100-fold (apparent KD <1 pM). Critically, cell-based infection assays with a panel of six SARS-CoV-2 variants demonstrate that an RBD-binding peptide was able to enhance the neutralization potency of a high-affinity nAb >100-fold. Moreover, this peptide-IgG was able to neutralize variants that were resistant to the same nAb in the bivalent IgG format. To show that this approach is general, we fused the same peptide to a clinically approved nAb drug, and showed that it rescued neutralization against a resistant variant. Taken together, these results establish minimal peptide fusions as a modular means to greatly enhance affinities, potencies, and breadth of coverage of nAbs as therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2.

scholarly journals A single immunization with a rhabdovirus-based vector expressing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) S protein results in the production of high levels of SARS-CoV-neutralizing antibodies

2005 ◽  
Vol 86 (5) ◽  
pp. 1435-1440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milosz Faber ◽  
Elaine W. Lamirande ◽  
Anjeanette Roberts ◽  
Amy B. Rice ◽  
Hilary Koprowski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Neutralizing Antibody ◽  
Protein S ◽  
S Protein ◽  
Cellular Immune Responses ◽  
Glycoprotein G ◽  
Cellular Immune ◽  
Animal Reservoirs ◽  
S Genes

Foreign viral proteins expressed by rabies virus (RV) have been shown to induce potent humoral and cellular immune responses in immunized animals. In addition, highly attenuated and, therefore, very safe RV-based vectors have been constructed. Here, an RV-based vaccine vehicle was utilized as a novel vaccine against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV). For this approach, the SARS-CoV nucleocapsid protein (N) or envelope spike protein (S) genes were cloned between the RV glycoprotein G and polymerase L genes. Recombinant vectors expressing SARS-CoV N or S protein were recovered and their immunogenicity was studied in mice. A single inoculation with the RV-based vaccine expressing SARS-CoV S protein induced a strong SARS-CoV-neutralizing antibody response. The ability of the RV-SARS-CoV S vector to confer immunity after a single inoculation makes this live vaccine a promising candidate for eradication of SARS-CoV in animal reservoirs, thereby reducing the risk of transmitting the infection to humans.

scholarly journals Xeno-Nucleic Acid (XNA) 2’-Fluoro-Arabino Nucleic Acid (FANA) Aptamers to the Receptor-Binding Domain of SARS-CoV-2 S Protein Block ACE2 Binding

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 1983
Author(s):  
Irani Alves Ferreira-Bravo ◽  
Jeffrey J. DeStefano
Keyword(s):  
Nucleic Acid ◽  
Receptor Binding ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Dissociation Constants ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
Binding Domain ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Receptor Binding Domain ◽  
S Protein ◽  
Equilibrium Dissociation Constants

The causative agent of COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, gains access to cells through interactions of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) on the viral S protein with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on the surface of human host cells. Systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) was used to generate aptamers (nucleic acids selected for high binding affinity to a target) to the RBD made from 2ʹ-fluoro-arabinonucleic acid (FANA). The best selected ~79 nucleotide aptamers bound the RBD (Arg319-Phe541) and the larger S1 domain (Val16-Arg685) of the 1272 amino acid S protein with equilibrium dissociation constants (KD,app) of ~10–20 nM, and binding half-life for the RBD, S1 domain, and full trimeric S protein of 53 ± 18, 76 ± 5, and 127 ± 7 min, respectively. Aptamers inhibited the binding of the RBD to ACE2 in an ELISA assay. Inhibition, on a per weight basis, was similar to neutralizing antibodies that were specific for RBD. Aptamers demonstrated high specificity, binding with about 10-fold lower affinity to the related S1 domain from the original SARS virus, which also binds to ACE2. Overall, FANA aptamers show affinities comparable to previous DNA aptamers to RBD and S1 protein and directly block receptor interactions while using an alternative Xeno-nucleic acid (XNA) platform.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 spike protein arrested in the closed state induces potent neutralizing responses

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
George W. Carnell ◽  
Katarzyna A. Ciazynska ◽  
David A. Wells ◽  
Xiaoli Xiong ◽  
Ernest T. Aguinam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Receptor Binding ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Neutralizing Antibody ◽  
Protein S ◽  
Spike Protein ◽  
Receptor Binding Site ◽  
S Protein ◽  
Closed State ◽  
S Proteins ◽  
Protein Constructs

AbstractThe majority of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in use or in advanced clinical development are based on the viral spike protein (S) as their immunogen. S is present on virions as pre-fusion trimers in which the receptor binding domain (RBD) is stochastically open or closed. Neutralizing antibodies have been described that act against both open and closed conformations. The long-term success of vaccination strategies will depend upon inducing antibodies that provide long-lasting broad immunity against evolving, circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains, while avoiding the risk of antibody dependent enhancement as observed with other Coronavirus vaccines. Here we have assessed the results of immunization in a mouse model using an S protein trimer that is arrested in the closed state to prevent exposure of the receptor binding site and therefore interaction with the receptor. We compared this with a range of other modified S protein constructs, including representatives used in current vaccines. We found that all trimeric S proteins induce a long-lived, strongly neutralizing antibody response as well as T-cell responses. Notably, the protein binding properties of sera induced by the closed spike differed from those induced by standard S protein constructs. Closed S proteins induced more potent neutralising responses than expected based on the degree to which they inhibit interactions between the RBD and ACE2. These observations suggest that closed spikes recruit different, but equally potent, virus-inhibiting immune responses than open spikes, and that this is likely to include neutralizing antibodies against conformational epitopes present in the closed conformation. Together with their improved stability and storage properties we suggest that closed spikes may be a valuable component of refined, next-generation vaccines.

scholarly journals Comparative Immunogenicity of the Recombinant Receptor-Binding Domain of Protein S SARS-CoV-2 Obtained in Prokaryotic and Mammalian Expression Systems

Vaccines ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 96
Author(s):  
Iuliia A. Merkuleva ◽  
Dmitry N. Shcherbakov ◽  
Mariya B. Borgoyakova ◽  
Daniil V. Shanshin ◽  
Andrey P. Rudometov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Receptor Binding ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Expression System ◽  
Protein S ◽  
Binding Domain ◽  
Receptor Binding Domain ◽  
Expression Systems ◽  
Mice Model ◽  
Mammalian Expression ◽  
Recombinant Receptor

The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the protein S SARS-CoV-2 is considered to be one of the appealing targets for developing a vaccine against COVID-19. The choice of an expression system is essential when developing subunit vaccines, as it ensures the effective synthesis of the correctly folded target protein, and maintains its antigenic and immunogenic properties. Here, we describe the production of a recombinant RBD protein using prokaryotic (pRBD) and mammalian (mRBD) expression systems, and compare the immunogenicity of prokaryotic and mammalian-expressed RBD using a BALB/c mice model. An analysis of the sera from mice immunized with both variants of the protein revealed that the mRBD expressed in CHO cells provides a significantly stronger humoral immune response compared with the RBD expressed in E.coli cells. A specific antibody titer of sera from mice immunized with mRBD was ten-fold higher than the sera from the mice that received pRBD in ELISA, and about 100-fold higher in a neutralization test. The data obtained suggests that mRBD is capable of inducing neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.

scholarly journals Computational analyses of the G476S variant of SARS-CoV-2: A focus on the interaction with human ACE-2 and neutralizing antibodies

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Kwarteng ◽  
Ebenezer Asiedu ◽  
Augustina Angelina Sylverken
Keyword(s):  
Structural Dynamics ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Neutralizing Antibody ◽  
Computational Approach ◽  
Receptor Binding Domain ◽  
Interaction Energies ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
S Protein ◽  
Conformation Changes ◽  
Computational Analyses

Abstract Recently, several mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 genome have been identified and reported. However, little is currently known about the influence of these mutations on the infectivity, transmissibility and antigenicity of the virus. Here, using an integrative computational approach, we characterized the G476S variant of SARS-CoV-2 focusing on interactions with ACE-2 and neutralizing antibodies. The substitution of Gly-476 to Ser-476 in the SARS-CoV-2 Receptor-binding domain (RBD) largely affected the structural dynamics of the S-protein leading to significant influence on the interactions with ACE-2 and neutralizing antibodies. Structural properties of the S-protein such as conformation changes, residual fluctuations and residue surface area largely varied between the wild-type and G476S variant, especially in the RBD. Analyses of the interaction energies between S-protein and ACE-2 suggest that the G476S variant may have enhanced interactions with ACE-2 compared to the wild-type. The G476S variant was found to have weaker interactions with the neutralizing antibody H014 compared to the wild-type. Collectively, our findings have implications for the infectivity and antigenicity of the G476S variant of SARS-CoV-2.

scholarly journals Effects of Spike Mutations in SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern on Human or Animal ACE2-Mediated Virus Entry and Neutralization

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunjeong Kim ◽  
Natasha N Gaudreault ◽  
David A Meekins ◽  
Krishani D Perera ◽  
Dashzeveg Bold ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Entry ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Animal Species ◽  
Virus Entry ◽  
Neutralizing Antibody ◽  
Protein S ◽  
Pseudotyped Virus ◽  
S Protein ◽  
Viral Neutralization ◽  
Wide Range

SARS-CoV-2 is a zoonotic agent capable of infecting humans and a wide range of animal species. Over the duration of the pandemic, mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein (S) have arisen in circulating viral populations, culminating in the spread of several variants of concern (VOC) with varying degrees of altered virulence, transmissibility, and neutralizing antibody escape. In this study, we employed lentivirus-based pseudotyped viruses that express specific SARS-CoV-2 S protein substitutions and cell lines that stably express ACE2 from nine different animal species to gain insights into the effects of VOC mutations on viral entry and antibody neutralization capability. All animal ACE2 receptors tested, except mink, support viral cell entry for pseudoviruses expressing the parental (prototype Wuhan-1) S at levels comparable to human ACE2. Most single S substitutions (e.g., 452R, 478K, 501Y) did not significantly change virus entry, although 614G and 484K resulted in a decreased efficiency in viral entry.  Conversely, combinatorial VOC substitutions in the S protein were associated with significantly increased entry capacity of pseudotyped viruses compared to that of the parental Wuhan-1 pseudotyped virus. Similarly, infection studies using live ancestral (USA-WA1/2020), Alpha, and Beta SARS-CoV-2 viruses in hamsters revealed a higher replication potential for the Beta variant compared to the ancestral prototype virus. Moreover, neutralizing titers in sera from various animal species, including humans, were significantly reduced by single substitutions of 484K or 452R, double substitutions of 501Y-484K, 452R-484K and 452R-478K and the triple substitution of 501Y-484K-417N, suggesting that 484K and 452R are particularly important for evading neutralizing antibodies in human, cat, and rabbit sera. Cumulatively, this study reveals important insights into the host range of SARS-CoV-2 and the effect of recently emergent S protein substitutions on viral entry, virus replication and antibody-mediated viral neutralization.

scholarly journals Neutralizing antibodies for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lanying Du ◽  
Yang Yang ◽  
Xiujuan Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Virus Entry ◽  
Infection Process ◽  
Cellular Receptor ◽  
Receptor Binding Domain ◽  
S Protein ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽  
Prevention And Treatment ◽  
Spectrum Activity ◽  
Broad Spectrum Activity

AbstractSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) initiates the infection process by binding to the viral cellular receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 through the receptor-binding domain (RBD) in the S1 subunit of the viral spike (S) protein. This event is followed by virus–cell membrane fusion mediated by the S2 subunit, which allows virus entry into the host cell. Therefore, the SARS-CoV-2 S protein is a key therapeutic target, and prevention and treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have focused on the development of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (nAbs) that target this protein. In this review, we summarize the nAbs targeting SARS-CoV-2 proteins that have been developed to date, with a focus on the N-terminal domain and RBD of the S protein. We also describe the roles that binding affinity, neutralizing activity, and protection provided by these nAbs play in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 and discuss the potential to improve nAb efficiency against multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants. This review provides important information for the development of effective nAbs with broad-spectrum activity against current and future SARS-CoV-2 strains.

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