scholarly journals Dual pathways of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein trafficking modulate the selective exclusion of uncleaved oligomers from virions

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shijian Zhang ◽  
Hanh T. Nguyen ◽  
Haitao Ding ◽  
Jia Wang ◽  
Shitao Zou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Cell Surface ◽  
Infected Cell ◽  
Envelope Glycoprotein ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Virus Infectivity ◽  
Virus Particles ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Infected Cells ◽  
Hiv 1

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein (Env) trimer is transported through the secretory pathway to the infected cell surface and onto virion particles. In the Golgi, the gp160 Env precursor is modified by complex sugars and proteolytically cleaved to produce the mature functional Env trimer, which resists antibody neutralization. We observed mostly uncleaved gp160 and smaller amounts of cleaved gp120 and gp41 Envs on the surface of HIV-1-infected or Env-expressing cells; however, cleaved Envs were relatively enriched in virions and virus-like particles (VLPs). This relative enrichment of cleaved Env in VLPs was observed for wild-type Envs, for Envs lacking the cytoplasmic tail and for CD4-independent, conformationally flexible Envs. On the cell surface, we identified three distinct populations of Envs: 1) the cleaved Env was transported through the Golgi, was modified by complex glycans, formed trimers that crosslinked efficiently, and was recognized by broadly neutralizing antibodies; 2) a small fraction of Env modified by complex carbohydrates escaped cleavage in the Golgi; and 3) the larger population of uncleaved Env lacked complex carbohydrates, crosslinked into diverse oligomeric forms, and was recognized by poorly neutralizing antibodies. This last group of more "open" Env oligomers reached the cell surface in the presence of Brefeldin A, apparently bypassing the Golgi apparatus. Relative to Envs transported through the Golgi, these uncleaved Envs were counterselected for virion incorporation. By employing two pathways for Env transport to the surface of infected cells, HIV-1 can misdirect host antibody responses towards conformationally flexible, uncleaved Env without compromising virus infectivity. IMPORTANCE The envelope glycoprotein (Env) trimers on the surface of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) mediate the entry of the virus into host cells and serve as targets for neutralizing antibodies. The cleaved, functional Env is incorporated into virus particles from the surface of the infected cell. We found that an uncleaved form of Env is transported to the cell surface by an unconventional route, but this non-functional Env is mostly excluded from the virus. Thus, only one of the pathways by which Env is transported to the surface of infected cells results in efficient incorporation into virus particles, potentially allowing the uncleaved Env to act as a decoy to the host immune system without compromising virus infectivity.

scholarly journals Asymmetric structures and conformational plasticity of the uncleaved full-length human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein trimer

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shijian Zhang ◽  
Kunyu Wang ◽  
Wei Li Wang ◽  
Hanh T. Nguyen ◽  
Shuobing Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Envelope Glycoprotein ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Antibody Responses ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Virus Infectivity ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Conformational Plasticity ◽  
State 1 ◽  
Hiv 1

The functional human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein (Env) trimer [(gp120/gp41) 3 ] is produced by cleavage of a conformationally flexible gp160 precursor. Gp160 cleavage or the binding of BMS-806, an entry inhibitor, stabilizes the pre-triggered, “closed” (State-1) conformation recognized by rarely elicited broadly neutralizing antibodies. Poorly neutralizing antibodies (pNAbs) elicited at high titers during natural infection recognize more “open” Env conformations (States 2 and 3) induced by binding the receptor, CD4. We found that BMS-806 treatment and crosslinking decreased the exposure of pNAb epitopes on cell-surface gp160; however, after detergent solubilization, crosslinked and BMS-806-treated gp160 sampled non-State-1 conformations that could be recognized by pNAbs. Cryo-electron microscopy of the purified BMS-806-bound gp160 revealed two hitherto unknown asymmetric trimer conformations, providing insights into the allosteric coupling between trimer opening and structural variation in the gp41 HR1 N region. The individual protomer structures in the asymmetric gp160 trimers resemble those of other genetically modified or antibody-bound cleaved HIV-1 Env trimers, which have been suggested to assume State-2-like conformations. Asymmetry of the uncleaved Env potentially exposes surfaces of the trimer to pNAbs. To evaluate the effect of stabilizing a State-1-like conformation of the membrane Env precursor, we treated cells expressing wild-type HIV-1 Env with BMS-806. BMS-806 treatment decreased both gp160 cleavage and the addition of complex glycans, implying that gp160 conformational flexibility contributes to the efficiency of these processes. Selective pressure to maintain flexibility in the precursor of functional Env allows the uncleaved Env to sample asymmetric conformations that potentially skew host antibody responses toward pNAbs. IMPORTANCE The envelope glycoprotein (Env) trimers on the surface of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) mediate the entry of the virus into host cells and serve as targets for neutralizing antibodies. The functional Env trimer is produced by cleavage of the gp160 precursor in the infected cell. We found that the HIV-1 Env precursor is highly plastic, allowing it to assume different asymmetric shapes. This conformational plasticity is potentially important for Env cleavage and proper modification by sugars. Having a flexible, asymmetric Env precursor that can misdirect host antibody responses without compromising virus infectivity would be an advantage to a persistent virus like HIV-1.

scholarly journals Highly Stable Trimers Formed by Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Envelope Glycoproteins Fused with the Trimeric Motif of T4 Bacteriophage Fibritin

2002 ◽  
Vol 76 (9) ◽  
pp. 4634-4642 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xinzhen Yang ◽  
Juliette Lee ◽  
Erin M. Mahony ◽  
Peter D. Kwong ◽  
Richard Wyatt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type ◽  
Virus Type ◽  
Envelope Glycoprotein ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Envelope Glycoproteins ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
T4 Bacteriophage ◽  
Hiv 1

ABSTRACT The envelope glycoproteins of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) function as a trimer composed of three gp120 exterior glycoproteins and three gp41 transmembrane proteins. Soluble gp140 glycoproteins composed of the uncleaved ectodomains of gp120 and gp41 form unstable, heterogeneous oligomers, but soluble gp140 trimers can be stabilized by fusion with a C-terminal, trimeric GCN4 motif (X. Yang et al., J. Virol. 74:5716-5725, 2000). To understand the influence of the C-terminal trimerization domain on the properties of soluble HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein trimers, uncleaved, soluble gp140 glycoproteins were stabilized by fusion with another trimeric motif derived from T4 bacteriophage fibritin. The fibritin construct was more stable to heat and reducing conditions than the GCN4 construct. Both GCN4- and fibritin-stabilized soluble gp140 glycoproteins exhibited patterns of neutralizing and nonneutralizing antibody binding expected for the functional envelope glycoprotein spike. Of note, two potently neutralizing antibodies, immunoglobulin G1b12 and 2G12, exhibited the greatest recognition of the stabilized, soluble trimers, relative to recognition of the gp120 monomer. The observed similarities between the GCN4 and fibritin constructs indicate that the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein ectodomains dictate many of the antigenic and structural features of these fusion proteins. The melting temperatures and ligand recognition properties of the GCN4- and fibritin-stabilized soluble gp140 glycoproteins suggest that these molecules assume conformations distinct from that of the fusion-active, six-helix bundle.

scholarly journals Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Vpr Protein Does Not Modulate Surface Expression of the CD4 Receptor

2002 ◽  
Vol 76 (8) ◽  
pp. 4125-4130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrique Argañaraz ◽  
María José Cortés ◽  
Sydney Leibel ◽  
Juan Lama
Keyword(s):  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
T Cells ◽  
Cell Surface ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Viral Receptor ◽  
Cd4 Receptor ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Infected Cells ◽  
Hiv 1

ABSTRACT The CD4 receptor is required for the entry of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) into target cells. It has long been known that Nef, Env, and Vpu participate in the removal of the viral receptor from the cell surface. Recently, it has been proposed that the HIV type 1 (HIV-1) Vpr protein may also play a role in the downmodulation of CD4 from the surfaces of infected cells (L. Conti, B. Varano, M. C. Gauzzi, P. Matarrese, M. Federico, W. Malorani, F. Belardelli, and S. Gessani, J. Virol. 74:10207-10211, 2000). To investigate the possible role of Vpr in the downregulation of the viral receptor Vpr alleles from HIV-1 and simian immunodeficiency virus were transiently expressed in transformed T cells and in 293T fibroblasts, and their ability to modulate surface CD4 was evaluated. All Vpr alleles efficiently arrested cells in the G2 stage of the cell cycle. However, none of the tested Vpr proteins altered the expression of CD4 on the cell surface. In comparison, HIV-1 Nef efficiently downmodulated surface CD4 in all the experimental settings. Transformed T cells and primary lymphocytes were challenged with wild-type, Nef-defective, and Vpr-defective viruses. A significant reduction in the HIV-induced downmodulation of surface CD4 was observed in viruses lacking Nef. However, Vpr-deletion-containing viruses showed no defect in their ability to remove CD4 from the surfaces of infected cells. Our results indicate that Vpr does not play a role in the HIV-induced downmodulation of the CD4 receptor.

scholarly journals Simian Immunodeficiency Virus SIVmac239, but Not SIVmac316, Binds and Utilizes Human CD4 More Efficiently than Rhesus CD4

2017 ◽  
Vol 91 (18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoph H. Fellinger ◽  
Matthew R. Gardner ◽  
Charles C. Bailey ◽  
Michael Farzan
Keyword(s):  
Simian Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Envelope Glycoprotein ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Rhesus Macaques ◽  
Human Case ◽  
Human Infection ◽  
Sooty Mangabey ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Infected Cells ◽  
Hiv 1

ABSTRACT Rhesus macaques are used to model human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infections, but they are not natural hosts of HIV-1 or any simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). Rather, they became infected with SIV through cross-species transfer from sooty mangabeys in captivity. It has been shown that HIV-1 utilizes rhesus CD4 less efficiently than human CD4. However, the relative ability of SIV envelope glycoproteins to bind or utilize these CD4 orthologs has not been reported. Here we show that several SIV isolates, including SIVmac239, are more efficiently neutralized by human CD4-Ig (huCD4-Ig) than by the same molecule bearing rhesus CD4 domains 1 and 2 (rhCD4-Ig). An I39N mutation in CD4 domain 1, present in human and sooty mangabey CD4 orthologs, largely restored rhCD4-Ig neutralization of SIVmac239 and other SIV isolates. We further observed that SIVmac316, a derivative of SIVmac239, bound to and was neutralized by huCD4-Ig and rhCD4-Ig with nearly identical efficiencies. Introduction of two SIVmac316 CD4-binding site residues (G382R and H442Y) into the SIVmac239 envelope glycoprotein (Env) markedly increased its neutralization sensitivity to rhesus CD4-Ig without altering neutralization by human CD4-Ig, SIV neutralizing antibodies, or sera from SIV-infected macaques. These changes also allowed SIVmac239 Env to bind rhCD4-Ig more efficiently than huCD4-Ig. The variant with G382R and H442Y (G382R/H442Y variant) also infected cells expressing rhesus CD4 with markedly greater efficiency than did unaltered SIVmac239 Env. We propose that infections of rhesus macaques with SIVmac239 G382R/H442Y might better model some aspects of human infections. IMPORTANCE Rhesus macaque infection with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) has served as an important model of human HIV-1 infection. However, differences between this model and the human case have complicated the development of vaccines and therapies. Here we report the surprising observation that SIVmac239, a commonly used model virus, more efficiently utilizes human CD4 than the CD4 of rhesus macaques, whereas the closely related virus SIVmac316 uses both CD4 orthologs equally well. We used this insight to generate a form of SIVmac239 envelope glycoprotein (Env) that utilized rhesus CD4 more efficiently, while retaining its resistance to antibodies and sera from infected macaques. This Env can be used to make the rhesus model more similar in some ways to human infection, for example by facilitating infection of cells with low levels of CD4. This property may be especially important to efforts to eradicate latently infected cells.

scholarly journals Improved Elicitation of Neutralizing Antibodies against Primary Human Immunodeficiency Viruses by Soluble Stabilized Envelope Glycoprotein Trimers

2001 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 1165-1171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xinzhen Yang ◽  
Richard Wyatt ◽  
Joseph Sodroski
Keyword(s):  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Envelope Glycoprotein ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Neutralizing Antibody ◽  
Antibody Responses ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Human Immunodeficiency Viruses ◽  
Functional Envelope ◽  
Hiv 1

ABSTRACT Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein subunits, such as the gp120 exterior glycoprotein, typically elicit antibodies that neutralize T-cell-line-adapted (TCLA), but not primary, clinical isolates of HIV-1. Here we compare the immunogenicity of gp120 and soluble stabilized trimers, which were designed to resemble the functional envelope glycoprotein oligomers of primary and TCLA HIV-1 strains. For both primary and TCLA virus proteins, soluble stabilized trimers generated neutralizing antibody responses more efficiently than gp120 did. Trimers derived from a primary isolate elicited antibodies that neutralized primary and TCLA HIV-1 strains. By contrast, trimers derived from a TCLA isolate generated antibodies that neutralized only the homologous TCLA virus. Thus, soluble stabilized envelope glycoprotein trimers derived from primary HIV-1 isolates represent defined immunogens capable of eliciting neutralizing antibodies that are active against clinically relevant HIV-1 strains.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Immunogenicity of a Disulfide-Stabilized, Cleaved, Trimeric Form of the Envelope Glycoprotein Complex of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1

2005 ◽  
Vol 79 (14) ◽  
pp. 8812-8827 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Beddows ◽  
Norbert Schülke ◽  
Marc Kirschner ◽  
Kelly Barnes ◽  
Michael Franti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type ◽  
Virus Type ◽  
Envelope Glycoprotein ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Monomeric Gp120 ◽  
Membrane Bound ◽  
Hiv 1

ABSTRACT The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein (Env) complex comprises three gp120 exterior glycoproteins each noncovalently linked to a gp41 transmembrane glycoprotein. Monomeric gp120 proteins can elicit antibodies capable of neutralizing atypically sensitive test viruses in vitro, but these antibodies are ineffective against representative primary isolates and the gp120 vaccines failed to provide protection against HIV-1 transmission in vivo. Alternative approaches to raising neutralizing antibodies are therefore being pursued. Here we report on the antibody responses generated in rabbits against a soluble, cleaved, trimeric form of HIV-1JR-FL Env. In this construct, the gp120 and gp41 moieties are covalently linked by an intermolecular disulfide bond (SOS gp140), and an I559P substitution has been added to stabilize gp41-gp41 interactions (SOSIP gp140). We investigated the value of DNA priming and compared the use of membrane-bound and soluble priming antigens and of repeat boosting with soluble and particulate protein antigen. Compared to monomeric gp120, SOSIP gp140 trimers elicited approximately threefold lower titers of anti-gp120 antibodies. Priming with DNA encoding a membrane-bound form of the SOS gp140 protein, followed by several immunizations with soluble SOSIP gp140 trimers, resulted in antibodies capable of neutralizing sensitive strains at high titers. A subset of these sera also neutralized, at lower titers, HIV-1JR-FL and some other primary isolates in pseudovirus and/or whole-virus assays. Neutralization of these viruses was immunoglobulin mediated and was predominantly caused by antibodies to gp120 epitopes, but not the V3 region.

scholarly journals Biochemical and Immunogenic Characterization of Soluble Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Envelope Glycoprotein Trimers Expressed by Semliki Forest Virus

2005 ◽  
Vol 79 (17) ◽  
pp. 10902-10914 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mattias N. E. Forsell ◽  
Yuxing Li ◽  
Maria Sundbäck ◽  
Krisha Svehla ◽  
Peter Liljeström ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Envelope Glycoprotein ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Semliki Forest Virus ◽  
Neutralizing Antibody ◽  
Antibody Responses ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Hiv 1

ABSTRACT The current lack of envelope glycoprotein immunogens that elicit broadly neutralizing antibody responses remains a major challenge for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) vaccine development. However, the recent design and construction of stable soluble gp140 trimers have shown that some neutralization breadth can be achieved by using immunogens that better mimic the functional viral spike complex. The use of genetic delivery systems to drive the in vivo expression of such immunogens for the stimulation of neutralizing antibodies against HIV-1 may offer advantages by maintaining the quaternary structure of the trimeric envelope glycoproteins. Here, we describe the biochemical and immunogenic properties of soluble HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein trimers expressed by recombinant Semliki Forest virus (rSFV). The results presented here demonstrate that rSFV supports the expression of stable soluble gp140 trimers that retain recognition by conformationally sensitive antibodies. Further, we show that rSFV particle immunizations efficiently primed immune responses as measured after a single boost with purified trimeric gp140 protein, resulting in a Th1-biased antibody response. This differed from the Th2-biased antibody response obtained after repeated immunizations with purified gp140 protein trimers. Despite this difference, both regimens stimulated neutralizing antibody responses of similar potency. This suggests that rSFV may be a useful component of a viral vector prime-protein boost regimen aimed at stimulating both cell-mediated immune responses and neutralizing antibodies against HIV-1.

scholarly journals Solid-Phase Proteoliposomes Containing Human Immunodeficiency Virus Envelope Glycoproteins

2002 ◽  
Vol 76 (7) ◽  
pp. 3511-3521 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoph Grundner ◽  
Tajib Mirzabekov ◽  
Joseph Sodroski ◽  
Richard Wyatt
Keyword(s):  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Envelope Glycoprotein ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Solid Phase ◽  
Significant Advance ◽  
Envelope Glycoproteins ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Monomeric Gp120 ◽  
Hiv 1 ◽  
Trimeric Envelope

ABSTRACT The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) exterior envelope glycoprotein gp120 mediates receptor binding and is the major target for neutralizing antibodies. A broadly neutralizing antibody response is likely to be a critical component of the immune response against HIV-1. Although antibodies against monomeric gp120 are readily elicited in immunized individuals, these antibodies are inefficient in neutralizing primary HIV-1 isolates. As a chronic pathogen, HIV-1 has evolved to avoid an optimal host response by a number of immune escape mechanisms. Monomeric gp120 that has dissociated from the functional trimer presents irrelevant epitopes that are not accessible on functional trimeric envelope glycoproteins. The resulting low level of antigenic cross-reactivity between monomeric gp120 and the functional spike may contribute to the inability of monomeric gp120 to elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies. Attempts to generate native, trimeric envelope glycoproteins as immunogens have been frustrated by both the lability of the gp120-gp41 interaction and the weak association between gp120 subunits. Here, we present solid-phase HIV-1 gp160ΔCT (cytoplasmic tail-deleted) proteoliposomes (PLs) containing native, trimeric envelope glycoproteins in a physiologic membrane setting. We present data that indicate that the gp160ΔCT glycoproteins on PLs are trimers and are recognized by several relevant conformational ligands in a manner similar to that for gp160ΔCT oligomers expressed on the cell surface. The PLs represent a significant advance over present envelope glycoprotein formulations as candidate immunogens for HIV vaccine design and development.

scholarly journals Comparison of Uncleaved and Mature Human Immunodeficiency Virus Membrane Envelope Glycoprotein Trimers

2018 ◽  
Vol 92 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis R. Castillo-Menendez ◽  
Kristen Witt ◽  
Nicole Espy ◽  
Amy Princiotto ◽  
Navid Madani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Envelope Glycoprotein ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Hydrodynamic Radius ◽  
Negative Stain ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Negative Stain Electron Microscopy ◽  
Hiv 1

ABSTRACTThe mature envelope glycoprotein (Env) spike on the surfaces of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected cells and virions is derived from proteolytic cleavage of a trimeric gp160 glycoprotein precursor. In these studies, we compared the conformations of cleaved and uncleaved membrane Envs with truncated cytoplasmic tails to those of stabilized soluble gp140 SOSIP.664 Env trimers. Deletion of the gp41 cytoplasmic tail did not significantly affect the sensitivity of viruses with the HIV-1AD8Env to inhibition by antibodies or a CD4-mimetic compound. After glutaraldehyde fixation and purification from membranes, a cleaved Env exhibited a hydrodynamic radius of ∼10 nm and an antibody-binding profile largely consistent with that expected based on virus neutralization sensitivity. The purified cleaved Env trimers exhibited a hollow architecture with a central void near the trimer axis. Uncleaved Env, cross-linked and purified in parallel, exhibited a hydrodynamic radius similar to that of the cleaved Env. However, the uncleaved Env was recognized by poorly neutralizing antibodies and appeared by negative-stain electron microscopy to sample multiple conformations. Compared with membrane Envs, stabilized soluble gp140 SOSIP.664 Env trimers appear to be more compact, as reflected in their smaller hydrodynamic radii and negative-stain electron microscopy structures. The antigenic features of the soluble gp140 SOSIP.664 Env trimers differed from those of the cleaved membrane Env, particularly in gp120 V3 and some CD4-binding-site epitopes. Thus, proteolytic maturation allows the membrane-anchored Env to achieve a conformation that retains functional metastability but masks epitopes for poorly neutralizing antibodies.IMPORTANCEThe entry of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) into host cells is mediated by the envelope glycoprotein (Env) spike on the surface of the virus. Host antibodies elicited during natural HIV-1 infection or by vaccination can potentially recognize the Env spike and block HIV-1 infection. However, the changing shape of the HIV-1 Env spike protects the virus from antibody binding. Understanding the shapes of natural and man-made preparations of HIV-1 Envs will assist the development of effective vaccines against the virus. Here, we evaluate the effects of several Env modifications commonly used to produce Env preparations for vaccine studies and the determination of structure. We found that the cleavage of the HIV-1 Env precursor helps Env to assume its natural shape, which resists the binding of many commonly elicited antibodies. Stabilized soluble Envs exhibit more compact shapes but expose some Env elements differently than the natural Env.

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