Single-chain variable fragments of broadly neutralizing antibodies prevent HIV cell-cell transmission

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca T van Dorsten ◽  
Lucia Reh ◽  
Alexandra Trkola ◽  
Lynn Morris ◽  
Penny L Moore
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Single Chain ◽  
Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Free Virus ◽  
Fold Reduction ◽  
Cell Transmission ◽  
Single Chain Variable Fragments ◽  
Cell Cell

Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) are able to prevent HIV infection following passive administration. Single-chain variable fragments (scFv) may have advantages over IgG as their smaller size permits improved diffusion into mucosal tissues. We have previously shown that scFv of bNAbs retain significant breadth and potency against cell-free viral transmission in a TZM-bl assay. However, scFv have not been tested for their ability to block cell-cell transmission, a model in which full-sized bNAbs lose potency. We tested 4 scFv (CAP256.25, PGT121, 3BNC117 and 10E8v4) compared to IgG, in free-virus and cell-cell neutralization assays in A3.01 cells, against a panel of seven heterologous viruses. We show that free-virus neutralization titers in the TZM-bl and A3.01 assays were not significantly different, and confirm that scFv show a 1 to 32-fold reduction in activity in the cell-free model, compared to IgG. However, whereas IgG show 3.4 to 19-fold geometric mean potency loss in cell-cell neutralization compared to free-virus transmission, scFv had more comparable activity in the two assays, with only a 1.3 to 2.3-fold reduction. Geometric mean IC 50 of scFv for cell-cell transmission ranged from 0.65 μg/ml (10E8v4) to 2.3 μg/ml (3BNC117) with IgG and scFv neutralization showing similar potency against cell-associated transmission. Therefore, despite the reduced activity of scFv in cell-free assays, their retention of activity in the cell-cell format may make scFv useful for the prevention of both modes of transmission in HIV prevention studies. Importance Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) are a major focus for passive immunization against HIV, with the recently concluded HVTN AMP (Antibody Mediated Protection) trial providing proof of concept. Most studies focus on cell-free HIV, however cell-associated virus may play a significant role in HIV infection, pathogenesis and latency. Single-chain variable fragments (scFv) of antibodies may have increased tissue penetration, and reduced immunogenicity. We previously demonstrated that scFv of four HIV-directed bNAbs (CAP256-VRC26.25, PGT121, 3BNC117 and 10E8v4) retain significant potency and breadth against cell-free HIV. As some bNAbs have been shown to lose potency against cell-associated virus, we investigated the ability of bNAb scFv to neutralize this mode of transmission. We demonstrate that unlike IgG, scFv of bNAbs are able to neutralize cell-free and cell-associated virus with similar potency. These scFv, which show functional activity in the therapeutic range, may therefore be suitable for further development as passive immunity for HIV prevention.

scholarly journals Combinations of Single Chain Variable Fragments From HIV Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies Demonstrate High Potency and Breadth

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca T. van Dorsten ◽  
Kshitij Wagh ◽  
Penny L. Moore ◽  
Lynn Morris
Keyword(s):  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Passive Immunization ◽  
Neutralization Assay ◽  
Single Chain ◽  
Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
High Potency ◽  
Hill Model ◽  
Mucosal Tissues ◽  
Action Model ◽  
Single Chain Variable Fragments

Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) are currently being assessed in clinical trials for their ability to prevent HIV infection. Single chain variable fragments (scFv) of bNAbs have advantages over full antibodies as their smaller size permits improved diffusion into mucosal tissues and facilitates vector-driven gene expression. We have previously shown that scFv of bNAbs individually retain significant breadth and potency. Here we tested combinations of five scFv derived from bNAbs CAP256-VRC26.25 (V2-apex), PGT121 (N332-supersite), 3BNC117 (CD4bs), 8ANC195 (gp120-gp41 interface) and 10E8v4 (MPER). Either two or three scFv were combined in equimolar amounts and tested in the TZM-bl neutralization assay against a multiclade panel of 17 viruses. Experimental IC50 and IC80 data were compared to predicted neutralization titers based on single scFv titers using the Loewe additive and the Bliss-Hill model. Like full-sized antibodies, combinations of scFv showed significantly improved potency and breadth compared to single scFv. Combinations of two or three scFv generally followed an independent action model for breadth and potency with no significant synergy or antagonism observed overall although some exceptions were noted. The Loewe model underestimated potency for some dual and triple combinations while the Bliss-Hill model was better at predicting IC80 titers of triple combinations. Given this, we used the Bliss-Hill model to predict the coverage of scFv against a 45-virus panel at concentrations that correlated with protection in the AMP trials. Using IC80 titers and concentrations of 1μg/mL, there was 93% coverage for one dual scFv combination (3BNC117+10E8v4), and 96% coverage for two of the triple combinations (CAP256.25+3BNC117+10E8v4 and PGT121+3BNC117+10E8v4). Combinations of scFv, therefore, show significantly improved breadth and potency over individual scFv and given their size advantage, have potential for use in passive immunization.

scholarly journals Neutralization Breadth and Potency of Single-Chain Variable Fragments Derived from Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies Targeting Multiple Epitopes on the HIV-1 Envelope

2019 ◽  
Vol 94 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca T. van Dorsten ◽  
Bronwen E. Lambson ◽  
Constantinos Kurt Wibmer ◽  
Marc S. Weinberg ◽  
Penny L. Moore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Passive Immunization ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Single Chain ◽  
Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Variable Regions ◽  
Neutralizing Activity ◽  
Single Chain Variable Fragments ◽  
Key Residues ◽  
Hiv 1

ABSTRACT Passive administration of HIV-directed broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) can prevent infection in animal models, and human efficacy trials are under way. Single-chain variable fragments (scFv), comprised of only the variable regions of antibody heavy and light chains, are smaller molecules that may offer advantages over full-length IgG. We designed and expressed scFv of HIV bNAbs prioritized for clinical testing that target the V2-apex (CAP256-VRC26.25), V3-glycan supersite (PGT121), CD4 binding site (3BNC117), and MPER (10E8v4). The use of either a 15- or 18-amino-acid glycine-serine linker between the heavy- and light-chain fragments provided adequate levels of scFv expression. When tested against a 45-multisubtype virus panel, all four scFv retained good neutralizing activity, although there was variable loss of function compared to the parental IgG antibodies. For CAP256-VRC26.25, there was a significant 138-fold loss of potency that was in part related to differential interaction with charged amino acids at positions 169 and 170 in the V2 epitope. Potency was reduced for the 3BNC117 (13-fold) and PGT121 (4-fold) scFv among viruses lacking the N276 and N332 glycans, respectively, and in viruses with a longer V1 loop for PGT121. This suggested that scFv interacted with their epitopes in subtly different ways, with variation at key residues affecting scFv neutralization more than the matched IgGs. Remarkably, the scFv of 10E8v4 maintained breadth of 100% with only a minor reduction in potency. Overall, scFv of clinically relevant bNAbs had significant neutralizing activity, indicating that they are suitable for passive immunization to prevent HIV-1 infection. IMPORTANCE Monoclonal antibodies have been isolated against conserved epitopes on the HIV trimer and are being investigated for passive immunization. Some of the challenges associated with full-sized antibody proteins may be overcome by using single-chain variable fragments (scFv). These smaller forms of antibodies can be produced more efficiently, may show fewer off-target effects with increased tissue penetration, and are more adaptable to vectored-mediated expression than IgG. Here, we demonstrate that scFv of four HIV-directed bNAbs (CAP256-VRC26.25, PGT121, 3BNC117, and 10E8v4) had significant neutralizing activity against diverse global strains of HIV. Loss of potency and/or breadth was shown to be due to increased dependence of the scFv on key residues within the epitope. These smaller antibody molecules with functional activity in the therapeutic range may be suitable for further development as passive immunity for HIV prevention.

scholarly journals The pentameric complex drives immunologically covert cell–cell transmission of wild-type human cytomegalovirus

2017 ◽  
Vol 114 (23) ◽  
pp. 6104-6109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isa Murrell ◽  
Carmen Bedford ◽  
Kristin Ladell ◽  
Kelly L. Miners ◽  
David A. Price ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Cytomegalovirus ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Artificial Chromosome ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Free Virus ◽  
Conditional Expression ◽  
Intact Virus ◽  
Cell Transmission ◽  
Cell Cell

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) strains that have been passaged in vitro rapidly acquire mutations that impact viral growth. These laboratory-adapted strains of HCMV generally exhibit restricted tropism, produce high levels of cell-free virus, and develop susceptibility to natural killer cells. To permit experimentation with a virus that retained a clinically relevant phenotype, we reconstructed a wild-type (WT) HCMV genome using bacterial artificial chromosome technology. Like clinical virus, this genome proved to be unstable in cell culture; however, propagation of intact virus was achieved by placing the RL13 and UL128 genes under conditional expression. In this study, we show that WT-HCMV produces extremely low titers of cell-free virus but can efficiently infect fibroblasts, epithelial, monocyte-derived dendritic, and Langerhans cells via direct cell–cell transmission. This process of cell–cell transfer required the UL128 locus, but not the RL13 gene, and was significantly less vulnerable to the disruptive effects of IFN, cellular restriction factors, and neutralizing antibodies compared with cell-free entry. Resistance to neutralizing antibodies was dependent on high-level expression of the pentameric gH/gL/gpUL128–131A complex, a feature of WT but not passaged strains of HCMV.

scholarly journals Reduced Potency and Incomplete Neutralization of Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies against Cell-to-Cell Transmission of HIV-1 with Transmitted Founder Envs

2017 ◽  
Vol 91 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongru Li ◽  
Chati Zony ◽  
Ping Chen ◽  
Benjamin K. Chen
Keyword(s):  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Free Form ◽  
Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Free Virus ◽  
Cell Infection ◽  
Neutralization Capacity ◽  
Cell Transmission ◽  
Sorting Motif ◽  
Hiv 1

ABSTRACT Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) have been isolated from HIV-1 patients and can potently block infection of a wide spectrum of HIV-1 subtypes. These antibodies define common epitopes shared by many viral isolates. While bNAbs potently antagonize infection with cell-free virus, inhibition of HIV-1 transmission from infected to uninfected CD4+ T cells through virological synapses (VS) has been found to require greater amounts of antibody. In this study, we examined two well-studied molecular clones and two transmitted/founder (T/F) clones for their sensitivities to a panel of bNAbs in cell-free and cell-to-cell infection assays. We observed resistance of cell-to-cell transmission to antibody neutralization that was reflected not only by reductions of antibody potency but also by decreases in maximum neutralization capacity relative to the levels seen with cell-free infections. BNAbs targeting different epitopes exhibited incomplete neutralization against cell-associated virus with T/F Envs, which was not observed with the cell-free form of the same virus. We further identified the membrane-proximal internal tyrosine-based sorting motif as a determinant that can affect the incomplete neutralization of these T/F clones in cell-to-cell infection. These findings indicate that the signal that affects surface expression and/or internalization of Env from the plasma membrane can modulate the presentation of neutralizing epitopes on infected cells. These results highlight that a fraction of virus can escape from high concentrations of antibody through cell-to-cell infection while remaining sensitive to neutralization in cell-free infection. The ability to fully inhibit cell-to-cell transmission may represent an important consideration in the development of antibodies for treatment or prophylaxis. IMPORTANCE In recent years, isolation of new-generation HIV-1 bNAbs has invigorated HIV vaccine research. These bNAbs display remarkable potency and breadth of coverage against cell-free virus; however, they exhibit a diminished ability to block HIV-1 cell-to-cell transmission. The mechanism(s) by which HIV-1 resists neutralization when transmitting through VS remains uncertain. We examined a panel of bNAbs for their ability to neutralize HIV-1 T/F viruses in cell-to-cell infection assays. We found that some antibodies exhibit not only reduced potency but also decreased maximum neutralization capacity or in vitro efficacy against cell-to-cell infection of HIV-1 with T/F Envs compared to cell-free infection of the same virus. We further identified the membrane-proximal internal tyrosine-based sorting motif YXXL as a determinant that can affect the incomplete neutralization phenotype of these T/F clones. When the maximum neutralization capacity falls short of 100%, this can have a major impact on the ability of antibodies to halt viral replication.

scholarly journals Capacity of Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies to Inhibit HIV-1 Cell-Cell Transmission Is Strain- and Epitope-Dependent

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. e1004966 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucia Reh ◽  
Carsten Magnus ◽  
Merle Schanz ◽  
Jacqueline Weber ◽  
Therese Uhr ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Cell Transmission ◽  
Hiv 1 ◽  
Is Strain ◽  
Cell Cell

scholarly journals Hepatitis C virus cell-cell transmission in hepatoma cells in the presence of neutralizing antibodies

Hepatology ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer M. Timpe ◽  
Zania Stamataki ◽  
Adam Jennings ◽  
Ke Hu ◽  
Michelle J. Farquhar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Hepatoma Cells ◽  
Cell Transmission ◽  
Cell Cell

scholarly journals Targeting the HIV-1 Spike and Coreceptor with Bi- and Trispecific Antibodies for Single-Component Broad Inhibition of Entry

2018 ◽  
Vol 92 (18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Salar N. Khan ◽  
Devin Sok ◽  
Karen Tran ◽  
Arlette Movsesyan ◽  
Viktoriya Dubrovskaya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Models ◽  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Binding Sites ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Single Component ◽  
Single Chain ◽  
Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Hiv Replication ◽  
Hiv Inhibitors ◽  
The Individual

ABSTRACTProtection against acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection may not require a vaccine in the conventional sense, because broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) alone prevent HIV infection in relevant animal challenge models. Additionally, bNAbs as therapeutics can effectively suppress HIV replication in infected humans and in animal models. Combinations of bNAbs are generally even more effective, and bNAb-derived multivalent antibody-like molecules also inhibit HIV replication bothin vitroandin vivo. To expand the available array of multispecific HIV inhibitors, we designed single-component molecules that incorporate two (bispecific) or three (trispecific) bNAbs that recognize HIV Env exclusively, a bispecific CrossMAb targeting two epitopes on the major HIV coreceptor, CCR5, and bi- and trispecifics that cross-target both Env and CCR5. These newly designed molecules displayed exceptional breadth, neutralizing 98 to 100% of a 109-virus panel, as well as additivity and potency compared to those of the individual parental control IgGs. The bispecific molecules, designed as tandem single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) (10E8fv-N6fv and m36.4-PRO 140fv), displayed median 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50s) of 0.0685 and 0.0131 μg/ml, respectively. A trispecific containing 10E8-PGT121-PGDM1400 Env-specific binding sites was equally potent (median IC50of 0.0135 μg/ml), while a trispecific molecule targeting Env and CCR5 simultaneously (10E8Fab-PGDM1400fv-PRO 140fv) demonstrated even greater potency, with a median IC50of 0.007 μg/ml. By design, some of these molecules lacked Fc-mediated effector function; therefore, we also constructed a trispecific prototype possessing reconstituted CH2-CH3 domains to restore Fc receptor binding capacity. The molecules developed here, along with those described previously, possess promise as prophylactic and therapeutic agents against HIV.IMPORTANCEBroadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) prevent HIV infection in monkey challenge models and suppress HIV replication in infected humans. Combinations of bNAbs are more effective at suppression, and antibody-like molecules engineered to have two or three bNAb combining sites also inhibit HIV replication in monkeys and other animal models. To expand the available array of multispecific HIV inhibitors, we designed single-component molecules that incorporate two (bispecific) or three (trispecific) bNAb binding sites that recognize the HIV envelope glycoprotein (Env) or the HIV coreceptor (CCR5) or that cross-target both Env and CCR5. Several of the bi- and trispecific molecules neutralized most viruses in a diverse cross-clade panel, with greater breadth and potency than those of the individual parental bNAbs. The molecules described here provide additional options for preventing or suppressing HIV infection.

scholarly journals Inhibitory Effect of Individual or Combinations of Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies and Antiviral Reagents against Cell-Free and Cell-to-Cell HIV-1 Transmission

2015 ◽  
Vol 89 (15) ◽  
pp. 7813-7828 ◽  
Author(s):  
Randi B. Gombos ◽  
Dror Kolodkin-Gal ◽  
Leila Eslamizar ◽  
Joshua O. Owuor ◽  
Emanuele Mazzola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Free Virus ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Hiv 1

ABSTRACTTo date, most therapeutic and vaccine candidates for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) are evaluated preclinically for efficacy against cell-free viral challenges. However, cell-associated HIV-1 is suggested to be a major contributor to sexual transmission by mucosal routes. To determine if neutralizing antibodies or inhibitors block cell-free and cell-associated virus transmission of diverse HIV-1 strains with different efficiencies, we tested 12 different antibodies and five inhibitors against four green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled HIV-1 envelope (Env) variants from transmitted/founder (T/F) or chronic infection isolates. We evaluated antibody/inhibitor-mediated virus neutralization using either TZM-bl target cells, in which infectivity was determined by virus-driven luciferase expression, or A3R5 lymphoblastoid target cells, in which infectivity was evaluated by GFP expression. In both the TZM-bl and A3R5 assays, cell-free virus or infected CD4+lymphocytes were used as targets for neutralization. We further hypothesized that the combined use of specific neutralizing antibodies targeting HIV-1 Env would more effectively prevent cell-associated virus transmission than the use of individual antibodies. The tested antibody combinations included two gp120-directed antibodies, VRC01 and PG9, or VRC01 with the gp41-directed antibody 10E8. Our results demonstrated that cell-associated virus was less sensitive to neutralizing antibodies and inhibitors, particularly using the A3R5 neutralization assay, and the potencies of these neutralizing agents differed among Env variants. A combination of different neutralizing antibodies that target specific sites on gp120 led to a significant reduction in cell-associated virus transmission. These assays will help identify ideal combinations of broadly neutralizing antibodies to use for passive preventive antibody administration and further characterize targets for the most effective neutralizing antibodies/inhibitors.IMPORTANCEPrevention of the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) remains a prominent goal of HIV research. The relative contribution of HIV-1 within an infected cell versus cell-free HIV-1 to virus transmission remains debated. It has been suggested that cell-associated virus is more efficient at transmitting HIV-1 and more difficult to neutralize than cell-free virus. Several broadly neutralizing antibodies and retroviral inhibitors are currently being studied as potential therapies against HIV-1 transmission. The present study demonstrates a decrease in neutralizing antibody and inhibitor efficiencies against cell-associated compared to cell-free HIV-1 transmission among different strains of HIV-1. We also observed a significant reduction in virus transmission using a combination of two different neutralizing antibodies that target specific sites on the outermost region of HIV-1, the virus envelope. Therefore, our findings support the use of antibody combinations against both cell-free and cell-associated virus in future candidate therapy regimens.

scholarly journals Broadly neutralizing antibodies that inhibit HIV-1 cell to cell transmission

2013 ◽  
Vol 210 (13) ◽  
pp. 2813-2821 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marine Malbec ◽  
Françoise Porrot ◽  
Rejane Rua ◽  
Joshua Horwitz ◽  
Florian Klein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Type I ◽  
Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Major Mechanism ◽  
Viral Spread ◽  
Cell Transmission ◽  
Cd4 Binding Site ◽  
Virological Synapses ◽  
Hiv 1

The neutralizing activity of anti–HIV-1 antibodies is typically measured in assays where cell-free virions enter reporter cell lines. However, HIV-1 cell to cell transmission is a major mechanism of viral spread, and the effect of the recently described broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) on this mode of transmission remains unknown. Here we identify a subset of bNAbs that inhibit both cell-free and cell-mediated infection in primary CD4+ lymphocytes. These antibodies target either the CD4-binding site (NIH45-46 and 3BNC60) or the glycan/V3 loop (10-1074 and PGT121) on HIV-1 gp120 and act at low concentrations by inhibiting multiple steps of viral cell to cell transmission. These antibodies accumulate at virological synapses and impair the clustering and fusion of infected and target cells and the transfer of viral material to uninfected T cells. In addition, they block viral cell to cell transmission to plasmacytoid DCs and thereby interfere with type-I IFN production. Thus, only a subset of bNAbs can efficiently prevent HIV-1 cell to cell transmission, and this property should be considered an important characteristic defining antibody potency for therapeutic or prophylactic antiviral strategies.

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