scholarly journals A vulnerable, membrane-proximal site in human respiratory syncytial virus F revealed by a prefusion-specific single-domain antibody

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iebe Rossey ◽  
Ching-Lin Hsieh ◽  
Koen Sedeyn ◽  
Marlies Ballegeer ◽  
Bert Schepens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Antigenic Site ◽  
Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Single Domain ◽  
Respiratory Pathogen ◽  
Single Domain Antibody ◽  
Domain Antibody ◽  
Proximal Site ◽  
Syncytial Virus

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory tract disease, especially in young children and the elderly. The fusion protein (F) exists in a pre- and postfusion conformation and is the main target of RSV-neutralizing antibodies. Highly potent RSV-neutralizing antibodies typically bind sites that are unique to the prefusion conformation of F. In this study we screened a single-domain antibody (VHH) library derived from a llama immunized with prefusion-stabilized F and identified a prefusion F-specific VHH that can neutralize RSV A at subnanomolar concentrations. Structural analysis revealed that this VHH primarily binds to antigenic site I while also making contacts with residues in antigenic site III and IV. This new VHH reveals a previously underappreciated membrane-proximal region sensitive for neutralization. Importance RSV is an important respiratory pathogen. This study describes a prefusion F-specific VHH that primarily binds to antigenic site I of RSV F. This is the first time that a prefusion F-specific antibody that binds this site is reported. In general, antibodies that bind to site I are poorly neutralizing, whereas the VHH described here neutralizes RSV A at subnanomolar concentrations. Our findings contribute to insights into the RSV F antigenic map.

scholarly journals Potent human single domain antibodies specific for a novel prefusion epitope of RSV F glycoprotein

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guangjin Xun ◽  
Xingpan Song ◽  
Jie Hu ◽  
Haiwei Zhang ◽  
Lan Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Respiratory Diseases ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Antibody Engineering ◽  
Single Domain ◽  
Single Domain Antibody ◽  
Phage Display Technology ◽  
Therapeutic Drugs ◽  
Domain Antibody ◽  
Syncytial Virus

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) poses great health threats to humans. However, there are no licensed vaccines or therapeutic drugs to date. Only one humanized monoclonal antibody, palivizumab, is available on the market, but it is used prophylactically and is limited to infants under high risk. With advances in antibody engineering, it has been found that single domain antibody (sdAb) can be therapeutically administered by inhalation, which would be more efficient for respiratory diseases. Here, we identified two human sdAbs, m17 and m35, by phage display technology. They specifically bind to RSV F in the prefusion state with subnanomolar affinity and potently neutralize both RSV subtypes A and B with IC 50 values ranging from pM to nM. Interestingly, these sdAbs recognize a novel epitope termed VI that is unique to the prefusion state. This epitope is located at the C-terminus of the F1 subunit, close to the viral membrane, and might be sterically restricted. We further find that m17 and m35 neutralize RSV by preventing the prefusion F conformational arrangement, thus inhibiting membrane fusion. These two sdAbs have the potential to be further developed as therapeutic candidates, and may also provide novel insight for developing other antiviral reagents against RSV. Importance Because RSV can cause serious respiratory disease in immunodeficient groups, including infants and seniors, the development of vaccines and therapeutic drugs, like neutralizing antibodies, is urgently needed. Compared to the conventional full-length antibody, single domain antibody (sdAb) has been demonstrated to be efficient for respiratory diseases when administered by inhalation, thereby potentially introducing a kind of novel therapeutic agent in the market. Here, we discovered two potent neutralizing human sdAbs against RSV that recognized a novel prefusion epitope termed VI and prevented conformational arrangement during the fusion process. Our work provides not only therapeutic candidates but also novel target for new drug and vaccine development.

scholarly journals Characterization of Pre-F-GCN4t, a Modified Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Fusion Protein Stabilized in a Noncleaved Prefusion Conformation

2017 ◽  
Vol 91 (13) ◽  
Author(s):  
Normand Blais ◽  
Martin Gagné ◽  
Yoshitomo Hamuro ◽  
Patrick Rheault ◽  
Martine Boyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Antibody Response ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Neutralizing Antibody ◽  
Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Vaccine Antigen ◽  
Significant Advance ◽  
F Protein ◽  
Syncytial Virus

ABSTRACT The human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) fusion (F) protein is considered a major target of the neutralizing antibody response to hRSV. This glycoprotein undergoes a major structural shift from the prefusion (pre-F) to the postfusion (post-F) state at the time of virus-host cell membrane fusion. Recent evidences suggest that the pre-F state is a superior target for neutralizing antibodies compared to the post-F state. Therefore, for vaccine purposes, we have designed and characterized a recombinant hRSV F protein, called Pre-F-GCN4t, stabilized in a pre-F conformation. To show that Pre-F-GCN4t does not switch to a post-F conformation, it was compared with a recombinant post-F molecule, called Post-F-XC. Pre-F-GCN4t was glycosylated and trimeric and displayed a conformational stability different from that of Post-F-XC, as shown by chemical denaturation. Electron microscopy analysis suggested that Pre-F-GCN4t adopts a lollipop-like structure. In contrast, Post-F-XC had a typical elongated conical shape. Hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry demonstrated that the two molecules had common rigid folding core and dynamic regions and provided structural insight for their biophysical and biochemical properties and reactivity. Pre-F-GCN4t was shown to deplete hRSV-neutralizing antibodies from human serum more efficiently than Post-F-XC. Importantly, Pre-F-GCN4t was also shown to bind D25, a highly potent monoclonal antibody specific for the pre-F conformation. In conclusion, this construct presents several pre-F characteristics, does not switch to the post-F conformation, and presents antigenic features required for a protective neutralizing antibody response. Therefore, Pre-F-GCN4t can be considered a promising candidate vaccine antigen. IMPORTANCE Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a global leading cause of infant mortality and adult morbidity. The development of a safe and efficacious RSV vaccine remains an important goal. The RSV class I fusion (F) glycoprotein is considered one of the most promising vaccine candidates, and recent evidences suggest that the prefusion (pre-F) state is a superior target for neutralizing antibodies. Our study presents the physicochemical characterization of Pre-F-GCN4t, a molecule designed to be stabilized in the pre-F conformation. To confirm its pre-F conformation, Pre-F-GCN4t was analyzed in parallel with Post-F-XC, a molecule in the post-F conformation. Our results show that Pre-F-GCN4t presents characteristics of a stabilized pre-F conformation and support its use as an RSV vaccine antigen. Such an antigen may represent a significant advance in the development of an RSV vaccine.

scholarly journals Trivalency of a Nanobody Specific for the Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Fusion Glycoprotein Drastically Enhances Virus Neutralization and Impacts Escape Mutant Selection

2016 ◽  
Vol 60 (11) ◽  
pp. 6498-6509 ◽  
Author(s):  
Concepción Palomo ◽  
Vicente Mas ◽  
Laurent Detalle ◽  
Erik Depla ◽  
Olga Cano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Antigenic Site ◽  
Serial Passage ◽  
Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Escape Mutant ◽  
Comprehensive Description ◽  
Mutant Selection ◽  
Fusion Glycoprotein ◽  
Escape Mutants ◽  
Syncytial Virus

ABSTRACTALX-0171 is a trivalent Nanobody derived from monovalent Nb017 that binds to antigenic site II of the human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) fusion (F) glycoprotein. ALX-0171 is about 6,000 to 10,000 times more potent than Nb017 in neutralization tests with strains of hRSV antigenic groups A and B. To explore the effect of this enhanced neutralization on escape mutant selection, viruses resistant to either ALX-0171 or Nb017 were isolated after serial passage of the hRSV Long strain in the presence of suboptimal concentrations of the respective Nanobodies. Resistant viruses emerged notably faster with Nb017 than with ALX-0171 and in both cases contained amino acid changes in antigenic site II of hRSV F. Detailed binding and neutralization analyses of these escape mutants as well as previously described mutants resistant to certain monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) offered a comprehensive description of site II mutations which are relevant for neutralization by MAbs and Nanobodies. Notably, ALX-0171 showed a sizeable neutralization potency with most escape mutants, even with some of those selected with the Nanobody, and these findings make ALX-0171 an attractive antiviral for treatment of hRSV infections.

Immunovirological studies on human respiratory syncytial virus structural proteins

1986 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michel Trudel ◽  
Francine Nadon ◽  
Cécile Séguin ◽  
Simone Ghoubril ◽  
Pierre Payment ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Fusion Protein ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Sodium Dodecyl ◽  
Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Structural Proteins ◽  
Membrane Glycoproteins ◽  
Protein Dimer ◽  
Syncytial Virus ◽  
Nucleoprotein N

Immunovirological studies suggest that human respiratory syncytial virus may well be composed of five structural proteins as are other members of the Paramyxoviridae family: the two external membrane glycoproteins H (90 000) and Fo (F1, 49 000; F2, 20 000; disulfide linked), the internal membrane protein M (34 000), the nucleoprotein N (42 000), and a protein (78 000) designated P that could be the equivalent of the polymerase of the morbillivirus and paramyxovirus genus. Neutralizing monoclonal antibodies showed, by immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting, that the fusion protein carries neutralizing epitopes. One monoclonal antibody, which shows a high neutralizing titer, immunoblotted directly with the F1 fragment (49 000) of the fusion protein. Analysis in mice of the immunogenicity of the structural proteins separated on sodium dodecyl sulphate gels indicated that, under our conditions, only the fusion protein dimer Fo and its F1 fragment were capable of inducing neutralizing antibodies.

scholarly journals Characterization of the epitope for anti-human respiratory syncytial virus F protein monoclonal antibody 101F using synthetic peptides and genetic approaches

2007 ◽  
Vol 88 (10) ◽  
pp. 2719-2723 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheng-Jiun Wu ◽  
Albert Schmidt ◽  
Eric J. Beil ◽  
Nicole D. Day ◽  
Patrick J. Branigan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Antigenic Site ◽  
Neutralizing Antibody ◽  
Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Peptide Sequence ◽  
F Protein ◽  
Syncytial Virus ◽  
A Minor ◽  
Key Residues

Chimeric 101F (ch101F) is a mouse–human chimeric anti-human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) neutralizing antibody that recognizes residues within antigenic site IV, V, VI of the fusion (F) glycoprotein. The binding of ch101F to a series of peptides overlapping aa 422–438 spanning antigenic site IV, V, VI was analysed. Residues 423–436 comprise the minimal peptide sequence for ch101F binding. Substitution analysis revealed that R429 and K433 are critical for ch101F binding, whilst K427 makes a minor contribution. Binding of ch101F to a series of single mutations at positions 427, 429 and 433 in the F protein expressed recombinantly on the cell surface confirmed the peptide results. Sequence analysis of viruses selected for resistance to neutralization by ch101F indicated that a single change (K433T) in the F protein allowed ch101F escape. The results confirm that ch101F and palivizumab have different epitope specificity and define key residues for ch101F recognition.

scholarly journals Structure of a Major Antigenic Site on the Respiratory Syncytial Virus Fusion Glycoprotein in Complex with Neutralizing Antibody 101F

2010 ◽  
Vol 84 (23) ◽  
pp. 12236-12244 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason S. McLellan ◽  
Man Chen ◽  
Jung-San Chang ◽  
Yongping Yang ◽  
Albert Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Antigenic Site ◽  
Neutralizing Antibody ◽  
Structural Basis ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Linear Epitope ◽  
Peptide Epitope ◽  
Fusion Glycoprotein ◽  
Syncytial Virus

ABSTRACT Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in infants and elderly people. Currently there is no effective vaccine against RSV, but passive prophylaxis with neutralizing antibodies reduces hospitalizations. To investigate the mechanism of antibody-mediated RSV neutralization, we undertook structure-function studies of monoclonal antibody 101F, which binds a linear epitope in the RSV fusion glycoprotein. Crystal structures of the 101F antigen-binding fragment in complex with peptides from the fusion glycoprotein defined both the extent of the linear epitope and the interactions of residues that are mutated in antibody escape variants. The structure allowed for modeling of 101F in complex with trimers of the fusion glycoprotein, and the resulting models suggested that 101F may contact additional surfaces located outside the linear epitope. This hypothesis was supported by surface plasmon resonance experiments that demonstrated 101F bound the peptide epitope ∼16,000-fold more weakly than the fusion glycoprotein. The modeling also showed no substantial clashes between 101F and the fusion glycoprotein in either the pre- or postfusion state, and cell-based assays indicated that 101F neutralization was not associated with blocking virus attachment. Collectively, these results provide a structural basis for RSV neutralization by antibodies that target a major antigenic site on the fusion glycoprotein.

scholarly journals TMEM16A/ANO1 calcium-activated chloride channel as a novel target for the treatment of human respiratory syncytial virus infection

Thorax ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-72
Author(s):  
Hayley Pearson ◽  
Eleanor J A A Todd ◽  
Mareike Ahrends ◽  
Samantha E Hover ◽  
Adrian Whitehouse ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Human Lung ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Specific Inhibitor ◽  
Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Respiratory Pathogen ◽  
Human Lung Epithelial Cell ◽  
Syncytial Virus ◽  
Tract Infections

IntroductionHuman respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is a common cause of respiratory tract infections (RTIs) globally and is one of the most fatal infectious diseases for infants in developing countries. Of those infected, 25%–40% aged ≤1 year develop severe lower RTIs leading to pneumonia and bronchiolitis, with ~10% requiring hospitalisation. Evidence also suggests that HRSV infection early in life is a major cause of adult asthma. There is no HRSV vaccine, and the only clinically approved treatment is immunoprophylaxis that is expensive and only moderately effective. New anti-HRSV therapeutic strategies are therefore urgently required.MethodsIt is now established that viruses require cellular ion channel functionality to infect cells. Here, we infected human lung epithelial cell lines and ex vivo human lung slices with HRSV in the presence of a defined panel of chloride (Cl−) channel modulators to investigate their role during the HRSV life-cycle.ResultsWe demonstrate the requirement for TMEM16A, a calcium-activated Cl− channel, for HRSV infection. Time-of-addition assays revealed that the TMEM16A blockers inhibit HRSV at a postentry stage of the virus life-cycle, showing activity as a postexposure prophylaxis. Another important negative-sense RNA respiratory pathogen influenza virus was also inhibited by the TMEM16A-specific inhibitor T16Ainh-A01.DiscussionThese findings reveal TMEM16A as an exciting target for future host-directed antiviral therapeutics.

scholarly journals Antigenic Structure of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Fusion Glycoprotein

1998 ◽  
Vol 72 (8) ◽  
pp. 6922-6928 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan A. López ◽  
Regla Bustos ◽  
Claes Örvell ◽  
Mabel Berois ◽  
Juan Arbiza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Protein Sequence ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Antigenic Structure ◽  
Antigenic Sites ◽  
Fusion Glycoprotein ◽  
Escape Mutants ◽  
Syncytial Virus ◽  
Prediction Of Secondary Structure

ABSTRACT New series of escape mutants of human respiratory syncytial virus were prepared with monoclonal antibodies specific for the fusion (F) protein. Sequence changes selected in the escape mutants identified two new antigenic sites (V and VI) recognized by neutralizing antibodies and a group-specific site (I) in the F1 chain of the F molecule. The new epitopes, and previously identified antigenic sites, were incorporated into a refined prediction of secondary-structure motifs to generate a detailed antigenic map of the F glycoprotein.

scholarly journals Characterization of Epitope-Specific Anti-Respiratory Syncytial Virus (Anti-RSV) Antibody Responses after Natural Infection and after Vaccination with Formalin-Inactivated RSV

2016 ◽  
Vol 90 (13) ◽  
pp. 5965-5977 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivy Widjaja ◽  
Oliver Wicht ◽  
Willem Luytjes ◽  
Kees Leenhouts ◽  
Peter J. M. Rottier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Antigenic Site ◽  
Virus Neutralization ◽  
Specific Antibodies ◽  
F Protein ◽  
Human Sera ◽  
Cotton Rats ◽  
Syncytial Virus ◽  
Antibody Levels

ABSTRACTAntibodies against the fusion (F) protein of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) play an important role in the protective immune response to this important respiratory virus. Little is known, however, about antibody levels against multiple F-specific epitopes induced by infection or after vaccination against RSV, while this is important to guide the evaluation of (novel) vaccines. In this study, we analyzed antibody levels against RSV proteins and F-specific epitopes in human sera and in sera of vaccinated and experimentally infected cotton rats and the correlation thereof with virus neutralization. Analysis of human sera revealed substantial diversity in antibody levels against F-, G (attachment)-, and F-specific epitopes between individuals. The highest correlation with virus neutralization was observed for antibodies recognizing prefusion-specific antigenic site Ø. Nevertheless, our results indicate that high levels of antibodies targeting other parts of the F protein can also mediate a potent antiviral antibody response. In agreement, sera of experimentally infected cotton rats contained high neutralizing activity despite lacking antigenic site Ø-specific antibodies. Strikingly, vaccination with formalin-inactivated RSV (FI-RSV) exclusively resulted in the induction of poorly neutralizing antibodies against postfusion-specific antigenic site I, although antigenic sites I, II, and IV were efficiently displayed in FI-RSV. The apparent immunodominance of antigenic site I in FI-RSV likely explains the low levels of neutralizing antibodies upon vaccination and challenge and may play a role in the vaccination-induced enhancement of disease observed with such preparations.IMPORTANCERSV is an importance cause of hospitalization of infants. The development of a vaccine against RSV has been hampered by the disastrous results obtained with FI-RSV vaccine preparations in the 1960s that resulted in vaccination-induced enhancement of disease. To get a better understanding of the antibody repertoire induced after infection or after vaccination against RSV, we investigated antibody levels against fusion (F) protein, attachment (G) protein, and F-specific epitopes in human and animal sera. The results indicate the importance of prefusion-specific antigenic site Ø antibodies as well as of antibodies targeting other epitopes in virus neutralization. However, vaccination of cotton rats with FI-RSV specifically resulted in the induction of weakly neutralizing, antigenic site I-specific antibodies, which may play a role in the enhancement of disease observed after vaccination with such preparations.

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