P12-11. Resistance to the CD4 mimetic mini protein M48-U1 induces changes in a highly conserved region on the HIV-1 gp120 envelope protein

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope protein provides the primary contact between the virus and host, and is the main target of the adaptive humoral immune response. The length of gp120 variable loops and the number of N-linked glycosylation events are key determinants for virus infectivity and immune escape, while the V3 loop overall positive charge is known to affect co-receptor tropism. We selected two families in which both parents and two children had been infected with HIV-1 for nearly 10 years, but who demonstrated variable parameters of disease progression. We analysed the gp120 envelope sequence and compared individuals that progressed to those that did not in order to decipher evolutionary alterations that are associated with disease progression when individuals are infected with genetically related virus strains. The analysis of the V3-positive charge demonstrated an association between higher V3-positive charges with disease progression. The ratio between the amino acid length and the number of potential N-linked glycosylation sites was also shown to be associated with disease progression with the healthier family members having a lower ratio. In conclusion in individuals initially infected with genetically linked virus strains the V3-positive charges and N-linked glycosylation are associated with HIV-1 disease progression and follow varied evolutionary paths for individuals with varied disease progression.

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A glycoside analog of mammalian oligomannose formulated with a TLR4-stimulating adjuvant elicits HIV-1 cross-reactive antibodies

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-84116-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jean-François Bruxelle ◽

Tess Kirilenko ◽

Nino Trattnig ◽

Yiqiu Yang ◽

Matteo Cattin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Transgenic Mice ◽

Envelope Protein ◽

Protein Sequence ◽

Neutralizing Antibodies ◽

Human Antibody ◽

Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies ◽

Specific Antibodies ◽

Strong Binding ◽

Hiv Envelope ◽

Hiv 1

AbstractThe occurrence of oligomannose-specific broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) has spurred efforts to develop immunogens that can elicit similar antibodies. Here, we report on the antigenicity and immunogenicity of a CRM197-conjugate of a previously reported oligomannose mimetic. Oligomannose-specific bnAbs that are less dependent on interactions with the HIV envelope protein sequence showed strong binding to the glycoconjugates, with affinities approximating those reported for their cognate epitope. The glycoconjugate is also recognized by inferred germline precursors of oligomannose-specific bnAbs, albeit with the expected low avidity, supporting its potential as an immunogen. Immunization of human-antibody transgenic mice revealed that only a TLR4-stimulating adjuvant formulation resulted in antibodies able to bind a panel of recombinant HIV trimers. These antibodies bound at relatively modest levels, possibly explaining their inability to neutralize HIV infectivity. Nevertheless, these findings contribute further to understanding conditions for eliciting HIV-cross-reactive oligomannose-specific antibodies and inform on next steps for improving on the elicited response.

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