scholarly journals A Single V672F Substitution in the Spike Protein of Field-Isolated PEDV Promotes Cell–Cell Fusion and Replication in VeroE6 Cells

Viruses ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asawin Wanitchang ◽  
Janya Saenboonrueng ◽  
Challika Kaewborisuth ◽  
Kanjana Srisutthisamphan ◽  
Anan Jongkaewwattana

While porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) infects and replicates in enterocytes lining villi of neonatal piglets with high efficiency, naturally isolated variants typically grow poorly in established cell lines, unless adapted by multiple passages. Cells infected with most cell-adapted PEDVs usually displayed large syncytia, a process triggered by the spike protein (S). To identify amino acids responsible for S-mediated syncytium formation, we constructed and characterized chimeric S proteins of the cell-adapted variant, YN144, in which the receptor binding domain (RBD) and S1/S2 cleavage site were replaced with those of a poorly culturable field isolate (G2). We demonstrated that the RBD, not the S1/S2 cleavage site, is critical for syncytium formation mediated by chimeric S proteins. Further mutational analyses revealed that a single mutation at the amino acid residue position 672 (V672F) could enable the chimeric S with the entire RBD derived from the G2 strain to trigger large syncytia. Moreover, recombinant PEDV viruses bearing S of the G2 strain with the single V672F substitution could induce extensive syncytium formation and replicate efficiently in VeroE6 cells stably expressing porcine aminopeptidase N (VeroE6-APN). Interestingly, we also demonstrated that while the V672F mutation is critical for the syncytium formation in VeroE6-APN cells, it exerts a minimal effect in Huh-7 cells, thereby suggesting the difference in receptor preference of PEDV among host cells.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabella Ferreira ◽  
Rawlings Datir ◽  
Guido Papa ◽  
Steven Kemp ◽  
Bo Meng ◽  
...  

The B.1.617 variant emerged in the Indian state of Maharashtra in late 2020 and has spread throughout India and to at least 40 countries. There have been fears that two key mutations seen in the receptor binding domain L452R and E484Q would have additive effects on evasion of neutralising antibodies. Here we delineate the phylogenetics of B.1.617 and spike mutation frequencies, in the context of others bearing L452R. The defining mutations in B.1.617.1 spike are L452R and E484Q in the RBD that interacts with ACE2 and is the target of neutralising antibodies. All B.1.617 viruses have the P681R mutation in the polybasic cleavage site region in spike. We report that B.1.617.1 spike bearing L452R, E484Q and P681R mediates entry into cells with slightly reduced efficiency compared to Wuhan-1. This spike confers modestly reduced sensitivity to BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine-elicited antibodies that is similar in magnitude to the loss of sensitivity conferred by L452R or E484Q alone. Furthermore we show that the P681R mutation significantly augments syncytium formation upon the B.1.617.1 spike protein, potentially contributing to increased pathogenesis observed in hamsters and infection growth rates observed in humans.


Author(s):  
Micholas Smith ◽  
Jeremy C. Smith

The novel Wuhan coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has been sequenced, and the virus shares substantial similarity with SARS-CoV. Here, using a computational model of the spike protein (S-protein) of SARS-CoV-2 interacting with the human ACE2 receptor, we make use of the world's most powerful supercomputer, SUMMIT, to enact an ensemble docking virtual high-throughput screening campaign and identify small-molecules which bind to either the isolated Viral S-protein at its host receptor region or to the S protein-human ACE2 interface. We hypothesize the identified small-molecules may be repurposed to limit viral recognition of host cells and/or disrupt host-virus interactions. A ranked list of compounds is given that can be tested experimentally.<br>


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatima Amanat ◽  
Shirin Strohmeier ◽  
Raveen Rathnasinghe ◽  
Michael Schotsaert ◽  
Lynda Coughlan ◽  
...  

AbstractThe spike protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been identified as the prime target for vaccine development. The spike protein mediates both binding to host cells and membrane fusion and is also so far the only known viral target of neutralizing antibodies. Coronavirus spike proteins are large trimers that are relatively instable, a feature that might be enhanced by the presence of a polybasic cleavage site in the SARS-CoV-2 spike. Exchange of K986 and V987 to prolines has been shown to stabilize the trimers of SARS-CoV-1 and the Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome coronavirus spikes. Here, we test multiple versions of a soluble spike protein for their immunogenicity and protective effect against SARS-CoV-2 challenge in a mouse model that transiently expresses human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 via adenovirus transduction. Variants tested include spike protein with a deleted polybasic cleavage site, the proline mutations, a combination thereof, as well as the wild type protein. While all versions of the protein were able to induce neutralizing antibodies, only the antigen with both a deleted cleavage site and the PP mutations completely protected from challenge in this mouse model.ImportanceA vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 is urgently needed. A better understanding of antigen design and attributes that vaccine candidates need to have to induce protective immunity is of high importance. The data presented here validates the choice of antigens that contain the PP mutation and suggests that deletion of the polybasic cleavage site could lead to a further optimized design.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
George W. Carnell ◽  
Katarzyna A. Ciazynska ◽  
David A. Wells ◽  
Xiaoli Xiong ◽  
Ernest T. Aguinam ◽  
...  

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.


Author(s):  
Micholas Smith ◽  
Jeremy C. Smith

The novel Wuhan coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has been sequenced, and the virus shares substantial similarity with SARS-CoV. Here, using a computational model of the spike protein (S-protein) of SARS-CoV-2 interacting with the human ACE2 receptor, we make use of the world's most powerful supercomputer, SUMMIT, to enact an ensemble docking virtual high-throughput screening campaign and identify small-molecules which bind to either the isolated Viral S-protein at its host receptor region or to the S protein-human ACE2 interface. We hypothesize the identified small-molecules may be repurposed to limit viral recognition of host cells and/or disrupt host-virus interactions. A ranked list of compounds is given that can be tested experimentally.<br>


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yubei Tan ◽  
Limeng Sun ◽  
Gang Wang ◽  
Yuejun Shi ◽  
Wanyu Dong ◽  
...  

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is an enteric pathogen in the swine industry, causing high mortality in neonatal piglets. Efficient PEDV infection usually relies on the presence of trypsin, yet the mechanism of trypsin dependency is ambiguous. Here, we identified two PEDV strains, trypsin-enhanced YN200 and trypsin-independent DR13, in which the spike (S) protein of YN200 exhibits a stronger ability to induce syncytium formation and cleaved by trypsin than that of DR13. Using a full-length infectious YN200 cDNA clone, we confirmed that the S protein is a trypsin dependency determinant by comparison of rYN200 and rYN200-SDR13. To explore the trypsin-associated sites of the YN200 S protein, we then constructed a series of mutations adjacent to the fusion peptide. The results show that the putative S2’ cleavage site (R892G) is not the determinant for virus trypsin dependency. Hence, we generated viruses carrying chimeric S proteins: the S1 subunit, S2 subunit, and S2720∼892 aa domain (NS2’) were individually replaced by the corresponding DR13 sequences. Intriguingly, only the S2 substitution, not the S1 or NS2’ substitutions, provides trypsin-independent growth of YN200. Additionally, the NS2’ recombinant virus significantly abrogated effective infection, indicating a vital role for NS2’ in viral entry. These findings suggest that the trypsin dependency of PEDV is mainly controlled by mutations in the S2 subunit rather than directly trypsin cleavage site. Importance With the emergence of new variants, PEDV remains a major problem in the global swine industry. Efficient PEDV infection usually requires trypsin, while the mechanism of trypsin dependency is complex. Here, we used two PEDV strains, trypsin-enhanced YN200 and trypsin-independent DR13, and results showed that the S protein determined PEDV trypsin dependency by using a reverse genetic system of YN200. The S2 subunit was verified as the main portion of PEDV trypsin dependency, though the putative S2’ site mutation cannot render trypsin-independent growth of YN200. Finally, these results provide some different insight to the PEDV trypsin dependency and might inspire vaccine development.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S. D. Lam ◽  
N. Bordin ◽  
V. P. Waman ◽  
H. M. Scholes ◽  
P. Ashford ◽  
...  

Abstract SARS-CoV-2 has a zoonotic origin and was transmitted to humans via an undetermined intermediate host, leading to infections in humans and other mammals. To enter host cells, the viral spike protein (S-protein) binds to its receptor, ACE2, and is then processed by TMPRSS2. Whilst receptor binding contributes to the viral host range, S-protein:ACE2 complexes from other animals have not been investigated widely. To predict infection risks, we modelled S-protein:ACE2 complexes from 215 vertebrate species, calculated changes in the energy of the complex caused by mutations in each species, relative to human ACE2, and correlated these changes with COVID-19 infection data. We also analysed structural interactions to better understand the key residues contributing to affinity. We predict that mutations are more detrimental in ACE2 than TMPRSS2. Finally, we demonstrate phylogenetically that human SARS-CoV-2 strains have been isolated in animals. Our results suggest that SARS-CoV-2 can infect a broad range of mammals, but few fish, birds or reptiles. Susceptible animals could serve as reservoirs of the virus, necessitating careful ongoing animal management and surveillance.


2019 ◽  
Vol 93 (23) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Wrapp ◽  
Jason S. McLellan

ABSTRACT Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is an alphacoronavirus that has a significant agricultural and economic impact due to the high mortality rate associated with infection of neonatal piglets. Like other coronaviruses, PEDV makes use of a large, trimeric spike (S) glycoprotein to mediate membrane fusion and gain entry into host cells. Despite the importance of the spike protein in viral entry and host immune responses, high-resolution structural information concerning this large macromolecular machine has been difficult to obtain. Here, we report the cryo-electron microscopy structure of the PEDV S protein in the prefusion conformation at a resolution of 3.1 Å. Our studies revealed that the sialic acid-binding domain at the N terminus of the S1 subunit has an orientation that is substantially different from that observed in the previously determined spike structure from human alphacoronavirus NL63. We also observed dissociated S1 subunit trimers wherein the putative receptor-binding domains exist in a conformation differing from that observed in the intact spike proteins, suggesting that the PEDV receptor-binding domain undergoes conformational rearrangements akin to those that have been described in the related betacoronaviruses. Collectively, these data provide new insights into the biological processes that mediate alphacoronavirus attachment, receptor engagement, and fusion triggering while also identifying a source of conformational heterogeneity that could be manipulated to improve PEDV vaccine antigens. IMPORTANCE Coronavirus spike proteins are large, densely glycosylated macromolecular machines that mediate receptor binding and membrane fusion to facilitate entry into host cells. This report describes the atomic-resolution structure of the spike protein from porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, a pathogenic alphacoronavirus that causes severe agricultural damage. The structure reveals a novel position for the sialic acid-binding attachment domain in the intact spike. We also observed shed fusion-suppressive capping subunits that displayed the putative receptor-binding domain in an accessible conformation. These observations provide a basis for understanding the molecular mechanisms that drive the earliest stages of alphacoronavirus infection and will inform future efforts to rationally design vaccines.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lizhou Zhang ◽  
Cody B. Jackson ◽  
Huihui Mou ◽  
Amrita Ojha ◽  
Haiyong Peng ◽  
...  

AbstractSARS-CoV-2 variants with spike (S)-protein D614G mutations now predominate globally. We therefore compare the properties of the mutated S protein (SG614) with the original (SD614). We report here pseudoviruses carrying SG614 enter ACE2-expressing cells more efficiently than those with SD614. This increased entry correlates with less S1-domain shedding and higher S-protein incorporation into the virion. Similar results are obtained with virus-like particles produced with SARS-CoV-2 M, N, E, and S proteins. However, D614G does not alter S-protein binding to ACE2 or neutralization sensitivity of pseudoviruses. Thus, D614G may increase infectivity by assembling more functional S protein into the virion.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 104
Author(s):  
Jola Rahmahani ◽  
Dewanggi Kristi Sasmi Pradhita ◽  
Nanik Sianita Widjaja ◽  
Suwarno Suwarno

Infectious Bronchitis (IB) is disease causes great economic impact across nations. Spike protein (protein-S) is one of structural protein of Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) located on enveloped of the virion. Molecular characterization of IBV could be conducted use Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) to reveal the protein weight then confirmed through Immuno-Blotting assay. These methods were conducted to know the molecule weight of field isolate compared to seed vaccine. The results of this study indicate the weight of protein-S of field isolate I-147/11 were 168.21 kDa which was same to protein-S of seed vaccine Massachusset.


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