RESUMEN
Natural Killer (NK) cells utilize effector functions, including antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), for the clearance of viral infection and cellular malignancies. NK cell ADCC is mediated by Fc γ RIIIa (CD16a) binding to the fragment crystallizable (Fc) region of immunoglobulin G (IgG) within immune complexes on a target cell surface. While antibody-induced clustering of CD16a is thought to drive ADCC, the molecular basis for this activity has not been fully described. Here we use MINFLUX nanoscopy to map the spatial distribution of stoichiometrically labeled CD16a across the NK cell membrane, revealing the presence of pairs of CD16a molecules with intra-doublet distance of approximately 17 nm. NK cells activated on supported lipid bilayers by Trastuzumab results in an increase of synaptic regions with greater CD16a density. Our results provide the highest spatial resolution yet described for CD16a imaging, offering new insight into how CD16a organization within the immune synapse could influence ADCC activity. MINFLUX holds great promise to further unravel the molecular details driving CD16a-based activation of NK cells.
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Human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) infection is initiated by binding of the viral envelope glycoprotein (Env) to the cell-surface receptor CD41-4. Although high-resolution structures of Env in a complex with the soluble domains of CD4 have been determined, the binding process is less understood in native membranes5-13. Here we used cryo-electron tomography to monitor Env-CD4 interactions at the membrane-membrane interfaces formed between HIV-1 and CD4-presenting virus-like particles. Env-CD4 complexes organized into clusters and rings, bringing the opposing membranes closer together. Env-CD4 clustering was dependent on capsid maturation. Subtomogram averaging and classification revealed that Env bound to one, two and finally three CD4 molecules, after which Env adopted an open state. Our data indicate that asymmetric HIV-1 Env trimers bound to one and two CD4 molecules are detectable intermediates during virus binding to host cell membranes, which probably has consequences for antibody-mediated immune responses and vaccine immunogen design.
Asunto(s)
Antígenos CD4 , Membrana Celular , Proteína gp120 de Envoltorio del VIH , VIH-1 , Multimerización de Proteína , Humanos , Vacunas contra el SIDA/química , Vacunas contra el SIDA/inmunología , Cápside/química , Cápside/metabolismo , Cápside/ultraestructura , Antígenos CD4/química , Antígenos CD4/metabolismo , Antígenos CD4/ultraestructura , Membrana Celular/química , Membrana Celular/metabolismo , Membrana Celular/ultraestructura , Microscopía por Crioelectrón , Tomografía con Microscopio Electrónico , Anticuerpos Anti-VIH/inmunología , Proteína gp120 de Envoltorio del VIH/química , Proteína gp120 de Envoltorio del VIH/metabolismo , Proteína gp120 de Envoltorio del VIH/ultraestructura , Infecciones por VIH/virología , VIH-1/química , VIH-1/ultraestructura , Virión/química , Virión/metabolismo , Virión/ultraestructuraRESUMEN
Barriers to effective gene therapy for many diseases include the number of modified target cells required to achieve therapeutic outcomes and host immune responses to expressed therapeutic proteins. As long-lived cells specialized for protein secretion, antibody-secreting B cells are an attractive target for foreign protein expression in blood and tissue. To neutralize HIV-1, we developed a lentiviral vector (LV) gene therapy platform for delivery of the anti-HIV-1 immunoadhesin, eCD4-Ig, to B cells. The EµB29 enhancer/promoter in the LV limited gene expression in non-B cell lineages. By engineering a knob-in-hole-reversed (KiHR) modification in the CH3-Fc eCD4-Ig domain, we reduced interactions between eCD4-Ig and endogenous B cell immunoglobulin G proteins, which improved HIV-1 neutralization potency. Unlike previous approaches in non-lymphoid cells, eCD4-Ig-KiHR produced in B cells promoted HIV-1 neutralizing protection without requiring exogenous TPST2, a tyrosine sulfation enzyme required for eCD4-Ig-KiHR function. This finding indicated that B cell machinery is well suited to produce therapeutic proteins. Lastly, to overcome the inefficient transduction efficiency associated with VSV-G LV delivery to primary B cells, an optimized measles pseudotyped LV packaging methodology achieved up to 75% transduction efficiency. Overall, our findings support the utility of B cell gene therapy platforms for therapeutic protein delivery.
RESUMEN
HIV-1 Env mediates viral entry into host cells and is the sole target for neutralizing antibodies. However, Env structure and organization in its native virion context has eluded detailed characterization. Here, we used cryo-electron tomography to analyze Env in mature and immature HIV-1 particles. Immature particles showed distinct Env positioning relative to the underlying Gag lattice, providing insights into long-standing questions about Env incorporation. A 9.1-Å sub-tomogram-averaged reconstruction of virion-bound Env in conjunction with structural mass spectrometry revealed unexpected features, including a variable central core of the gp41 subunit, heterogeneous glycosylation between protomers, and a flexible stalk that allows Env tilting and variable exposure of neutralizing epitopes. Together, our results provide an integrative understanding of HIV assembly and structural variation in Env antigen presentation.
Asunto(s)
Microscopía por Crioelectrón , Tomografía con Microscopio Electrónico , Virión/ultraestructura , Productos del Gen env del Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana/ultraestructura , Productos del Gen gag del Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana/ultraestructura , 2,2'-Dipiridil/análogos & derivados , 2,2'-Dipiridil/farmacología , Secuencia de Aminoácidos , Disulfuros/farmacología , Epítopos/química , Células HEK293 , Proteína gp41 de Envoltorio del VIH/química , Humanos , Espectrometría de Masas de Intercambio de Hidrógeno-Deuterio , Modelos Moleculares , Pruebas de Neutralización , Péptidos/química , Polisacáridos/química , Dominios Proteicos , Estructura Secundaria de Proteína , Subunidades de Proteína/química , Productos del Gen env del Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana/químicaRESUMEN
Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) against HIV-1 are frequently associated with the presence of autoreactivity/polyreactivity, a property that can limit their use as therapeutic agents. The bnAb 4E10, targeting the conserved Membrane proximal external region (MPER) of HIV-1, displays almost pan-neutralizing activity across globally circulating HIV-1 strains but exhibits nonspecific off-target interactions with lipid membranes. The hydrophobic apex of the third complementarity-determining region of the heavy chain (CDRH3) loop, which is essential for viral neutralization, critically contributes to this detrimental effect. Here, we have replaced the aromatic/hydrophobic residues from the apex of the CDRH3 of 4E10 with a single aromatic molecule through chemical modification to generate a variant that preserves the neutralization potency and breadth of 4E10 but with reduced autoreactivity. Collectively, our study suggests that the localized accumulation of aromaticity by chemical modification provides a pathway to ameliorate the adverse effects triggered by the CDRH3 of anti-HIV-1 MPER bnAbs.
RESUMEN
A major goal of HIV vaccine design is to elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs). Such bNAbs target HIV's trimeric, membrane-embedded envelope glycoprotein spikes (mEnv). Soluble Env (sEnv) trimers have been used as vaccines, but engineering sEnvs for stability, multivalency, and desired antigenicity is problematic and deletes key neutralizing epitopes on glycoprotein 41 (gp41) while creating neoepitopes that elicit unwanted antibodies. Meanwhile, multivalent mEnv vaccines are challenging to develop due to trimer instability and low mEnv copy number amid other extraneous proteins on virus-like particles. Here, we describe a multivalent mEnv vaccine platform that does not require protein engineering or extraneous proteins. mEnv trimers were fixed, purified, and combined with naked liposomes in mild detergent. On removal of detergent, mEnv spikes were observed embedded in liposome particles (mean diameter, 133 nm) in correct orientation. These particles were recognized by HIV bNAbs and not non-NAbs and are designated mEnv liposomes (MELs). Following a sequential immunization scheme in rabbits, MELs elicited antibodies that neutralized tier 2 HIV isolates. Analysis of serum antibody specificities, including those to epitopes involving a missing conserved N-glycosylation site at position 197 near the CD4 binding site on two of the immunogens, provides clues on how NAb responses can be improved with modified immunogens. In sum, MELs are a biochemically defined platform that enables rational immunization strategies to elicit HIV bNAbs using multimerized mEnv. IMPORTANCE A vaccine that induced broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV would likely end the AIDS pandemic. Such antibodies target membrane-embedded envelope glycoprotein spikes (mEnv) that HIV uses to enter cells. Due to HIV Env's low expression and instability, soluble stabilized Env trimers have been used as vaccine candidates, but these have an altered base that disrupts targets of HIV broadly neutralizing antibodies that bind near the membrane and are not available for all HIV isolates. Here, we describe membrane Env liposomes (MELs) that display a multivalent array of stable mEnvs on liposome particles. MELs showed the expected antibody recognition properties, including targeting parts of mEnv missing on soluble Envs. Immunization with MELs elicited antibodies that neutralized diverse HIV isolates. The MEL platform facilitates vaccine development with potentially any HIV Env at high valency, and a similar approach may be useful for eliciting antibodies to membrane-embedded targets of therapeutic interest.
Asunto(s)
Vacunas contra el SIDA/inmunología , Anticuerpos ampliamente neutralizantes/inmunología , Proteína gp120 de Envoltorio del VIH/inmunología , Proteína gp41 de Envoltorio del VIH/inmunología , VIH-1/inmunología , Anticuerpos Antivirales/inmunología , Antígenos Virales/inmunología , Epítopos/inmunología , Células HEK293 , Anticuerpos Anti-VIH/inmunología , Infecciones por VIH/inmunología , Infecciones por VIH/prevención & control , Células HeLa , Humanos , Liposomas/inmunología , Ingeniería de Proteínas/métodos , VacunaciónRESUMEN
An oligomannose patch around the V3 base of HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) is recognized by multiple classes of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs). Here, we investigated the bNAb response to the V3 glycan supersite in an HIV-1-infected Chinese donor by Env-specific single B cell sorting, structural and functional studies, and longitudinal analysis of antibody and virus repertoires. Monoclonal antibodies 438-B11 and 438-D5 were isolated that potently neutralize HIV-1 with moderate breadth, are encoded by the VH1-69 germline gene, and have a disulfide-linked long HCDR3 loop. Crystal structures of Env-bound and unbound antibodies revealed heavy chain-mediated recognition of the glycan supersite with a unique angle of approach and a critical role of the intra-HCDR3 disulfide. The mechanism of viral escape was examined via single-genome amplification/sequencing and glycan mutations around the N332 supersite. Our findings further emphasize the V3 glycan supersite as a prominent target for Env-based vaccine design.
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Infecciones por VIH , VIH-1 , Anticuerpos Neutralizantes , China , Disulfuros , Epítopos , Anticuerpos Anti-VIH/química , Humanos , PolisacáridosRESUMEN
The contribution of membrane interfacial interactions to recognition of membrane-embedded antigens by antibodies is currently unclear. This report demonstrates the optimization of this type of antibodies via chemical modification of regions near the membrane but not directly involved in the recognition of the epitope. Using the HIV-1 antibody 10E8 as a model, linear and polycyclic synthetic aromatic compounds are introduced at selected sites. Molecular dynamics simulations predict the favorable interactions of these synthetic compounds with the viral lipid membrane, where the epitope of the HIV-1 glycoprotein Env is located. Chemical modification of 10E8 with aromatic acetamides facilitates the productive and specific recognition of the native antigen, partially buried in the crowded environment of the viral membrane, resulting in a dramatic increase of its capacity to block viral infection. These observations support the harnessing of interfacial affinity through site-selective chemical modification to optimize the function of antibodies that target membrane-proximal epitopes.
Asunto(s)
Anticuerpos Neutralizantes/inmunología , Lípidos de la Membrana/inmunología , HumanosRESUMEN
Structural and functional studies of HIV envelope glycoprotein (Env) as a transmembrane protein have long been complicated by challenges associated with inherent flexibility of the molecule and the membrane-embedded hydrophobic regions. Here, we present approaches for incorporating full-length, wild-type HIV-1 Env, as well as C-terminally truncated and stabilized versions, into lipid assemblies, providing a modular platform for Env structural studies by single particle electron microscopy. We reconstitute a full-length Env clone into a nanodisc, complex it with a membrane-proximal external region (MPER) targeting antibody 10E8, and structurally define the full quaternary epitope of 10E8 consisting of lipid, MPER, and ectodomain contacts. By aligning this and other Env-MPER antibody complex reconstructions with the lipid bilayer, we observe evidence of Env tilting as part of the neutralization mechanism for MPER-targeting antibodies. We also adapt the platform toward vaccine design purposes by introducing stabilizing mutations that allow purification of unliganded Env with a peptidisc scaffold.
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Proteína gp41 de Envoltorio del VIH/genética , VIH-1/genética , Membrana Dobles de Lípidos/metabolismo , HumanosRESUMEN
The membrane-proximal external region (MPER) of HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) can be targeted by neutralizing antibodies of exceptional breadth. MPER antibodies usually have long, hydrophobic CDRH3s, lack activity as inferred germline precursors, are often from the minor IgG3 subclass, and some are polyreactive, such as 4E10. Here we describe an MPER broadly neutralizing antibody from the major IgG1 subclass, PGZL1, which shares germline V/D-region genes with 4E10, has a shorter CDRH3, and is less polyreactive. A recombinant sublineage variant pan-neutralizes a 130-isolate panel at 1.4 µg/ml (IC50). Notably, a germline revertant with mature CDR3s neutralizes 12% of viruses and still binds MPER after DJ reversion. Crystal structures of lipid-bound PGZL1 variants and cryo-EM reconstruction of an Env-PGZL1 complex reveal how these antibodies recognize MPER and viral membrane. Discovery of common genetic and structural elements among MPER antibodies from different patients suggests that such antibodies could be elicited using carefully designed immunogens.
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Anticuerpos Neutralizantes/inmunología , Proteína gp41 de Envoltorio del VIH/inmunología , VIH-1/efectos de los fármacos , Anticuerpos Monoclonales/inmunología , Anticuerpos Neutralizantes/metabolismo , Anticuerpos Neutralizantes/farmacología , Membrana Celular/metabolismo , Microscopía por Crioelectrón , Cristalografía por Rayos X , Farmacorresistencia Viral/genética , Epítopos , Proteína gp41 de Envoltorio del VIH/química , Proteína gp41 de Envoltorio del VIH/genética , Proteína gp41 de Envoltorio del VIH/metabolismo , VIH-1/inmunología , Humanos , Interacciones Hidrofóbicas e Hidrofílicas , Fragmentos Fab de Inmunoglobulinas/química , Fragmentos Fab de Inmunoglobulinas/genética , Inmunoglobulina G/química , Inmunoglobulina G/genética , Conformación ProteicaRESUMEN
The elicitation of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) against the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) trimer remains a major vaccine challenge. Most cross-conserved protein determinants are occluded by self-N-glycan shielding, limiting B cell recognition of the underlying polypeptide surface. The exceptions to the contiguous glycan shield include the conserved receptor CD4 binding site (CD4bs) and glycoprotein (gp)41 elements proximal to the furin cleavage site. Accordingly, we performed heterologous trimer-liposome prime:boosting in rabbits to drive B cells specific for cross-conserved sites. To preferentially expose the CD4bs to B cells, we eliminated proximal N-glycans while maintaining the native-like state of the cleavage-independent NFL trimers, followed by gradual N-glycan restoration coupled with heterologous boosting. This approach successfully elicited CD4bs-directed, cross-neutralizing Abs, including one targeting a unique glycan-protein epitope and a bNAb (87% breadth) directed to the gp120:gp41 interface, both resolved by high-resolution cryoelectron microscopy. This study provides proof-of-principle immunogenicity toward eliciting bNAbs by vaccination.
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Vacunas contra el SIDA/inmunología , Anticuerpos Neutralizantes/inmunología , Anticuerpos Anti-VIH/inmunología , Infecciones por VIH/inmunología , VIH-1/inmunología , Liposomas , Productos del Gen env del Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana/inmunología , Animales , Linfocitos B/inmunología , Linfocitos B/metabolismo , Antígenos CD4/química , Antígenos CD4/inmunología , Antígenos CD4/metabolismo , Complemento C3/inmunología , Complemento C3/metabolismo , Reactividad Cruzada/inmunología , Epítopos/inmunología , Glicosilación , Infecciones por VIH/virología , Humanos , Inmunoglobulina G/inmunología , Modelos Moleculares , Pruebas de Neutralización , Polisacáridos/inmunología , Polisacáridos/metabolismo , Unión Proteica , Conformación Proteica , Conejos , Productos del Gen env del Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana/administración & dosificación , Productos del Gen env del Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana/química , Productos del Gen env del Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana/metabolismoRESUMEN
The 10E8 antibody targets a helical epitope in the membrane-proximal external region (MPER) and transmembrane domain (TMD) of the envelope glycoprotein (Env) subunit gp41 and is among the broadest known neutralizing antibodies against HIV-1. Accordingly, this antibody and its mechanism of action valuably inform the design of effective vaccines and immunotherapies. 10E8 exhibits unusual adaptations to attain specific, high-affinity binding to the MPER at the viral membrane interface. Reversing the charge of the basic paratope surface (from net positive to net negative) reportedly lowered its neutralization potency. Here, we hypothesized that by increasing the net positive charge in similar polar surface patches, the neutralization potency of the antibody may be enhanced. We found that an increased positive charge at this paratope surface strengthened an electrostatic interaction between the antibody and lipid bilayers, enabling 10E8 to interact spontaneously with membranes. Notably, the modified 10E8 antibody did not gain any apparent polyreactivity and neutralized virus with a significantly greater potency. Binding analyses indicated that the optimized 10E8 antibody bound with a higher affinity to the epitope peptide anchored in lipid bilayers and to Env spikes on virions. Overall, our data provide a proof of principle for the rational optimization of 10E8 via manipulation of its interaction with the membrane element of its epitope. However, the observation that a similar mutation strategy did not affect the potency of the first-generation anti-MPER antibody 4E10 shows possible limitations of this principle. Altogether, our results emphasize the crucial role played by the viral membrane in the antigenicity of the MPER-TMD of HIV-1.IMPORTANCE The broadly neutralizing antibody 10E8 blocks infection by nearly all HIV-1 isolates, a capacity which vaccine design seeks to reproduce. Engineered versions of this antibody also represent a promising treatment for HIV infection by passive immunization. Understanding its mechanism of action is therefore important to help in developing effective vaccines and biologics to combat HIV/AIDS. 10E8 engages its helical MPER epitope where the base of the envelope spike submerges into the viral membrane. To enable this interaction, this antibody evolved an unusual property: the ability to interact with the membrane surface. Here, we provide evidence that 10E8 can be made more effective by enhancing its interactions with membranes. Our findings strengthen the idea that to elicit antibodies similar to 10E8, vaccines must reproduce the membrane environment where these antibodies perform their function.
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Anticuerpos Neutralizantes/inmunología , Membrana Celular/inmunología , Anticuerpos Anti-VIH/inmunología , Proteína gp41 de Envoltorio del VIH/antagonistas & inhibidores , Infecciones por VIH/inmunología , VIH-1/inmunología , Anticuerpos Neutralizantes/farmacología , Línea Celular , Anticuerpos Anti-VIH/farmacología , Proteína gp41 de Envoltorio del VIH/inmunología , Infecciones por VIH/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones por VIH/patología , HumanosRESUMEN
The trimeric envelope glycoprotein spike (Env) of HIV-1 is the target of vaccine development to elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs). Env trimer instability and heterogeneity in principle make subunit interfaces inconsistent targets for the immune response. Here, we investigate how functional stability of Env relates to neutralization sensitivity to V2 bnAbs and V3 crown antibodies that engage subunit interfaces upon binding to unliganded Env. Env heterogeneity was inferred when antibodies neutralized a mutant Env with a plateau of less than 100% neutralization. A statistically significant correlation was found between the stability of mutant Envs and the MPN of V2 bnAb, PG9, as well as an inverse correlation between stability of Env and neutralization by V3 crown antibody, 447-52D. A number of Env-stabilizing mutations and V2 bnAb-enhancing mutations were identified in Env, but they did not always overlap, indicating distinct requirements of functional stabilization versus antibody recognition. Blocking complex glycosylation of Env affected V2 bnAb recognition, as previously described, but also notably increased functional stability of Env. This study shows how instability and heterogeneity affect antibody sensitivity of HIV-1 Env, which is relevant to vaccine design involving its dynamic apex.IMPORTANCE The Env trimer is the only viral protein on the surface of HIV-1 and is the target of neutralizing antibodies that reduce viral infectivity. Quaternary epitopes at the apex of the spike are recognized by some of the most potent and broadly neutralizing antibodies to date. Being that their glycan-protein hybrid epitopes are at subunit interfaces, the resulting heterogeneity can lead to partial neutralization. Here, we screened for mutations in Env that allowed for complete neutralization by the bnAbs. We found that when mutations outside V2 increased V2 bnAb recognition, they often also increased Env stability-of-function and decreased binding by narrowly neutralizing antibodies to the V3 crown. Three mutations together increased neutralization by V2 bnAb and eliminated binding by V3 crown antibodies. These results may aid the design of immunogens that elicit antibodies to the trimer apex.
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Anticuerpos Neutralizantes/inmunología , Anticuerpos Anti-VIH/inmunología , Estabilidad Proteica , Productos del Gen env del Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana/química , Productos del Gen env del Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana/inmunología , Epítopos/inmunología , Glicosilación , Proteína gp120 de Envoltorio del VIH/inmunología , VIH-1/genética , Humanos , Mutación , Fragmentos de Péptidos/inmunología , Unión Proteica , Productos del Gen env del Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana/genética , Productos del Gen env del Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana/metabolismoRESUMEN
We have demonstrated that a liposomal array of well-ordered trimers enhances B cell activation, germinal center formation, and the elicitation of tier-2 autologous neutralizing antibodies. Previously, we coupled well-ordered cleavage-independent NFL trimers via their C-terminal polyhistidine tails to nickel lipids integrated into the lipid bilayer. Despite favorable in vivo effects, concern remained over the potentially longer-term in vivo instability of noncovalent linkage of the trimers to the liposomes. Accordingly, we tested both cobalt coupling and covalent linkage of the trimers to the liposomes by reengineering the polyhistidine tail to include a free cysteine on each protomer of model BG505 NFL trimers to allow covalent linkage. Both cobalt and cysteine coupling resulted in a high-density array of NFL trimers that was stable in both 20% mouse serum and 100 mM EDTA, whereas the nickel-conjugated trimers were not stable under these conditions. Binding analysis and calcium flux with anti-Env-specific B cells confirmed that the trimers maintained conformational integrity following coupling. Following immunization of mice, serologic analysis demonstrated that the covalently coupled trimers elicited Env-directed antibodies in a manner statistically significantly improved compared to soluble trimers and nickel-conjugated trimers. Importantly, the covalent coupling not only enhanced gp120-directed responses compared to soluble trimers, it also completely eliminated antibodies directed to the C-terminal His tag located at the "bottom" of the spike. In contrast, soluble and noncovalent formats efficiently elicited anti-His tag antibodies. These data indicate that covalent linkage of well-ordered trimers to liposomes in high-density array displays multiple advantages in vitro and in vivoIMPORTANCE Enveloped viruses typically encode a surface-bound glycoprotein that mediates viral entry into host cells and is a primary target for vaccine design. Liposomes with modified lipid head groups have a unique feature of capturing and displaying antigens on their surfaces, mimicking the native pathogens. Our first-generation nickel-based liposomes captured HIV-1 Env glycoprotein trimers via a noncovalent linkage with improved efficacy over soluble glycoprotein in activating germinal center B cells and eliciting tier-2 autologous neutralizing antibodies. In this study, we report the development of second-generation cobalt- and maleimide-based liposomes that have improved in vitro stability over nickel-based liposomes. In particular, the maleimide liposomes captured HIV-1 Env trimers via a more stable covalent bond, resulting in enhanced germinal center B cell responses that generated higher antibody titers than the soluble trimers and liposome-bearing trimers via noncovalent linkages. We further demonstrate that covalent coupling prevents release of the trimers prior to recognition by B cells and masks a nonneutralizing determinant located at the bottom of the trimer.
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Vacunas contra el SIDA/inmunología , Formación de Anticuerpos , Linfocitos B/inmunología , Portadores de Fármacos/administración & dosificación , Anticuerpos Anti-VIH/sangre , Liposomas/administración & dosificación , Productos del Gen env del Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana/inmunología , Vacunas contra el SIDA/administración & dosificación , Vacunas contra el SIDA/síntesis química , Animales , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática , Histocitoquímica , Liposomas/metabolismo , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Productos del Gen env del Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana/administración & dosificación , Productos del Gen env del Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana/metabolismoRESUMEN
HIV-1 is rare among viruses for having a low number of envelope glycoprotein (Env) spikes per virion, i.e., â¼7 to 14. This exceptional feature has been associated with avoidance of humoral immunity, i.e., B cell activation and antibody neutralization. Virus-like particles (VLPs) with increased density of Env are being pursued for vaccine development; however, these typically require protein engineering that alters Env structure. Here, we used instead a strategy that targets the producer cell. We employed fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) to sort for cells that are recognized by trimer cross-reactive broadly neutralizing antibody (bnAb) and not by nonneutralizing antibodies. Following multiple iterations of FACS, cells and progeny virions were shown to display higher levels of antigenically correct Env in a manner that correlated between cells and cognate virions (P = 0.027). High-Env VLPs, or hVLPs, were shown to be monodisperse and to display more than a 10-fold increase in spikes per particle by electron microscopy (average, 127 spikes; range, 90 to 214 spikes). Sequencing revealed a partial truncation in the C-terminal tail of Env that had emerged in the sort; however, iterative rounds of "cell factory" selection were required for the high-Env phenotype. hVLPs showed greater infectivity than standard pseudovirions but largely similar neutralization sensitivity. Importantly, hVLPs also showed superior activation of Env-specific B cells. Hence, high-Env HIV-1 virions, obtained through selection of producer cells, represent an adaptable platform for vaccine design and should aid in the study of native Env.IMPORTANCE The paucity of spikes on HIV is a unique feature that has been associated with evasion of the immune system, while increasing spike density has been a goal of vaccine design. Increasing the density of Env by modifying it in various ways has met with limited success. Here, we focused instead on the producer cell. Cells that stably express HIV spikes were screened on the basis of high binding by bnAbs and low binding by nonneutralizing antibodies. Levels of spikes on cells correlated well with those on progeny virions. Importantly, high-Env virus-like particles (hVLPs) were produced with a manifest array of well-defined spikes, and these were shown to be superior in activating desirable B cells. Our study describes HIV particles that are densely coated with functional spikes, which should facilitate the study of HIV spikes and their development as immunogens.
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VIH-1/ultraestructura , Virión/ultraestructura , Virosomas/ultraestructura , Productos del Gen env del Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana/metabolismo , Linfocitos B/inmunología , Células Cultivadas , VIH-1/crecimiento & desarrollo , VIH-1/inmunología , Humanos , Microscopía Electrónica de Transmisión , Pruebas de Neutralización , Virosomas/inmunología , Virosomas/metabolismo , Productos del Gen env del Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana/genética , Productos del Gen env del Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana/inmunologíaRESUMEN
A major step toward an HIV-1 vaccine is an immunogen capable of inducing neutralizing antibodies. Envelope glycoprotein (Env) mimetics, such as the NFL and SOSIP designs, generate native-like, well-ordered trimers and elicit tier 2 homologous neutralization (SOSIPs). We reasoned that the display of well-ordered trimers by high-density, particulate array would increase B cell activation compared to soluble trimers. Here, we present the design of liposomal nanoparticles displaying well-ordered Env spike trimers on their surface. Biophysical analysis, cryo- and negative stain electron microscopy, as well as binding analysis with a panel of broadly neutralizing antibodies confirm a high-density, well-ordered trimer particulate array. The Env-trimer-conjugated liposomes were superior to soluble trimers in activating B cells ex vivo and germinal center B cells in vivo. In addition, the trimer-conjugated liposomes elicited modest tier 2 homologous neutralizing antibodies. The trimer-conjugated liposomes represent a promising initial lead toward the development of more effective HIV vaccine immunogens.
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Linfocitos B/inmunología , VIH-1/metabolismo , Liposomas/química , Activación de Linfocitos/inmunología , Nanopartículas/química , Productos del Gen env del Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana/química , Animales , Anticuerpos Neutralizantes/inmunología , Electroforesis en Gel de Poliacrilamida , Femenino , Anticuerpos Anti-VIH/inmunología , Interferometría , Liposomas/ultraestructura , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Nanopartículas/ultraestructura , Multimerización de Proteína , Conejos , Solubilidad , TemperaturaRESUMEN
The membrane-proximal external region (MPER) of HIV gp41 is an established target of antibodies that neutralize a broad range of HIV isolates. To evaluate the role of the transmembrane (TM) domain, synthetic MPER-derived peptides were incorporated into lipid nanoparticles using natural and designed TM domains, and antibody affinity was measured using immobilized and solution-based techniques. Peptides incorporating the native HIV TM domain exhibit significantly stronger interactions with neutralizing antibodies than peptides with a monomeric TM domain. Furthermore, a peptide with a trimeric, three-helix bundle TM domain recapitulates the binding profile of the native sequence. These studies suggest that neutralizing antibodies can bind the MPER when the TM domain is a three-helix bundle and this presentation could influence the binding of neutralizing antibodies to the virus. Lipid-bilayer presentation of viral antigens in Nanodiscs is a new platform for evaluating neutralizing antibodies.
Asunto(s)
Anticuerpos Neutralizantes/inmunología , Biopolímeros/química , Proteína gp41 de Envoltorio del VIH/química , Membrana Dobles de Lípidos , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática , Proteína gp41 de Envoltorio del VIH/inmunologíaRESUMEN
The recent identification of three broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) against gp120-gp41 interface epitopes has expanded the targetable surface on the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) trimer. By using biochemical, biophysical and computational methods, we map the previously unknown trimer epitopes of two related antibodies, 3BC315 and 3BC176. A cryo-EM reconstruction of a soluble Env trimer bound to 3BC315 Fab at 9.3 Å resolution reveals that the antibody binds between two gp41 protomers, and neutralizes the virus by accelerating trimer decay. In contrast, bnAb 35O22 binding to a partially overlapping quaternary epitope at the gp120-gp41 interface does not induce decay. A conserved gp41-proximal glycan at N88 was also shown to play a role in the binding kinetics of 3BC176 and 3BC315. Finally, our data suggest that the dynamic structure of the Env trimer influences exposure of bnAb epitopes.
Asunto(s)
Anticuerpos Neutralizantes/inmunología , Anticuerpos Anti-VIH/inmunología , Proteína gp120 de Envoltorio del VIH/inmunología , Proteína gp41 de Envoltorio del VIH/inmunología , VIH-1/inmunología , Simulación por Computador , Microscopía por Crioelectrón , Cristalografía por Rayos X , Mapeo Epitopo , Epítopos , Células HEK293 , Humanos , Fragmentos Fab de Inmunoglobulinas/inmunología , Inmunoglobulina G/inmunología , Modelos Moleculares , Conformación ProteicaRESUMEN
UNLABELLED: HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) spikes are prime vaccine candidates, at least in principle, but suffer from instability, molecular heterogeneity and a low copy number on virions. We anticipated that chemical cross-linking of HIV-1 would allow purification and molecular characterization of trimeric Env spikes, as well as high copy number immunization. Broadly neutralizing antibodies bound tightly to all major quaternary epitopes on cross-linked spikes. Covalent cross-linking of the trimer also stabilized broadly neutralizing epitopes, although surprisingly some individual epitopes were still somewhat sensitive to heat or reducing agent. Immunodepletion using non-neutralizing antibodies to gp120 and gp41 was an effective method for removing non-native-like Env. Cross-linked spikes, purified via an engineered C-terminal tag, were shown by negative stain EM to have well-ordered, trilobed structure. An immunization was performed comparing a boost with Env spikes on virions to spikes cross-linked and captured onto nanoparticles, each following a gp160 DNA prime. Although differences in neutralization did not reach statistical significance, cross-linked Env spikes elicited a more diverse and sporadically neutralizing antibody response against Tier 1b and 2 isolates when displayed on nanoparticles, despite attenuated binding titers to gp120 and V3 crown peptides. Our study demonstrates display of cross-linked trimeric Env spikes on nanoparticles, while showing a level of control over antigenicity, purity and density of virion-associated Env, which may have relevance for Env based vaccine strategies for HIV-1. IMPORTANCE: The envelope spike (Env) is the target of HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies, which a successful vaccine will need to elicit. However, native Env on virions is innately labile, as well as heterogeneously and sparsely displayed. We therefore stabilized Env spikes using a chemical cross-linker and removed non-native Env by immunodepletion with non-neutralizing antibodies. Fixed native spikes were recognized by all classes of known broadly neutralizing antibodies but not by non-neutralizing antibodies and displayed on nanoparticles in high copy number. An immunization experiment in rabbits revealed that cross-linking Env reduced its overall immunogenicity; however, high-copy display on nanoparticles enabled boosting of antibodies that sporadically neutralized some relatively resistant HIV-1 isolates, albeit at a low titer. This study describes the purification of stable and antigenically correct Env spikes from virions that can be used as immunogens.
Asunto(s)
VIH-1/inmunología , Productos del Gen env del Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana/inmunología , Vacunas contra el SIDA/química , Vacunas contra el SIDA/inmunología , Animales , Anticuerpos Monoclonales/inmunología , Anticuerpos Neutralizantes/inmunología , Reactivos de Enlaces Cruzados , Portadores de Fármacos , Epítopos/química , Epítopos/inmunología , Anticuerpos Anti-VIH/inmunología , VIH-1/química , Sustancias Macromoleculares/inmunología , Sustancias Macromoleculares/ultraestructura , Microscopía Electrónica de Transmisión , Nanopartículas/ultraestructura , Unión Proteica , Estabilidad Proteica , Conejos , Productos del Gen env del Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana/químicaRESUMEN
Human antibody 10E8 targets the conserved membrane proximal external region (MPER) of envelope glycoprotein (Env) subunit gp41 and neutralizes HIV-1 with exceptional potency. Remarkably, HIV-1 containing mutations that reportedly knockout 10E8 binding to linear MPER peptides are partially neutralized by 10E8, producing a local plateau in the dose response curve. Here, we found that virus partially neutralized by 10E8 becomes significantly less neutralization sensitive to various MPER antibodies and to soluble CD4 while becoming significantly more sensitive to antibodies and fusion inhibitors against the heptad repeats of gp41. Thus, 10E8 modulates sensitivity of Env to ligands both pre- and post-receptor engagement without complete neutralization. Partial neutralization by 10E8 was influenced at least in part by perturbing Env glycosylation. With unliganded Env, 10E8 bound with lower apparent affinity and lower subunit occupancy to MPER mutant compared to wild type trimers. However, 10E8 decreased functional stability of wild type Env while it had an opposite, stabilizing effect on MPER mutant Envs. Clade C isolates with natural MPER polymorphisms also showed partial neutralization by 10E8 with altered sensitivity to various gp41-targeted ligands. Our findings suggest a novel mechanism of virus neutralization by demonstrating how antibody binding to the base of a trimeric spike cross talks with adjacent subunits to modulate Env structure and function. The ability of an antibody to stabilize, destabilize, partially neutralize as well as alter neutralization sensitivity of a virion spike pre- and post-receptor engagement may have implications for immunotherapy and vaccine design.