RESUMEN
BACKGROUND & AIMS: An optimal HCV vaccine requires the induction of antibodies that neutralise the infectivity of many heterogenous viral isolates. In this study, we have focused on determining the optimal recombinant envelope glycoprotein component to elicit cross-neutralising antibodies against global HCV genotypes. We compared the immunoreactivity and antigenicity of the recombinant HCV genotype 1a strain H77C envelope glycoprotein heterodimer gpE1/gpE2 with that of recombinant gpE2 alone derived from an infectious molecular clone (H77C). METHODS: Characterization of the envelope glycoproteins was accomplished by determining their ability to bind to a panel of broadly cross-neutralising monoclonal antibodies (bNAbs). Immunogenicity was determined by testing the ability of vaccine antisera to neutralise the infectivity in vitro of a panel of pseudotyped HCV particles in which gpE1/gpE2 derived from representative isolates of the major global HCV genotypes were displayed. RESULTS: gpE1/gpE2 binds to more diverse bNabs than gpE2 alone and elicits a broader profile of cross-neutralising antibodies in animals, especially against more heterologous, non-1a genotypes. While not all heterologous HCV strains can be potently inhibited in vitro by gpE1/gpE2 antisera derived from a single HCV strain, the breadth of heterologous cross-neutralisation is shown to be substantial. CONCLUSIONS: Our work supports the inclusion of gpE1/gpE2 in an HCV vaccine in order to maximise the cross-neutralisation of heterogenous HCV isolates. Our data also offers future directions in formulating a cocktail of gpE1/gpE2 antigens from a small selection of HCV genotypes to further enhance cross-neutralisation of global HCV strains and hopefully, achieving global protection. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS: An HCV vaccine is urgently required to prevent the high global incidence of HCV infection and disease. Since HCV is a highly heterogeneous virus, it is desirable for a vaccine to elicit antibodies that neutralise the infectivity of most global strains. To this end, we have compared the immunoreactivity and antigenicity of recombinant H77C E1E2 heterodimer with that of H77C E2 alone and show that the former exhibits more cross-neutralising epitopes and demonstrates a broader cross-neutralisation profile in vitro. In addition, our data suggests a way to further broaden cross-neutralisation using a combination of E1E2 antigens derived from a few different HCV clades. Our work provides encouragement for the development of an effective global HCV vaccine.
RESUMEN
Despite the development of highly effective hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatments, an effective prophylactic vaccine is still lacking. HCV infection is mediated by its envelope glycoproteins, E1 and E2, during the entry process, with E2 binding to cell receptors and E1 mediating endosomal fusion. The structure of E1E2 has only been partially resolved by X-ray crystallography of the core domain of E2 protein (E2c) and its complex with various neutralizing antibodies. Structural understanding of the E1E2 heterodimer in its native form can advance the design of candidates for HCV vaccine development. Here, we analyze the structure of the recombinant HCV E1E2 heterodimer with the aid of well-defined monoclonal anti-E1 and E2 antibodies, as well as a small-molecule chlorcyclizine-diazirine-biotin that can target and cross-link the putative E1 fusion domain. Three-dimensional (3D) models were generated after extensive 2D classification analysis with negative-stain single-particle data sets. We modeled the available crystal structures of the E2c and Fabs into 3D volumes of E1E2-Fab complexes based on the shape and dimension of the domain density. The E1E2 heterodimer exists in monomeric form and consists of a main globular body, presumably depicting the E1 and E2 stem/transmembrane domain, and a protruding structure representing the E2c region, based on anti-E2 Fab binding. At low resolution, a model generated from negative-stain analysis revealed the unique binding and orientation of individual or double Fabs onto the E1 and E2 components of the complex. Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) of the double Fab complexes resulted in a refined structural model of the E1E2 heterodimer, presented here. IMPORTANCE Recombinant HCV E1E2 heterodimer is being developed as a vaccine candidate. Using electron microscopy, we demonstrated unique features of E1E2 in complex with various neutralizing antibodies and small molecule inhibitors that are important to understanding its antigenicity and induction of immune response.