Structure of Plasmodium falciparum Rh5-CyRPA-Ripr invasion complex.

Plasmodium falciparum causes the severe form of malaria that has high levels of mortality in humans. Blood-stage merozoites of P. falciparum invade erythrocytes, and this requires interactions between multiple ligands from the parasite and receptors in hosts. These interactions include the binding of the Rh5-CyRPA-Ripr complex with the erythrocyte receptor basigin1,2, which is an essential step for entry into human erythrocytes. Here we show that the Rh5-CyRPA-Ripr complex binds the erythrocyte cell line JK-1 significantly better than does Rh5 alone, and that this binding occurs through the insertion of Rh5 and Ripr into host membranes as a complex with high molecular weight. We report a cryo-electron microscopy structure of the Rh5-CyRPA-Ripr complex at subnanometre resolution, which reveals the organization of this essential invasion complex and the mode of interactions between members of the complex, and shows that CyRPA is a critical mediator of complex assembly. Our structure identifies blades 4-6 of the ß-propeller of CyRPA as contact sites for Rh5 and Ripr. The limited contacts between Rh5-CyRPA and CyRPA-Ripr are consistent with the dissociation of Rh5 and Ripr from CyRPA for membrane insertion. A comparision of the crystal structure of Rh5-basigin with the cryo-electron microscopy structure of Rh5-CyRPA-Ripr suggests that Rh5 and Ripr are positioned parallel to the erythrocyte membrane before membrane insertion. This provides information on the function of this complex, and thereby provides insights into invasion by P. falciparum.

Neutralising antibodies block the function of Rh5/Ripr/CyRPA complex during invasion of Plasmodium falciparum into human erythrocytes.

An effective vaccine is a priority for malaria control and elimination. The leading candidate in the Plasmodium falciparum blood stage is PfRh5. PfRh5 assembles into trimeric complex with PfRipr and PfCyRPA in the parasite, and this complex is essential for erythrocyte invasion. In this study, we show that antibodies specific for PfRh5 and PfCyRPA prevent trimeric complex formation. We identify the EGF-7 domain on PfRipr as a neutralising epitope and demonstrate that antibodies against this region act downstream of complex formation to prevent merozoite invasion. Antibodies against the C-terminal region of PfRipr were more inhibitory than those against either PfRh5 or PfCyRPA alone, and a combination of antibodies against PfCyRPA and PfRipr acted synergistically to reduce invasion. This study supports prioritisation of PfRipr for development as part of a next-generation antimalarial vaccine.

Two-component vaccine consisting of virus-like particles displaying hepatitis C virus envelope protein 2 oligomers.

Development of B-cell-based hepatitis C virus (HCV) vaccines that induce broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) is hindered by extensive sequence diversity and low immunogenicity of envelope glycoprotein vaccine candidates, most notably soluble E2 (sE2). To overcome this, we employed two-component approaches using self-assembling virus-like particles (cVLPs; component 1), displaying monomeric or oligomeric forms of HCV sE2 (sE2mono or sE2oligo; component 2). Immunization studies were performed in BALB/c mice and the neutralizing capacity of vaccine-induced antibodies was tested in cultured-virus-neutralizations, using HCV of genotypes 1-6. sE2-cVLP vaccines induced significantly higher levels of NAbs (p = 0.0065) compared to corresponding sE2 vaccines. Additionally, sE2oligo-cVLP was superior to sE2mono-cVLP in inducing bNAbs. Interestingly, human monoclonal antibody AR2A had reduced binding in ELISA to sE2oligo-cVLP compared with sE2mono-cVLP and competition ELISA using mouse sera from vaccinated animals indicated that sE2oligo-cVLP induced significantly less non-bNAbs AR2A (p = 0.0043) and AR1B (p = 0.017). Thus, cVLP-displayed oligomeric sE2 shows promise as an HCV vaccine candidate.

Prevention and Therapy of Metastatic HER-2+ Mammary Carcinoma with a Human Candidate HER-2 Virus-like Particle Vaccine.

Vaccines are a promising therapeutic alternative to monoclonal antibodies against HER-2+ breast cancer. We present the preclinical activity of an ES2B-C001, a VLP-based vaccine being developed for human breast cancer therapy. FVB mice challenged with HER-2+ mammary carcinoma cells QD developed progressive tumors, whereas all mice vaccinated with ES2B-C001+Montanide ISA 51, and 70% of mice vaccinated without adjuvant, remained tumor-free. ES2B-C001 completely inhibited lung metastases in mice challenged intravenously. HER-2 transgenic Delta16 mice developed mammary carcinomas by 4−8 months of age; two administrations of ES2B-C001+Montanide prevented tumor onset for >1 year. Young Delta16 mice challenged intravenously with QD cells developed a mean of 68 lung nodules in 13 weeks, whereas all mice vaccinated with ES2B-C001+Montanide, and 73% of mice vaccinated without adjuvant, remained metastasis-free. ES2B-C001 in adjuvant elicited strong anti-HER-2 antibody responses comprising all Ig isotypes; titers ranging from 1−10 mg/mL persisted for many months. Antibodies inhibited the 3D growth of human HER-2+ trastuzumab-sensitive and -resistant breast cancer cells. Vaccination did not induce cytokine storms; however, it increased the ELISpot frequency of IFN-γ secreting HER-2-specific splenocytes. ES2B-C001 is a promising candidate vaccine for the therapy of tumors expressing HER-2. Preclinical results warrant further development towards human clinical studies.

Neuroplastin-65 and a mimetic peptide derived from its homophilic binding site modulate neuritogenesis and neuronal plasticity.

Neuroplastin-65 (Np65) is a brain-specific cell adhesion molecule belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily. Homophilic trans-interaction of Np65 mediates adhesion between cells and modulates synaptic plasticity. This interaction solely occurs through the first immunoglobulin (Ig) module of Np65, but the exact binding mechanism has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we identify the homophilic binding motif of Np65 and show that a synthetic peptide modeled after this motif, termed enplastin, binds to Np65. We demonstrate that both Np65- and enplastin-induced intracellular signaling depends on fibroblast growth factor receptor, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, Ca(2+) /calmodulin-dependent protein kinase, and cytoplasmic Ca(2+) concentration. In addition, we show that interference with Np65 homophilic binding by enplastin has an inhibitory effect on Np65-mediated neurite outgrowth in vitro and on the initial phase of spatial learning in rats.

Neuroplastin-55 binds to and signals through the fibroblast growth factor receptor.

Neuroplastin (Np) is a glycoprotein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) and existing in two isoforms, Np55 and Np65, named according to their molecular weights. The extracellular part of Np65 contains three immunoglobulin (Ig)-like modules (Ig1, Ig2, and Ig3), whereas Np55 lacks the Ig1 module. Of these two isoforms, only Np65 is involved in homophilic interactions resulting in cell adhesion, whereas the role of Np55 is poorly understood. The present study reports for the first time the crystal structure of the ectodomain of Np55 at 1.95-A resolution and demonstrates that Np55 binds to and activates the fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1). Furthermore, we identify a sequence motif in the Ig2 module of Np55 interacting with FGFR1 and show that a synthetic peptide encompassing this motif, termed narpin, binds to and activates FGFR1. We show that both Np55 and the narpin peptide induce neurite outgrowth through FGFR1 activation and that Np55 increases synaptic calcium concentration in an FGFR1-dependent manner. Moreover, we demonstrate that narpin has an antidepressive-like effect in rats subjected to the forced swim test, suggesting that Np55-induced signaling may be involved in synaptic plasticity in vivo. Owczarek, S., Kiryushko, D., Larsen, M. H., Kastrup, J. S., Gajhede, M., Sandi, C., Berezin, V., Bock, E., Soroka, V. Neuroplastin-55 binds to and signals through the fibroblast growth factor receptor.

Neuroprotective properties of a novel, non-haematopoietic agonist of the erythropoietin receptor.

Erythropoietin, a member of the type 1 cytokine superfamily, controls proliferation and differentiation of erythroid progenitor cells through binding to and dimerization of the erythropoietin receptor. Both erythropoietin and its receptor are also expressed in the central nervous system, where they are involved in tissue protection. However, the use of erythropoietin as a neuroprotective agent may be hampered by its erythropoietic activity. Therefore, developing non-haematopoietic erythropoietin mimetics is important. Based on the crystal structure of the complex of erythropoietin and its receptor, we designed a peptide, termed Epotris, corresponding to the C α-helix region (amino-acid residues 92-111) of human erythropoietin. The peptide specifically bound to the erythropoietin receptor and promoted neurite outgrowth and survival of primary neurons with the same efficiency as erythropoietin, but with 10(3)-fold lower potency. Knockdown of the erythropoietin receptor or interference with its downstream signalling inhibited the Epotris-induced neuritogenic and pro-survival effect. Similarly to erythropoietin, Epotris penetrated the blood-brain barrier. Moreover, treatment with the peptide attenuated seizures, decreased mortality and reduced neurodegeneration in an in vivo model of kainic acid-induced neurotoxicity. In contrast to erythropoietin, Epotris did not stimulate erythropoiesis upon chronic administration. Thus, Epotris is a novel neuroprotective non-haematopoietic erythropoietin mimetic that may offer new opportunities for the treatment of neurological disorders.

Capsid-like particles decorated with the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain elicit strong virus neutralization activity.

The rapid development of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine is a global priority. Here, we develop two capsid-like particle (CLP)-based vaccines displaying the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. RBD antigens are displayed on AP205 CLPs through a split-protein Tag/Catcher, ensuring unidirectional and high-density display of RBD. Both soluble recombinant RBD and RBD displayed on CLPs bind the ACE2 receptor with nanomolar affinity. Mice are vaccinated with soluble RBD or CLP-displayed RBD, formulated in Squalene-Water-Emulsion. The RBD-CLP vaccines induce higher levels of serum anti-spike antibodies than the soluble RBD vaccines. Remarkably, one injection with our lead RBD-CLP vaccine in mice elicits virus neutralization antibody titers comparable to those found in patients that had recovered from COVID-19. Following booster vaccinations, the virus neutralization titers exceed those measured after natural infection, at serum dilutions above 1:10,000. Thus, the RBD-CLP vaccine is a highly promising candidate for preventing COVID-19.

Role of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF)-neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) interactions in induction of neurite outgrowth and identification of a binding site for NCAM in the heel region of GDNF.

The formation of appropriate neuronal circuits is an essential part of nervous system development and relies heavily on the outgrowth of axons and dendrites and their guidance to their respective targets. This process is governed by a large array of molecules, including glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), the interaction of which induce neurite outgrowth. In the present study the requirements for NCAM-mediated GDNF-induced neurite outgrowth were investigated in cultures of hippocampal neurons, which do not express Ret. We demonstrate that NCAM-mediated GDNF-induced signaling leading to neurite outgrowth is more complex than previously reported. It not only involves NCAM-140 and the Src family kinase Fyn but also uses NCAM-180 and the fibroblast growth factor receptor. We find that induction of neurite outgrowth by GDNF via NCAM or by trans-homophilic NCAM interactions are not mutually exclusive. However, whereas NCAM-induced neurite outgrowth primarily is mediated by NCAM-180, we demonstrate that GDNF-induced neurite outgrowth involves both NCAM-140 and NCAM-180. We also find that GDNF-induced neurite outgrowth via NCAM differs from NCAM-induced neurite outgrowth by being independent of NCAM polysialylation. Additionally, we investigated the structural basis for GDNF-NCAM interactions and find that NCAM Ig3 is necessary for GDNF binding. Furthermore, we identify within the heel region of GDNF a binding site for NCAM and demonstrate that a peptide encompassing this sequence mimics the effects of GDNF with regard to NCAM binding, activation of intracellular signaling, and induction of neurite outgrowth.

A peptide derived from a trans-homophilic binding site in neural cell adhesion molecule induces neurite outgrowth and neuronal survival.

The neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) plays a key role in neural development, regeneration, and synaptic plasticity. The crystal structure of a fragment of NCAM comprising the three N-terminal immunoglobulin (Ig)-like modules indicates that the first and second Ig modules bind to each other, thereby presumably mediating dimerization of NCAM molecules expressed on the same cell surface (cis-interactions), whereas the third Ig module, through interactions with the first or second Ig module, mediates interactions between NCAM molecules expressed on the surface of opposing cells (trans-interactions). We have designed a new potent peptide ligand of NCAM, termed plannexin, based on a discontinuous sequence in the second NCAM Ig module that represents a homophilic binding site for an opposing third Ig module. The peptide was found by surface plasmon resonance analysis to bind the third NCAM Ig module. It promoted survival of cultured cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) and also induced neurite extension in cultures of dopaminergic neurons and CGNs; the latter effect was shown to be dependent on NCAM expression, indicating that plannexin mimics the neuritogenic effect of homophilic NCAM binding.

Molecular mechanisms of Ca(2+) signaling in neurons induced by the S100A4 protein.

The S100A4 protein belongs to the S100 family of vertebrate-specific proteins possessing both intra- and extracellular functions. In the nervous system, high levels of S100A4 expression are observed at sites of neurogenesis and lesions, suggesting a role of the protein in neuronal plasticity. Extracellular oligomeric S100A4 is a potent promoter of neurite outgrowth and survival from cultured primary neurons; however, the molecular mechanism of this effect has not been established. Here we demonstrate that oligomeric S100A4 increases the intracellular calcium concentration in primary neurons. We present evidence that both S100A4-induced Ca(2+) signaling and neurite extension require activation of a cascade including a heterotrimeric G protein(s), phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C, and diacylglycerol-lipase, resulting in Ca(2+) entry via nonselective cation channels and via T- and L-type voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels. We demonstrate that S100A4-induced neurite outgrowth is not mediated by the receptor for advanced glycation end products, a known target for other extracellular S100 proteins. However, S100A4-induced signaling depends on interactions with heparan sulfate proteoglycans at the cell surface. Thus, glycosaminoglycans may act as coreceptors of S100 proteins in neurons. This may provide a mechanism by which S100 proteins could locally regulate neuronal plasticity in connection with brain lesions and neurological disorders.

Structural basis for a direct interaction between FGFR1 and NCAM and evidence for a regulatory role of ATP.

The neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) promotes axonal outgrowth, presumably through an interaction with the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR). NCAM also has a little-understood ATPase activity. We here demonstrate for the first time a direct interaction between NCAM (fibronectin type III [F3] modules 1 and 2) and FGFR1 (Ig modules 2 and 3) by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis. The structure of the NCAM F3 module 2 was determined by NMR and the module was shown by NMR to interact with the FGFR1 Ig module 3 and ATP. The NCAM sites binding to FGFR and ATP were found to overlap and ATP was shown by SPR to inhibit the NCAM-FGFR binding, indicating that ATP probably regulates the NCAM-FGFR interaction. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the NCAM module was able to induce activation (phosphorylation) of FGFR and to stimulate neurite outgrowth. In contrast, ATP inhibited neurite outgrowth induced by the module.

Structure and interactions of NCAM Ig1-2-3 suggest a novel zipper mechanism for homophilic adhesion.

The neural cell adhesion molecule, NCAM, mediates Ca(2+)-independent cell-cell and cell-substratum adhesion via homophilic (NCAM-NCAM) and heterophilic (NCAM-non-NCAM molecules) binding. NCAM plays a key role in neural development, regeneration, and synaptic plasticity, including learning and memory consolidation. The crystal structure of a fragment comprising the three N-terminal Ig modules of rat NCAM has been determined to 2.0 A resolution. Based on crystallographic data and biological experiments we present a novel model for NCAM homophilic binding. The Ig1 and Ig2 modules mediate dimerization of NCAM molecules situated on the same cell surface (cis interactions), whereas the Ig3 module mediates interactions between NCAM molecules expressed on the surface of opposing cells (trans interactions) through simultaneous binding to the Ig1 and Ig2 modules. This arrangement results in two perpendicular zippers forming a double zipper-like NCAM adhesion complex.

The metastasis-promoting S100A4 protein confers neuroprotection in brain injury.

Identification of novel pro-survival factors in the brain is paramount for developing neuroprotective therapies. The multifunctional S100 family proteins have important roles in many human diseases and are also upregulated by brain injury. However, S100 functions in the nervous system remain unclear. Here we show that the S100A4 protein, mostly studied in cancer, is overexpressed in the damaged human and rodent brain and released from stressed astrocytes. Genetic deletion of S100A4 exacerbates neuronal loss after brain trauma or excitotoxicity, increasing oxidative cell damage and downregulating the neuroprotective protein metallothionein I+II. We identify two neurotrophic motifs in S100A4 and show that these motifs are neuroprotective in animal models of brain trauma. Finally, we find that S100A4 rescues neurons via the Janus kinase/STAT pathway and, partially, the interleukin-10 receptor. Our data introduce S100A4 as a therapeutic target in neurodegeneration, and raise the entire S100 family as a potentially important factor in central nervous system injury.

A peptide antagonist of the ErbB1 receptor inhibits receptor activation, tumor cell growth and migration in vitro and xenograft tumor growth in vivo.

The epidermal growth factor family of receptor tyrosine kinases (ErbBs) plays essential roles in tumorigenesis and cancer disease progression, and therefore has become an attractive target for structure-based drug design. ErbB receptors are activated by ligand-induced homo- and heterodimerization. Structural studies have revealed that ErbB receptor dimers are stabilized by receptor-receptor interactions, primarily mediated by a region in the second extracellular domain, termed the "dimerization arm". The present study is the first biological characterization of a peptide, termed Inherbin3, which constitutes part of the dimerization arm of ErbB3. Inherbin3 binds to the extracellular domains of all four ErbB receptors, with the lowest peptide binding affinity for ErbB4. Inherbin3 functions as an antagonist of epidermal growth factor (EGF)-ErbB1 signaling. We show that Inherbin3 inhibits EGF-induced ErbB1 phosphorylation, cell growth, and migration in two human tumor cell lines, A549 and HN5, expressing moderate and high ErbB1 levels, respectively. Furthermore, we show that Inherbin3 inhibits tumor growth in vivo and induces apoptosis in a tumor xenograft model employing the human non-small cell lung cancer cell line A549. The Inherbin3 peptide may be a useful tool for investigating the mechanisms of ErbB receptor homo- and heterodimerization. Moreover, the here described biological effects of Inherbin3 suggest that peptide-based targeting of ErbB receptor dimerization is a promising anti-cancer therapeutic strategy.

Epidermal growth factor receptor ligands as new extracellular targets for the metastasis-promoting S100A4 protein.

The function of S100A4, a member of the calcium-binding S100 protein family, has been associated with tumor invasion and metastasis. Although an essential pro-metastatic role of extracellular S100A4 in tumor progression has been demonstrated, the identification of the precise underlying mechanisms and protein partners (receptors) has remained elusive. To identify putative targets for extracellular S100A4, we screened a phage display peptide library using S100A4 as bait. We identified three independent peptide motifs with varying affinities for the S100A4 protein. Sequence analyses indicated that the most abundant peptide mimicked the F/YCC motif present in the epidermal growth factor domain of ErbB receptor ligands. S100A4 selectively interacted with a number of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligands, demonstrating highest affinity for amphiregulin. Importantly, we found that S100A4 stimulated EGFR/ErbB2 receptor signaling and enhanced the amphiregulin-mediated proliferation of mouse embryonic fibroblasts. S100A4-neutralizing antibodies, as well as EGFR- and ErbB2 receptor-specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors, blocked these effects. The present results suggest that extracellular S100A4 regulates tumor progression by interacting with EGFR ligands, thereby enhancing EGFR/ErbB2 receptor signaling and cell proliferation. Structured digital abstract: * MINT-7256556: EGF (uniprotkb:P01133) binds (MI:0407) to S100A4 (uniprotkb:P26447) by far western blotting (MI:0047) * MINT-7256512: BC (uniprotkb:P35070) binds (MI:0407) to S100A4 (uniprotkb:P26447) by far western blotting (MI:0047) * MINT-7256485, MINT-7256618, MINT-7256636: AR (uniprotkb:P15514) binds (MI:0407) to S100A4 (uniprotkb:P26447) by far western blotting (MI:0047) * MINT-7256494: HB-EGF (uniprotkb:Q99075) binds (MI:0407) to S100A4 (uniprotkb:P26447) by far western blotting (MI:0047) * MINT-7256502: P53 (uniprotkb:P04637) binds (MI:0407) to S100A4 (uniprotkb:P26447) by far western blotting (MI:0047) * MINT-7256654: S100A2 (uniprotkb:P29034) binds (MI:0407) to AR (uniprotkb:P15514) by far western blotting (MI:0047) * MINT-7256693: S100A5 (uniprotkb:P33763) binds (MI:0407) to AR (uniprotkb:P15514) by far western blotting (MI:0047) * MINT-7256593: S100A4 (uniprotkb:P26447) binds (MI:0407) to BC (uniprotkb:P35070) by pull down (MI:0096) * MINT-7256567: S100A4 (uniprotkb:P26447) binds (MI:0407) to AR (uniprotkb:P15514) by pull down (MI:0096).

Structural biology of NCAM homophilic binding and activation of FGFR.

In this review, we analyse the structural basis of the homophilic interactions of the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) and the NCAM-mediated activation of the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR). Recent structural evidence suggests that NCAM molecules form cis-dimers in the cell membrane through a high affinity interaction. These cis-dimers, in turn, mediate low affinity trans-interactions between cells via formation of either one- or two-dimensional 'zippers'. We provide evidence that FGFR is probably activated by NCAM very differently from the way by which it is activated by FGFs, reflecting the different conditions for NCAM-FGFR and FGF-FGFR interactions. The affinity of FGF for FGFR is approximately 10(6) times higher than that of NCAM for FGFR. Moreover, in the brain NCAM is constantly present on the cell surface in a concentration of about 50 microm, whereas FGFs only appear transiently in the extracellular environment and in concentrations in the nanomolar range. We discuss the structural basis for the regulation of NCAM-FGFR interactions by two molecular 'switches', polysialic acid (PSA) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which determine whether NCAM acts as a signalling or an adhesion molecule.

Impact of UVR-A on whole human lenses, supernatants of buffered human lens homogenates, and purified argpyrimidine and 3-OH-kynurenine.

PURPOSE: Yellow chromophores and fluorescent compounds accumulate in the lens with age. Some of these compounds are photochemically active. The present study aimed to examine the photochemical effect of ultraviolet radiation-A (UVR-A) on the human lens. METHODS: Intact human lenses and supernatants of buffered lens homogenates were exposed to UVR-A. The effect of UVR-A was evaluated by time-resolved and steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy, visual evaluation of colour and protein gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: Intact lenses exposed to UVR-A showed no changes in time-resolved or steady-state fluorescence properties but the yellow coloration was visibly attenuated. The supernatants of buffered lens homogenates exposed to UVR-A demonstrated a reduction in time-resolved and steady-state fluorescent properties and protein cross-linking. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure of the intact lens to UVR-A causes chromophore bleaching without affecting fluorescence, indicating that non-fluorescent chromophores have been destroyed. After homogenization, both chromophores and fluorophores from the lens suffer damage and proteins aggregate. This indicates that powerful mechanisms of protection against UVR-A found in the intact lens are disturbed by homogenization of the lens, suggesting that isolated lens proteins cannot be used as a model system for studying cataractogenesis. Hypothetically, the protective mechanism could be related to the rigidly packed three-dimensional structure of the lens proteins or to the abundance of antioxidative and free radical scavenging defence systems.