Engineering, Structure and Immunogenicity of the Human Metapneumovirus F Protein in the Postfusion Conformation.

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a paramyxovirus that is a common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children less than five years of age. The hMPV fusion (F) glycoprotein is the primary target of neutralizing antibodies and is thus a critical vaccine antigen. To facilitate structure-based vaccine design, we stabilized the ectodomain of the hMPV F protein in the postfusion conformation and determined its structure to a resolution of 3.3 Å by X-ray crystallography. The structure resembles an elongated cone and is very similar to the postfusion F protein from the related human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV). In contrast, significant differences were apparent with the postfusion F proteins from other paramyxoviruses, such as human parainfluenza type 3 (hPIV3) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV). The high similarity of hMPV and hRSV postfusion F in two antigenic sites targeted by neutralizing antibodies prompted us to test for antibody cross-reactivity. The widely used monoclonal antibody 101F, which binds to antigenic site IV of hRSV F, was found to cross-react with hMPV postfusion F and neutralize both hRSV and hMPV. Despite the cross-reactivity of 101F and the reported cross-reactivity of two other antibodies, 54G10 and MPE8, we found no detectable cross-reactivity in the polyclonal antibody responses raised in mice against the postfusion forms of either hMPV or hRSV F. The postfusion-stabilized hMPV F protein did, however, elicit high titers of hMPV-neutralizing activity, suggesting that it could serve as an effective subunit vaccine. Structural insights from these studies should be useful for designing novel immunogens able to induce wider cross-reactive antibody responses.

Influence of Respiratory Syncytial Virus F Glycoprotein Conformation on Induction of Protective Immune Responses.

UNLABELLED: Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) vaccine development has received new impetus from structure-based studies of its main protective antigen, the fusion (F) glycoprotein. Three soluble forms of F have been described: monomeric, trimeric prefusion, and trimeric postfusion. Most human neutralizing antibodies recognize epitopes found exclusively in prefusion F. Although prefusion F induces higher levels of neutralizing antibodies than does postfusion F, postfusion F can also induce protection against virus challenge in animals. However, the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of the three forms of F have not hitherto been directly compared. Hence, BALB/c mice were immunized with a single dose of the three proteins adjuvanted with CpG and challenged 4 weeks later with virus. Serum antibodies, lung virus titers, weight loss, and pulmonary pathology were evaluated after challenge. Whereas small amounts of postfusion F were sufficient to protect mice, larger amounts of monomeric and prefusion F proteins were required for protection. However, postfusion and monomeric F proteins were associated with more pathology after challenge than was prefusion F. Antibodies induced by all doses of prefusion F, in contrast to other F protein forms, reacted predominantly with the prefusion F conformation. At high doses, prefusion F also induced the highest titers of neutralizing antibodies, and all mice were protected, yet at low doses of the immunogen, these antibodies neutralized virus poorly, and mice were not protected. These findings should be considered when developing new hRSV vaccine candidates. IMPORTANCE: Protection against hRSV infection is afforded mainly by neutralizing antibodies, which recognize mostly epitopes found exclusively in the viral fusion (F) glycoprotein trimer, folded in its prefusion conformation, i.e., before activation for membrane fusion. Although prefusion F is able to induce high levels of neutralizing antibodies, highly stable postfusion F (found after membrane fusion) is also able to induce neutralizing antibodies and protect against infection. In addition, a monomeric form of hRSV F that shares epitopes with prefusion F was recently reported. Since each of the indicated forms of hRSV F may have advantages and disadvantages for the development of safe and efficacious subunit vaccines, a direct comparison of the immunogenic properties and protective efficacies of the different forms of hRSV F was made in a mouse model. The results obtained show important differences between the noted immunogens that should be borne in mind when considering the development of hRSV vaccines.

Cell Wall Changes in Amphotericin B-Resistant Strains from Candida tropicalis and Relationship with the Immune Responses Elicited by the Host.

We have morphologically characterizedCandida tropicalisisolates resistant to amphotericin B (AmB). These isolates present an enlarged cell wall compared to isolates of regular susceptibility. This correlated with higher levels of ß-1,3-glucan in the cell wall but not with detectable changes in chitin content. In line with this, AmB-resistant strains showed reduced susceptibility to Congo red. Moreover, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) involved in cell integrity were already activated during regular growth in these strains. Finally, we investigated the response elicited by human blood cells and found that AmB-resistant strains induced a stronger proinflammatory response than susceptible strains. In agreement, AmB-resistant strains also induced stronger melanization ofGalleria mellonellalarvae, indicating that the effect of alterations of the cell wall on the immune response is conserved in different types of hosts. Our results suggest that resistance to AmB is associated with pleiotropic mechanisms that might have important consequences, not only for the efficacy of the treatment but also for the immune response elicited by the host.

Neutralizing antibodies against the preactive form of respiratory syncytial virus fusion protein offer unique possibilities for clinical intervention.

Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is the most important viral agent of pediatric respiratory infections worldwide. The only specific treatment available today is a humanized monoclonal antibody (Palivizumab) directed against the F glycoprotein, administered prophylactically to children at very high risk of severe hRSV infections. Palivizumab, as most anti-F antibodies so far described, recognizes an epitope that is shared by the two conformations in which hRSV_F can fold, the metastable prefusion form and the highly stable postfusion conformation. We now describe a unique class of antibodies specific for the prefusion form of this protein that account for most of the neutralizing activity of either a rabbit serum raised against a vaccinia virus recombinant expressing hRSV_F or a human Ig preparation (Respigam), which was used for prophylaxis before Palivizumab. These antibodies therefore offer unique possibilities for immune intervention against hRSV, and their production should be assessed in trials of hRSV vaccines.

Caveolar domain organization and trafficking is regulated by Abl kinases and mDia1.

The biology of caveolin-1 (Cav1)/caveolae is intimately linked to actin dynamics and adhesion receptors. Caveolar domains are organized in hierarchical levels of complexity from curved or flattened caveolae to large, higher-order caveolar rosettes. We report that stress fibers controlled by Abl kinases and mDia1 determine the level of caveolar domain organization, which conditions the subsequent inward trafficking of caveolar domains induced upon loss of cell adhesion from the extracellular matrix. Abl-deficient cells have fewer stress fibers, a smaller pool of stress-fiber co-aligned Cav1 and increased clustering of Cav1/caveolae at the cell surface. Defective caveolar linkage to stress fibers prevents the formation of big caveolar rosettes upon loss of cell adhesion, correlating with a lack of inward trafficking. Live imaging of stress fibers and Cav1 showed that the actin-linked Cav1 pool loses its spatial organization in the absence of actin polymerization and is dragged and clustered by depolymerizing filaments. We identified mDia1 as the actin polymerization regulator downstream of Abl kinases that controls the stress-fiber-linked Cav1 pool. mDia1 knockdown results in Cav1/caveolae clustering and defective inward trafficking upon loss of cell adhesion. By contrast, cell elongation imposed by the excess of stress fibers induced by active mDia1 flattens caveolae. Furthermore, active mDia1 rescues the actin co-aligned Cav1 pool and Cav1 inward trafficking upon loss of adhesion in Abl-deficient cells. Thus, caveolar domain organization and trafficking are tightly coupled to adhesive and stress fiber regulatory pathways.

Human cerebral organoids: cellular composition and subcellular morphological features.

Introduction: Human cerebral organoids (hCOs) derived from pluripotent stem cells are very promising for the study of neurodevelopment and the investigation of the healthy or diseased brain. To help establish hCOs as a powerful research model, it is essential to perform the morphological characterization of their cellular components in depth. Methods: In this study, we analyzed the cell types consisting of hCOs after culturing for 45 days using immunofluorescence and reverse transcriptase qualitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assays. We also analyzed their subcellular morphological characteristics by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results: Our results show the development of proliferative zones to be remarkably similar to those found in human brain development with cells having a polarized structure surrounding a central cavity with tight junctions and cilia. In addition, we describe the presence of immature and mature migrating neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocyte precursor cells, and microglia-like cells. Discussion: The ultrastructural characterization presented in this study provides valuable information on the structural development and morphology of the hCO, and this information is of general interest for future research on the mechanisms that alter the cell structure or function of hCOs.

Internalization and toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics on inmortalized human neural stem cells.

Global plastic production has increased exponentially in recent decades, and a significant part of it persists in the environment, where it degrades into microplastics and nanoplastics (MPs and NPs). These can enter in humans by ingestion, inhalation, and dermal routes, and there is scientific evidence that they are able to reach the systemic circulation and penetrate and accumulate in various tissues and organs. Neurodevelopmental toxicity of NPs is one of the most worrying effects, as they can cross the blood-brain barrier. In the following study, we analyzed, by transmission electron microscopy, the in vitro uptake of 30-nm polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) into human neural stem cells (NSCs), their accumulation and subcellular localization within the cell. Furthermore, we studied the effects of different concentrations of PS-NPs on cell death, proliferation, and cell differentiation using immunocytochemistry and quantitative real time PCR for specific markers. This study demonstrated that PS-NPs were able to enter the cell, probably by endocytosis, accumulate, and aggregated in human NSCs, without being detected in the nucleus, causing cell death by apoptosis and decreased cell proliferation. This study provides new insights into the interaction and effects of PS-NPs in human NSC and supports the scientific evidence for the involvement of nanoplastic in neurodevelopmental disorders.

Lippia origanoides Essential Oil or Thymol in Combination with Fluconazole Produces Damage to Cells and Reverses the Azole-Resistant Phenotype of a Candida tropicalis Strain.

Candida tropicalis is one of the most pathogenic species within the genus. Increased antifungal resistance has been reported, which is in part due to the organism's ability to form biofilms. In natural products derived from plants, such as essential oils (EOs) or their major components, there is significant potential to develop new antifungals or to both enhance the efficacy and reduce the toxicity of conventional antifungals. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of combining an EO of Lippia origanoides or thymol with fluconazole on an azole-resistant C. tropicalis strain. Synergism was observed in the combination of fluconazole with the EO and with thymol, and minimal inhibitory concentrations for fluconazole decreased at least 32-fold. As a consequence of the synergistic interactions, mitochondrial membrane potential was reduced, and mitochondrial superoxide production increased. Alteration in nuclear morphology, cell surface, and ultrastructure was also observed. In conclusion, the synergistic interaction between L. origanoides EO or thymol with fluconazole reverted the azole-resistant C. tropicalis phenotype. These findings suggest that L. origanoides EO or thymol alone, or in combination with fluconazole, have the potential for development as antifungal therapies for this yeast, including resistant strains.

Role of peptidoglycan recycling enzymes AmpD and AnmK in Acinetobacter baumannii virulence features.

Acinetobacter baumannii is an important causative agent of hospital acquired infections. In addition to acquired resistance to many currently-available antibiotics, it is intrinsically resistant to fosfomycin. It has previously been shown that AmpD and AnmK contribute to intrinsic fosfomycin resistance in A. baumannii due to their involvement in the peptidoglycan recycling pathway. However, the role that these two enzymes play in the fitness and virulence of A. baumannii has not been studied. The aim of this study was to characterize several virulence-related phenotypic traits in A. baumannii mutants lacking AmpD and AnmK. Specifically, cell morphology, peptidoglycan thickness, membrane permeability, growth under iron-limiting conditions, fitness, resistance to disinfectants and antimicrobial agents, twitching motility and biofilm formation of the mutant strains A. baumannii ATCC 17978 ΔampD::Kan and ΔanmK::Kan were compared to the wild type strain. Our results demonstrate that bacterial growth and fitness of both mutants were compromised, especially in the ΔampD::Kan mutant. In addition, biofilm formation was decreased by up to 69%, whereas twitching movement was reduced by about 80% in both mutants. These results demonstrate that, in addition to increased susceptibility to fosfomycin, alteration of the peptidoglycan recycling pathway affects multiple aspects related to virulence. Inhibition of these enzymes could be explored as a strategy to develop novel treatments for A. baumannii in the future. Furthermore, this study establishes a link between intrinsic fosfomycin resistance mechanisms and bacterial fitness and virulence traits.

Chimeric Pneumoviridae fusion proteins as immunogens to induce cross-neutralizing antibody responses.

Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV), two members of the Pneumoviridae family, account for the majority of severe lower respiratory tract infections worldwide in very young children. They are also a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly and immunocompromised adults. High levels of neutralizing antibodies, mostly directed against the viral fusion (F) glycoprotein, correlate with protection against either hRSV or hMPV However, no cross-neutralization is observed in polyclonal antibody responses raised after virus infection or immunization with purified F proteins. Based on crystal structures of hRSV F and hMPV F, we designed chimeric F proteins in which certain residues of well-characterized antigenic sites were swapped between the two antigens. The antigenic changes were monitored by ELISA with virus-specific monoclonal antibodies. Inoculation of mice with these chimeras induced polyclonal cross-neutralizing antibody responses, and mice were protected against challenge with the virus used for grafting of the heterologous antigenic site. These results provide a proof of principle for chimeric fusion proteins as single immunogens that can induce cross-neutralizing antibody and protective responses against more than one human pneumovirus.

Structural insights into the assembly and regulation of distinct viral capsid complexes.

The assembly and regulation of viral capsid proteins into highly ordered macromolecular complexes is essential for viral replication. Here, we utilize crystal structures of the capsid protein from the smallest and simplest known viruses capable of autonomously replicating in animal cells, circoviruses, to establish structural and mechanistic insights into capsid morphogenesis and regulation. The beak and feather disease virus, like many circoviruses, encode only two genes: a capsid protein and a replication initiation protein. The capsid protein forms distinct macromolecular assemblies during replication and here we elucidate these structures at high resolution, showing that these complexes reverse the exposure of the N-terminal arginine rich domain responsible for DNA binding and nuclear localization. We show that assembly of these complexes is regulated by single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), and provide a structural basis of capsid assembly around single-stranded DNA, highlighting novel binding interfaces distinct from the highly positively charged N-terminal ARM domain.

Generation of monoclonal antibodies specific of the postfusion conformation of the Pneumovirinae fusion (F) protein.

Paramyxovirus entry into cells requires fusion of the viral and cell membranes mediated by one of the major virus glycoproteins, the fusion (F) glycoprotein which transits from a metastable pre-fusion conformation to a highly stable post-fusion structure during the membrane fusion process. F protein refolding involves large conformational changes of the protein trimer. One of these changes results in assembly of two heptad repeat sequences (HRA and HRB) from each protomer into a six-helix bundle (6HB) motif. To assist in distinguishing pre- and post-fusion conformations of the Pneumovirinae F proteins, and as extension of previous work (Palomo et al., 2014), a general strategy was designed to obtain polyclonal and particularly monoclonal antibodies specific of the 6HB motif of the Pneumovirinae fusion protein. The antibodies reported here should assist in the characterization of the structural changes that the F protein of human metapneumovirus or respiratory syncytial virus experiences during the process of membrane fusion.

Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies specific for the six-helix bundle of the human respiratory syncytial virus fusion glycoprotein as probes of the protein post-fusion conformation.

Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) has two major surface glycoproteins (G and F) anchored in the lipid envelope. Membrane fusion promoted by hRSV_F occurs via refolding from a pre-fusion form to a highly stable post-fusion state involving large conformational changes of the F trimer. One of these changes results in assembly of two heptad repeat sequences (HRA and HRB) into a six-helix bundle (6HB) motif. To assist in distinguishing pre- and post-fusion conformations of hRSV_F, we have prepared polyclonal (α-6HB) and monoclonal (R145) rabbit antibodies specific for the 6HB. Among other applications, these antibodies were used to explore the requirements of 6HB formation by isolated protein segments or peptides and by truncated mutants of the F protein. Site-directed mutagenesis and electron microscopy located the R145 epitope in the post-fusion hRSV_F at a site distantly located from previously mapped epitopes, extending the repertoire of antibodies that can decorate the F molecule.

Addition of electrophilic lipids to actin alters filament structure.

Pathophysiological processes associated with oxidative stress lead to the generation of reactive lipid species. Among them, lipids bearing unsaturated aldehyde or ketone moieties can form covalent adducts with cysteine residues and modulate protein function. Through proteomic techniques we have identified actin as a target for the addition of biotinylated analogs of the cyclopentenone prostaglandins 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-PGJ(2) (15d-PGJ(2)) and PGA(1) in NIH-3T3 fibroblasts. This modification could take place in vitro and mapped to the protein C-terminal end. Other electrophilic lipids, like the isoprostane 8-iso-PGA(1) and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, also bound to actin. The C-terminal region of actin is important for monomer-monomer interactions and polymerization. Electron microscopy showed that actin treated with 15d-PGJ(2) or 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal formed filaments which were less abundant and displayed shorter length and altered structure. Streptavidin-gold staining allowed mapping of biotinylated 15d-PGJ(2) at sites of filament disruption. These results shed light on the structural implications of actin modification by lipid electrophiles.

Comparative analysis of laccase-isozymes patterns of several related Polyporaceae species under different culture conditions.

The study of isozymes has to date been successfully applied in the identification of a number of different microorganisms, particularly fungi. Trametes sp. I-62 (CECT20197) is a white-rot fungus with potential biotechnological applications. It has been identified as Trametes on the basis of the mycelium morphology, but the features observed are not sufficient for its classification at the species level. Given that this strain produces a very characteristic laccase isozyme pattern, in the present work we compared its isozyme profile with the profiles produced by ten other very closely phylogenetically related fungi from the Polyporaceae family. The data indicates that Trametes sp. I-62 could not be included in any of the taxonomically related species which were analysed in the present work. Extracellular laccases were detected in nine of the fungi studied and in four of them namely Trametes subectypus, Trametes pavonia, Trametes ochracea and Trametes gallica, this is the first report of such activity. Given that phylogenetically related fungi growing in the same culture conditions exhibit different laccase patterns, these isozymes could be used as an additional criterion for fungal identification.

Tannic acid induces transcription of laccase gene cglcc1 in the white-rot fungus Coriolopsis gallica.

Laccase, a phenoloxidase enzyme secreted by white-rot fungi, has a significant role in the degradation of lignin and environmental pollutants. Coriolopsis gallica is a ligninolytic basidiomycete that produces high levels of this extracellular enzyme. A laccase gene cglcc1 from this fungus has been cloned and sequenced. The capacity of C. gallica to efficiently degrade polyphenols has been successfully applied in our laboratory to the biotreatment and decolorization of several industrial wastewaters. This study focused on the effect of tannic acid, a natural compound widely distributed in plants, on the production of laccase activity by C. gallica. Our results showed an evident increase of extracellular laccase levels when C. gallica was grown in the presence of tannic acid. Concentrations of 50 and 100 microM of this compound increased laccase activity when compared with control samples grown without tannic acid. In addition, we found an increase in laccase transcript levels in C. gallica grown in culture media supplemented with tannic acid. The role of tannic acid was shown to be an inductor of laccase activity in this fungus, due to the enhancement of expression of the laccase gene at the transcriptional level.

Use of multiplex reverse transcription-PCR to study the expression of a laccase gene family in a basidiomycetous fungus.

Laccases produced by white rot fungi are involved in the degradation of lignin and a broad diversity of other natural and synthetic molecules, having a great potential for biotechnological applications. They are frequently encoded by gene families, as in the basidiomycete Trametes sp. strain I-62, from which the lcc1, lcc2, and lcc3 laccase genes have been cloned and sequenced. A multiplex reverse transcription-PCR method to simultaneously study the expression of these genes was developed in this study. The assay proved to be quick, simple, highly sensitive, and reproducible and is particularly valuable when numerous samples are to be analyzed and/or if the amount of initial mRNA is limited. It was used to analyze the effect of 3,4-dimethoxybenzyl alcohol (veratryl alcohol) and two of its isomers (2,5-dimethoxybenzyl alcohol and 3,5-dimethoxybenzyl alcohol) on differential laccase gene expression in Trametes sp. strain I-62. These aromatic compounds produced different induction patterns despite their chemical similarity. We found 2,5-dimethoxybenzyl alcohol to be the best inducer of laccase activity while also producing the highest increase in gene expression; 3,5-dimethoxybenzyl alcohol was the next best inducer. Transcript amounts of each gene fluctuated dramatically in the presence of these three inducers, while the total amounts of laccase mRNAs seemed to be modulated by a coordinated regulation of the different genes.

Structural close-related aromatic compounds have different effects on laccase activity and on lcc gene expression in the ligninolytic fungus Trametes sp. I-62.

Nine phenolic compounds (p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, guaiacol, syringol, p-methoxyphenol, pyrocatechol, phloroglucinol, 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and syringaldazine) were tested for their ability to increase laccase production in the ligninolytic basidiomycete Trametes sp. I-62. All these compounds resulted in increases in laccase activity, with the highest levels being detected in the presence of p-coumaric acid (273-fold) and guaiacol (73-fold). The three laccase isozyme genes in this fungus lcc1, lcc2, and lcc3 are differentially expressed in the presence of some of these aromatics with total lcc transcript levels differing markedly depending on the aromatic compound tested. Guaiacol (the best inducer of lcc gene transcription) and p-coumaric acid selectively induced expression of lcc1 and lcc2; ferulic acid induced lcc3 expression, while 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid had no marked effect on laccase gene transcription. The results demonstrate that close-related aromatic compounds appear to have different effects on both laccase activity levels and lcc gene expression in this basidiomycete.