Development and characterization of functional antibodies targeting NMDA receptors.

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are critically involved in basic brain functions and neurodegeneration as well as tumor invasiveness. Targeting specific subtypes of NMDARs with distinct activities has been considered an effective therapeutic strategy for neurological disorders and diseases. However, complete elimination of off-target effects of small chemical compounds has been challenging and thus, there is a need to explore alternative strategies for targeting NMDAR subtypes. Here we report identification of a functional antibody that specifically targets the GluN1-GluN2B NMDAR subtype and allosterically down-regulates ion channel activity as assessed by electrophysiology. Through biochemical analysis, x-ray crystallography, single-particle electron cryomicroscopy, and molecular dynamics simulations, we show that this inhibitory antibody recognizes the amino terminal domain of the GluN2B subunit and increases the population of the non-active conformational state. The current study demonstrates that antibodies may serve as specific reagents to regulate NMDAR functions for basic research and therapeutic objectives.

Structural basis of an epitope tagging system derived from Haloarcula marismortui bacteriorhodopsin I D94N and its monoclonal antibody GD-26.

Specific antibody interactions with short peptides have made epitope tagging systems a vital tool employed in virtually all fields of biological research. Here, we present a novel epitope tagging system comprised of a monoclonal antibody named GD-26, which recognises the TD peptide (GTGATPADD) derived from Haloarcula marismortui bacteriorhodopsin I (HmBRI) D94N mutant. The crystal structure of the antigen-binding fragment (Fab) of GD-26 complexed with the TD peptide was determined to a resolution of 1.45 Å. The TD peptide was found to adopt a 310 helix conformation within the binding cleft, providing a characteristic peptide structure for recognition by GD-26 Fab. Based on the structure information, polar and nonpolar forces collectively contribute to the strong binding. Attempts to engineer the TD peptide show that the proline residue is crucial for the formation of the 310 helix in order to fit into the binding cleft. Isothermal calorimetry (ITC) reported a dissociation constant KD of 12 ± 2.8 nm, indicating a strong interaction between the TD peptide and GD-26 Fab. High specificity of GD-26 IgG to the TD peptide was demonstrated by western blotting, ELISA and immunofluorescence as only TD-tagged proteins were detected, suggesting the effectiveness of the GD-26/TD peptide tagging system. In addition to already-existing epitope tags such as the FLAG tag and the ALFA tag adopting either extended or α-helix conformations, the unique 310 helix conformation of the TD peptide together with the corresponding monoclonal antibody GD-26 offers a novel tagging option for research.

Paired heavy- and light-chain signatures contribute to potent SARS-CoV-2 neutralization in public antibody responses.

Understanding mechanisms of protective antibody recognition can inform vaccine and therapeutic strategies against SARS-CoV-2. We report a monoclonal antibody, 910-30, targeting the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding site for ACE2 as a member of a public antibody response encoded by IGHV3-53/IGHV3-66 genes. Sequence and structural analyses of 910-30 and related antibodies explore how class recognition features correlate with SARS-CoV-2 neutralization. Cryo-EM structures of 910-30 bound to the SARS-CoV-2 spike trimer reveal binding interactions and its ability to disassemble spike. Despite heavy-chain sequence similarity, biophysical analyses of IGHV3-53/3-66-encoded antibodies highlight the importance of native heavy:light pairings for ACE2-binding competition and SARS-CoV-2 neutralization. We develop paired heavy:light class sequence signatures and determine antibody precursor prevalence to be ∼1 in 44,000 human B cells, consistent with public antibody identification in several convalescent COVID-19 patients. These class signatures reveal genetic, structural, and functional immune features that are helpful in accelerating antibody-based medical interventions for SARS-CoV-2.

Polyclonal antibody responses to HIV Env immunogens resolved using cryoEM.

Engineered ectodomain trimer immunogens based on BG505 envelope glycoprotein are widely utilized as components of HIV vaccine development platforms. In this study, we used rhesus macaques to evaluate the immunogenicity of several stabilized BG505 SOSIP constructs both as free trimers and presented on a nanoparticle. We applied a cryoEM-based method for high-resolution mapping of polyclonal antibody responses elicited in immunized animals (cryoEMPEM). Mutational analysis coupled with neutralization assays were used to probe the neutralization potential at each epitope. We demonstrate that cryoEMPEM data can be used for rapid, high-resolution analysis of polyclonal antibody responses without the need for monoclonal antibody isolation. This approach allowed to resolve structurally distinct classes of antibodies that bind overlapping sites. In addition to comprehensive mapping of commonly targeted neutralizing and non-neutralizing epitopes in BG505 SOSIP immunogens, our analysis revealed that epitopes comprising engineered stabilizing mutations and of partially occupied glycosylation sites can be immunogenic.

Improved epitope resolution of the prefusion trimer-specific antibody AM14 bound to the RSV F glycoprotein.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of acute lower respiratory tract infections resulting in medical intervention and hospitalizations during infancy and early childhood, and vaccination against RSV remains a public health priority. The RSV F glycoprotein is a major target of neutralizing antibodies, and the prefusion stabilized form of F (DS-Cav1) is under investigation as a vaccine antigen. AM14 is a human monoclonal antibody with the exclusive capacity of binding an epitope on prefusion F (PreF), which spans two F protomers. The quality of recognizing a trimer-specific epitope makes AM14 valuable for probing PreF-based immunogen conformation and functionality during vaccine production. Currently, only a low-resolution (5.5 Å) X-ray structure is available of the PreF-AM14 complex, revealing few reliable details of the interface. Here, we perform complementary structural studies using X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to provide improved resolution structures at 3.6 Å and 3.4 Å resolutions, respectively. Both X-ray and cryo-EM structures provide clear side-chain densities, which allow for accurate mapping of the AM14 epitope on DS-Cav1. The structures help rationalize the molecular basis for AM14 loss of binding to RSV F monoclonal antibody-resistant mutants and reveal flexibility for the side chain of a key antigenic residue on PreF. This work provides the basis for a comprehensive understanding of RSV F trimer specificity with implications in vaccine design and quality assessment of PreF-based immunogens.

First case report of monoclonal IgG3-heavy-chain glomerulonephritis with microtubular structures.

Our patient was a 69-year-old woman admitted to our hospital for heavy proteinuria and hematuria. A renal biopsy showed findings similar to those of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis associated with nodular lesions, and immunofluorescence showed marked deposits of IgG, C1q, and C3 on the peripheral capillary walls. IgG3 alone was observed on IgG subclass staining with no κ or λ light chains, and Congo red staining was negative. These findings suggested IgG3-heavy-chain deposition disease (HCDD). However, we did not find a deletion of the first heavy-chain constant domain, which is commonly observed in HCDD. Electron microscopy showed randomly arranged subendothelial microtubular structures with diameters of 70-90 nm. Altogether, the diagnosis of HCDD could not be made, although monoclonal IgG3 deposits in glomeruli were observed. This is the first case report of monoclonal IgG3-heavy-chain glomerulonephritis with subendothelial-based, randomly arranged microtubular structures with diameters of 70-90 nm.

Role of NMR in High Ordered Structure Characterization of Monoclonal Antibodies.

Obtaining high ordered structure (HOS) information is of importance to guarantee the efficacy and safety of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in clinical application. Assessment of HOS should ideally be performed in a non-invasive manner under their formulated storage conditions, as any perturbation can introduce unexpected detritions. However, most of the currently available techniques only indirectly report HOS of mAbs and/or require a certain condition to conduct the analyses. Besides, the flexible multidomain architecture of mAbs has hampered atomic-resolution structural analyses using X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy. In contrast, the ability of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to structurally analyze biomolecules in various conditions in a non-invasive and quantitative manner is suitable to meet the needs. However, the application of NMR to mAbs is not straightforward due to the high molecular weight of the system. In this review, we will discuss how NMR techniques have been applied to HOS analysis of mAbs, along with the recent advances of the novel 15N direct detection NMR strategy that allows for obtaining the structural fingerprint of mAbs at lower temperatures under multiple formulation conditions. The potential application of these NMR strategies will benefit next-generation mAbs, such as antibody-drug conjugates and bispecific antibodies.

Perspective on Crystallographic Studies of Antibody Structures.

In the past 50 years, there has been a great progress made in understanding and deploying antibodies in biology, medicine, and therapy. In this study, a brief overview is presented on how the crystal structures of antibody fragments guided therapeutic strategies emanating from our laboratories along with some historical perspective.

Mechanism and inhibition of Streptococcus pneumoniae IgA1 protease.

Opportunistic pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae secrete a giant metalloprotease virulence factor responsible for cleaving host IgA1, yet the molecular mechanism has remained unknown since their discovery nearly 30 years ago despite the potential for developing vaccines that target these enzymes to block infection. Here we show through a series of cryo-electron microscopy single particle reconstructions how the Streptococcus pneumoniae IgA1 protease facilitates IgA1 substrate recognition and how this can be inhibited. Specifically, the Streptococcus pneumoniae IgA1 protease subscribes to an active-site-gated mechanism where a domain undergoes a 10.0 Å movement to facilitate cleavage. Monoclonal antibody binding inhibits this conformational change, providing a direct means to block infection at the host interface. These structural studies explain decades of biological and biochemical studies and provides a general strategy to block Streptococcus pneumoniae IgA1 protease activity to potentially prevent infection.

Structural basis of Chikungunya virus inhibition by monoclonal antibodies.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an emerging viral pathogen that causes both acute and chronic debilitating arthritis. Here, we describe the functional and structural basis as to how two anti-CHIKV monoclonal antibodies, CHK-124 and CHK-263, potently inhibit CHIKV infection in vitro and in vivo. Our in vitro studies show that CHK-124 and CHK-263 block CHIKV at multiple stages of viral infection. CHK-124 aggregates virus particles and blocks attachment. Also, due to antibody-induced virus aggregation, fusion with endosomes and egress are inhibited. CHK-263 neutralizes CHIKV infection mainly by blocking virus attachment and fusion. To determine the structural basis of neutralization, we generated cryogenic electron microscopy reconstructions of Fab:CHIKV complexes at 4- to 5-Å resolution. CHK-124 binds to the E2 domain B and overlaps with the Mxra8 receptor-binding site. CHK-263 blocks fusion by binding an epitope that spans across E1 and E2 and locks the heterodimer together, likely preventing structural rearrangements required for fusion. These results provide structural insight as to how neutralizing antibody engagement of CHIKV inhibits different stages of the viral life cycle, which could inform vaccine and therapeutic design.

Serotype specific epitopes identified by neutralizing antibodies underpin immunogenic differences in Enterovirus B.

Echovirus 30 (E30), a serotype of Enterovirus B (EV-B), recently emerged as a major causative agent of aseptic meningitis worldwide. E30 is particularly devastating in the neonatal population and currently no vaccine or antiviral therapy is available. Here we characterize two highly potent E30-specific monoclonal antibodies, 6C5 and 4B10, which efficiently block binding of the virus to its attachment receptor CD55 and uncoating receptor FcRn. Combinations of 6C5 and 4B10 augment the sum of their individual anti-viral activities. High-resolution structures of E30-6C5-Fab and E30-4B10-Fab define the location and nature of epitopes targeted by the antibodies. 6C5 and 4B10 engage the capsid loci at the north rim of the canyon and in-canyon, respectively. Notably, these regions exhibit antigenic variability across EV-Bs, highlighting challenges in development of broad-spectrum antibodies. Our structures of these neutralizing antibodies of E30 are instructive for development of vaccines and therapeutics against EV-B infections.

Potent neutralizing antibodies against multiple epitopes on SARS-CoV-2 spike.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic continues, with devasting consequences for human lives and the global economy1,2. The discovery and development of virus-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies could be one approach to treat or prevent infection by this coronavirus. Here we report the isolation of sixty-one SARS-CoV-2-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies from five patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and admitted to hospital with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Among these are nineteen antibodies that potently neutralized authentic SARS-CoV-2 in vitro, nine of which exhibited very high potency, with 50% virus-inhibitory concentrations of 0.7 to 9 ng ml-1. Epitope mapping showed that this collection of nineteen antibodies was about equally divided between those directed against the receptor-binding domain (RBD) and those directed against the N-terminal domain (NTD), indicating that both of these regions at the top of the viral spike are immunogenic. In addition, two other powerful neutralizing antibodies recognized quaternary epitopes that overlap with the domains at the top of the spike. Cryo-electron microscopy reconstructions of one antibody that targets the RBD, a second that targets the NTD, and a third that bridges two separate RBDs showed that the antibodies recognize the closed, 'all RBD-down' conformation of the spike. Several of these monoclonal antibodies are promising candidates for clinical development as potential therapeutic and/or prophylactic agents against SARS-CoV-2.

Clogging of microfluidic constrictions by monoclonal antibody aggregates: role of aggregate shape and deformability.

The formation of aggregates in solutions of monoclonal antibodies is difficult to prevent. Even if the occurrence of large aggregates is rare, their existence can lead to partial or total clogging of constrictions in injection devices, with drastic effects on drug delivery. Little is known on the origin and characteristics of such clogging events. Here we investigate a microfluidic model system to gain fundamental understanding of the clogging of constrictions by monoclonal antibody aggregates. Highly concentrated solutions of monoclonal antibodies were used to create protein aggregates (larger than 50 microns) using mechanical or heat stress. We show that clogging occurs when aggregates reach the size of the constriction and that clogs can in some cases be released by increasing the applied pressure. This indicates the important role of protein aggregate deformability. We perform systematic experiments for different relative aggregate sizes and applied pressures, and measure the resulting flow-rate. This allows us to present first in situ estimates of an effective Young's modulus. Despite their different shapes and densities, we can predict the number of clogging events for a given constriction size from the aggregate size distribution measured by Flow Imaging Microscopy (MFI). In addition our device can detect the occurrence of very rare big aggregates often overlooked by other detection methods.

Structural Basis of Protection against H7N9 Influenza Virus by Human Anti-N9 Neuraminidase Antibodies.

Influenza virus neuraminidase (NA) is a major target for small-molecule antiviral drugs. Antibodies targeting the NA surface antigen could also inhibit virus entry and egress to provide host protection. However, our understanding of the nature and range of target epitopes is limited because of a lack of human antibody structures with influenza neuraminidase. Here, we describe crystal and cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of NAs from human-infecting avian H7N9 viruses in complex with five human anti-N9 antibodies, systematically defining several antigenic sites and antibody epitope footprints. These antibodies either fully or partially block the NA active site or bind to epitopes distant from the active site while still showing neuraminidase inhibition. The inhibition of antibodies to NAs was further analyzed by glycan array and solution-based NA activity assays. Together, these structural studies provide insights into protection by anti-NA antibodies and templates for the development of NA-based influenza virus vaccines and therapeutics.

Cryo-EM Structure of HER2-trastuzumab-pertuzumab complex.

Trastuzumab and pertuzumab are monoclonal antibodies that bind to distinct subdomains of the extracellular domain of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Adding these monoclonal antibodies to the treatment regimen of HER2-positive breast cancer has changed the paradigm for treatment in that form of cancer. Synergistic activity has been observed with the combination of these two antibodies leading to hypotheses regarding the mechanism(s) and to the development of bispecific antibodies to maximize the clinical effect further. Although the individual crystal structures of HER2-trastuzumab and HER2-pertuzumab revealed the distinct binding sites and provided the structural basis for their anti-tumor activities, detailed structural information on the HER2-trastuzumab-pertuzumab complex has been elusive. Here we present the cryo-EM structure of HER2-trastuzumab-pertuzumab at 4.36 Å resolution. Comparison with the binary complexes reveals no cooperative interaction between trastuzumab and pertuzumab, and provides key insights into the design of novel, high-avidity bispecific molecules with potentially greater clinical efficacy.

Atomic structures of enterovirus D68 in complex with two monoclonal antibodies define distinct mechanisms of viral neutralization.

Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) undergoes structural transformation between mature, cell-entry intermediate (A-particle) and empty forms throughout its life cycle. Structural information for the various forms and antibody-bound capsids will facilitate the development of effective vaccines and therapeutics against EV-D68 infection, which causes childhood respiratory and paralytic diseases worldwide. Here, we report the structures of three EV-D68 capsid states representing the virus at major phases. We further describe two original monoclonal antibodies (15C5 and 11G1) with distinct structurally defined mechanisms for virus neutralization. 15C5 and 11G1 engage the capsid loci at icosahedral three-fold and five-fold axes, respectively. To block viral attachment, 15C5 binds three forms of capsids, and triggers mature virions to transform into A-particles, mimicking engagement by the functional receptor ICAM-5, whereas 11G1 exclusively recognizes the A-particle. Our data provide a structural and molecular explanation for the transition of picornavirus capsid conformations and demonstrate distinct mechanisms for antibody-mediated neutralization.

AAV6 K531 serves a dual function in selective receptor and antibody ADK6 recognition.

Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are being developed as vectors for the treatment of genetic disorders. However, pre-existing antibodies present a significant limitation to achieving optimal efficacy for the AAV gene delivery system. Efforts aimed at engineering vectors with the ability to evade the immune response include identification of residues on the virus capsid important for these interactions and changing them. Here K531 is identified as the determinant of monoclonal antibody ADK6 recognition by AAV6, and not the closely related AAV1. The AAV6-ADK6 complex structure was determined by cryo-electron microscopy and the footprint confirmed by cell-based assays. The ADK6 footprint overlaps previously identified AAV antigenic regions and neutralizes by blocking essential cell surface glycan attachment sites. This study thus expands the available repertoire of AAV-antibody information that can guide the design of host immune escaping AAV vectors able to maintain capsid functionality.

Structures of C1-IgG1 provide insights into how danger pattern recognition activates complement.

Danger patterns on microbes or damaged host cells bind and activate C1, inducing innate immune responses and clearance through the complement cascade. How these patterns trigger complement initiation remains elusive. Here, we present cryo-electron microscopy analyses of C1 bound to monoclonal antibodies in which we observed heterogeneous structures of single and clustered C1-immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) hexamer complexes. Distinct C1q binding sites are observed on the two Fc-CH2 domains of each IgG molecule. These are consistent with known interactions and also reveal additional interactions, which are supported by functional IgG1-mutant analysis. Upon antibody binding, the C1q arms condense, inducing rearrangements of the C1r2s2 proteases and tilting C1q's cone-shaped stalk. The data suggest that C1r may activate C1s within single, strained C1 complexes or between neighboring C1 complexes on surfaces.

The Marburgvirus-Neutralizing Human Monoclonal Antibody MR191 Targets a Conserved Site to Block Virus Receptor Binding.

Since their first identification 50 years ago, marburgviruses have emerged several times, with 83%-90% lethality in the largest outbreaks. Although no vaccines or therapeutics are available for human use, the human antibody MR191 provides complete protection in non-human primates when delivered several days after inoculation of a lethal marburgvirus dose. The detailed neutralization mechanism of MR191 remains outstanding. Here we present a 3.2 Å crystal structure of MR191 complexed with a trimeric marburgvirus surface glycoprotein (GP). MR191 neutralizes by occupying the conserved receptor-binding site and competing with the host receptor Niemann-Pick C1. The structure illuminates previously disordered regions of GP including the stalk, fusion loop, CX6CC switch, and an N-terminal region of GP2 that wraps about the outside of GP1 to anchor a marburgvirus-specific "wing" antibody epitope. Virus escape mutations mapped far outside the MR191 receptor-binding site footprint suggest a role for these other regions in the GP quaternary structure.