Broadly neutralizing antibodies consistently trap HIV-1 in fresh cervicovaginal mucus from select individuals.

In addition to direct neutralization and other classical effector functions, IgG possesses a little recognized and thus under-utilized effector function at mucosal surfaces: Fc-mucin bonds enable IgG to trap viruses in mucus. Due to the paucity of envelope glycoproteins that limits the number of IgG that can bind HIV, it remains poorly understood whether IgG-mucin interactions can effectively immobilize HIV in human cervicovaginal mucus (CVM). Here, we obtained 54 fresh, undiluted CVM specimens from 17 different women, and employed high-resolution multiple particle tracking to quantify the mobility of fluorescent HIV virus-like-particles in CVM treated with various HIV-specific IgG. We observed consistent and effective trapping of HIV by broadly neutralizing antibodies (VRC01, PGT121, and 2F5) in a subset of women. While trapping efficacy was not affected by the menstrual cycle, it was positively correlated with appreciable L. Crispatus populations in the microbiome, and negatively correlated with appreciable L. Iners or G. Vaginalis populations. Our work demonstrates for the first time that IgG-mucin crosslinking is capable of reinforcing the mucosal barrier against HIV, and motivates further investigation of passive immunization against vaginal transmission of STIs. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: HIV transmission in women primarily occurs vaginally, yet the 3-way interactions between mucins and HIV virions mediated by HIV-binding antibodies in cervicovaginal mucus (CVM) is not well understood. While IgG-Fc possess weak affinity to mucins that trap virus/IgG complexes in mucus, the effectiveness against HIV remains unclear, due to the low number of virion-bound IgG. Here, we discovered that IgG can trap HIV consistently in CVM from select individuals regardless of their birth control status or menstrual cycle phase. IgG-mediated trapping of HIV was moderately associated with microbiome composition. These results suggest that IgG-mucin interactions could potentially reduce HIV transmission and highlight the importance of mucosal secretions in antibody-mediated prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

Broad Sarbecovirus Neutralizing Antibodies Obtained by Computational Design and Synthetic Library Screening.

Members of the Sarbecovirus subgenus of Coronaviridae have twice caused deadly threats to humans. There is increasing concern about the rapid mutation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which has evolved into multiple generations of epidemic variants in 3 years. Broad neutralizing antibodies are of great importance for pandemic preparedness against SARS-CoV-2 variants and divergent zoonotic sarbecoviruses. Here, we analyzed the structural conservation of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) from representative sarbecoviruses and chose S2H97, a previously reported RBD antibody with ideal breadth and resistance to escape, as a template for computational design to enhance the neutralization activity and spectrum. A total of 35 designs were purified for evaluation. The neutralizing activity of a large proportion of these designs against multiple variants was increased from several to hundreds of times. Molecular dynamics simulation suggested that extra interface contacts and enhanced intermolecular interactions between the RBD and the designed antibodies are established. After light and heavy chain reconstitution, AI-1028, with five complementarity determining regions optimized, showed the best neutralizing activity across all tested sarbecoviruses, including SARS-CoV, multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants, and bat-derived viruses. AI-1028 recognized the same cryptic RBD epitope as the parental prototype antibody. In addition to computational design, chemically synthesized nanobody libraries are also a precious resource for rapid antibody development. By applying distinct RBDs as baits for reciprocal screening, we identified two novel nanobodies with broad activities. These findings provide potential pan-sarbecovirus neutralizing drugs and highlight new pathways to rapidly optimize therapeutic candidates when novel SARS-CoV-2 escape variants or new zoonotic coronaviruses emerge. IMPORTANCE The subgenus Sarbecovirus includes human SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and hundreds of genetically related bat viruses. The continuous evolution of SARS-CoV-2 has led to the striking evasion of neutralizing antibody (NAb) drugs and convalescent plasma. Antibodies with broad activity across sarbecoviruses would be helpful to combat current SARS-CoV-2 mutations and longer term animal virus spillovers. The study of pan-sarbecovirus NAbs described here is significant for the following reasons. First, we established a structure-based computational pipeline to design and optimize NAbs to obtain more potent and broader neutralizing activity across multiple sarbecoviruses. Second, we screened and identified nanobodies from a highly diversified synthetic library with a broad neutralizing spectrum using an elaborate screening strategy. These methodologies provide guidance for the rapid development of antibody therapeutics against emerging pathogens with highly variable characteristics.

Inactivated genotype 1a, 2a and 3a HCV vaccine candidates induced broadly neutralising antibodies in mice.

OBJECTIVE: A prophylactic vaccine is needed to control the HCV epidemic, with genotypes 1-3 causing >80% of worldwide infections. Vaccine development is hampered by HCV heterogeneity, viral escape including protection of conserved neutralising epitopes and suboptimal efficacy of HCV cell culture systems. We developed cell culture-based inactivated genotype 1-3 HCV vaccine candidates to present natively folded envelope proteins to elicit neutralising antibodies. DESIGN: High-yield genotype 1a, 2a and 3a HCV were developed by serial passage of TNcc, J6cc and DBN3acc in Huh7.5 cells and engineering of acquired mutations detected by next-generation sequencing. Neutralising epitope exposure was determined in cell-based neutralisation assays using human monoclonal antibodies AR3A and AR4A, and polyclonal antibody C211. BALB/c mice were immunised with processed and inactivated genotype 1a, 2a or 3a viruses using AddaVax, a homologue of the licenced adjuvant MF-59. Purified mouse and patient serum IgG were assayed for neutralisation capacity; mouse IgG and immune-sera were assayed for E1/E2 binding. RESULTS: Compared with the original viruses, high-yield viruses had up to ~1000 fold increased infectivity titres (peak titres: 6-7 log10 focus-forming units (FFU)/mL) and up to ~2470 fold increased exposure of conserved neutralising epitopes. Vaccine-induced IgG broadly neutralised genotype 1-6 HCV (EC50: 30-193 µg/mL; mean 71 µg/mL), compared favourably with IgG from chronically infected patients, and bound genotype 1-3 E1/E2; immune-sera endpoint titres reached up to 32 000. CONCLUSION: High-yield genotype 1-3 HCV could be developed as basis for inactivated vaccine candidates inducing broadly neutralising antibodies in mice supporting further preclinical development.

Subtle Longitudinal Alterations in Env Sequence Potentiate Differences in Sensitivity to Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies following Acute HIV-1 Subtype C Infection.

Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) for HIV-1 prevention or cure strategies must inhibit transmitted/founder and reservoir viruses. Establishing sensitivity of circulating viruses to bNAbs and genetic patterns affecting neutralization variability may guide rational bNAbs selection for clinical development. We analyzed 326 single env genomes from nine individuals followed longitudinally following acute HIV-1 infection, with samples collected at ~1 week after the first detection of plasma viremia; 300 to 1,709 days postinfection but prior to initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) (median = 724 days); and ~1 year post ART initiation. Sequences were assessed for phylogenetic relatedness, potential N- and O-linked glycosylation, and variable loop lengths (V1 to V5). A total of 43 env amplicons (median = 3 per patient per time point) were cloned into an expression vector and the TZM-bl assay was used to assess the neutralization profiles of 15 bNAbs targeting the CD4 binding site, V1/V2 region, V3 supersite, MPER, gp120/gp41 interface, and fusion peptide. At 1 µg/mL, the neutralization breadths were as follows: VRC07-LS and N6.LS (100%), VRC01 (86%), PGT151 (81%), 10-1074 and PGT121 (80%), and less than 70% for 10E8, 3BNC117, CAP256.VRC26, 4E10, PGDM1400, and N123-VRC34.01. Features associated with low sensitivity to V1/V2 and V3 bNAbs were higher potential glycosylation sites and/or relatively longer V1 and V4 domains, including known "signature" mutations. The study shows significant variability in the breadth and potency of bNAbs against circulating HIV-1 subtype C envelopes. VRC07-LS, N6.LS, VRC01, PGT151, 10-1074, and PGT121 display broad activity against subtype C variants, and major determinants of sensitivity to most bNAbs were within the V1/V4 domains. IMPORTANCE Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) have potential clinical utility in HIV-1 prevention and cure strategies. However, bNAbs target diverse epitopes on the HIV-1 envelope and the virus may evolve to evade immune responses. It is therefore important to identify antibodies with broad activity in high prevalence settings, as well as the genetic patterns that may lead to neutralization escape. We investigated 15 bNAbs with diverse biophysical properties that target six epitopes of the HIV-1 Env glycoprotein for their ability to inhibit viruses that initiated infection, viruses circulating in plasma at chronic infection before antiretroviral treatment (ART), or viruses that were archived in the reservoir during ART in subtype C infected individuals in South Africa, a high burden country. We identify the antibodies most likely to be effective for clinical use in this setting and describe mutational patterns associated with neutralization escape from these antibodies.

Dominant CD8+ T Cell Nucleocapsid Targeting in SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Broad Spike Targeting From Vaccination.

CD8+ T cells have key protective roles in many viral infections. While an overall Th1-biased cellular immune response against SARS-CoV-2 has been demonstrated, most reports of anti-SARS-CoV-2 cellular immunity have evaluated bulk T cells using pools of predicted epitopes, without clear delineation of the CD8+ subset and its magnitude and targeting. In recently infected persons (mean 29.8 days after COVID-19 symptom onset), we confirm a Th1 bias (and a novel IL-4-producing population of unclear significance) by flow cytometry, which does not correlate to antibody responses against the receptor binding domain. Evaluating isolated CD8+ T cells in more detail by IFN-γ ELISpot assays, responses against spike, nucleocapsid, matrix, and envelope proteins average 396, 901, 296, and 0 spot-forming cells (SFC) per million, targeting 1.4, 1.5, 0.59, and 0.0 epitope regions respectively. Nucleocapsid targeting is dominant in terms of magnitude, breadth, and density of targeting. The magnitude of responses drops rapidly post-infection; nucleocapsid targeting is most sustained, and vaccination selectively boosts spike targeting. In SARS-CoV-2-naïve persons, evaluation of the anti-spike CD8+ T cell response soon after vaccination (mean 11.3 days) yields anti-spike CD8+ T cell responses averaging 2,463 SFC/million against 4.2 epitope regions, and targeting mirrors that seen in infected persons. These findings provide greater clarity on CD8+ T cell anti-SARS-CoV-2 targeting, breadth, and persistence, suggesting that nucleocapsid inclusion in vaccines could broaden coverage and durability.

Nebulized delivery of a broadly neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 RBD-specific nanobody prevents clinical, virological, and pathological disease in a Syrian hamster model of COVID-19.

There remains an unmet need for globally deployable, low-cost therapeutics for the ongoing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. Previously, we reported on the isolation and in vitro characterization of a potent single-domain nanobody, NIH-CoVnb-112, specific for the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2. Here, we report on the molecular basis for the observed broad in vitro neutralization capability of NIH-CoVnb-112 against variant SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviruses. The structure of NIH-CoVnb-112 bound to SARS-CoV-2 RBD reveals a large contact surface area overlapping the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) binding site, which is largely unencumbered by the common RBD mutations. In an in vivo pilot study, we demonstrate effective reductions in weight loss, viral burden, and lung pathology in a Syrian hamster model of COVID-19 following nebulized delivery of NIH-CoVnb-112. These findings support the further development of NIH-CoVnb-112 as a potential adjunct preventative therapeutic for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.Abbreviations: ACE2 - angiotensin converting enzyme 2BSA - buried surface areaCDR - complementary determining regionRBD - receptor binding domainRBM - receptor-binding motifSARS-CoV-2 - severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

Antigenic analysis of the HIV-1 envelope trimer implies small differences between structural states 1 and 2.

The conformationally dynamic HIV-1 envelope trimer (Env) is the target of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) that block viral entry. Single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) has revealed that HIV-1 Env exists in at least three conformational states on the virion. Prior to complete host-receptor engagement (State 3), Env resides most prevalently in the smFRET-defined State 1, which is preferentially recognized by most bnAbs that are elicited by natural infection. smFRET has also revealed that soluble trimers containing prefusion-stabilizing disulfide and isoleucine-to-proline substitutions reside primarily in State 2, which is a required intermediate between States 1 and 3. While high-resolution Env structures have been determined for States 2 and 3, the structure of these trimers in State 1 is unknown. To provide insight into the State 1 structure, here we characterized antigenic differences between smFRET-defined states and then correlated these differences with known structural differences between States 2 and 3. We found that cell surface-expressed Env was enriched in each state using state-enriching antibody fragments or small-molecule virus entry inhibitors and then assessed binding to HIV-1 bnAbs preferentially binding different states. We observed small but consistent differences in binding between Env enriched in States 1 and 2, and a more than 10-fold difference in binding to Env enriched in these states versus Env enriched in State 3. We conclude that structural differences between HIV-1 Env States 1 and 3 are likely more than 10-fold greater than those between States 1 and 2, providing important insight into State 1.

Conserved topology of virus glycoepitopes presents novel targets for repurposing HIV antibody 2G12.

Complex glycans decorate viral surface proteins and play a critical role in virus-host interactions. Viral surface glycans shield vulnerable protein epitopes from host immunity yet can also present distinct "glycoepitopes" that can be targeted by host antibodies such as the potent anti-HIV antibody 2G12 that binds high-mannose glycans on gp120. Two recent publications demonstrate 2G12 binding to high mannose glycans on SARS-CoV-2 and select Influenza A (Flu) H3N2 viruses. Previously, our lab observed 2G12 binding and functional inhibition of a range of Flu viruses that include H3N2 and H1N1 lineages. In this manuscript, we present these data alongside structural analyses to offer an expanded picture of 2G12-Flu interactions. Further, based on the remarkable breadth of 2G12 N-glycan recognition and the structural factors promoting glycoprotein oligomannosylation, we hypothesize that 2G12 glycoepitopes can be defined from protein structure alone according to N-glycan site topology. We develop a model describing 2G12 glycoepitopes based on N-glycan site topology, and apply the model to identify viruses within the Protein Data Bank presenting putative 2G12 glycoepitopes for 2G12 repurposing toward analytical, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications.

Phagocytosis by an HIV antibody is associated with reduced viremia irrespective of enhanced complement lysis.

Increasingly, antibodies are being used to treat and prevent viral infections. In the context of HIV, efficacy is primarily attributed to dose-dependent neutralization potency and to a lesser extent Fc-mediated effector functions. It remains unclear whether augmenting effector functions of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) may improve their clinical potential. Here, we use bNAb 10E8v4 targeting the membrane external proximal region (MPER) to examine the role of antibody-mediated effector and complement (C') activity when administered prophylactically against SHIV challenge in rhesus macaques. With sub-protective dosing, we find a 78-88% reduction in post-acute viremia that is associated with 10E8v4-mediated phagocytosis acting at the time of challenge. Neither plasma nor tissue viremic outcomes in vivo is improved with an Fc-modified variant of 10E8v4 enhanced for C' functions as determined in vitro. These results suggest that effector functions inherent to unmodified 10E8v4 contribute to efficacy against SHIVSF162P3 in the absence of plasma neutralizing titers, while C' functions are dispensable in this setting, informing design of bNAb modifications for improving protective efficacy.

The TZM-bl Reporter Cell Line Expresses Kynureninase That Can Neutralize 2F5-like Antibodies in the HIV-1 Neutralization Assay.

Induction of broadly neutralizing antibodies targeting ectodomain of the transmembrane (TM) glycoprotein gp41 HIV-1 provides a basis for the development of a universal anti-viral vaccine. The HeLa cell-derived TZM-bl reporter cell line is widely used for the estimation of lentiviruses neutralization by immune sera. The cell line is highly permissive to infection by most strains of HIV, SIV, and SHIV. Here we demonstrated that TZM-bl cells express a 48 kDa non-glycosylated protein (p48) recognized by broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibody (mAb) 2F5 targeting the ELDKWA (aa 669-674) epitope of gp41TM of HIV-1. A significant amount of p48 was found in the cell supernatant. The protein was identified as human kynureninase (KYNU), which has the ELDKWA epitope. The protein is further called "p48 KYNU". The HIV-1 neutralization by mAb 2F5 and 4E10 in the presence of p48KYNU was tested on Jurkat and TZM-bl cells. It was demonstrated that p48KYNU reduces neutralization by 2F5-like antibodies, but it has almost no effect on mAb 4E10. Therefore, p48KYNU can attenuate HIV-1 neutralization by 2F5-like antibodies and hence create false-negative results. Thus, previously tested immune sera that recognized the ELDKWA-epitope and demonstrated a "weak neutralization" of HIV-1 in TZM-bl assay should be reevaluated.

Maintenance of broad neutralizing antibodies and memory B cells 1 year post-infection is predicted by SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4+ T cell responses.

Understanding the long-term maintenance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) immunity is critical for predicting protection against reinfection. In an age- and gender-matched cohort of 24 participants, the association of disease severity and early immune responses on the maintenance of humoral immunity 12 months post-infection is examined. All severely affected participants maintain a stable subset of SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD)-specific memory B cells (MBCs) and good neutralizing antibody breadth against the majority of the variants of concern, including the Delta variant. Modeling these immune responses against vaccine efficacy data indicate a 45%-76% protection against symptomatic infection (variant dependent). Overall, these findings indicate durable humoral responses in most participants after infection, reasonable protection against reinfection, and implicate baseline antigen-specific CD4+ T cell responses as a predictor of maintenance of antibody neutralization breadth and RBD-specific MBC levels at 12 months post-infection.

Computational design of a neutralizing antibody with picomolar binding affinity for all concerning SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Coronavirus disease 2019, caused by SARS-CoV-2, remains an on-going pandemic, partly due to the emergence of variant viruses that can "break-through" the protection of the current vaccines and neutralizing antibodies (nAbs), highlighting the needs for broadly nAbs and next-generation vaccines. We report an antibody that exhibits breadth and potency in binding the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the virus spike glycoprotein across SARS coronaviruses. Initially, a lead antibody was computationally discovered and crystallographically validated that binds to a highly conserved surface of the RBD of wild-type SARS-CoV-2. Subsequently, through experimental affinity enhancement and computational affinity maturation, it was further developed to bind the RBD of all concerning SARS-CoV-2 variants, SARS-CoV-1 and pangolin coronavirus with pico-molar binding affinities, consistently exhibited strong neutralization activity against wild-type SARS-CoV-2 and the Alpha and Delta variants. These results identify a vulnerable target site on coronaviruses for development of pan-sarbecovirus nAbs and vaccines.

Structural basis of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron immune evasion and receptor engagement.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant of concern evades antibody-mediated immunity that comes from vaccination or infection with earlier variants due to accumulation of numerous spike mutations. To understand the Omicron antigenic shift, we determined cryo-electron microscopy and x-ray crystal structures of the spike protein and the receptor-binding domain bound to the broadly neutralizing sarbecovirus monoclonal antibody (mAb) S309 (the parent mAb of sotrovimab) and to the human ACE2 receptor. We provide a blueprint for understanding the marked reduction of binding of other therapeutic mAbs that leads to dampened neutralizing activity. Remodeling of interactions between the Omicron receptor-binding domain and human ACE2 likely explains the enhanced affinity for the host receptor relative to the ancestral virus.

Antibody-mediated broad sarbecovirus neutralization through ACE2 molecular mimicry.

Understanding broadly neutralizing sarbecovirus antibody responses is key to developing countermeasures against SARS-CoV-2 variants and future zoonotic sarbecoviruses. We describe the isolation and characterization of a human monoclonal antibody, designated S2K146, that broadly neutralizes viruses belonging to SARS-CoV- and SARS-CoV-2-related sarbecovirus clades which use ACE2 as an entry receptor. Structural and functional studies show that most of the virus residues that directly bind S2K146 are also involved in binding to ACE2. This allows the antibody to potently inhibit receptor attachment. S2K146 protects against SARS-CoV-2 Beta challenge in hamsters and viral passaging experiments reveal a high barrier for emergence of escape mutants, making it a good candidate for clinical development. The conserved ACE2-binding residues present a site of vulnerability that might be leveraged for developing vaccines eliciting broad sarbecovirus immunity.

A site of vulnerability at V3 crown defined by HIV-1 bNAb M4008_N1.

Identification of vulnerable sites defined by broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) on HIV-1 envelope (Env) is crucial for vaccine design, and we present here a vulnerable site defined by bNAb M4008_N1, which neutralizes about 40% of a tier-2 virus panel. A 3.2 Å resolution cryo-EM structure of M4008_N1 in complex with BG505 DS-SOSIP reveals a large, shallow protein epitope surface centered at the V3 crown of gp120 and surrounded by key glycans. M4008_N1 interacts with gp120 primarily through its hammerhead CDR H3 to form a ß-sheet interaction with the V3 crown hairpin. This makes M4008_N1 compatible with the closed conformation of the prefusion Env trimer, and thus distinct from other known V3 crown mAbs. This mode of bNAb approaching the immunogenic V3 crown in the native Env trimer suggests a strategy for immunogen design targeting this site of vulnerability.

Structural basis of glycan276-dependent recognition by HIV-1 broadly neutralizing antibodies.

Recognition of N-linked glycan at residue N276 (glycan276) at the periphery of the CD4-binding site (CD4bs) on the HIV-envelope trimer is a formidable challenge for many CD4bs-directed antibodies. To understand how this glycan can be recognized, here we isolate two lineages of glycan276-dependent CD4bs antibodies. Antibody CH540-VRC40.01 (named for donor-lineage.clone) neutralizes 81% of a panel of 208 diverse strains, while antibody CH314-VRC33.01 neutralizes 45%. Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of these two antibodies and 179NC75, a previously identified glycan276-dependent CD4bs antibody, in complex with HIV-envelope trimer reveal substantially different modes of glycan276 recognition. Despite these differences, binding of glycan276-dependent antibodies maintains a glycan276 conformation similar to that observed in the absence of glycan276-binding antibodies. By contrast, glycan276-independent CD4bs antibodies, such as VRC01, displace glycan276 upon binding. These results provide a foundation for understanding antibody recognition of glycan276 and suggest its presence may be crucial for priming immunogens seeking to initiate broad CD4bs recognition.

Combinations of Single Chain Variable Fragments From HIV Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies Demonstrate High Potency and Breadth.

Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) are currently being assessed in clinical trials for their ability to prevent HIV infection. Single chain variable fragments (scFv) of bNAbs have advantages over full antibodies as their smaller size permits improved diffusion into mucosal tissues and facilitates vector-driven gene expression. We have previously shown that scFv of bNAbs individually retain significant breadth and potency. Here we tested combinations of five scFv derived from bNAbs CAP256-VRC26.25 (V2-apex), PGT121 (N332-supersite), 3BNC117 (CD4bs), 8ANC195 (gp120-gp41 interface) and 10E8v4 (MPER). Either two or three scFv were combined in equimolar amounts and tested in the TZM-bl neutralization assay against a multiclade panel of 17 viruses. Experimental IC50 and IC80 data were compared to predicted neutralization titers based on single scFv titers using the Loewe additive and the Bliss-Hill model. Like full-sized antibodies, combinations of scFv showed significantly improved potency and breadth compared to single scFv. Combinations of two or three scFv generally followed an independent action model for breadth and potency with no significant synergy or antagonism observed overall although some exceptions were noted. The Loewe model underestimated potency for some dual and triple combinations while the Bliss-Hill model was better at predicting IC80 titers of triple combinations. Given this, we used the Bliss-Hill model to predict the coverage of scFv against a 45-virus panel at concentrations that correlated with protection in the AMP trials. Using IC80 titers and concentrations of 1µg/mL, there was 93% coverage for one dual scFv combination (3BNC117+10E8v4), and 96% coverage for two of the triple combinations (CAP256.25+3BNC117+10E8v4 and PGT121+3BNC117+10E8v4). Combinations of scFv, therefore, show significantly improved breadth and potency over individual scFv and given their size advantage, have potential for use in passive immunization.

α-Hemolysin-Aided Oligomerization of the Spike Protein RBD Resulted in Improved Immunogenicity and Neutralization Against SARS-CoV-2 Variants.

The increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases and SARS-CoV-2 variants calls for the development of safe and broad cross-protective vaccines. The RBD of the spike protein was considered to be a safe and effective candidate antigen. However, the low immunogenicity limited its application in vaccine development. Herein, we designed and obtained an RBD heptamer (mHla-RBD) based on a carrier protein-aided assembly strategy. The molecular weight of mHla-RBD is up to 450 kDa, approximately 10 times higher than that of the RBD monomer. When formulated with alum adjuvant, mHla-RBD immunization significantly increased the immunogenicity of RBD, as indicated by increased titers of RBD-specific antibodies, neutralizing antibodies, Th2 cellular immune response, and pseudovirus neutralization activity, when compared to RBD monomer. Furthermore, we confirmed that RBD-specific antibodies predominantly target conformational epitopes, which was approximately 200 times that targeting linear epitopes. Finally, a pseudovirus neutralization assay revealed that neutralizing antibodies induced by mHla-RBD against different SARS-CoV-2 variants were comparable to those against the wild-type virus and showed broad-spectrum neutralizing activity toward different SARS-CoV-2 variants. Our results demonstrated that mHla-RBD is a promising candidate antigen for development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and the mHla could serve as a universal carrier protein for antigen design.

HIV Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies Expressed as IgG3 Preserve Neutralization Potency and Show Improved Fc Effector Function.

The ability of several broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) to protect against HIV infection is enhanced through Fc receptor binding. Antibody isotype modulates this effect, with IgG3 associated with improved HIV control and vaccine efficacy. We recently showed that an IgG3 variant of bNAb CAP256-VRC26.25 exhibited more potent neutralization and phagocytosis than its IgG1 counterpart. Here, we expanded this analysis to include additional bNAbs targeting all major epitopes. A total of 15 bNAbs were expressed as IgG1 or IgG3, and pairs were assessed for neutralization potency against the multi-subtype global panel of 11 HIV strains. Binding to the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) and Fcγ receptors were measured using ELISA and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and phagocytosis were measured using infectious viruses and global panel Env SOSIP trimers, respectively. IgG3 bNAbs generally showed similar or increased (up to 60 fold) neutralization potency than IgG1 versions, though the effect was virus-specific. This improvement was statistically significant for CAP256-VRC26.25, 35022, PGT135 and CAP255.G3. IgG3 bNAbs also showed significantly improved binding to FcγRIIa which correlated with enhanced phagocytosis of all trimeric Env antigens. Differences in ADCC were epitope-specific, with IgG3 bNAbs to the MPER, CD4 binding site and gp120-gp41 interface showing increased ADCC. We also explored the pH dependence of IgG1 and IgG3 variants for FcRn binding, as this determines the half-life of antibodies. We observed reduced pH dependence, associated with shorter half-lives for IgG3 bNAbs, with κ-light chains. However, IgG3 bNAbs that use λ-light chains showed similar pH dependence to their IgG1 counterparts. This study supports the manipulation of the constant region to improve both the neutralizing and Fc effector activity of bNAbs, and suggests that IgG3 versions of bNAbs may be preferable for passive immunity given their polyfunctionality.

Cross-neutralizing antibodies bind a SARS-CoV-2 cryptic site and resist circulating variants.

The emergence of numerous variants of SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, has presented new challenges to the global efforts to control the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we obtain two cross-neutralizing antibodies (7D6 and 6D6) that target Sarbecoviruses' receptor-binding domain (RBD) with sub-picomolar affinities and potently neutralize authentic SARS-CoV-2. Crystal structures show that both antibodies bind a cryptic site different from that recognized by existing antibodies and highly conserved across Sarbecovirus isolates. Binding of these two antibodies to the RBD clashes with the adjacent N-terminal domain and disrupts the viral spike. Both antibodies confer good resistance to mutations in the currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants. Thus, our results have direct relevance to public health as options for passive antibody therapeutics and even active prophylactics. They can also inform the design of pan-sarbecovirus vaccines.