The binding of a glycoprotein 120 V3 loop peptide to HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies. Structural implications

Interaction of the HIV-1 gp120 viral protein V3 loop with bacterial lipopolysaccharide: a pattern recognition inhibition

HIV-1 represents an elusive target for therapeutic compounds due to its high rate of mutation. Targeting structural patterns instead of a constantly changing specific three-dimensional structure may represent an approach that is less sensitive to viral mutations. The V3 loop of gp120 of HIV-1, which is responsible for binding of viral gp120 to CCR5 or CXCR4 coreceptors, has already been identified as an effective target for the inhibition of viral entry. The peptide derived from the V3 loop of gp120 specifically interacts with the lipid A moiety of LPS, as does the full gp120 protein. NMR analysis of V3 in complex with LPS shows formation of an amphipathic turn. The interaction between LPS and V3 relies on the structural pattern, comprising a combination of hydrophobic and charge interactions, similar to the interaction between antimicrobial peptides and LPS. LPS inhibited binding of gp120 to the surface of target T cells. Nonendotoxic LPS antagonists inhibited viral infection, demonstrating the possibility for the development of an inhibitor of HIV-1 attachment to T cells based on the recognition of a conserved structural pattern.

Structural analysis of the HIV-1 gp120 V3 loop: application to the HIV-Haiti isolates

The model describing the structure and conformational preferences of the HIV-Haiti V3 loop in the geometric spaces of Cartesian coordinates and dihedral angles was generated in terms of NMR spectroscopy data published in literature. To this end, the following successive steps were put into effect: (i) the NMR-based 3D structure for the HIV-Haiti V3 loop in water was built by computer modeling methods; (ii) the conformations of its irregular segments were analyzed and the secondary structure elements identified; and (iii) to reveal a common structural motifs in the HIV-Haiti V3 loop regardless of its environment variability, the simulated structure was collated with the one deciphered previously for the HIV-Haiti V3 loop in a water/trifluoroethanol (TFE) mixed solvent. As a result, the HIV-Haiti V3 loop was found to offer the highly variable fragment of gp120 sensitive to its environment whose changes trigger the large-scale structural rearrangements, bringing in substantial altering the secondary and tertiary structures of this functionally important site of the virus envelope. In spite of this fact, over half of amino acid residues that reside, for the most part, in the functionally important regions of the gp120 protein and may present promising targets for AIDS drug researches, were shown to preserve their conformational states in the structures under review. In particular, the register of these amino acids holds Asn-25 that is critical for the virus binding with primary cell receptor CD4 as well as Arg-3 that is critical for utilization of CCR5 co-receptor and heparan sulfate proteoglycans. The conservative structural motif embracing one of the potential sites of the gp120 N-linked glycosylation was detected, which seems to be a promising target for the HIV-1 drug design. The implications are discussed in conjunction with the literature data on the biological activity of the individual amino acids for the HIV-1 gp120 V3 loop.

Design of immunogens that present the crown of the HIV-1 V3 loop in a conformation competent to generate 447-52D-like antibodies

gp120 is a subunit of the envelope glycoprotein of HIV-1. The third variable loop region of gp120 (V3 loop) contains multiple immunodominant epitopes and is also functionally important for deciding cell-tropism of the virus. 447-52D is a monoclonal antibody that recognizes the conserved tip of the V3 loop in a beta-turn conformation. This antibody has previously been shown to neutralize diverse strains of the virus. In an attempt to generate an immunogen competent to generate 447-52D-like antibodies, the known epitope of 447-52D was inserted at three different surface loop locations in the small, stable protein Escherichia coli Trx (thioredoxin). At one of the three locations (between residues 74 and 75), the insertion was tolerated, the resulting protein was stable and soluble, and bound 447-52D with an affinity similar to that of intact gp120. Upon immunization, the V3 peptide-inserted Trx scaffold was able to generate anti-V3 antibodies that could compete out 447-52D binding to gp120. Epitope mapping studies demonstrated that these anti-V3 antibodies recognized the same epitope as 447-52D. Although the 447-52D-type antibodies were estimated to be present at concentrations of 50-400 microg/ml of serum, these were not able to effect neutralization of strains like JRFL and BAL but could neutralize the sensitive MN strain. The data suggest that because of the low accessibility of the V3 loop on primary isolates such as JRFL, it will be difficult to elicit a V3-specific, 447-52D-like antibody response to effectively neutralize such isolates.

Crystal structures of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) neutralizing antibody 2219 in complex with three different V3 peptides reveal a new binding mode for HIV-1 cross-reactivity

Human monoclonal antibody 2219 is a neutralizing antibody isolated from a human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected individual. 2219 was originally selected for binding to a V3 fusion protein and can neutralize primary isolates from subtypes B, A, and F. Thus, 2219 represents a cross-reactive, human anti-V3 antibody. Fab 2219 binds to one face of the variable V3 beta-hairpin, primarily contacting conserved residues on the N-terminal beta-strand of V3, leaving the V3 crown or tip largely accessible. Three V3/2219 complexes reveal the antibody-bound conformations for both the N- and C-terminal regions that flank the V3 crown and illustrate how twisting of the V3 loop alters the relative dispositions and pairing of the amino acids in the adjacent V3 beta-strands and how the antibody can accommodate V3 loops with different sequences.

Conformational Preferences of the HIV-1 Principal Neutralizing Determinant

The model describing the conformational properties of the HIV-1 principal neutralizing determinant in the geometric space of dihedrals was generated in terms of NMR spectroscopy data published in literature. To gain an object in view, the following successive steps were put into effect: (i) the NMR-based local structures for the HIV(MN) V3 loop were determined in water and in a mixed water/trifluoroethanol (TFE) solvent (7:3), (ii) in either case, the conformations of its irregular segments were analyzed and the secondary structure elements identified, (iii) to appreciate the degree of conformational mobility of the stretch of interest, the simulated structures were compared with each other, (iv) to detect the amino acids retaining their conformations inside the diverse HIV-1 isolates, the structures computed were collated with the one derived previously for the V3 loop from Thailand isolate, and (v) as a matter of record, the structurally rigid residues, that may present the forward-looking targets for AIDS drug researches, were revealed. Summing up the principal results arising from these studies, the following conclusions were drawn: I. The HIV(MN) V3 loop offers the highly mobile fragment of gp120 sensitive to its environment whose changes trigger the large-scale structural reforms, bringing in substantial altering the secondary structure of this functionally important site of the virus envelope. II. In water, it exhibits extended site 1-14 separated by double beta-turn 15-20 with unordered region 21-35. III. Adding the TFE gives rise to destruction of the regular structure in the V3 loop N-terminal, stimulates the formation of 3(10)-helix in site 24-31, and affects also its central region 20-25 forming the HIV-1 immunogenic crown. IV. Regardless of statistically significant differences between local structures of the HIV(MN) V3 loop in water and in water/TFE solution, over one-third of residues keeps their conformational states; the register of these amino acids comprises Asn-25 critical for virus binding with primary cell receptor CD4 as well as Arg-3 critical for utilization of CCR5 coreceptor. V. There are no conserved structural motifs within the V3 loops from Minnesota and Thailand HIV-1 strains. However, perceptible portion of amino acids (more than 35%), including those appearing in the functionally important regions of gp120, holds the values of dihedral angles in which case. The implications are discussed in conjunction with the data on the experimental observations for the HIV-1 principal neutralizing determinant.

Antibodies to a fragment of the Bothrops moojenil-amino acid oxidase cross-react with snake venom components unrelated to the parent protein

It is widely accepted that immunological cross-reactivity of snake venoms is mediated by antibodies that recognize venom components bearing either amino acid sequence homology or similar biological functions. However, here we demonstrate that polyspecific Bothrops antivenom is a source of cross-reactive antibodies that interact with venom proteins of distinctive primary structures and biological functions. The homoserine lactone derivative of the undecapeptide IQRWSLDKYAM (Ile1-Hse11), excised from the l-amino acid oxidase (LAAO) of the Bothrops moojeni venom, was the ligand of an affinity resin used to isolate specific anti-Ile1-Hse11 antibodies which were instrumental in revealing immunological cross-reactivity among unrelated venom proteins. We examined the extent of the cross-reactivity of these antibodies by probing electroblots of venoms from representative snakes of genera Bothrops, Lachesis, Crotalus and Micrurus, and by unambiguous structural characterization of the affinity-purified proteins of B. moojeni venom recovered from an agarose-anti-Ile1-Hse11 column. Our results indicate that all venoms tested had at least three reactive components toward anti-Ile1-Hse11 antibodies, among which we identified two serine proteases, one phospholipase A2 homologue, and LAAO. We hypothesize that the cross-reactivity of the anti-Ile1-Hse11 antibodies to unrelated venom proteins derives from their mechanism of antigen recognition, whereby complementarity is achieved through reciprocal conformational adaptation of the reacting molecules. Also, we believe these findings have implications both in the development of improved antivenoms and the preparation of immunochemical reagents for diagnostic and scientific investigation purposes in the field of snake venoms.

Dual Spatial Folds and Different Local Structures of the HIV-1 Immunogenic Crown in Various Virus Isolates

Local and global structural properties of the HIV-1 principal neutralizing epitope were studied in terms of NMR spectroscopy data reported in literature for the HIV-Haiti and HIV-RF isolates. To this effect, the NMR-based method comprising a probabilistic model of protein conformation in conjunction with the molecular mechanics and quantum chemical computations was used for determining the ensembles of conformers matching the NMR requirements and energy criteria. As a matter of record, the high resolution 3D structure models were constructed for the HIV-Haiti and HIV-RF immunogenic crowns, and their geometric parameters were collated with the ones of conformers derived previously for describing the conformational features of immunogenic tip of gp120 from Thailand and MN HIV-1 strains. The HIV-1 neutralization site was demonstrated to constitute in water solution highly flexible system sensitive to its environment. This inference is completely valid for the geometric space of dihedral angles where statistically significant differences in local structures of simulated conformers have been found for all virus isolates of interest. In spite of this fact, the stretch analyzed was shown to manifest a certain conservatism in the space of atomic coordinates, building up in four HIV-1 isolates two spatial folds similar to those observed in crystal for the V3 loop peptides bound to different neutralizing Fabs. The results are discussed in the light of literature data on HIV-1 neutralizing epitope structure.

Structural Rationale for the Broad Neutralization of HIV-1 by Human Monoclonal Antibody 447-52D

447-52D is a human monoclonal antibody isolated from a heterohybridoma derived from an HIV-1-infected individual. This antibody recognizes the hypervariable gp120 V3 loop, and neutralizes both X4 and R5 primary isolates, making it one of the most effective anti-V3 antibodies characterized to date. The crystal structure of the 447-52D Fab in complex with a 16-mer V3 peptide at 2.5 A resolution reveals that the peptide beta hairpin forms a three-stranded mixed beta sheet with complementarity determining region (CDR) H3, with most of the V3 side chains exposed to solvent. Sequence specificity is conferred through interaction of the type-II turn (residues GPGR) at the apex of the V3 hairpin with the base of CDR H3. This novel mode of peptide-antibody recognition enables the antibody to bind to many different V3 sequences where only the GPxR core epitope is absolutely required.

Recurring conformation of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gp120 V3 loop

The crystal structure of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) neutralizing, murine Fab 83.1 in complex with an HIV-1 gp120 V3 peptide has been determined to 2.57 A resolution. The conformation of the V3 loop peptide in complex with Fab 83.1 is very similar to V3 conformations seen previously with two other neutralizing Fabs, 50.1 and 59.1. The repeated identification of this same V3 conformation in complex with three very different, neutralizing antibodies indicates that it is a highly preferred structure for V3 loops on some strains of the HIV-1 virus.

Spying on HIV with SPR

The application of surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based optical biosensors has contributed extensively to our understanding of functional aspects of HIV. SPR biosensors allow the analysis of real-time interactions of any biomolecule, be it protein, nucleic acid, lipid, carbohydrate or small molecule, without the need for intrinsic or extrinsic probes. As such, the technology has been used to analyze molecular interactions associated with every aspect of the viral life cycle, from basic studies of binding events occurring during docking, replication, budding and maturation to applied research related to vaccine and inhibitory drug development. Along the way, SPR biosensors have provided a unique and detailed view into the inner workings of HIV.

Cross-reaction of anti-simian immunodeficiency virus envelope protein antibodies with human immunoglobulins

It has been recently established that retroviral envelope proteins (REPs) have structural features similar to those of immunoglobulins (Igs). In this study, we asked whether anti-REP antibodies cross-react with human Igs (hIgs). To this end, murine monoclonal antibodies (mMoAbs) that had been raised against a simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) envelope protein, SIVMac251gp120, were screened for their ability to react with human monoclonal Igs (HMIgs). We show that two HMIgs, RFSJ2 (a rheumatoid factor) and PAMLN6 (a human anti-hIg V region antibody), but not a number of other HMIgs, could be weakly, but consistently, bound by anti-SIVMac251gp120 mMoAbs KK17 and KK46, as judged by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and a liquid-phase inhibition immunoassay. Both mMoAbs are specific to amino acid residues in the V3 loop of the SIVMac251gp120. The RFSJ2 Ig heavy-chain V region (VH) is coded in part by a human VH gene, VH3-30.3 and includes the idiotope 7B4 (NKYY), which was previously shown to be present in the gp120 protein of a number of HIV-2 and SIV strains. However, an entirely different VH gene codes the PAMLN6 VH region, opening the possibility that epitope(s) shared between SIVMac251gp120 and hIgs may not be limited to the 7B4 idiotope.

Peptide-protein interactions studied by surface plasmon and nuclear magnetic resonances

The structural features of the complexes that alpha-bungarotoxin forms with three different synthetic peptides, mimotopes of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor binding site, have been compared to the corresponding nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) data. For the considered peptides, the observed different affinities towards the toxin could not be accounted simply by static structural considerations. A combined analysis of the SPR- and NMR-derived dynamic parameters shows new correlations between complex formation and dissociation and the overall pattern of intramolecular and intermolecular nuclear Overhauser effects. These features could be crucial for a rational design of protein ligands.

Survey of the year 2000 commercial optical biosensor literature

We have compiled a comprehensive list of the articles published in the year 2000 that describe work employing commercial optical biosensors. Selected reviews of interest for the general biosensor user are highlighted. Emerging applications in areas of drug discovery, clinical support, food and environment monitoring, and cell membrane biology are emphasized. In addition, the experimental design and data processing steps necessary to achieve high-quality biosensor data are described and examples of well-performed kinetic analysis are provided.

Determination of essential amino acids involved in the CD4-independent tropism of the X4 human immunodeficiency virus type 1 m7NDK isolate: role of potential N glycosylations in the C2 and V3 regions of gp120

Seven mutations in the C2, V3, and C3 regions of gp120 are implicated in the tropism of the first CD4-independent human immunodeficiency virus type 1 isolate, m7NDK. Site-directed mutagenesis revealed that three amino acids are essential to maintain this tropism, one in the C2 region and two in the V3 loop. Two mutations implied N glycosylation modifications.