Functional characterization of intracellular and secreted forms of a truncated hepatitis C virus E2 glycoprotein

From Structural Studies to HCV Vaccine Design

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a serious and growing public health problem despite recent developments of antiviral therapeutics. To achieve global elimination of HCV, an effective cross-genotype vaccine is needed. The failure of previous vaccination trials to elicit an effective cross-reactive immune response demands better vaccine antigens to induce a potent cross-neutralizing response to improve vaccine efficacy. HCV E1 and E2 envelope (Env) glycoproteins are the main targets for neutralizing antibodies (nAbs), which aid in HCV clearance and protection. Therefore, a molecular-level understanding of the nAb responses against HCV is imperative for the rational design of cross-genotype vaccine antigens. Here we summarize the recent advances in structural studies of HCV Env and Env-nAb complexes and how they improve our understanding of immune recognition of HCV. We review the structural data defining HCV neutralization epitopes and conformational plasticity of the Env proteins, and the knowledge applicable to rational vaccine design.

A polycarboxylic chelating ligand for efficient resin purification of His-tagged proteins expressed in mammalian systems

We describe the synthesis of a novel polyamino polycarboxylic ligand, its ability to coordinate metal-ions and attachment to a solid support designed for protein purification through Immobilised Metal-ion Affinity Chromatography (IMAC). The resin was found to be highly efficient for purification of His-tagged HCV E2 glycoproteins expressed in 293T mammalian cells.

A method for detecting hepatitis C envelope specific memory B cells from multiple genotypes using cocktail E2 tetramers

Hepatitis C (HCV) is a rapidly mutating RNA virus, with a strong propensity to cause chronic infection and progressive liver disease. Recent evidence has shown that early appearance of neutralizing antibodies in primary infection is associated with clearance. Little is known about the characteristics of HCV-specific B cells and their correlation with outcomes in primary infection, as there is a lack of sensitive tools for HCV-specific B cells which are present at very low frequency. We describe the development and optimisation of tetramer staining for flow cytometric detection of HCV-specific B cells using a cocktail of two recombinant HCV Envelope-2 (rE2) glycoproteins (from genotype 1a and 3a; Gt1a and Gt3a) and streptavidin dyes. The optimal weight to weight (w/w) ratio of streptavidin-phycoerythrin (PE) and rE2 proteins were determined for sensitive detection using HCV E2-specific hybridoma cell lines and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from HCV-infected individuals. In a cross-sectional set of PBMC samples collected from 33 subjects with either chronic infection or previous clearance, HCV E2-specific B cells (CD19⁺CD20⁺CD10^-IgD^-tetramer⁺) were detected in 29 subjects (87.8%), with a mean frequency of 0.45% (0.012-2.20%). To validate the specificity of tetramer staining, 367 HCV E2-specific B cells were single cell sorted from 9 PBMC samples before monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were synthesised, with 87.5% being reactive to E2 via ELISA. Of these mAbs, 284 and 246 clones were reactive to either Gt1a or Gt3a E2 proteins, respectively. This is a sensitive and robust method for future studies investigating B cell responses against the HCV Envelope protein.

A Hepatitis C Virus DNA Vaccine Encoding a Secreted, Oligomerized Form of Envelope Proteins Is Highly Immunogenic and Elicits Neutralizing Antibodies in Vaccinated Mice

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) persistently infects approximately 71 million people globally. To prevent infection a vaccine which elicits neutralizing antibodies against the virus envelope proteins (E1/E2) which are required for entry into host cells is desirable. DNA vaccines are cost-effective to manufacture globally and despite recent landmark studies highlighting the therapeutic efficacy of DNA vaccines in humans against cervical cancer, DNA vaccines encoding E1/E2 developed thus far are poorly immunogenic. We now report a novel and highly immunogenic DNA vaccination strategy that incorporates secreted E1 and E2 (sE1 and sE2) into oligomers by fusion with the oligomerization domain of the C4b-binding protein, IMX313P. The FDA approved plasmid, pVax, was used to encode sE1, sE2, or sE1E2 with or without IMX313P, and intradermal prime-boost vaccination studies in BALB/c mice showed that vaccines encoding IMX313P were the most effective in eliciting humoral and cell-mediated immunity against the envelope proteins. Further boosting with recombinant E1E2 proteins but not DNA nor virus-like particles (VLPs) expressing E1E2 increased the immunogenicity of the DNA prime-boost regimen. Nevertheless, the antibodies generated by the homologous DNA prime-boost vaccinations more effectively inhibited the binding of VLPs to target cells and neutralized transduction with HCV pseudoparticles (HCVpp) derived from different genotypes including genotypes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This report provides the first evidence that IMX313P can be used as an adjuvant for E1/E2-based DNA vaccines and represents a translatable approach for the development of a HCV DNA vaccine.

Expression and Ni-NTA-Agarose Purification of Recombinant Hepatitis C Virus E2Ectodomain Produced in a Baculovirus Expression System

In this protocol, we describe the production and purification of the ectodomain of the E2₆₆₁ envelope protein (amino acids 384-661) of the Hepatitis C virus, which plays a fundamental role in the entry of the virus into the host cell. This protein has been expressed in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems but in small quantities or without native protein characteristics. In our case, we use the Baculovirus expression system in insect cells. E2₆₆₁ is secreted into the extracellular medium and purified by means of affinity chromatography a Ni-NTA-column because the protein has a tag of six histidines at its amino terminal end. The purified protein possesses a native-like conformation and it is produced in large quantities, around 5-6 mg per liter.

The Neutralizing Face of Hepatitis C Virus E2 Envelope Glycoprotein

The high genetic variability of hepatitis C virus, together with the high level of glycosylation on the viral envelope proteins shielding potential neutralizing epitopes, pose a difficult challenge for vaccine development. An effective hepatitis C virus (HCV) vaccine must target conserved epitopes and the HCV E2 glycoprotein is the main target for such neutralizing antibodies (NAbs). Recent structural investigations highlight the presence of a highly conserved and accessible surface on E2 that is devoid of N-linked glycans and known as the E2 neutralizing face. This face is defined as a hydrophobic surface comprising the front layer (FL) and the CD81 binding loop (CD81bl) that overlap with the CD81 receptor binding site on E2. The neutralizing face consists of highly conserved residues for recognition by cross-NAbs, yet it appears to be high conformationally flexible, thereby presenting a moving target for NAbs. Three main overlapping neutralizing sites have been identified in the neutralizing face: antigenic site 412 (AS412), antigenic site 434 (AS434), and antigenic region 3 (AR3). Here, we review the structural analyses of these neutralizing sites, either as recombinant E2 or epitope-derived linear peptides in complex with bNAbs, to understand the functional and preferred conformations for neutralization, and for viral escape. Collectively, these studies provide a foundation and molecular templates to facilitate structure-based approaches for HCV vaccine development.

An Optimized Hepatitis C Virus E2 Glycoprotein Core Adopts a Functional Homodimer That Efficiently Blocks Virus Entry

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) envelope glycoprotein E2 is the major target of broadly neutralizing antibodies in vivo and is the focus of efforts in the rational design of a universal B cell vaccine against HCV. The E2 glycoprotein exhibits a high degree of amino acid variability which localizes to three discrete regions: hypervariable region 1 (HVR1), hypervariable region 2 (HVR2), and the intergenotypic variable region (igVR). All three variable regions contribute to immune evasion and/or isolate-specific structural variations, both important considerations for vaccine design. A high-resolution structural definition of the intact HCV envelope glycoprotein complex containing E1 and E2 remains to be elucidated, while crystallographic structures of a recombinant E2 ectodomain failed to resolve HVR1, HVR2, and a major neutralization determinant adjacent to HVR1. To obtain further information on E2, we characterized the role of all three variable regions in E2 ectodomain folding and function in the context of a recombinant ectodomain fragment (rE2). We report that removal of the variable regions accelerates binding to the major host cell receptor CD81 and that simultaneous deletion of HVR2 and the igVR is required to maintain wild-type CD81-binding characteristics. The removal of the variable regions also rescued the ability of rE2 to form a functional homodimer. We propose that the rE2 core provides novel insights into the role of the variable motifs in the higher-order assembly of the E2 ectodomain and may have implications for E1E2 structure on the virion surface. IMPORTANCE Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects ∼2% of the population globally, and no vaccine is available. HCV is a highly variable virus, and understanding the presentation of key antigenic sites at the virion surface is important for the design of a universal vaccine. This study investigates the role of three surface-exposed variable regions in E2 glycoprotein folding and function in the context of a recombinant soluble ectodomain. Our data demonstrate the variable motifs modulate binding of the E2 ectodomain to the major host cell receptor CD81 and have an impact on the formation of an E2 homodimer with high-affinity binding to CD81.

Monoclonal antibodies: Principles and applications of immmunodiagnosis and immunotherapy for hepatitis C virus

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major health problem worldwide. Early detection of the infection will help better management of the infected cases. The monoclonal antibodies (mAb) of mice are predominantly used for the immunodiagnosis of several viral, bacterial, and parasitic antigens. Serological detection of HCV antigens and antibodies provide simple and rapid methods of detection but lack sensitivity specially in the window phase between the infection and antibody development. Human mAb are used in the immunotherapy of several blood malignancies, such as lymphoma and leukemia, as well as for autoimmune diseases. In this review article, we will discuss methods of mouse and human monoclonal antibody production. We will demonstrate the role of mouse mAb in the detection of HCV antigens as rapid and sensitive immunodiagnostic assays for the detection of HCV, which is a major health problem throughout the world, particularly in Egypt. We will discuss the value of HCV-neutralizing antibodies and their roles in the immunotherapy of HCV infections and in HCV vaccine development. We will also discuss the different mechanisms by which the virus escape the effect of neutralizing mAb. Finally, we will discuss available and new trends to produce antibodies, such as egg yolk-based antibodies (IgY), production in transgenic plants, and the synthetic antibody mimics approach.

Capitalizing on knowledge of hepatitis C virus neutralizing epitopes for rational vaccine design

Hepatitis C virus infects nearly 3% of the world's population and is often referred as a silent epidemic. It is a leading cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in endemic countries. Although antiviral drugs are now available, they are not readily accessible to marginalized social groups and developing nations that are disproportionally impacted by HCV. To stop the HCV pandemic, a vaccine is needed. Recent advances in HCV research have provided new opportunities for studying HCV neutralizing antibodies and their subsequent use for rational vaccine design. It is now recognized that neutralizing antibodies to conserved antigenic sites of the virus can cross-neutralize diverse HCV genotypes and protect against infection in vivo. Structural characterization of the neutralizing epitopes has provided valuable information for design of candidate immunogens.

Identification of peptides that bind hepatitis C virus envelope protein E2 and inhibit viral cellular entry from a phage-display peptide library

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) envelope protein E2 is required for the entry of HCV into cells. Viral envelope proteins interact with cell receptors in a multistep process, which may be a promising target for the development of novel antiviral agents. In this study, a heptapeptide M13 phage-display library was screened for peptides that bind specifically to prokaryotically expressed, purified truncated HCV envelope protein E2. ELISA assay was used to quantify the binding of the peptides to HCV E2 protein. Flow cytometry, quantitative reverse-transcription PCR and western blotting were used to investigate the inhibition effect of one peptide on HCV infection in hepatoma cells (Huh7.5) in vitro. Four peptides capable of binding specifically to HCV E2 protein were obtained after three rounds of biopanning. Peptide C18 (WPWHNHR), with the highest affinity for binding HCV E2 protein, was synthesized. The results showed that peptide C18 inhibited the viral infectivity of both HCV pseudotype particles (HCVpp) harboring HCV envelope glycoproteins and cell-culture produced HCV (HCVcc). Thus, this study demonstrated that peptide C18 is a potential candidate for anti-HCV therapy as a novel viral entry inhibitor.

CD81 and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is a global public health problem affecting over 160 million individuals worldwide. Its symptoms include chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. HCV is an enveloped RNA virus mainly targeting liver cells and for which the initiation of infection occurs through a complex multistep process involving a series of specific cellular entry factors. This process is likely mediated through the formation of a tightly orchestrated complex of HCV entry factors at the plasma membrane. Among HCV entry factors, the tetraspanin CD81 is one of the best characterized and it is undoubtedly a key player in the HCV lifecycle. In this review, we detail the current knowledge on the involvement of CD81 in the HCV lifecycle, as well as in the immune response to HCV infection.

The ins and outs of hepatitis C virus entry and assembly

Hepatitis C virus, a major human pathogen, produces infectious virus particles with several unique features, such as an ability to interact with serum lipoproteins, a dizzyingly complicated process of virus entry, and a pathway of virus assembly and release that is closely linked to lipoprotein secretion. Here, we review these unique features, with an emphasis on recent discoveries concerning virus particle structure, virus entry and virus particle assembly and release.

Cell culture systems for hepatitis C virus

Due to the obligatory intracellular lifestyle of viruses, cell culture systems for efficient viral propagation are crucial to obtain a detailed understanding of the virus-host cell interaction. For hepatitis C virus (HCV) the development of permissive and authentic culture models continues to be a challenging task. The first efforts to culture HCV had limited success and range back to before the virus was molecularly cloned in 1989. Since then several major breakthroughs have gradually overcome limitations in culturing the virus and sequentially permitted analysis of viral RNA replication, cell entry, and ultimately the complete replication cycle in cultured cells in 2005. Until today, basic and applied HCV research greatly benefit from these tremendous efforts which spurred multiple complementary cell-based model systems for distinct steps of the HCV replication cycle. When used in combination they now permit deep insights into the fascinating biology of HCV and its interplay with the host cell. In fact, drug development has been much facilitated and our understanding of the molecular determinants of HCV replication has grown in parallel to these advances. Building on this groundwork and further refining our cellular models to better mimic the architecture, polarization and differentiation of natural hepatocytes should reveal novel unique aspects of HCV replication. Ultimately, models to culture primary HCV isolates across all genotypes may teach us important new lessons about viral functional adaptations that have evolved in exchange with its human host and that may explain the variable natural course of hepatitis C.

In vitro antiviral activity of dermaseptin S(4) and derivatives from amphibian skin against herpes simplex virus type 2

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections have become a public health problem worldwide. The emergence of acyclovir-resistant viral strains and the failure of vaccination to prevent herpetic infections have prompted the search for new antiviral drugs. Accordingly, the present study was undertaken to synthesize chemically and evaluate Dermaseptin S(4) (S(4)), an anti-microbial peptide derived from amphibian skin, and its derivatives in terms of anti-herpetic activity. The effects of biochemical modifications on their antimicrobial potential were also investigated. The peptides were incubated together with HSV-2 on target cells under various conditions, and the antiviral effects were examined via a cell metabolic labeling method. The findings revealed that DS(4) derivatives elicited concentration-dependent antiviral activity at micromole concentrations. The biochemical modifications of S(4) allowed for the reduction of peptide cytotoxicity without altering antiviral activity. Dermaseptins were added at different times during the viral cycle to investigate the mode of antiviral action. At the highest non-cytotoxic concentrations, most of the tested derivatives were noted to exhibit high antiviral activity particularly when pre-incubated with free herpes viruses prior to infection. Among these peptides, K(4)K(20)S(4) exhibited the highest antiviral activity against HSV-2 sensitive and resistant strains. Interestingly, the antiviral activity of K(4)K(20)S(4) was effective on both acyclovir-resistant and -sensitive viruses. The findings indicate that K(4)K(20)S(4) can be considered a promising candidate for future application as a therapeutic virucidal agent for the treatment of herpes viruses.

Broadly neutralizing immune responses against hepatitis C virus induced by vectored measles viruses and a recombinant envelope protein booster

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a serious public health problem worldwide. Treatments are limited, and no preventive vaccine is available. Toward developing an HCV vaccine, we engineered two recombinant measles viruses (MVs) expressing structural proteins from the prototypic HCV subtype 1a strain H77. One virus directs the synthesis of the HCV capsid (C) protein and envelope glycoproteins (E1 and E2), which fold properly and form a heterodimer. The other virus expresses the E1 and E2 glycoproteins separately, with each one fused to the cytoplasmic tail of the MV fusion protein. Although these hybrid glycoproteins were transported to the plasma membrane, they were not incorporated into MV particles. Immunization of MV-susceptible, genetically modified mice with either vector induced neutralizing antibodies to MV and HCV. A boost with soluble E2 protein enhanced titers of neutralizing antibody against the homologous HCV envelope. In animals primed with MV expressing properly folded HCV C-E1-E2, boosting also induced cross-neutralizating antibodies against two heterologous HCV strains. These results show that recombinant MVs retain the ability to induce MV-specific humoral immunity while also eliciting HCV neutralizing antibodies, and that anti-HCV immunity can be boosted with a single dose of purified E2 protein. The use of MV vectors could have advantages for pediatric HCV vaccination.

Cooperativity in virus neutralization by human monoclonal antibodies to two adjacent regions located at the amino terminus of hepatitis C virus E2 glycoprotein

A challenge for hepatitis C virus (HCV) vaccine development is defining conserved epitopes that induce protective antibodies against this highly diverse virus. An envelope glycoprotein (E2) segment located at amino acids (aa) 412 to 423 contains highly conserved neutralizing epitopes. While polyclonal antibodies to aa 412 to 423 from HCV-infected individuals confirmed broad neutralization, conflicting findings have been reported on polyclonal antibodies to an adjacent region, aa 434 to 446, that may or may not interfere with neutralization by antibodies to aa 412 to 423. To define the interplay between these antibodies, we isolated human monoclonal antibodies (HMAbs) to aa 412 to 423, designated HC33-related HMAbs (HC33 HMAbs), and characterized their interactions with other HMAbs to aa 434 to 446. A subset of the HC33 HMAbs neutralized genotype 1 to 6 infectious cell culture-derived HCV virions (HCVcc) with various activities. Although nonneutralizing HC33 HMAbs were isolated, they had lower binding affinities than neutralizing HC33 HMAbs. These antibodies could be converted to neutralizing antibodies by affinity maturation. Unidirectional competition for binding to E2 was observed between HC33 HMAbs and HMAbs to aa 434 to 446. When HMAbs to aa 434 to 446, which mediated neutralization, were combined with neutralizing HC33 HMAbs, biphasic patterns in neutralization were observed. A modest degree of antagonism was observed at lower concentrations, and a modest degree of synergism was observed at higher concentrations. However, the overall effect was additive neutralization. A similar pattern was observed when these antibodies were combined to block E2 binding to the HCV coreceptor, CD81. These findings demonstrate that both of these E2 regions participate in epitopes mediating virus neutralization and that the antibodies to aa 412 to 423 and aa 434 to 446 do not hinder their respective virus-neutralizing activities.

Three different functional microdomains in the hepatitis C virus hypervariable region 1 (HVR1) mediate entry and immune evasion

High genetic heterogeneity is an important characteristic of hepatitis C virus (HCV) that contributes to its ability to establish persistent infection. The hypervariable region 1 (HVR1) that includes the first 27 amino acid residues of the E2 envelope glycoprotein is the most variable region within the HCV polyprotein. HVR1 plays a major role in both HCV cell entry and immune evasion, but the respective contribution of specific amino acid residues is still unclear. Our mutagenesis analyses of HCV pseudoparticles and cell culture-derived HCV using the H77 isolate indicate that five residues at positions 14, 15, and 25-27 mediate binding of the E2 protein to the scavenger receptor class B, type I receptor, and any residue herein is indispensable for HCV cell entry. The region spanning positions 16-24 contains the sole neutralizing epitope and is dispensable for HCV entry, but it is involved in heparan binding. More importantly, this region is necessary for the enhancement of HCV entry by high density lipoprotein and interferes with virus neutralization by E2-neutralizing antibodies. Residues at positions 1-13 are also dispensable for HCV entry, but they can affect HCV infectivity by modulating binding of the envelope protein to scavenger receptor class B, type I. Mutations occurring at this site may confer resistance to HVR1 antibodies. These findings further our understanding about the mechanisms of HCV cell entry and the significance of HVR1 variation in HCV immune evasion. They have major implications for the development of HCV entry inhibitors and prophylactic vaccines.

Significance of palmitoylation of CD81 on its association with tetraspanin-enriched microdomains and mediating hepatitis C virus cell entry

CD81, a co-receptor for hepatitis C virus (HCV), is a member of the tetraspanin superfamily and is heavily palmitoylated in the juxtamembrane cysteine residues. Palmitoylation plays an important role in protein-protein interactions and association with cholesterol-rich domains of membranes. In this study, Huh7 cells expressing wild-type or palmitoylation-defective CD81 were generated to analyze whether palmitoylation of CD81 is involved in HCV cell entry. Our data showed that de-palmitoylation of CD81 dramatically reduced its association with tetraspanin CD151, but did not influence CD81 partition in detergent-resistant membranes. Moreover, de-palmitoylated CD81 decreased the host cell susceptibility to HCV. Notably, CD151-specific antibodies and siRNA inhibited HCV cell entry, and detachment of CD81 with CD151 decreased the lateral movement of virus particle/CD81 complex to areas of cell-cell contact. These results suggest that palmitoylation of CD81 should facilitate HCV entry, at least in part, by regulating the association of CD81 with tetraspanin-enriched microdomains.

Human monoclonal antibodies to a novel cluster of conformational epitopes on HCV E2 with resistance to neutralization escape in a genotype 2a isolate

The majority of broadly neutralizing antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV) are against conformational epitopes on the E2 glycoprotein. Many of them recognize overlapping epitopes in a cluster, designated as antigenic domain B, that contains residues G530 and D535. To gain information on other regions that will be relevant for vaccine design, we employed yeast surface display of antibodies that bound to genotype 1a H77C E2 mutant proteins containing a substitution either at Y632A (to avoid selecting non-neutralizing antibodies) or D535A. A panel of nine human monoclonal antibodies (HMAbs) was isolated and designated as HC-84-related antibodies. Each HMAb neutralized cell culture infectious HCV (HCVcc) with genotypes 1-6 envelope proteins with varying profiles, and each inhibited E2 binding to the viral receptor CD81. Five of these antibodies neutralized representative genotypes 1-6 HCVcc. Epitope mapping identified a cluster of overlapping epitopes that included nine contact residues in two E2 regions encompassing aa418-446 and aa611-616. Effect on virus entry was measured using H77C HCV retroviral pseudoparticles, HCVpp, bearing an alanine substitution at each of the contact residues. Seven of ten mutant HCVpp showed over 90% reduction compared to wild-type HCVpp and two others showed approximately 80% reduction. Interestingly, four of these antibodies bound to a linear E2 synthetic peptide encompassing aa434-446. This region on E2 has been proposed to elicit non-neutralizing antibodies in humans that interfere with neutralizing antibodies directed at an adjacent E2 region from aa410-425. The isolation of four HC-84 HMAbs binding to the peptide, aa434-446, proves that some antibodies to this region are to highly conserved epitopes mediating broad virus neutralization. Indeed, when HCVcc were passaged in the presence of each of these antibodies, virus escape was not observed. Thus, the cluster of HC-84 epitopes, designated as antigenic domain D, is relevant for vaccine design for this highly diverse virus.

Affinity maturation to improve human monoclonal antibody neutralization potency and breadth against hepatitis C virus

A potent neutralizing antibody to a conserved hepatitis C virus (HCV) epitope might overcome its extreme variability, allowing immunotherapy. The human monoclonal antibody HC-1 recognizes a conformational epitope on the HCV E2 glycoprotein. Previous studies showed that HC-1 neutralizes most HCV genotypes but has modest potency. To improve neutralization, we affinity-matured HC-1 by constructing a library of yeast-displayed HC-1 single chain Fv (scFv) mutants, using for selection an E2 antigen from one of the poorly neutralized HCVpp. We developed an approach by parallel mutagenesis of the heavy chain variable (VH) and κ-chain variable (Vk) genes separately, then combining the optimized VH and Vk mutants. This resulted in the generation of HC-1-related scFv variants exhibiting improved affinities. The best scFv variant had a 92-fold improved affinity. After conversion to IgG1, some of the antibodies exhibited a 30-fold improvement in neutralization activity. Both surface plasmon resonance and solution kinetic exclusion analysis showed that the increase in affinity was largely due to a lowering of the dissociation rate constant, Koff. Neutralization against a panel of HCV pseudoparticles and infectious 2a HCV virus improved with the affinity-matured IgG1 antibodies. Interestingly, some of these antibodies neutralized a viral isolate that was not neutralized by wild-type HC-1. Moreover, propagating 2a HCVcc under the selective pressure of WT HC-1 or affinity-matured HC-1 antibodies yielded no viral escape mutants and, with the affinity-matured IgG1, needed 100-fold less antibody to achieve complete virus elimination. Taken together, these findings suggest that affinity-matured HC-1 antibodies are excellent candidates for therapeutic development.

The hepatitis C virus glycan shield and evasion of the humoral immune response

Despite the induction of effective immune responses, 80% of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected individuals progress from acute to chronic hepatitis. In contrast to the cellular immune response, the role of the humoral immune response in HCV clearance is still subject to debate. Indeed, HCV escapes neutralizing antibodies in chronically infected patients and reinfection has been described in human and chimpanzee. Studies of antibody-mediated HCV neutralization have long been hampered by the lack of cell-culture-derived virus and the absence of a small animal model. However, the development of surrogate models and recent progress in HCV propagation in vitro now enable robust neutralization assays to be performed. These advances are beginning to shed some light on the mechanisms of HCV neutralization. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge of the viral targets of anti-HCV-neutralizing antibodies and the mechanisms that enable HCV to evade the humoral immune response. The recent description of the HCV glycan shield that reduces the immunogenicity of envelope proteins and masks conserved neutralizing epitopes at their surface constitutes the major focus of this review.

Hepatitis C virus protects human B lymphocytes from Fas-mediated apoptosis via E2-CD81 engagement

HCV infection is often associated with B-cell regulatory control disturbance and delayed appearance of neutralizing antibodies. CD81 is a cellular receptor for HCV and can bind to HCV envelope protein 2 (E2). CD81 also participates to form a B cell costimulatory complex. To investigate whether HCV influences B cell activation and immune function through E2 -CD81 engagement, here, human Burkitt's lymphoma cell line Raji cells and primary human B lymphocytes (PHB) were treated with HCV E2 protein and cell culture produced HCV particles (HCVcc), and then the related cell phenotypes were assayed. The results showed that both E2 and HCVcc triggered phosphorylation of IκBα, enhanced the expression of anti-apoptosis Bcl-2 family proteins, and protected Raji cells and PHB cells from Fas-mediated death. In addition, both E2 protein and HCVcc increased the expression of costimulatory molecules CD80, CD86 and CD81 itself, and decreased the expression of complement receptor CD21. The effects were dependent on E2-CD81 interaction on the cell surface, since CD81-silenced Raji cells did not respond to both treatments; and an E2 mutant that lose the CD81 binding activity, could not trigger the responses of both Raji cells and PHB cells. The effects were not associated with HCV replication in cells, for HCV pseudoparticle (HCVpp) and HCVcc failed to infect Raji cells. Hence, E2-CD81 engagement may contribute to HCV-associated B cell lymphoproliferative disorders and insufficient neutralizing antibody production.

Tupaia CD81, SR-BI, claudin-1, and occludin support hepatitis C virus infection

Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related research has been hampered by the lack of appropriate small-animal models. It has been reported that tree shrews, or tupaias (Tupaia belangeri), can be infected with serum-derived HCV. However, these reports do not firmly establish the tupaia as a reliable model of HCV infection. Human CD81, scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI), claudin 1 (CLDN1), and occludin (OCLN) are considered essential receptors or coreceptors for HCV cell entry. In the present study, the roles of these tupaia orthologs in HCV infection were assessed. Both CD81 and SR-BI of tupaia were found to be able to bind with HCV envelope protein 2 (E2). In comparison with human CD81, tupaia CD81 exhibited stronger binding activity with E2 and increased HCV pseudoparticle (HCVpp) cell entry 2-fold. The 293T cells transfected with tupaia CLDN1 became susceptible to HCVpp infection. Moreover, simultaneous transfection of the four tupaia factors into mouse NIH 3T3 cells made the cells susceptible to HCVpp infection. HCVpp of diverse genotypes were able to infect primary tupaia hepatocytes (PTHs), and this infection could be blocked by either anti-CD81 or anti-SR-BI. PTHs could be infected by cell culture-produced HCV (HCVcc) and did produce infectious progeny virus in culture supernatant. These findings indicate that PTHs possess all of the essential factors required for HCV entry and support the complete HCV infection cycle. This highlights both the mechanisms of susceptibility of tupaia to HCV infection and the possibility of using tupaia as a promising small-animal model in HCV study.

Characterization of antibody-mediated neutralization directed against the hypervariable region 1 of hepatitis C virus E2 glycoprotein

The hypervariable region 1 (HVR1) comprising the first 27 aa of E2 glycoprotein is a target for neutralizing antibodies against hepatitis C virus (HCV), but the mechanisms of this neutralization in the cell-culture-infectious genotype 2a strain JFH1 HCV virus (HCVcc) system are unknown. Two rabbit polyclonal sera, R1020 and R140, recognizing the HVR1 of the genotype 1a isolates H77c and Glasgow (Gla), respectively, and a Gla HVR1-specific mouse mAb AP213 have been described previously. However, attempts to generate of antibodies to the JFH1 HVR1 were unsuccessful. Therefore, this study produced chimeric JFH1 HCVcc viruses harbouring the H77c or Gla HVR1 to assess the reactivity of antibodies to this region and their effects on virus infectivity. The inter-genotypic HVR1 swap did not significantly affect virus infectivity. The genotype 1a HVR1-specific antibodies neutralized chimeric viruses in an isolate-dependent manner, underlining the role of HVR1 in HCV infection. The neutralizing antibodies reacted mainly with the C-terminal portion of HVR1, and detailed mapping identified A17, F20 and Q21 in the Gla HVR1 sequence and T21 (and possibly L20) in the corresponding H77c sequence as key epitope residues for AP213 and R140, and R1020, respectively. Importantly, none of the antibodies inhibited in vitro binding of viral envelope glycoproteins to the best-characterized HCV receptor, CD81, or to the glycosaminoglycan attachment factors. However, the HVR1 antibodies were capable of post-attachment neutralization. Overall, this study emphasizes the role of HVR1 in HCVcc entry and provides new tools to study this region further in the context of complete virions.

Hepatitis C virus soluble E2 in combination with QuilA and CpG ODN induces neutralizing antibodies in mice

Several studies have emphasized the importance of an early, highly neutralizing antibody response in the clearance of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The envelope glycoprotein E2 is a major target for HCV neutralizing antibodies. Here, we compared antibody responses in mice immunized with native soluble E2 (sE2) from the H77 1a isolate coupled with different adjuvants or combinations of adjuvants. Adjuvanting sE2 with Freund's, monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL), cytosine phosphorothioate guanine oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG ODN), or alpha-galactosylceramide (αGalCer) derivatives elicited only moderate antibody responses. In contrast, immunizations with sE2 and QuilA elicited exceptionally high anti-E2 antibody titers. Sera from these mice effectively neutralized HCV pseudoparticles (HCVpp) 1a entry. Moreover, the combination of QuilA and CpG ODN further enhanced neutralizing antibody titers wherein cross-neutralization of HCVpp 4 was observed. We conclude that the combination of QuilA and CpG ODN is a promising adjuvant combination that should be further explored for the development of an HCV subunit vaccine. Our work also emphasizes that the ideal combination of adjuvant and immunogen has to be determined empirically.

Identification of new functional regions in hepatitis C virus envelope glycoprotein E2

Little is known about the structure of the envelope glycoproteins of hepatitis C virus (HCV). To identify new regions essential for the function of these glycoproteins, we generated HCV pseudoparticles (HCVpp) containing HCV envelope glycoproteins, E1 and E2, from different genotypes in order to detect intergenotypic incompatibilities between these two proteins. Several genotype combinations were nonfunctional for HCV entry. Of interest, a combination of E1 from genotype 2a and E2 from genotype 1a was nonfunctional in the HCVpp system. We therefore used this nonfunctional complex and the recently described structural model of E2 to identify new functional regions in E2 by exchanging protein regions between these two genotypes. The functionality of these chimeric envelope proteins in the HCVpp system and/or the cell-cultured infectious virus (HCVcc) was analyzed. We showed that the intergenotypic variable region (IgVR), hypervariable region 2 (HVR2), and another segment in domain II play a role in E1E2 assembly. We also demonstrated intradomain interactions within domain I. Importantly, we also identified a segment (amino acids [aa] 705 to 715 [segment 705-715]) in the stem region of E2, which is essential for HCVcc entry. Circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance structural analyses of the synthetic peptide E2-SC containing this segment revealed the presence of a central amphipathic helix, which likely folds upon membrane binding. Due to its location in the stem region, segment 705-715 is likely involved in the reorganization of the glycoprotein complexes taking place during the fusion process. In conclusion, our study highlights new functional and structural regions in HCV envelope glycoprotein E2.

The second extracellular loop dictates Occludin-mediated HCV entry

Recent findings have implicated tight junction (TJ) protein Occludin (OCLN) as an essential factor for hepatitis C virus (HCV) to enter human hepatocytes. To gain insights into OCLN-mediated HCV entry, we created a panel of OCLN deletion mutants and found that without impairing OCLN's cell surface localization, removal of the extracellular loop 2 (EL2) from OCLN abolished both its ability to mediate HIV-HCV pseudotypes' (HCVpp) entry as well as its ability to coprecipitate HCV glycoprotein E2. Recombinant OCLN EL2, however, failed to robustly bind soluble E2 (sE2) in pull-down assays. Subsequent studies revealed that OCLN formed complex with Dynamin II, an important GTPase for endocytosis, in an EL2-dependent fashion. HCVpp, as well as cell culture grown HCV (HCVcc), was sensitive to Dynamin knockdown or inhibition. We conclude that OCLN EL2 dictates the Dynamin-dependent HCV entry. Furthermore, OCLN could function to bridge virions to Dynamin-dependent endocytic machineries.

Species-specific regions of occludin required by hepatitis C virus for cell entry

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of liver disease worldwide. As HCV infects only human and chimpanzee cells, antiviral therapy and vaccine development have been hampered by the lack of a convenient small-animal model. In this study we further investigate how the species tropism of HCV is modulated at the level of cell entry. It has been previously determined that the tight junction protein occludin (OCLN) is essential for HCV host cell entry and that human OCLN is more efficient than the mouse ortholog at mediating HCV cell entry. To further investigate the relationship between OCLN sequence and HCV species tropism, we compared OCLN proteins from a range of species for their ability to mediate infection of naturally OCLN-deficient 786-O cells with lentiviral pseudoparticles bearing the HCV glycoproteins. While primate sequences function equivalently to human OCLN, canine, hamster, and rat OCLN had intermediate activities, and guinea pig OCLN was completely nonfunctional. Through analysis of chimeras between these OCLN proteins and alanine scanning mutagenesis of the extracellular domains of OCLN, we identified the second half of the second extracellular loop (EC2) and specific amino acids within this domain to be critical for modulating the HCV cell entry factor activity of this protein. Furthermore, this critical region of EC2 is flanked by two conserved cysteine residues that are essential for HCV cell entry, suggesting that a subdomain of EC2 may be defined by a disulfide bond.

Cellular receptors and HCV entry

After attachment to specific receptors on the surfaces of target cells, hepatitis C virus (HCV) particles are thought to be internalized to endosomes, where low pH induces fusion between the viral and cellular membranes, delivering the HCV genome into the cytoplasm. Here, we describe methods to study the early events in HCV infection; the interactions with cellular receptors and the mechanism of entry.

Chimeric hepatitis B and C viruses envelope proteins can form subviral particles: implications for the design of new vaccine strategies

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) envelope protein (S) self-assembles into subviral particles used as commercial vaccines against hepatitis B. These particles are excellent carriers for foreign epitopes, which can be inserted into the external hydrophilic loop or at the N- or C-terminal end of the HBV S protein. We show here that the N-terminal transmembrane domain (TMD) of HBV S can be replaced by the TMDs of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) envelope proteins E1 and E2, to generate fusion proteins containing the entire HCV E1 or E2 sequence that are efficiently coassembled with the HBV S into particles. This demonstrates the remarkable tolerance of the HBV S protein to sequence substitutions conserving its subviral particle assembly properties. These findings may have implications for the design of new vaccine strategies based on the use of HBV subviral particles as carriers for various transmembrane proteins and produced using the same industrial procedures that are established for the HBV vaccine.

Recent advances in our understanding of receptor binding, viral fusion and cell entry of hepatitis C virus: new targets for the design of antiviral agents

Improvements to antiviral therapies for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections will require the use of multiple drugs that target viral proteins essential for replication. The discovery of anti-HCV compounds has been severely hampered by the lack of cell culture replication systems. Since the late 1990s, the advent of sub-genomic replicons that model the intracellular events leading to HCV genome replication have enabled the discovery of HCV protease and polymerase inhibitors, but did not allow the study of HCV entry or entry inhibitors. More recently, retroviral pseudotyping of the viral glycoproteins and the development of a cell culture-based system that recapitulates the entire HCV replication cycle were achieved. These new experimental systems have enabled a rapid advance in our knowledge of how HCV glycoproteins, E1 and E2, mediate receptor binding and viral entry. These systems have facilitated the discovery of a range of viral receptors. Evidence is emerging that CD81, scavenger receptor class B type I, claudin-1 and the low-density lipoprotein receptor are involved in viral entry. In addition, DC-SIGN and L-SIGN may function to internalize virus into dendritic or endothelial cells, facilitating the transport of virions to sites of infection such as the liver. This review focuses on the interaction between the HCV glycoproteins and cellular receptors, and our current understanding of the viral entry pathway. In addition, key questions on the role that these receptors play in viral entry are raised and potential avenues for the discovery of new antiviral agents are highlighted.

Therapeutic control of hepatitis C virus: the role of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies

Liver failure associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) accounts for a substantial portion of liver transplantation. Although current therapy helps some patients with chronic HCV infection, adverse side effects and a high relapse rate are major problems. These problems are compounded in liver transplant recipients as reinfection occurs shortly after transplantation. One approach to control reinfection is the combined use of specific antivirals together with HCV-specific antibodies. Indeed, a number of human and mouse monoclonal antibodies to conformational and linear epitopes on HCV envelope proteins are potential candidates, since they have high virus neutralization potency and are directed to epitopes conserved across diverse HCV genotypes. However, a greater understanding of the factors contributing to virus escape and the role of lipoproteins in masking virion surface domains involved in virus entry will be required to help define those protective determinants most likely to give broad protection. An approach to immune escape is potentially caused by viral infection of immune cells leading to the induction hypermutation of the immunoglobulin gene in B cells. These effects may contribute to HCV persistence and B cell lymphoproliferative diseases.

Mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling pathways triggered by the hepatitis C virus envelope protein E2: implications for the prevention of infection

OBJECTIVE

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major pathogenic factor of liver diseases. During HCV infection, interaction of the envelope protein E2 of the virion, with target cells, is a crucial process for viral penetration into the cell and its propagation. We speculate that such interaction may trigger early signalling events required for HCV infection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human liver cell line L-02 was treated with HCV E2. The kinase phosphorylation levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathways in the treated cells were analyzed by Western blotting. The proliferation of the E2-treated cells was evaluated by MTT assay.

RESULTS

HCV E2 was shown to be an efficient activator for MAPK pathways. Levels of phosphorylation of upstream kinases Raf-1 and MEK1/2 were seen to be elevated following E2 treatment and similarly, phosphorylation levels of downstream kinases MAPK/ERK and p38 MAPK also increased in response to E2 treatment, and specificity of kinase activation by E2 was confirmed. E2-induced MAPK/ERK activation was inhibited by the MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126 in a concentration-dependent manner. Blockage of relevant cellular receptors reduced activation of Raf-1, MEK1/2, MAPK/ERK and p38 MAPK by E2, indicating efflux of the E2 signal from extracellular to the intracellular spaces. Thus, kinase cascades of MAPK pathways were continuously affected by E2 presence. Moreover, enhancement of cell proliferation by E2 appeared to be associated with the dynamic phosphorylation of MAPK/ERK and p38 MAPK.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that MAPK signalling pathways triggered by E2 may be a potential target for prevention of HCV infection.

The roles of CD81 and glycosaminoglycans in the adsorption and uptake of infectious HCV particles

Because appropriate cell-culture systems or small-animal models have been lacking, the early steps in the HCV life cycle have been difficult to study. A cell culture system was developed recently that allows production of infectious HCV. In this study, infectious HCV particles produced in cultured cells were used. To clarify the role of CD81 in HCV attachment and entry, the effect of anti-CD81 antibody was examined. The antibody blocked HCV virion entry but not particle attachment. Only the fraction bound to a heparin affinity column and eluted with 0.3 M NaCl productively infected Huh7 cells, indicating that infectious HCV particles bind to heparin. Both heparin treatment of the virus particles and heparinase treatment of the Huh7 cells reduced virus-cell binding without substantially inhibiting HCV infectivity. Finally, to confirm the role of both heparin sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) and CD81 in HCV entry, the effects of heparinase I and anti-CD81 antibody were analyzed. No productive RNA replication was detected in the Huh7 cells in the presence of both heparinase I and anti-CD81 antibody. In conclusion, these data suggested that both HSPG and CD81 are important for HCV entry. HSPG may play a role in the initial cell surface binding of infectious HCV particles and CD81 is conceivably correlated with HCV entry after viral attachment.

Reduction of the infectivity of hepatitis C virus pseudoparticles by incorporation of misfolded glycoproteins induced by glucosidase inhibitors

Folding and assembly into complexes of some viral glycoproteins are exquisitely sensitive to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) alpha-glucosidase inhibition, which prevents the trimming of glucose from N-linked glycans. Derivatives of deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) iminosugars, which are potent alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, were shown to have antiviral activity against bovine viral diarrhea virus, a pestivirus related to hepatitis C virus (HCV). The aim of this study was to determine whether these inhibitors would affect HCV infectivity and to provide novel insights on their mechanism of action. The overall antiviral activity of glucosidase inhibitors was shown by using the two most relevant models currently available: the cell-culture model enabling complete replication of the HCV JFH1 strain in Huh7.5 cells, and infectious HCV pseudotyped particles (HCVpp) produced in HEK-293T cells that display functional E1-E2 glycoprotein complexes. By using the latter model, it is shown that the inhibition of alpha-glucosidases by iminosugars results in the misfolding and misassembly of HCV glycoprotein pre-budding complexes. This inhibition of the assembly of E1-E2 in the ER of transfected HEK-293T cells leads to a reduction in the incorporation of E1-E2 complexes into HCVpp. More importantly, it is demonstrated that the infectivity of HCVpp that are released under treatment is reduced and that this reduction in infectivity is due to the incorporation of misfolded envelope glycoproteins in secreted particles. These properties suggest the potential usefulness of DNJ derivatives in combating HCV infection.

Selection of a phage-displayed peptide recognized by monoclonal antibody directed blocking the site of hepatitis C virus E2 for human CD81

The human CD81 (hCD81) molecule has been identified as a putative receptor for hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV envelope glycoprotein 2 (E2) most likely plays a pivotal role in binding to host cells by interacting with the hCD81 molecule. In this study, a phage-displayed peptide library was used to select small peptides with anti-hCD81 monoclonal antibody JS-81. The output/input ratio of phages increased about 91 fold after the third round of selection. Eight of the 30 phage clones selected from the phage library showed specific binding to the anti-hCD81 by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Competitive inhibition test further demonstrated that HCV E2 could significantly inhibit the binding of a positive phage clone to anti-hCD81 JS-81. Exogenous small peptide ATWVCGPCT contained by the positive phage clones showed aligned with the hCD81 sequence from 153-161 by sequence analyses. These results suggest that the selected ATWVCGPCT is a novel hCD81-like small peptide, which can block the binding site of HCV E2 for hCD81. It may be of further application on development of antiviral agents targeting the stage of HCV entry.

A conserved Gly436-Trp-Leu-Ala-Gly-Leu-Phe-Tyr motif in hepatitis C virus glycoprotein E2 is a determinant of CD81 binding and viral entry

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) glycoproteins E1 and E2 form a heterodimer that mediates CD81 receptor binding and viral entry. In this study, we used site-directed mutagenesis to examine the functional role of a conserved G436WLAGLFY motif of E2. The mutants could be placed into two groups based on the ability of mature virion-incorporated E1E2 to bind the large extracellular loop (LEL) of CD81 versus the ability to mediate cellular entry of pseudotyped retroviral particles. Group 1 comprised E2 mutants where LEL binding ability largely correlated with viral entry ability, with conservative and nonconservative substitutions (W437 L/A, L438A, L441V/F, and F442A) inhibiting both functions. These data suggest that Trp-437, Leu-438, Leu-441, and Phe-442 directly interact with the LEL. Group 2 comprised E2 glycoproteins with more conservative substitutions that lacked LEL binding but retained between 20% and 60% of wild-type viral entry competence. The viral entry competence displayed by group 2 mutants was explained by residual binding by the E2 receptor binding domain to cellular full-length CD81. A subset of mutants maintained LEL binding ability in the context of intracellular E1E2 forms, but this function was largely lost in virion-incorporated glycoproteins. These data suggest that the CD81 binding site undergoes a conformational transition during glycoprotein maturation through the secretory pathway. The G436P mutant was an outlier, retaining near-wild-type levels of CD81 binding but lacking significant viral entry ability. These findings indicate that the G436WLAGLFY motif of E2 functions in CD81 binding and in pre- or post-CD81-dependent stages of viral entry.

Identification of conserved residues in the E2 envelope glycoprotein of the hepatitis C virus that are critical for CD81 binding

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) cell entry involves interaction between the viral envelope glycoprotein E2 and the cell surface receptor CD81. Knowledge of conserved E2 determinants important for successful binding will facilitate development of entry inhibitors designed to block this interaction. Previous studies have assigned the CD81 binding function to a number of discontinuous regions of E2. To better define specific residues involved in receptor binding, a panel of mutants of HCV envelope proteins was generated, where conserved residues within putative CD81 binding regions were sequentially mutated to alanine. Mutant proteins were tested for binding to a panel of monoclonal antibodies and CD81 and for their ability to form noncovalent heterodimers and confer infectivity in the retroviral pseudoparticle (HCVpp) assay. Detection by conformation-sensitive monoclonal antibodies indicated that the mutant proteins were correctly folded. Mutant proteins fell into three groups: those that bound CD81 and conferred HCVpp infectivity, those that abrogated both CD81 binding and HCVpp infectivity, and a final group containing mutants that were able to bind CD81 but were noninfectious in the HCVpp assay. Specific amino acids conserved across all genotypes that were critical for CD81 binding were W420, Y527, W529, G530, and D535. These data significantly increase our understanding of the CD81 receptor-E2 binding process.

Purification and application of bacterially expressed chimeric protein E1E2 of hepatitis C virus

E1 and E2 glycoproteins are structural components of hepatitis C virus (HCV) virion. They are involved in cellular receptors interaction, neutralising antibodies elicitation, and viral morphogenesis. They are considered as major candidates for anti-HCV vaccine. In this report, we first expressed tandem E1E2 as well as C-terminally truncated E1 fragment and C-terminally truncated E2 fragment, respectively, in Escherichia coli cells and the proteins were purified to homogenesis. All the purified proteins can react specifically with patient sera. Both purified chimeric protein E1E2 and protein E2 can interact with a putative cellular receptor CD81, while purified protein E1 cannot interact with CD81. The sera of rabbit immunized with the E1E2 inhibited the binding of E2 protein to the major extracellular loop of human CD81 and reacted with both proteins E1 and E2, respectively. Anti-E1 and E2 antibodies can be generated simultaneously in the rabbit immunized with the E1E2, and the titers of antibodies were 63 or 56% higher than the titers induced by E1 or E2 alone, respectively. The results suggest that E1 and E2 can enhance their immunogenicity each other in chimeric protein E1E2 and the E. coli-derived chimeric protein E1E2 and corresponding antisera can be used as an useful tools in anti-HCV vaccine research.

Cyanovirin-N inhibits hepatitis C virus entry by binding to envelope protein glycans

Inhibition of viruses at the stage of viral entry provides a route for therapeutic intervention. Because of difficulties in propagating hepatitis C virus (HCV) in cell culture, entry inhibitors have not yet been reported for this virus. However, with the development of retroviral particles pseudotyped with HCV envelope glycoproteins (HCVpp) and the recent progress in amplification of HCV in cell culture (HCVcc), studying HCV entry is now possible. In addition, these systems are essential for the identification and the characterization of molecules that block HCV entry. The lectin cyanovirin-N (CV-N) has initially been discovered based on its potent activity against human immunodeficiency virus. Because HCV envelope glycoproteins are highly glycosylated, we sought to determine whether CV-N has an antiviral activity against this virus. CV-N inhibited the infectivity of HCVcc and HCVpp at low nanomolar concentrations. This inhibition is attributed to the interaction of CV-N with HCV envelope glycoproteins. In addition, we showed that the carbohydrate binding property of CV-N is involved in the anti-HCV activity. Finally, CV-N bound to HCV envelope glycoproteins and blocked the interaction between the envelope protein E2 and CD81, a cell surface molecule involved in HCV entry. These data demonstrate that targeting the glycans of HCV envelope proteins is a promising approach in the development of antiviral therapies to combat a virus that is a major cause of chronic liver diseases. Furthermore, CV-N is a new invaluable tool to further dissect the early steps of HCV entry into host cells.

Different domains of CD81 mediate distinct stages of hepatitis C virus pseudoparticle entry

The CD81 tetraspanin was first identified as a hepatitis C virus (HCV) receptor by its ability to bind the soluble ectodomain of envelope glycoprotein E2 (sE2). More recently, it has been suggested that CD81 is necessary but not sufficient for HCV entry into target cells. Here we present further evidence that putative human hepatocyte-specific factors act in concert with CD81 to mediate sE2 binding and HCV pseudoparticle (HCVpp) entry. Moreover, we show that CD81-mediated HCVpp entry entails E2 binding to residues in the large extracellular loop as well as molecular events mediated by the transmembrane and intracellular domains of CD81. The concept that CD81 receptor function progresses in stages is further supported by our finding that anti-CD81 monoclonal antibodies inhibit HCVpp entry by different mechanisms. The half-life of CD81-HCVpp binding was determined to be approximately 17 min, and we propose that binding is followed by CD81 oligomerization, partitioning into cholesterol-rich membrane domains, or other, lateral protein-protein interactions. This results in the formation of a receptor-virus complex that undergoes endocytosis and pH-dependent membrane fusion.

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein inhibits hepatitis C virus cell entry in human hepatoma cells

Cell entry of hepatitis C virus, pseudoparticles (HCVpp) and cell culture grown virus (HCVcc), requires the interaction of viral glycoproteins with CD81 and other as yet unknown cellular factors. One of these is likely to be the scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI). To further understand the role of SR-BI, we examined the effect of SR-BI ligands on HCVpp and HCVcc infectivity. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), but not native LDL, potently inhibited HCVpp and HCVcc cell entry. Pseudoparticles bearing unrelated viral glycoproteins or bovine viral diarrhea virus were not affected. A dose-dependent inhibition was observed for HCVpp bearing diverse viral glycoproteins with an approximate IC50 of 1.5 microg/mL apolipoprotein content, which is within the range of oxLDL reported to be present in human plasma. The ability of lipoprotein components to bind to target cells associated with their antiviral activity, suggesting a mechanism of action which targets a cell surface receptor critical for HCV infection of the host cell. However, binding of soluble E2 to SR-BI or CD81 was not affected by oxLDL, suggesting that oxLDL does not act as a simple receptor blocker. At the same time, oxLDL incubation altered the biophysical properties of HCVpp, suggesting a ternary interaction of oxLDL with both virus and target cells. In conclusion, the SR-BI ligand oxLDL is a potent cell entry inhibitor for a broad range of HCV strains in vitro. These findings suggest that SR-BI is an essential component of the cellular HCV receptor complex.

Characterization of the hepatitis C virus E2 epitope defined by the broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibody AP33

The mouse monoclonal antibody (MAb) AP33, recognizing a 12 amino acid linear epitope in the hepatitis C virus (HCV) E2 glycoprotein, potently neutralizes retroviral pseudoparticles (HCVpp) carrying genetically diverse HCV envelope glycoproteins. Consequently, this antibody and its epitope are highly relevant to vaccine design and immunotherapeutic development. The rational design of immunogens capable of inducing antibodies that target the AP33 epitope will benefit from a better understanding of this region. We have used complementary approaches, which include random peptide phage display mapping and alanine scanning mutagenesis, to identify residues in the HCV E2 protein critical for MAb AP33 binding. Four residues crucial for MAb binding were identified, which are highly conserved in HCV E2 sequences. Three residues within E2 were shown to be critical for binding to the rat MAb 3/11, which previously was shown to recognize the same 12 amino acid E2 epitope as MAb AP33 antibody, although only two of these were shared with MAb AP33. MAb AP33 bound to a panel of functional E2 proteins representative of genotypes 1-6 with higher affinity than MAb 3/11. Similarly, MAb AP33 was consistently more efficient at neutralizing infectivity by diverse HCVpp than MAb 3/11. Importantly, MAb AP33 was also able to neutralize the cell culture infectious HCV clone JFH-1. In conclusion, these data identify important protective determinants and will greatly assist the development of vaccine candidates based on the AP33 epitope.

Monoclonal antibody AP33 defines a broadly neutralizing epitope on the hepatitis C virus E2 envelope glycoprotein

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a significant threat to the general health of the world's population, and there is a pressing need for the development of new treatments and preventative vaccines. Here, we describe the generation of retrovirus-based pseudoparticles (HCVpp) incorporating a panel of full-length E1E2 clones representative of the major genotypes 1 through 6, and their application to assess the reactivity and neutralizing capability of antisera and monoclonal antibodies raised against portions of the HCV E2 envelope protein. Rabbit antisera raised against either the first hypervariable region or ectodomain of E2 showed limited and strain specific neutralization. By contrast, the monoclonal antibody (MAb) AP33 demonstrated potent neutralization of infectivity against HCVpp carrying E1E2 representative of all genotypes tested. The concentration of AP33 required to achieve 50% inhibition of infection by HCVpp of diverse genotypes ranged from 0.6 to 32 mug/ml. The epitope recognized by MAb AP33 is linear and highly conserved across different genotypes of HCV. Thus, identification of a broadly neutralizing antibody that recognizes a linear epitope is likely to be of significant benefit to future vaccine and therapeutic antibody development.

Kinetics of HCV envelope proteins' interaction with CD81 large extracellular loop

We used BIAcore to analyze the kinetics of interactions between CD81 and hepatitis C virus (HCV) envelope proteins. We immobilized different forms of HCV envelope proteins (E1E2, E2, and E2(661)) on the sensor and monitored their interaction with injected fusion proteins of CD81 large extracellular loop (CD81LEL) and glutathione-S-transferase (CD81LEL-GST) or maltose binding protein (CD81LEL-MBP). The difference between the GST and MBP fusion proteins was their multimeric and monomeric forms, respectively. The association rate constants between CD81LEL-GST or CD81LEL-MBP and the E1E2, E2 or E2(661) HCV envelope proteins were similar. However, the dissociation rate constants of CD81LEL-MBP were higher than those of CD81LEL-GST. Interestingly, the dissociation rate constant of CD81LEL-GST from E1E2 was much lower than from E2 or E2(661). The interaction between both forms of the CD81LEL fusion proteins and the HCV envelope proteins best-fitted the "heterogeneous ligand" model. This model implies that two kinds of interactions occur between envelope proteins and CD81LEL: one is strong, the other is weak. It also implies that the heterogeneity is likely due to the HCV envelope proteins, which are known to form non-covalently linked heterodimers and disulfide-linked aggregate.

Novel insights into hepatitis C virus replication and persistence

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a small enveloped RNA virus that belongs to the family Flaviviridae. A hallmark of HCV is its high propensity to establish a persistent infection that in many cases leads to chronic liver disease. Molecular studies of the virus became possible with the first successful cloning of its genome in 1989. Since then, the genomic organization has been delineated, and viral proteins have been studied in some detail. In 1999, an efficient cell culture system became available that recapitulates the intracellular part of the HCV life cycle, thereby allowing detailed molecular studies of various aspects of viral RNA replication and persistence. This chapter attempts to summarize the current state of knowledge in these most actively worked on fields of HCV research.

Inhibition of hepatitis C virus-like particle binding to target cells by antiviral antibodies in acute and chronic hepatitis C

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of chronic viral hepatitis worldwide. The study of antibody-mediated virus neutralization has been hampered by the lack of an efficient and high-throughput cell culture system for the study of virus neutralization. The HCV structural proteins have been shown to assemble into noninfectious HCV-like particles (HCV-LPs). Similar to serum-derived virions, HCV-LPs bind and enter human hepatocytes and hepatoma cell lines. In this study, we developed an HCV-LP-based model system for a systematic functional analysis of antiviral antibodies from patients with acute or chronic hepatitis C. We demonstrate that cellular HCV-LP binding was specifically inhibited by antiviral antibodies from patients with acute or chronic hepatitis C in a dose-dependent manner. Using a library of homologous overlapping envelope peptides covering the entire HCV envelope, we identified an epitope in the N-terminal E2 region (SQKIQLVNTNGSWHI; amino acid positions 408 to 422) as one target of human antiviral antibodies inhibiting cellular particle binding. Using a large panel of serum samples from patients with acute and chronic hepatitis C, we demonstrated that the presence of antibodies with inhibition of binding activity was not associated with viral clearance. In conclusion, antibody-mediated inhibition of cellular HCV-LP binding represents a convenient system for the functional characterization of human anti-HCV antibodies, allowing the mapping of envelope neutralization epitopes targeted by naturally occurring antiviral antibodies.

Diverse hepatitis C virus glycoproteins mediate viral infection in a CD81-dependent manner

We recently reported that retroviral pseudotypes bearing the hepatitis C virus (HCV) strain H and Con1 glycoproteins, genotype 1a and 1b, respectively, require CD81 as a coreceptor for virus-cell entry and infection. Soluble truncated E2 cloned from a number of diverse HCV genotypes fail to interact with CD81, suggesting that viruses of diverse origin may utilize different receptors and display altered cell tropism. We have used the pseudotyping system to study the tropism of viruses bearing diverse HCV glycoproteins. Viruses bearing these glycoproteins showed a 150-fold range in infectivity for hepatoma cells and failed to infect lymphoid cells. The level of glycoprotein incorporation into particles varied considerably between strains, generally reflecting the E2 expression level within transfected cells. However, differences in glycoprotein incorporation were not associated with virus infectivity, suggesting that infectivity is not limited by the absolute level of glycoprotein. All HCV pseudotypes failed to infect HepG2 cells and yet infected the same cells after transduction to express human CD81, confirming the critical role of CD81 in HCV infection. Interestingly, these HCV pseudotypes differed in their ability to infect HepG2 cells expressing a panel of CD81 variants, suggesting subtle differences in the interaction of CD81 residues with diverse viral glycoproteins. Our current model of HCV infection suggests that CD81, together with additional unknown liver specific receptor(s), mediate the virus-cell entry process.