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Opuni KFM, Ruß M, Geens R, Vocht LD, Wielendaele PV, Debuy C, Sterckx YGJ, Glocker MO. Mass spectrometry-complemented molecular modeling predicts the interaction interface for a camelid single-domain antibody targeting the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein's C-terminal domain. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:3300-3314. [PMID: 39296809 PMCID: PMC11409006 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Bioanalytical methods that enable rapid and high-detail characterization of binding specificities and strengths of protein complexes with low sample consumption are highly desired. The interaction between a camelid single domain antibody (sdAbCSP1) and its target antigen (PfCSP-Cext) was selected as a model system to provide proof-of-principle for the here described methodology. Research design and methods The structure of the sdAbCSP1 - PfCSP-Cext complex was modeled using AlphaFold2. The recombinantly expressed proteins, sdAbCSP1, PfCSP-Cext, and the sdAbCSP1 - PfCSP-Cext complex, were subjected to limited proteolysis and mass spectrometric peptide analysis. ITEM MS (Intact Transition Epitope Mapping Mass Spectrometry) and ITC (Isothermal Titration Calorimetry) were applied to determine stoichiometry and binding strength. Results The paratope of sdAbCSP1 mainly consists of its CDR3 (aa100-118). PfCSP-Cext's epitope is assembled from its α-helix (aa40-52) and opposing loop (aa83-90). PfCSP-Cext's GluC cleavage sites E46 and E58 were shielded by complex formation, confirming the predicted epitope. Likewise, sdAbCSP1's tryptic cleavage sites R105 and R108 were shielded by complex formation, confirming the predicted paratope. ITEM MS determined the 1:1 stoichiometry and the high complex binding strength, exemplified by the gas phase dissociation reaction enthalpy of 50.2 kJ/mol. The in-solution complex dissociation constant is 5 × 10-10 M. Conclusions Combining AlphaFold2 modeling with mass spectrometry/limited proteolysis generated a trustworthy model for the sdAbCSP1 - PfCSP-Cext complex interaction interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwabena F M Opuni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Science, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG43, Legon, Ghana
| | - Manuela Ruß
- Proteome Center Rostock, University Medicine Rostock and University of Rostock, Schillingallee 69, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Rob Geens
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical, and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Wilrijk, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Line De Vocht
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical, and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Wilrijk, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Pieter Van Wielendaele
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical, and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Wilrijk, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Christophe Debuy
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical, and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Wilrijk, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Yann G-J Sterckx
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical, and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Wilrijk, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Michael O Glocker
- Proteome Center Rostock, University Medicine Rostock and University of Rostock, Schillingallee 69, 18057 Rostock, Germany
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Hoffman T, Kolstad L, Akaberi D, Järhult JD, Rönnberg B, Lundkvist Å. Reduced Binding between Omicron B.1.1.529 and the Human ACE2 Receptor in a Surrogate Virus Neutralization Test for SARS-CoV-2. Viruses 2023; 15:1280. [PMID: 37376580 DOI: 10.3390/v15061280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The current gold standard assay for detecting neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the conventional virus neutralization test (cVNT), which requires infectious virus and a biosafety level 3 laboratory. Here, we report the development of a SARS-CoV-2 surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT) that, with Luminex technology, detects NAbs. The assay was designed to mimic the virus-host interaction and is based on antibody blockage between the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) receptor and the spike (S) protein of the Wuhan, Delta, and Omicron (B.1.1.529) variants of SARS-CoV-2. The sVNT proved to have a 100% correlation with a SARS-CoV-2 cVNT regarding qualitative results. Binding between the hACE2 receptor and the S1 domain of the B.1.1.529 lineage of the Omicron variant was not observed in the assay but between the receptor and an S1 + S2 trimer and the receptor binding domain (RBD) in a reduced manner, suggesting less efficient receptor binding for the B.1.1.529 Omicron variant. The results indicate that the SARS-CoV-2 sVNT is a suitable tool for both the research community and the public health service, as it may serve as an efficient diagnostic alternative to the cVNT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tove Hoffman
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Zoonosis Science Center (ZSC), Uppsala University, 752 37 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Linda Kolstad
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Zoonosis Science Center (ZSC), Uppsala University, 752 37 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Dario Akaberi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Zoonosis Science Center (ZSC), Uppsala University, 752 37 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Josef D Järhult
- Department of Medical Sciences, Zoonosis Science Center (ZSC), Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Bengt Rönnberg
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Zoonosis Science Center (ZSC), Uppsala University, 752 37 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Åke Lundkvist
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Zoonosis Science Center (ZSC), Uppsala University, 752 37 Uppsala, Sweden
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Ma R, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Li X, Ji Z. The Relationship between the Transmission of Different SARS-CoV-2 Strains and Air Quality: A Case Study in China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20031943. [PMID: 36767307 PMCID: PMC9916065 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been a global public health concern for almost three years, and the transmission characteristics vary among different virus variants. Previous studies have investigated the relationship between air pollutants and COVID-19 infection caused by the original strain of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, it is unclear whether individuals might be more susceptible to COVID-19 due to exposure to air pollutants, with the SARS-CoV-2 mutating faster and faster. This study aimed to explore the relationship between air pollutants and COVID-19 infection caused by three major SARS-CoV-2 strains (the original strain, Delta variant, and Omicron variant) in China. A generalized additive model was applied to investigate the associations of COVID-19 infection with six air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, CO, NO2, and O3). A positive correlation might be indicated between air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, and NO2) and confirmed cases of COVID-19 caused by different SARS-CoV-2 strains. It also suggested that the mutant variants appear to be more closely associated with air pollutants than the original strain. This study could provide valuable insight into control strategies that limit the concentration of air pollutants at lower levels and would better control the spread of COVID-19 even as the virus continues to mutate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqing Ma
- School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
- International Joint Research Centre of Shaanxi Province for Pollutants Exposure and Eco-Environmental Health, Xi’an 710119, China
| | - Yeyue Zhang
- School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
- International Joint Research Centre of Shaanxi Province for Pollutants Exposure and Eco-Environmental Health, Xi’an 710119, China
| | - Yini Zhang
- School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
- International Joint Research Centre of Shaanxi Province for Pollutants Exposure and Eco-Environmental Health, Xi’an 710119, China
| | - Xi Li
- School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
- International Joint Research Centre of Shaanxi Province for Pollutants Exposure and Eco-Environmental Health, Xi’an 710119, China
| | - Zheng Ji
- School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
- International Joint Research Centre of Shaanxi Province for Pollutants Exposure and Eco-Environmental Health, Xi’an 710119, China
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Intact Transition Epitope Mapping-Force Differences between Original and Unusual Residues (ITEM-FOUR). Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13010187. [PMID: 36671572 PMCID: PMC9856199 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-based point-of-care diagnostics have become indispensable for modern medicine. In-depth analysis of antibody recognition mechanisms is the key to tailoring the accuracy and precision of test results, which themselves are crucial for targeted and personalized therapy. A rapid and robust method is desired by which binding strengths between antigens and antibodies of concern can be fine-mapped with amino acid residue resolution to examine the assumedly serious effects of single amino acid polymorphisms on insufficiencies of antibody-based detection capabilities of, e.g., life-threatening conditions such as myocardial infarction. The experimental ITEM-FOUR approach makes use of modern mass spectrometry instrumentation to investigate intact immune complexes in the gas phase. ITEM-FOUR together with molecular dynamics simulations, enables the determination of the influences of individually exchanged amino acid residues within a defined epitope on an immune complex's binding strength. Wild-type and mutated epitope peptides were ranked according to their experimentally determined dissociation enthalpies relative to each other, thereby revealing which single amino acid polymorphism caused weakened, impaired, and even abolished antibody binding. Investigating a diagnostically relevant human cardiac Troponin I epitope for which seven nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms are known to exist in the human population tackles a medically relevant but hitherto unsolved problem of current antibody-based point-of-care diagnostics.
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Barh D, Tiwari S, Rodrigues Gomes LG, Ramalho Pinto CH, Andrade BS, Ahmad S, Aljabali AAA, Alzahrani KJ, Banjer HJ, Hassan SS, Redwan EM, Raza K, Góes-Neto A, Sabino-Silva R, Lundstrom K, Uversky VN, Azevedo V, Tambuwala MM. SARS-CoV-2 Variants Show a Gradual Declining Pathogenicity and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Stimulation, an Increasing Antigenic and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokine Induction, and Rising Structural Protein Instability: A Minimal Number Genome-Based Approach. Inflammation 2023; 46:297-312. [PMID: 36215001 PMCID: PMC9549046 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-022-01734-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Hyper-transmissibility with decreased disease severity is a typical characteristic of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. To understand this phenomenon, we used various bioinformatics approaches to analyze randomly selected genome sequences (one each) of the Gamma, Delta, and Omicron variants submitted to NCBI from December 15 to 31, 2021. We report that the pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 variants decreases in the order of Wuhan > Gamma > Delta > Omicron; however, the antigenic property follows the order of Omicron > Gamma > Wuhan > Delta. The Omicron spike RBD shows lower pathogenicity but higher antigenicity than other variants. The reported decreased disease severity by the Omicron variant may be due to its decreased pro-inflammatory and IL-6 stimulation and increased IFN-γ and IL-4 induction efficacy. The mutations in the N protein are probably associated with this decreased IL-6 induction and human DDX21-mediated increased IL-4 production for Omicron. Due to the mutations, the stability of S, M, N, and E proteins decreases in the order of Omicron > Gamma > Delta > Wuhan. Although a stronger spike RBD-hACE2 binding of Omicron increases its transmissibility, the lowest stability of its spike protein makes spike RBD-hACE2 interaction weak for systemic infection and for causing severe disease. Finally, the highest instability of the Omicron E protein may also be associated with decreased viral maturation and low viral load, leading to less severe disease and faster recovery. Our findings will contribute to the understanding of the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 variants and the management of emerging variants. This minimal genome-based method may be used for other similar viruses avoiding robust analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debmalya Barh
- Centre for Genomics and Applied Gene Technology, Institute of Integrative Omics and Applied Biotechnology (IIOAB), Nonakuri, West Bengal, 721172, Purba Medinipur, India. .,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Genetics (LGCM) and PG Program in Bioinformatics, Department of Genetics, Ecology and Evolution, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, CEP, 31270-901, Brazil.
| | - Sandeep Tiwari
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Genetics (LGCM) and PG Program in Bioinformatics, Department of Genetics, Ecology and Evolution, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, CEP 31270-901 Brazil
| | - Lucas Gabriel Rodrigues Gomes
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Genetics (LGCM) and PG Program in Bioinformatics, Department of Genetics, Ecology and Evolution, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, CEP 31270-901 Brazil
| | - Cecília Horta Ramalho Pinto
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901 Brazil
| | - Bruno Silva Andrade
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Computational Chemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, State University of Southwest Bahia (UESB), Jequié, 45206-190 Brazil
| | - Shaban Ahmad
- Department of Computer Science, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025 India
| | - Alaa A. A. Aljabali
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, P O BOX 566, Irbid, 21163 Jordan
| | - Khalid J. Alzahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratories Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif, 21944 Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamsa Jameel Banjer
- Department of Clinical Laboratories Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif, 21944 Saudi Arabia
| | - Sk. Sarif Hassan
- Department of Mathematics, Pingla Thana Mahavidyalaya, Maligram, 721140 India
| | - Elrashdy M. Redwan
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, King Abdulazizi University, Jeddah, 21589 Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Raza
- Department of Computer Science, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025 India
| | - Aristóteles Góes-Neto
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Genetics (LGCM) and PG Program in Bioinformatics, Department of Genetics, Ecology and Evolution, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, CEP 31270-901 Brazil
| | - Robinson Sabino-Silva
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, Uberlandia, CEP 38400-902 Brazil
| | | | - Vladimir N. Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612 USA
| | - Vasco Azevedo
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Genetics (LGCM) and PG Program in Bioinformatics, Department of Genetics, Ecology and Evolution, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, CEP 31270-901 Brazil
| | - Murtaza M. Tambuwala
- Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool Campus, Lincoln, LN6 7TS UK
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Dhawan M, Saied AA, Mitra S, Alhumaydhi FA, Emran TB, Wilairatana P. Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) and its sublineages: What do we know so far amid the emergence of recombinant variants of SARS-CoV-2? Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 154:113522. [PMID: 36030585 PMCID: PMC9376347 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous variants of SARS-CoV-2 have been reported worldwide. The advent of variants of concern (VOCs) raises severe concerns amid the serious containment efforts against COVID-19 that include physical measures, pharmacological repurposing, immunization, and genomic/community surveillance. Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) has been identified as a highly modified, contagious, and crucial variant among the five VOCs of SARS-CoV-2. The increased affinity of the spike protein (S-protein), and host receptor, angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2), due to a higher number of mutations in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the S-protein has been proposed as the primary reason for the decreased efficacy of majorly available vaccines against the Omicron variant and the increased transmissible nature of the Omicron variant. Because of its significant competitive advantage, the Omicron variant and its sublineages swiftly surpassed other variants to become the dominant circulating lineages in a number of nations. The Omicron variant has been identified as a prevalent strain in the United Kingdom and South Africa. Furthermore, the emergence of recombinant variants through the conjunction of the Omicron variant with other variants or by the mixing of the Omicron variant's sublineages/subvariants poses a major threat to humanity. This raises various issues and hazards regarding the Omicron variant and its sublineages, such as an Omicron variant breakout in susceptible populations among fully vaccinated persons. As a result, understanding the features and genetic implications of this variant is crucial. Hence, we explained in depth the evolution and features of the Omicron variant and analyzed the repercussions of spike mutations on infectiousness, dissemination ability, viral entry mechanism, and immune evasion. We also presented a viewpoint on feasible strategies for precluding and counteracting any future catastrophic emergence and spread of the omicron variant and its sublineages that could result in a detrimental wave of COVID-19 cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Dhawan
- Department of Microbiology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana 141004, Punjab, India; Trafford College, Altrincham, Manchester WA14 5PQ, UK.
| | - AbdulRahman A Saied
- National Food Safety Authority (NFSA), Aswan Branch, Aswan 81511, Egypt; Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Aswan Office, Aswan 81511, Egypt
| | - Saikat Mitra
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Fahad A Alhumaydhi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah 52571, Saudi Arabia
| | - Talha Bin Emran
- Department of Pharmacy, BGC Trust University Bangladesh, Chittagong 4381, Bangladesh; Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh.
| | - Polrat Wilairatana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
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