scholarly journals Host-Pathogen Adhesion as the Basis of Innovative Diagnostics for Emerging Pathogens

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1259
Author(s):  
Alex van Belkum ◽  
Carina Almeida ◽  
Benjamin Bardiaux ◽  
Sarah V. Barrass ◽  
Sarah J. Butcher ◽  
...  

Infectious diseases are an existential health threat, potentiated by emerging and re-emerging viruses and increasing bacterial antibiotic resistance. Targeted treatment of infectious diseases requires precision diagnostics, especially in cases where broad-range therapeutics such as antibiotics fail. There is thus an increasing need for new approaches to develop sensitive and specific in vitro diagnostic (IVD) tests. Basic science and translational research are needed to identify key microbial molecules as diagnostic targets, to identify relevant host counterparts, and to use this knowledge in developing or improving IVD. In this regard, an overlooked feature is the capacity of pathogens to adhere specifically to host cells and tissues. The molecular entities relevant for pathogen–surface interaction are the so-called adhesins. Adhesins vary from protein compounds to (poly-)saccharides or lipid structures that interact with eukaryotic host cell matrix molecules and receptors. Such interactions co-define the specificity and sensitivity of a diagnostic test. Currently, adhesin-receptor binding is typically used in the pre-analytical phase of IVD tests, focusing on pathogen enrichment. Further exploration of adhesin–ligand interaction, supported by present high-throughput “omics” technologies, might stimulate a new generation of broadly applicable pathogen detection and characterization tools. This review describes recent results of novel structure-defining technologies allowing for detailed molecular analysis of adhesins, their receptors and complexes. Since the host ligands evolve slowly, the corresponding adhesin interaction is under selective pressure to maintain a constant receptor binding domain. IVD should exploit such conserved binding sites and, in particular, use the human ligand to enrich the pathogen. We provide an inventory of methods based on adhesion factors and pathogen attachment mechanisms, which can also be of relevance to currently emerging pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19.

2021 ◽  
pp. eabd6990
Author(s):  
Sang Il Kim ◽  
Jinsung Noh ◽  
Sujeong Kim ◽  
Younggeun Choi ◽  
Duck Kyun Yoo ◽  
...  

Stereotypic antibody clonotypes exist in healthy individuals and may provide protective immunity against viral infections by neutralization. We observed that 13 out of 17 patients with COVID-19 had stereotypic variable heavy chain (VH) antibody clonotypes directed against the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. These antibody clonotypes were comprised of immunoglobulin heavy variable (IGHV)3-53 or IGHV3-66 and immunoglobulin heavy joining (IGHJ)6 genes. These clonotypes included IgM, IgG3, IgG1, IgA1, IgG2, and IgA2 subtypes and had minimal somatic mutations, which suggested swift class switching after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The different immunoglobulin heavy variable chains were paired with diverse light chains resulting in binding to the RBD of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Human antibodies specific for the RBD can neutralize SARS-CoV-2 by inhibiting entry into host cells. We observed that one of these stereotypic neutralizing antibodies could inhibit viral replication in vitro using a clinical isolate of SARS-CoV-2. We also found that these VH clonotypes existed in six out of 10 healthy individuals, with IgM isotypes predominating. These findings suggest that stereotypic clonotypes can develop de novo from naïve B cells and not from memory B cells established from prior exposure to similar viruses. The expeditious and stereotypic expansion of these clonotypes may have occurred in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 because they were already present.


2001 ◽  
Vol 75 (16) ◽  
pp. 7692-7702 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Hurrelbrink ◽  
Peter C. McMinn

ABSTRACT Molecular determinants of virulence in flaviviruses cluster in two regions on the three-dimensional structure of the envelope (E) protein; the base of domain II, believed to serve as a hinge during pH-dependent conformational change in the endosome, and the lateral face of domain III, which contains an integrin-binding motif Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) in mosquito-borne flaviviruses and is believed to form the receptor-binding site of the protein. In an effort to better understand the nature of attenuation caused by mutations in these two regions, a full-length infectious cDNA clone of Murray Valley encephalitis virus prototype strain 1-51 (MVE-1-51) was employed to produce a panel of site-directed mutants with substitutions at amino acid positions 277 (E-277; hinge region) or 390 (E-390; RGD motif). Viruses with mutations at E-277 (Ser→Ile, Ser→Asn, Ser→Val, and Ser→Pro) showed various levels of in vitro and in vivo attenuation dependent on the level of hydrophobicity of the substituted amino acid. Altered hemagglutination activity observed for these viruses suggests that mutations in the hinge region may indirectly disrupt the receptor-ligand interaction, possibly by causing premature release of the virion from the endosomal membrane prior to fusion. Similarly, viruses with mutations at E-390 (Asp→Asn, Asp→Glu, and Asp→Tyr) were also attenuated in vitro and in vivo; however, the absorption and penetration rates of these viruses were similar to those of wild-type virus. This, coupled with the fact that E-390 mutant viruses were only moderately inhibited by soluble heparin, suggests that RGD-dependent integrin binding is not essential for entry of MVE and that multiple and/or alternate receptors may be involved in cell entry.


mBio ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S. F. Bottom-Tanzer ◽  
K. Rybkina ◽  
J. N. Bell ◽  
C. A. Alabi ◽  
C. Mathieu ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTParamyxoviruses, specifically, the childhood pathogen human parainfluenza virus type 3, are internalized into host cells following fusion between the viral and target cell membranes. The receptor binding protein, hemagglutinin (HA)-neuraminidase (HN), and the fusion protein (F) facilitate viral fusion and entry into the cell through a coordinated process involving HN activation by receptor binding, which triggers conformational changes in the F protein to activate it to reach its fusion-competent state. Interfering with this process through premature activation of the F protein has been shown to be an effective antiviral strategyin vitro.Conformational changes in the F protein leading to adoption of the postfusion form of the protein—prior to receptor engagement of HN at the host cell membrane—render the virus noninfectious. We previously identified a small compound (CSC11) that implements this antiviral strategy through an interaction with HN, causing HN to activate F in an untimely process. To assess the functionality of such compounds, it is necessary to verify that the postfusion state of F has been achieved. As demonstrated by Melero and colleagues, soluble forms of the recombinant postfusion pneumovirus F proteins and of their six helix bundle (6HB) motifs can be used to generate postfusion-specific antibodies. We produced novel anti-HPIV3 F conformation-specific antibodies that can be used to assess the functionality of compounds designed to induce F activation. In this study, using systematic chemical modifications of CSC11, we synthesized a more potent derivative of this compound, CM9. Much like CSC11, CM9 causes premature triggering of the F protein through an interaction with HN prior to receptor engagement, thereby preventing fusion and subsequent infection. In addition to validating the potency of CM9 using plaque reduction, fusion inhibition, and binding avidity assays, we confirmed the transition to a postfusion conformation of F in the presence of CM9 using our novel anti-HPIV3 conformation-specific antibodies. We present both CM9 and these newly characterized postfusion antibodies as novel tools to explore and develop antiviral approaches. In turn, these advances in both our molecular toolset and our understanding of HN-F interaction will support development of more-effective antivirals. Combining the findings described here with our recently described physiologically relevantex vivosystem, we have the potential to inform the development of therapeutics to block viral infection.IMPORTANCEParamyxoviruses, including human parainfluenza virus type 3, are internalized into host cells by fusion between viral and target cell membranes. The receptor binding protein, hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN), and the fusion protein (F) facilitate viral fusion and entry into cells through a process involving HN activation by receptor binding, which triggers conformational changes in F to activate it to reach its fusion-competent state. Interfering with this process through premature activation of the F protein may be an effective antiviral strategyin vitro. We identified and optimized small compounds that implement this antiviral strategy through an interaction with HN, causing HN to activate F in an untimely fashion. To address that mechanism, we produced novel anti-HPIV3 F conformation-specific antibodies that can be used to assess the functionality of compounds designed to induce F activation. Both the novel antiviral compounds that we present and these newly characterized postfusion antibodies are novel tools for the exploration and development of antiviral approaches.


Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1462
Author(s):  
Peter Braun ◽  
Nadja Rupprich ◽  
Diana Neif ◽  
Gregor Grass

Bacteriophage receptor binding proteins (RBPs) are employed by viruses to recognize specific surface structures on bacterial host cells. Recombinant RBPs have been utilized for detection of several pathogens, typically as fusions with reporter enzymes or fluorescent proteins. Identification of Bacillus anthracis, the etiological agent of anthrax, can be difficult because of the bacterium’s close relationship with other species of the Bacillus cereussensu lato group. Here, we facilitated the identification of B. anthracis using two implementations of enzyme-linked phage receptor binding protein assays (ELPRA). We developed a single-tube centrifugation assay simplifying the rapid analysis of suspect colonies. A second assay enables identification of suspect colonies from mixed overgrown solid (agar) media derived from the complex matrix soil. Thus, these tests identified vegetative cells of B. anthracis with little processing time and may support or confirm pathogen detection by molecular methods such as polymerase chain reaction.


Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 2047
Author(s):  
Shuo-Feng Yuan ◽  
Lei Wen ◽  
Kenn Ka-Heng Chik ◽  
Jiang Du ◽  
Zi-Wei Ye ◽  
...  

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) is an emerging tick-borne bunyavirus in Asia that causes severe disease. Despite its clinical importance, treatment options for SFTSV infection remains limited. The SFTSV glycoprotein Gn plays a major role in mediating virus entry into host cells and is therefore a potential antiviral target. In this study, we employed an in silico structure-based strategy to design novel cyclic antiviral peptides that target the SFTSV glycoprotein Gn. Among the cyclic peptides, HKU-P1 potently neutralizes the SFTSV virion. Combinatorial treatment with HKU-P1 and the broad-spectrum viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitor favipiravir exhibited synergistic antiviral effects in vitro. The in silico peptide design platform in this study may facilitate the generation of novel antiviral peptides for other emerging viruses.


Author(s):  
Jitendra Subhash Rane ◽  
Aroni Chatterjee ◽  
Abhijeet Kumar ◽  
Shashikant Ray

<p>Spike glycoprotein found on the surface of SARS-CoV-2 (SARS-CoV-2S) is a class I fusion protein which helps the virus in its initial attachment with human Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and its consecutive fusion with the host cells. The attachment is mediated by the S1 subunit of the protein via its receptor binding domain. Upon binding with the receptor the protein changes its conformation from a pre-fusion to a post-fusion form. The membrane fusion and internalization of the virus is brought about by the S2 domain of the spike protein. From ancient times people have relied on naturally occurring substances like phytochemicals to fight against diseases and infection. Among these phytochemicals, flavonoids and non-flavonoids have been found to be the active source of different anti-microbial agents. Recently, studies have shown that these phytochemicals have essential anti-viral activities. We performed a molecular docking study using 10 potential naturally occurring flavonoids/non-flavonoids against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and compared their affinity with the FDA approved drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). Interestingly, the docking analysis suggested that C-terminal of S1 domain and S2 domain of the spike protein are important for binding with these compounds. Kamferol, curcumin, pterostilbene, and HCQ interact with the C-terminal of S1 domain with binding energies of -7.4, -7.1, -6.7 and -5.6 Kcal/mol, respectively. Fisetin, quercetin, isorhamnetin, genistein, luteolin, resveratrol<b> </b>and apigenin on the other hand, interact with the S2 domain of spike protein with the binding energies of -8.5, -8.5, -8.3, -8.2, -8.2, -7.9, -7.7 Kcal/mol, respectively. Our study suggested that, these flavonoid and non-flavonoid moieties have significantly high binding affinity for the two main important domains of the spike protein which is responsible for the attachment and internalization of the virus in the host cell and their binding affinities are much higher compared to that of HCQ. In addition, ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion) analysis also suggested that these compounds consist of drug likeness property which may help for further explore as anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents. Further, <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> study of these compounds will provide a clear path for the development of novel compounds that would most likely prevent the receptor binding or internalization of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and therefore could be used as drugs for COVID-19 therapy. </p>


Author(s):  
Jitendra Subhash Rane ◽  
Aroni Chatterjee ◽  
Abhijeet Kumar ◽  
Shashikant Ray

<p>Spike glycoprotein found on the surface of SARS-CoV-2 (SARS-CoV-2S) is a class I fusion protein which helps the virus in its initial attachment with human Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and its consecutive fusion with the host cells. The attachment is mediated by the S1 subunit of the protein via its receptor binding domain. Upon binding with the receptor the protein changes its conformation from a pre-fusion to a post-fusion form. The membrane fusion and internalization of the virus is brought about by the S2 domain of the spike protein. From ancient times people have relied on naturally occurring substances like phytochemicals to fight against diseases and infection. Among these phytochemicals, flavonoids and non-flavonoids have been found to be the active source of different anti-microbial agents. Recently, studies have shown that these phytochemicals have essential anti-viral activities. We performed a molecular docking study using 10 potential naturally occurring flavonoids/non-flavonoids against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and compared their affinity with the FDA approved drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). Interestingly, the docking analysis suggested that C-terminal of S1 domain and S2 domain of the spike protein are important for binding with these compounds. Kamferol, curcumin, pterostilbene, and HCQ interact with the C-terminal of S1 domain with binding energies of -7.4, -7.1, -6.7 and -5.6 Kcal/mol, respectively. Fisetin, quercetin, isorhamnetin, genistein, luteolin, resveratrol<b> </b>and apigenin on the other hand, interact with the S2 domain of spike protein with the binding energies of -8.5, -8.5, -8.3, -8.2, -8.2, -7.9, -7.7 Kcal/mol, respectively. Our study suggested that, these flavonoid and non-flavonoid moieties have significantly high binding affinity for the two main important domains of the spike protein which is responsible for the attachment and internalization of the virus in the host cell and their binding affinities are much higher compared to that of HCQ. In addition, ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion) analysis also suggested that these compounds consist of drug likeness property which may help for further explore as anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents. Further, <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> study of these compounds will provide a clear path for the development of novel compounds that would most likely prevent the receptor binding or internalization of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and therefore could be used as drugs for COVID-19 therapy. </p>


Author(s):  
Mujahed I. Mustafa ◽  
Abdelrafie M. Makhawi

Infectious diseases are one of the most intimidating threats to human race, responsible for an immense burden of disabilities and deaths. Rapid diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases is a better understanding of its pathogenesis. According to WHO, the ideal approach for detecting foreign pathogens should be rapid, specific, sensitive, instrument-free and cost-effective. Nucleic acid pathogen detection methods, typically PCR have numerous limitations, such as highly sophisticated equipments, reagents, and trained personnel rely on well-established laboratories beside time-consuming. Thus, there is a crucial need to develop novel nucleic acid detection tools with rapid, specific, sensitive, and cost-effective, particularly ones that can be used for versatile point-of-care diagnostic applications. Two new methods exploit on unpredicted in vitro properties CRISPR-Cas effectors, turning activated nucleases into basic amplifiers of a specific nucleic-acid binding event. These effectors are attached with a diversity of reporters and utilized in tandem with present of isothermal amplification approaches to create sensitive identification in multiple field deployable formats. Although still in their beginning, yet SHERLOCK and DETECTR technologies are potential methods for rapid detection and identification of infectious disease, with ultra-sensitive tests that don't require a lot of complicated processing. This review described SHERLOCK and DETECTR technologies beside their properties, functions, and perspectives to become the ultimate diagnostic tools for diagnosing infectious diseases and curbing disease outbreaks.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abigael Chaouat ◽  
Hagit Achdout ◽  
Inbal Kol ◽  
Orit Berhani ◽  
Gil Roi ◽  
...  

AbstractSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, causing health and economic problems. Currently, as dangerous mutations emerge there is an increased demand for specific treatments for SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. The spike glycoprotein on the virus membrane binds to the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor on host cells through its receptor binding domain (RBD) to mediate virus entry. Thus, blocking this interaction may inhibit viral entry and consequently stop infection. Here, we generated fusion proteins composed of the extracellular portions of ACE2 and RBD fused to the Fc portion of human IgG1 (ACE2-Ig and RBD-Ig, respectively). We demonstrate that ACE2-Ig is enzymatically active and that it can be recognized by the SARS-CoV-2 RBD, independently of its enzymatic activity. We further show that RBD-Ig efficiently inhibits in vitro and in vivo SARS-CoV-2 infection, better than ACE2-Ig. Mechanistically we show that anti-spike antibodies generation, ACE2 enzymatic activity and ACE2 surface expression were not affected by RBD-Ig. Finally, we show that RBD-Ig is more efficient than ACE2-Ig at neutralizing high virus concentration infection. We thus propose that RBD-Ig physically blocks virus infection by binding to ACE2 and that RBD-Ig should be used for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients.Author SummarySARS-CoV-2 infection caused serious socio-economic and health problems around the globe. As dangerous mutations emerge, there is an increased demand for specific treatments for SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. SARS-CoV-2 infection starts via binding of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD) to its receptor, ACE2, on host cells. To intercept this binding, we generated Ig-fusion proteins. ACE2-Ig was generated to possibly block RBD by binding to it and RBD-Ig to block ACE2. We indeed showed that the fusion proteins bind to their respective target. We found that it is more efficient to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection by blocking ACE2 receptor with RBD-Ig. We also showed that RBD-Ig does not interfere with ACE2 activity or surface expression. Importantly, as our treatment does not target the virus directly, it may be efficient against any emerging variant. We propose here that RBD-Ig physically blocks virus infection by binding to ACE2 and thus it may be used for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients.


Author(s):  
О.В. Шамова ◽  
М.С. Жаркова ◽  
П.М. Копейкин ◽  
Д.С. Орлов ◽  
Е.А. Корнева

Антимикробные пептиды (АМП) системы врожденного иммунитета - соединения, играющие важную роль в патогенезе инфекционных заболеваний, так как обладают свойством инактивировать широкий спектр патогенных бактерий, обеспечивая противомикробную защиту живых организмов. В настоящее время АМП рассматриваются как потенциальные соединения-корректоры инфекционной патологии, вызываемой антибиотикорезистентными бактериями (АБР). Цель данной работы состояла в изученим механизмов антибактериального действия трех пептидов, принадлежащих к семейству бактенецинов - ChBac3.4, ChBac5 и mini-ChBac7.5Nb. Эти химически синтезированные пептиды являются аналогами природных пролин-богатых АМП, обнаруженных в лейкоцитах домашней козы Capra hircus и проявляющих высокую антимикробную активность, в том числе и в отношении грамотрицательных АБР. Методы. Минимальные ингибирующие и минимальные бактерицидные концентрации пептидов (МИК и МБК) определяли методом серийных разведений в жидкой питательной среде с последующим высевом на плотную питательную среду. Эффекты пептидов на проницаемость цитоплазматической мембраны бактерий для хромогенного маркера исследовали с использованием генетически модифицированного штамма Escherichia coli ML35p. Действие бактенецинов на метаболическую активность бактерий изучали с применением маркера резазурина. Результаты. Показано, что все исследованные пептиды проявляют высокую антимикробную активность в отношении Escherichia coli ML35p и антибиотикоустойчивых штаммов Escherichia coli ESBL и Acinetobacter baumannii in vitro, но их действие на бактериальные клетки разное. Использован комплекс методик, позволяющих наблюдать в режиме реального времени динамику действия бактенецинов в различных концентрациях (включая их МИК и МБК) на барьерную функцию цитоплазматической мембраны и на интенсивность метаболизма бактериальных клеток, что дало возможность выявить различия в характере воздействия бактенецинов, отличающихся по структуре молекулы, на исследуемые микроорганизмы. Установлено, что действие каждого из трех исследованных бактенецинов в бактерицидных концентрациях отличается по эффективности нарушения целостности бактериальных мембран и в скорости подавления метаболизма клеток. Заключение. Полученная информация дополнит существующие фундаментальные представления о механизмах действия пролин-богатых пептидов врожденного иммунитета, а также послужит основой для биотехнологических исследований, направленных на разработку на базе этих соединений новых антибиотических препаратов для коррекции инфекционных заболеваний, вызываемых АБР и являющимися причинами тяжелых внутрибольничных инфекций. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) of the innate immunity are compounds that play an important role in pathogenesis of infectious diseases due to their ability to inactivate a broad array of pathogenic bacteria, thereby providing anti-microbial host defense. AMPs are currently considered promising compounds for treatment of infectious diseases caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The aim of this study was to investigate molecular mechanisms of the antibacterial action of three peptides from the bactenecin family, ChBac3.4, ChBac5, and mini-ChBac7.5Nb. These chemically synthesized peptides are analogues of natural proline-rich AMPs previously discovered by the authors of the present study in leukocytes of the domestic goat, Capra hircus. These peptides exhibit a high antimicrobial activity, in particular, against antibiotic-resistant gram-negative bacteria. Methods. Minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentrations of the peptides (MIC and MBC) were determined using the broth microdilution assay followed by subculturing on agar plates. Effects of the AMPs on bacterial cytoplasmic membrane permeability for a chromogenic marker were explored using a genetically modified strain, Escherichia coli ML35p. The effect of bactenecins on bacterial metabolic activity was studied using a resazurin marker. Results. All the studied peptides showed a high in vitro antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli ML35p and antibiotic-resistant strains, Escherichia coli ESBL and Acinetobacter baumannii, but differed in features of their action on bacterial cells. The used combination of techniques allowed the real-time monitoring of effects of bactenecin at different concentrations (including their MIC and MBC) on the cell membrane barrier function and metabolic activity of bacteria. The differences in effects of these three structurally different bactenecins on the studied microorganisms implied that these peptides at bactericidal concentrations differed in their capability for disintegrating bacterial cell membranes and rate of inhibiting bacterial metabolism. Conclusion. The obtained information will supplement the existing basic concepts on mechanisms involved in effects of proline-rich peptides of the innate immunity. This information will also stimulate biotechnological research aimed at development of new antibiotics for treatment of infectious diseases, such as severe in-hospital infections, caused by antibiotic-resistant strains.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document