scholarly journals The Optimal Concentration of Formaldehyde is Key to Stabilizing the Pre-Fusion Conformation of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Fusion Protein

Viruses ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 628 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Zhang ◽  
Lu-Jing Zhang ◽  
Lu-Ting Zhan ◽  
Min Zhao ◽  
Guang-Hua Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Fusion Protein ◽  
Neutralizing Antibody ◽  
Neutralization Assay ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Optimal Concentration ◽  
F Protein ◽  
Rsv Infection ◽  
Antibody Titers ◽  
Syncytial Virus

Background: To date, there is no licensed vaccine available to prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. The valuable pre-fusion conformation of the fusion protein (pre-F) is prone to lose high neutralizing antigenic sites. The goals of this study were to stabilize pre-F protein by fixatives and try to find the possibility of developing an inactivated RSV vaccine. Methods: The screen of the optimal fixative condition was performed with flow cytometry. BALB/c mice were immunized intramuscularly with different immunogens. The serum neutralizing antibody titers of immunized mice were determined by neutralization assay. The protection and safety of these immunogens were assessed. Results: Fixation in an optimal concentration of formaldehyde (0.0244%–0.0977%) or paraformaldehyde (0.0625%–1%) was able to stabilize pre-F. Additionally, BALB/c mice inoculated with optimally stabilized pre-F protein (opti-fixed) induced a higher anti-RSV neutralization (9.7 log2, mean value of dilution rate) than those inoculated with unstable (unfixed, 8.91 log2, p < 0.01) or excessively fixed (exce-fixed, 7.28 log2, p < 0.01) pre-F protein. Furthermore, the opti-fixed immunogen did not induce enhanced RSV disease. Conclusions: Only the proper concentration of fixatives could stabilize pre-F and the optimal formaldehyde condition provides a potential reference for development of an inactivated RSV vaccine.

scholarly journals Characterization of Pre-F-GCN4t, a Modified Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Fusion Protein Stabilized in a Noncleaved Prefusion Conformation

2017 ◽  
Vol 91 (13) ◽  
Author(s):  
Normand Blais ◽  
Martin Gagné ◽  
Yoshitomo Hamuro ◽  
Patrick Rheault ◽  
Martine Boyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Antibody Response ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Neutralizing Antibody ◽  
Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Vaccine Antigen ◽  
Significant Advance ◽  
F Protein ◽  
Syncytial Virus

ABSTRACT The human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) fusion (F) protein is considered a major target of the neutralizing antibody response to hRSV. This glycoprotein undergoes a major structural shift from the prefusion (pre-F) to the postfusion (post-F) state at the time of virus-host cell membrane fusion. Recent evidences suggest that the pre-F state is a superior target for neutralizing antibodies compared to the post-F state. Therefore, for vaccine purposes, we have designed and characterized a recombinant hRSV F protein, called Pre-F-GCN4t, stabilized in a pre-F conformation. To show that Pre-F-GCN4t does not switch to a post-F conformation, it was compared with a recombinant post-F molecule, called Post-F-XC. Pre-F-GCN4t was glycosylated and trimeric and displayed a conformational stability different from that of Post-F-XC, as shown by chemical denaturation. Electron microscopy analysis suggested that Pre-F-GCN4t adopts a lollipop-like structure. In contrast, Post-F-XC had a typical elongated conical shape. Hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry demonstrated that the two molecules had common rigid folding core and dynamic regions and provided structural insight for their biophysical and biochemical properties and reactivity. Pre-F-GCN4t was shown to deplete hRSV-neutralizing antibodies from human serum more efficiently than Post-F-XC. Importantly, Pre-F-GCN4t was also shown to bind D25, a highly potent monoclonal antibody specific for the pre-F conformation. In conclusion, this construct presents several pre-F characteristics, does not switch to the post-F conformation, and presents antigenic features required for a protective neutralizing antibody response. Therefore, Pre-F-GCN4t can be considered a promising candidate vaccine antigen. IMPORTANCE Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a global leading cause of infant mortality and adult morbidity. The development of a safe and efficacious RSV vaccine remains an important goal. The RSV class I fusion (F) glycoprotein is considered one of the most promising vaccine candidates, and recent evidences suggest that the prefusion (pre-F) state is a superior target for neutralizing antibodies. Our study presents the physicochemical characterization of Pre-F-GCN4t, a molecule designed to be stabilized in the pre-F conformation. To confirm its pre-F conformation, Pre-F-GCN4t was analyzed in parallel with Post-F-XC, a molecule in the post-F conformation. Our results show that Pre-F-GCN4t presents characteristics of a stabilized pre-F conformation and support its use as an RSV vaccine antigen. Such an antigen may represent a significant advance in the development of an RSV vaccine.

scholarly journals Evolution of protection after maternal immunization for respiratory syncytial virus in cotton rats

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge C.G. Blanco ◽  
Lori McGinnes-Cullen ◽  
Arash Kamali ◽  
Fatoumata Sylla ◽  
Marina Boukhavalova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Neutralizing Antibody ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Cotton Rat ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Boost Immunization ◽  
Cotton Rats ◽  
Antibody Titers ◽  
Syncytial Virus ◽  
Efficient Transfer

Maternal anti-respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antibodies acquired by the fetus through the placenta protect neonates from RSV disease through the first weeks of life.  In the cotton rat model of RSV infections, we previously reported that immunization of dams during pregnancy with virus-like particles assembled with mutation stabilized pre-fusion F protein as well as the wild type G protein resulted in robust protection of their offspring from RSV challenge (Blanco, et al Journal of Virology 93: e00914-19, https://doi.org/10.1128/JVI.00914-19).  Here we describe the durability of those protective responses in dams, the durability of protection in offspring, and the transfer of that protection to offspring of two consecutive pregnancies without a second boost immunization.  We report that four weeks after birth, offspring of the first pregnancy were significantly protected from RSV replication in both lungs and nasal tissues after RSV challenge, but protection was reduced in pups at 6 weeks after birth.   However, the overall protection of offspring of the second pregnancy was considerably reduced, even at four weeks of age.  This drop in protection occurred even though the levels of total anti-pre-F IgG and neutralizing antibody titers in dams remained at similar, high levels before and after the second pregnancy.  The results are consistent with an evolution of antibody properties in dams to populations less efficiently transferred to offspring or the less efficient transfer of antibodies in elderly dams.

scholarly journals 2855. Respiratory Syncytial Virus Neutralizing Antibodies in Cord Blood and Serum from Infants up to 2 Years of Age in a Multinational Prospective Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S74-S75
Author(s):  
Joseph B Domachowske ◽  
Veronique Bianco ◽  
Ana Ceballos ◽  
Luis Cousin ◽  
Ulises D’Andrea ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Cord Blood ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Neutralizing Antibody ◽  
Neutralization Assay ◽  
Entire Cohort ◽  
Syncytial Virus ◽  
Tract Infections

Abstract Background Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) during infancy worldwide. High cord blood (CB) concentrations of anti-RSV neutralizing antibody (nAb) may attenuate, delay, or prevent infant infection. We report RSV A and B nAb concentrations in CB and serum from a birth cohort at different time points through 2 years of age. Methods Between 2013 and 2017, newborns from 8 countries were studied prospectively from birth to 2 years of age (NCT01995175). CB was collected at birth for the entire cohort. A subcohort of children was randomly assigned to have one blood sample collected again at either 2, 4, 6, 12, 18, or 24 months of age. Sera were analyzed for RSV A and B nAb concentrations by serum neutralization assay. Active surveillance was used to identify LRTIs during the 2-year follow-up as previously reported. Results In total, 2,401 newborns were enrolled and followed up. >99% of infants had detectable CB RSV A and B nAb. Geometric mean antibody titers (GMTs) varied by country, but were overall higher for RSV B than for RSV A (327 vs. 251; Figure 1). The lowest GMTs were seen from CB sera collected from South African newborns (197 RSV A, 255 RSV B); Canadian newborns had the highest RSV A GMT (383), while Hondurans had the highest RSV B GMT (460). 1380 infants provided follow-up serum nAb results as part of the subcohort (Figure 2). Dramatic waning of GMTs was evident, with a ~3-fold drop in GMTs at 2 months of age, and an additional ~2-fold drop between 2 and 4 months of age. At 6 and 12 months of age, 71% and 50% of infants had RSV A nAb and GMTs were at a nadir of 14. At 6, 12, and 18 months of age, RSV B nAb was detected in 98%, 69%, and 63% of infants, respectively. The RSV B nAb nadir GMT of 20 was observed at 12 months of age, while the 6- and 18-month RSV B nAb GMTs were 30 and 31, respectively. A total of 1,017 LRTIs were identified during the 2-year study period; of which, 94 (9%) were caused by RSV A and 132 (13%) by RSV B. Associations between CB nAb levels and RSV infection will be presented. Conclusion Neutralizing Ab to RSV A and B was present at birth in infants from 8 countries, and waned over time. GMTs were at a nadir at 6 to 12 months of age. Funding. GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA. Disclosures All Authors: No reported Disclosures.

scholarly journals CD4+T Cells Drive Lung Disease Enhancement Induced by Immunization with Suboptimal Doses of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Fusion Protein in the Mouse Model

2019 ◽  
Vol 93 (15) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsten Schneider-Ohrum ◽  
Angie Snell Bennett ◽  
Gaurav Manohar Rajani ◽  
Leigh Hostetler ◽  
Sean K. Maynard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Mouse Model ◽  
Fusion Protein ◽  
Lung Disease ◽  
Rat Model ◽  
Preclinical Models ◽  
Cotton Rat ◽  
Rsv Infection ◽  
Syncytial Virus

ABSTRACTRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection of seronegative children previously immunized with formalin-inactivated (FI) RSV has been associated with serious enhanced respiratory disease (ERD). The phenomenon was reproduced in the cotton rat and the mouse, and both preclinical models have been routinely used to evaluate the safety of new RSV vaccine candidates. More recently, we demonstrated that immunizations with suboptimal doses of the RSV fusion (F) antigen, in its post- or prefusion conformation, and in the presence of a Th1-biasing adjuvant, unexpectedly led to ERD in the cotton rat model. To assess if those observations are specific to the cotton rat and to elucidate the mechanism by which vaccination with low antigen doses can drive ERD post-RSV challenge, we evaluated RSV post-F antigen dose de-escalation in BALB/c mice in the presence of a Th1-biasing adjuvant. While decreasing antigen doses, we observed an increase in lung inflammation associated with an upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines. The amplitude of the lung histopathology was comparable to that of FI-RSV-induced ERD, confirming the observations made in the cotton rat. Importantly, depletion of CD4+T cells prior to viral challenge completely abrogated ERD, preventing proinflammatory cytokine upregulation and the infiltration of T cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, and macrophages into the lung. Overall, low-antigen-dose-induced ERD resembles FI-RSV-induced ERD, except that the former appears in the absence of detectable levels of viral replication and in the context of a Th1-biased immune response. Taken together, our observations reinforce the recent concept that vaccines developed for RSV-naïve individuals should be systematically tested under suboptimal dosing conditions.IMPORTANCERSV poses a significant health care burden and is the leading cause of serious lower-respiratory-tract infections in young children. A formalin-inactivated RSV vaccine developed in the 1960s not only showed a complete lack of efficacy against RSV infection but also induced severe lung disease enhancement in vaccinated children. Since then, establishing safety in preclinical models has been one of the major challenges to RSV vaccine development. We recently observed in the cotton rat model that suboptimal immunizations with RSV fusion protein could induce lung disease enhancement. In the present study, we extended suboptimal dosing evaluation to the mouse model. We confirmed the induction of lung disease enhancement by vaccinations with low antigen doses and dissected the associated immune mechanisms. Our results stress the need to evaluate suboptimal dosing for any new RSV vaccine candidate developed for seronegative infants.

scholarly journals Characterization of the epitope for anti-human respiratory syncytial virus F protein monoclonal antibody 101F using synthetic peptides and genetic approaches

2007 ◽  
Vol 88 (10) ◽  
pp. 2719-2723 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheng-Jiun Wu ◽  
Albert Schmidt ◽  
Eric J. Beil ◽  
Nicole D. Day ◽  
Patrick J. Branigan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Antigenic Site ◽  
Neutralizing Antibody ◽  
Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Peptide Sequence ◽  
F Protein ◽  
Syncytial Virus ◽  
A Minor ◽  
Key Residues

Chimeric 101F (ch101F) is a mouse–human chimeric anti-human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) neutralizing antibody that recognizes residues within antigenic site IV, V, VI of the fusion (F) glycoprotein. The binding of ch101F to a series of peptides overlapping aa 422–438 spanning antigenic site IV, V, VI was analysed. Residues 423–436 comprise the minimal peptide sequence for ch101F binding. Substitution analysis revealed that R429 and K433 are critical for ch101F binding, whilst K427 makes a minor contribution. Binding of ch101F to a series of single mutations at positions 427, 429 and 433 in the F protein expressed recombinantly on the cell surface confirmed the peptide results. Sequence analysis of viruses selected for resistance to neutralization by ch101F indicated that a single change (K433T) in the F protein allowed ch101F escape. The results confirm that ch101F and palivizumab have different epitope specificity and define key residues for ch101F recognition.

scholarly journals Detailed Evolutionary Analyses of the F Gene in the Respiratory Syncytial Virus Subgroup A

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 2525
Author(s):  
Mariko Saito ◽  
Hiroyuki Tsukagoshi ◽  
Mitsuru Sada ◽  
Soyoka Sunagawa ◽  
Tatsuya Shirai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Binding Sites ◽  
3D Structure ◽  
Neutralizing Antibody ◽  
Antibody Binding ◽  
Phylogenetic Distance ◽  
F Protein ◽  
F Gene ◽  
Conformational Epitopes ◽  
Syncytial Virus

We performed evolution, phylodynamics, and reinfection-related antigenicity analyses of respiratory syncytial virus subgroup A (RSV-A) fusion (F) gene in globally collected strains (1465 strains) using authentic bioinformatics methods. The time-scaled evolutionary tree using the Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo method estimated that a common ancestor of the RSV-A, RSV-B, and bovine-RSV diverged at around 450 years ago, and RSV-A and RSV-B diverged around 250 years ago. Finally, the RSV-A F gene formed eight genotypes (GA1‑GA7 and NA1) over the last 80 years. Phylodynamics of RSV-A F gene, including all genotype strains, increased twice in the 1990s and 2010s, while patterns of each RSV-A genotype were different. Phylogenetic distance analysis suggested that the genetic distances of the strains were relatively short (less than 0.05). No positive selection sites were estimated, while many negative selection sites were found. Moreover, the F protein 3D structure mapping and conformational epitope analysis implied that the conformational epitopes did not correspond to the neutralizing antibody binding sites of the F protein. These results suggested that the RSV-A F gene is relatively conserved, and mismatches between conformational epitopes and neutralizing antibody binding sites of the F protein are responsible for the virus reinfection.

scholarly journals A Critical Phenylalanine Residue in the Respiratory Syncytial Virus Fusion Protein Cytoplasmic Tail Mediates Assembly of Internal Viral Proteins into Viral Filaments and Particles

mBio ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fyza Y. Shaikh ◽  
Reagan G. Cox ◽  
Aaron W. Lifland ◽  
Anne L. Hotard ◽  
John V. Williams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Cell Surface ◽  
Fusion Protein ◽  
Cytoplasmic Tail ◽  
Viral Proteins ◽  
General Strategy ◽  
Apical Surface ◽  
Filament Formation ◽  
F Protein ◽  
Syncytial Virus

ABSTRACTRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a single-stranded RNA virus in theParamyxoviridaefamily that assembles into filamentous structures at the apical surface of polarized epithelial cells. These filaments contain viral genomic RNA and structural proteins, including the fusion (F) protein, matrix (M) protein, nucleoprotein (N), and phosphoprotein (P), while excluding F-actin. It is known that the F protein cytoplasmic tail (FCT) is necessary for filament formation, but the mechanism by which the FCT mediates assembly into filaments is not clear. We hypothesized that the FCT is necessary for interactions with other viral proteins in order to form filaments. In order to test this idea, we expressed the F protein with cytoplasmic tail (CT) truncations or specific point mutations and determined the abilities of these variant F proteins to form filaments independent of viral infection when coexpressed with M, N, and P. Deletion of the terminal three FCT residues (amino acids Phe-Ser-Asn) or mutation of the Phe residue resulted in a loss of filament formation but did not affect F-protein expression or trafficking to the cell surface. Filament formation could be restored by addition of residues Phe-Ser-Asn to an FCT deletion mutant and was unaffected by mutations to Ser or Asn residues. Second, deletion of residues Phe-Ser-Asn or mutation of the Phe residue resulted in a loss of M, N, and P incorporation into virus-like particles. These data suggest that a C-terminal Phe residue in the FCT mediates assembly through incorporation of internal virion proteins into virus filaments at the cell surface.IMPORTANCERespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants and the elderly worldwide. There is no licensed RSV vaccine and only limited therapeutics for use in infected patients. Many aspects of the RSV life cycle have been studied, but the mechanisms that drive RSV assembly at the cell surface are not well understood. This study provides evidence that a specific residue in the RSV fusion protein cytoplasmic tail coordinates assembly into viral filaments by mediating the incorporation of internal virion proteins. Understanding the mechanisms that drive RSV assembly could lead to targeted development of novel antiviral drugs. Moreover, since RSV exits infected cells in an ESCRT (endosomal sorting complexes required for transport)-independent manner, these studies may contribute new knowledge about a general strategy by which ESCRT-independent viruses mediate outward bud formation using viral protein-mediated mechanisms during assembly and budding.

scholarly journals Relationship between the loss of neutralizing antibody binding and fusion activity of the F protein of human respiratory syncytial virus

2007 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Changbao Liu ◽  
Nicole D Day ◽  
Patrick J Branigan ◽  
Lester L Gutshall ◽  
Robert T Sarisky ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Neutralizing Antibody ◽  
Antibody Binding ◽  
Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Fusion Activity ◽  
F Protein ◽  
Syncytial Virus
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