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Beaudoin-Bussieres, G.

Publications and source records attributed to Beaudoin-Bussieres, G..

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

The asymmetric opening of HIV-1 Env by a potent CD4 mimetic enables anti-coreceptor binding site antibodies to mediate ADCC

HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins (Env) from primary HIV-1 isolates typically adopt a pretriggered "closed" conformation that resists to CD4-induced (CD4i) non-neutralizing antibodies (nnAbs) mediating antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). CD4-mimetic compounds (CD4mcs) "open-up" Env allowing binding of CD4i nnAbs, thereby sensitizing HIV-1-infected cells to ADCC. Two families of CD4i nnAbs, the anti-cluster A and anti-coreceptor binding site (CoRBS) Abs, are required to mediate ADCC in combination with the indane CD4mc BNM-III-170. Recently, new indoline CD4mcs with improved potency and breadth have been described. Here, we show that the lead indoline CD4mc, CJF-III-288, sensitizes HIV-1-infected cells to ADCC mediated by anti-CoRBS Abs alone, contributing to improved ADCC activity. Structural and conformational analyses reveal that CJF-III-288, in combination with anti-CoRBS Abs, potently stabilizes an asymmetric "open" State-3 Env conformation, This Env conformation orients the anti-CoRBS Ab to improve ADCC activity and therapeutic potential.

microbiology↗

The combination of three CD4-induced antibodies targeting highly conserved Env regions with a small CD4-mimetic achieves potent ADCC activity

The majority of naturally-elicited antibodies against the HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins (Env) are non-neutralizing (nnAbs), because they are unable to recognize the Env timer in its native "closed" conformation. Nevertheless, it has been shown that nnAbs have the potential to eliminate HIV-1-infected cells by Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity (ADCC) provided that Env is present on the cell surface in its "open" conformation. This is because most nnAbs recognize epitopes that become accessible only after Env interaction with CD4 and the exposure of epitopes that are normally occluded in the closed trimer. HIV-1 limits this vulnerability by downregulating CD4 from the surface of infected cells, thus preventing a premature encounter of Env with CD4. Small CD4-mimetics (CD4mc) sensitize HIV-1-infected cells to ADCC by opening the Env glycoprotein and exposing CD4-induced (CD4i) epitopes. There are two families of CD4i nnAbs, termed anti-cluster A and anti-CoRBS Abs, which are known to mediate ADCC in the presence of CD4mc. Here, we performed Fab competition experiments and found that anti-gp41 cluster I antibodies comprise a major fraction of the plasma ADCC activity in people living with HIV (PLWH). Moreover, addition of gp41 cluster I antibodies to cluster A and CoRBS antibodies greatly enhanced ADCC mediated cell killing in the presence of a potent indoline CD4mc, CJF-III-288. This cocktail outperformed broadly-neutralizing antibodies and even showed activity against HIV-1 infected monocyte-derived macrophages. Thus, combining CD4i antibodies with different specificities achieves maximal ADCC activity, which may be of utility in HIV cure strategies. IMPORTANCEThe elimination of HIV-1-infected cells remains an important medical goal. While current antiretroviral therapy decreases viral loads below detection levels, it does not eliminate latently infected cells which form the viral reservoir. Here, we developed a cocktail of non-neutralizing antibodies targeting highly conserved Env regions and combined it with a potent indoline CD4mc. This combination exhibited very potent ADCC activity against HIV-1-infected primary CD4+ T cells as well as monocyte-derived macrophages, suggesting its potential utility in decreasing the size of the viral reservoir.

microbiology↗

CD4 downregulation precedes Env expression and protects HIV-1-infected cells from ADCC mediated by non-neutralizing antibodies

HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) conformation substantially impacts antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Envs from primary HIV-1 isolates adopt a prefusion "closed" conformation, which is targeted by broadly-neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs). CD4 binding drives Env into more "open" conformations, which are recognized by non-neutralizing Abs (nnAbs). To better understand Env-Ab and Env-CD4 interaction in CD4+ T cells infected with HIV-1, we simultaneously measured antibody binding and HIV-1 mRNA expression using multiparametric flow cytometry and RNA-flow fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) techniques. We observed that env mRNA is almost exclusively expressed by HIV-1 productively-infected cells that already downmodulated CD4. This suggest that CD4 downmodulation precedes env mRNA expression. Consequently, productively-infected cells express "closed" Envs on their surface, which renders them resistant to nnAbs. Cells recognized by nnAbs were all env mRNA negative, indicating Ab binding through shed gp120 or virions attached to their surface. Consistent with these findings, treatment of HIV-1 infected humanized mice with the ADCC mediating nnAb A32 failed to lower viral replication or reduce the size of the viral reservoir. These findings confirm the resistance of productively-infected CD4+ T cells to nnAbs-mediated ADCC and question the rationale of immunotherapy approaches using this strategy. Graphical abstract O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=199 SRC="FIGDIR/small/592003v2_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (30K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1c34d91org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@11975c0org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@81b5beorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1c2e0b2_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG

microbiology↗

Elevated binding and functional antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 in infants versus mothers

Infant antibody responses to viral infection can differ from those in adults. However, data on the specificity and function of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies in infants, and direct comparisons between infants and adults are limited. We characterized antibody binding and functionality in convalescent plasma from postpartum women and their infants infected with SARS-CoV-2 from a vaccine-naive prospective cohort in Nairobi, Kenya. Antibody titers against SARS-CoV-2 Spike, receptor binding domain and N-terminal domain, and Spike-expressing cell-surface staining levels were significantly higher in infants than in mothers. Plasma antibodies from mothers and infants bound to similar regions of the Spike S2 subunit, including the fusion peptide (FP) and stem helix-heptad repeat 2. However, infants displayed higher antibody levels and more consistent antibody escape pathways in the FP region compared to mothers. Finally, infants had significantly higher levels of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), though, surprisingly, neutralization titers between infants and mothers were similar. These results suggest infants develop distinct SARS-CoV-2 binding and functional antibody repertoires and reveal age-related differences in humoral immunity to SARS-CoV-2 infection that could be relevant to protection and COVID-19 disease outcomes.

immunology↗

Molecular basis for antiviral activity of pediatric neutralizing antibodies targeting SARS-CoV-2 Spike receptor binding domain

Neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) hold great promise for clinical interventions against SARS-CoV- 2 variants of concern (VOCs). Understanding NAb epitope-dependent antiviral mechanisms is crucial for developing vaccines and therapeutics against VOCs. Here we characterized two potent NAbs, EH3 and EH8, isolated from an unvaccinated pediatric patient with exceptional plasma neutralization activity. EH3 and EH8 cross-neutralize the early VOCs and mediate strong Fc-dependent effector activity in vitro. Structural analyses of EH3 and EH8 in complex with the receptor-binding domain (RBD) revealed the molecular determinants of the epitope-driven protection and VOC-evasion. While EH3 represents the prevalent IGHV3-53 NAb whose epitope substantially overlaps with the ACE2 binding site, EH8 recognizes a narrow epitope exposed in both RBD-up and RBD-down conformations. When tested in vivo, a single-dose prophylactic administration of EH3 fully protected stringent K18-hACE2 mice from lethal challenge with Delta VOC. Our study demonstrates that protective NAbs responses converge in pediatric and adult SARS-CoV-2 patients.

microbiology↗

Small CD4 mimetics sensitize HIV-1-infected macrophages to antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity

HIV-1 Envelope (Env) conformation determines the susceptibility of infected CD4+ T cells to Antibody Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity (ADCC). Upon interaction with CD4, Env adopts more "open" conformations, exposing ADCC epitopes. HIV-1 limits Env-CD4 interaction and protects infected cells against ADCC by downregulating CD4 via Nef, Vpu and Env. Limited data exists however of the role of these proteins in downmodulating CD4 on infected macrophages and how this impacts Env conformation. While Nef, Vpu and Env are all required to efficiently downregulate CD4 on infected CD4+T cells, we show here that any one of these proteins is sufficient to downmodulate most CD4 from the surface of infected macrophages. Consistent with this finding, Nef and Vpu have a lesser impact on Env conformation and ADCC sensitivity in infected macrophages compared to CD4+T cells. However, treatment of infected macrophages with small CD4-mimetics expose vulnerable CD4-induced Env epitopes and sensitize them to ADCC.

microbiology↗

An S1 subunit vaccine and combination adjuvant (COVAC-1) elicits robust protection against SARS-CoV-2 challenge in African green monkeys

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the agent responsible for the ongoing global pandemic. With over 500 million cases and more than 6 million deaths reported globally, the need for access to effective vaccines is clear. An ideal SARS-CoV-2 vaccine will prevent pathology in the lungs and prevent virus replication in the upper respiratory tract, thus reducing transmission. Here, we assessed the efficacy of an adjuvanted SARS-CoV-2 S1 subunit vaccine, called COVAC-1, in an African green monkey (AGM) model. AGMs immunized and boosted with COVAC-1 were protected from SARS-CoV-2 challenge compared to unvaccinated controls based on reduced pathology and reduced viral RNA levels and infectious virus in the respiratory tract. Both neutralizing antibodies and antibodies capable of mediating antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) were observed in vaccinated animals prior to the challenge. COVAC-1 induced effective protection, including in the upper respiratory tract, thus supporting further development and utility for determining the mechanism that confers this protection. AUTHOR SUMMARYVaccines that can prevent the onward transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and prevent disease are highly desirable. Whether this can be accomplished without mucosal immunization by a parenterally administered subunit vaccine is not well established. Here we demonstrate that following two vaccinations, a protein subunit vaccine containing the S1 portion of the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein and the novel adjuvant TriAdj significantly reduces the amount of virus in the lungs and also mediates rapid clearance of the virus from the upper respiratory tract. Further support of the effectiveness of COVAC-1 was the observation of reduced pathology in the lungs and viral RNA being largely absent from tissues, blood, and rectal swabs. Thus COVAC-1 appears promising at mediating protection in both the upper and lower respiratory tract and may be capable of reducing subsequent transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Further investigation into the mechanism of protection in the upper respiratory tract and the initial immune response that supports this would be warranted.

microbiology↗

The Fc-effector function of COVID-19 convalescent plasma contributes to SARS-CoV-2 treatment efficacy in mice

COVID-19 convalescent plasmas (CCPs) are chosen for plasma therapy based on neutralizing titers and anti-Spike immunoglobulin levels. However, specific CCP characteristics that promote SARS-CoV-2 control in recipients are complex and incompletely defined. Using an in vivo imaging approach, we demonstrate that CCPs with low neutralizing and high Fc-effector activity, in contrast to those with poor Fc-function, afford effective prophylaxis and therapy in K18-hACE2 mice lethally challenged with SARS-CoV-2-nLuc. Macrophages and neutrophils significantly contributed to CCP effects during therapy but to a reduced extent under prophylaxis. Both IgG and Ig(M+A) were required during therapy, but the IgG fraction alone was sufficient during prophylaxis. Finally, despite neutralizing poorly, SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan-elicited CCPs delayed Delta and Beta variants of concern (VOC)-induced mortality in mice illustrating the contribution of polyclonal Fc-effector functions in immunity against VOCs. Thus, in addition to neutralization, Fc-effector activity is a significant criterion for CCP selection for therapeutic applications.

immunology↗

SARS-CoV-2 accessory protein ORF8 decreases antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity

SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycoprotein is the major target of host neutralizing antibodies and the most changing viral protein in the continuously emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants as a result of frequent viral evasion from host antibody responses. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 encodes multiple accessory proteins that modulate host antiviral immunity by different mechanisms. Among all SARS-CoV-2 accessory proteins, ORF8 is rapidly evolving and a deletion in this protein has been linked to milder disease. Here, we studied the effect of ORF8 on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Specifically, we found that ORF8 can bind monocytes as well as NK cells. Strikingly, ORF8 binds CD16a (Fc{gamma}RIIIA) with nanomolar affinity and decreases the overall level of CD16 at the surface of monocytes and, to a lesser extent, NK cells. Strikingly, this decrease significantly reduces the capacity of PBMCs and particularly monocytes to mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Overall, our data identifies a new immune-evasion activity used by SARS-CoV-2 to escape humoral responses.

immunology↗

Identification of a SARS-CoV-2 host metalloproteinase-dependent entry pathway differentially used by SARS-CoV-2 and variants of concern Alpha, Delta, and Omicron

To infect cells, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) binds to angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) via its spike glycoprotein (S), delivering its genome upon S-mediated membrane fusion. SARS-CoV-2 uses two distinct entry pathways: 1) a surface, serine protease-dependent or 2) an endosomal, cysteine protease-dependent pathway. In investigating serine protease-independent cell-cell fusion, we found that the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), MMP2/9, can activate SARS-CoV-2 S fusion activity, but not that of SARS-CoV-1. Importantly, metalloproteinase activation of SARS-CoV-2 S represents a third entry pathway in cells expressing high MMP levels. This route of entry required cleavage at the S1/S2 junction in viral producer cells and differential processing of variants of concern S dictated its usage. In addition, metalloproteinase inhibitors reduced replicative Alpha infection and abrogated syncytia formation. Finally, we found that the Omicron S exhibit reduced metalloproteinase-dependent fusion and viral entry. Taken together, we identified a MMP2/9-dependent mode of activation of SARS-CoV-2 S. As MMP2/9 are released during inflammation and severe COVID-19, they may play important roles in SARS-CoV-2 S-mediated cytopathic effects, tropism, and disease outcome.

microbiology↗

VE607 Stabilizes SARS-CoV-2 Spike In the "RBD-up" Conformation and Inhibits Viral Entry

SARS-CoV-2 infection of host cells starts by binding of the Spike glycoprotein (S) to the ACE2 receptor. The S-ACE2 interaction is a potential target for therapies against COVID-19 as demonstrated by the development of immunotherapies blocking this interaction. Here, we present the commercially available VE607, comprised of three stereoisomers, that was originally described as an inhibitor of SARS-CoV-1. We show that VE607 specifically inhibits infection of SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 S-expressing pseudoviral particles as well as authentic SARS-CoV-2. VE607 stabilizes the receptor binding domain (RBD) in its "up" conformation. In silico docking and mutational analysis map the VE607 binding site at the RBD-ACE2 interface. The IC50 values are in the low micromolar range for pseudoparticles derived from SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan/D614G as well as from variants of concern (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Omicron), suggesting that VE607 has potential for the development of drugs against SARS-CoV-2 infections.

microbiology↗

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Spike recognition by plasma from individuals receiving BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination with a 16-weeks interval between doses

Continuous emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) is fueling the COVID-19 pandemic. Omicron (B.1.1.529), is rapidly spreading worldwide. The large number of mutations in its Spike raised concerns about a major antigenic drift that could significantly decrease vaccine efficacy and infection-induced immunity. A long interval between BNT162b2 mRNA doses was shown to elicit antibodies that efficiently recognize Spikes from different VOCs. Here we evaluated the recognition of Omicron Spike by plasma from a cohort of SARS-CoV-2 naive and previously-infected individuals that received their BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine 16-weeks apart. Omicron Spike was recognized less efficiently than D614G, Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta Spikes. We compared to plasma activity from participants receiving a short (4-weeks) interval regimen. Plasma from individuals of the long interval cohort recognized and neutralized better the Omicron Spike compared to those that received a short interval. Whether this difference confers any clinical benefit against Omicron remains unknown.

microbiology↗

Temporal associations of B and T cell immunity with robust vaccine responsiveness in a 16-week interval BNT162b2 regimen

Spacing of the BNT162b2 mRNA doses beyond 3 weeks raised concerns about vaccine efficacy. We longitudinally analyzed B cell, T cell and humoral responses to two BNT162b2 mRNA doses administered 16 weeks apart in 53 SARS-CoV-2 naive and previously-infected donors. This regimen elicited robust RBD-specific B cell responses whose kinetics differed between cohorts, the second dose leading to increased magnitude in naive participants only. While boosting did not increase magnitude of CD4+ T cell responses further compared to the first dose, unsupervised clustering analyses of single-cell features revealed phenotypic and functional shifts over time and between cohorts. Integrated analysis showed longitudinal immune component-specific associations, with early Thelper responses post-first dose correlating with B cell responses after the second dose, and memory Thelper generated between doses correlating with CD8 T cell responses after boosting. Therefore, boosting elicits a robust cellular recall response after the 16-week interval, indicating functional immune memory.

immunology↗

Engineered ACE2-Fc counters murine lethal SARS-CoV-2 infection through direct neutralization and Fc-effector activities

Soluble Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) constitutes an attractive antiviral capable of targeting a wide range of coronaviruses utilizing ACE2 as their receptor. Here, using structure-guided approaches, we developed divalent ACE2 molecules by grafting the extracellular ACE2-domain onto a human IgG1 or IgG3 (ACE2-Fc). These ACE2-Fcs harbor structurally validated mutations that enhance spike (S) binding and remove angiotensin enzymatic activity. The lead variant bound tightly to S, mediated in vitro neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) with sub-nanomolar IC50 and was capable of robust Fc-effector functions, including antibody-dependent-cellular cytotoxicity, phagocytosis and complement deposition. When tested in a stringent K18-hACE2 mouse model, it delayed death or effectively resolved lethal SARS-CoV-2 infection in a prophylactic or therapeutic setting utilizing the combined effect of neutralization and Fc-effector functions. These data confirm the utility of ACE2-Fcs as valuable agents in preventing and eliminating SARS-CoV-2 infection and demonstrate that ACE2-Fc therapeutic activity require Fc-effector functions.

microbiology↗

An anti-SARS-CoV-2 non-neutralizing antibody with Fc-effector function defines a new NTD epitope and delays neuroinvasion and death in K18-hACE2 mice

Emerging evidence in animal models indicate that both neutralizing activity and Fc- mediated effector functions of neutralizing antibodies contribute to protection against SARS-CoV-2. It is unclear if antibody effector functions alone could protect against SARS-CoV-2. Here we isolated CV3-13, a non-neutralizing antibody from a convalescent individual with potent Fc-mediated effector functions that targeted the N- terminal domain (NTD) of SARS-CoV-2 Spike. The cryo-EM structure of CV3-13 in complex with SAR-CoV-2 spike revealed that the antibody bound from a distinct angle of approach to a novel NTD epitope that partially overlapped with a frequently mutated NTD supersite in SARS-CoV-2 variants. While CV3-13 did not alter the replication dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in a K18-hACE2 transgenic mouse model, an Fc-enhanced CV3-13 significantly delayed neuroinvasion and death in prophylactic settings. Thus, we demonstrate that efficient Fc-mediated effector functions can contribute to the in vivo efficacy of anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies in the absence of neutralization.

microbiology↗

Live imaging of SARS-CoV-2 infection in mice reveals neutralizing antibodies require Fc function for optimal efficacy

Neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) are effective in treating COVID-19 but the mechanism of immune protection is not fully understood. Here, we applied live bioluminescence imaging (BLI) to monitor the real-time effects of NAb treatment in prophylaxis and therapy of K18-hACE2 mice intranasally infected with SARS-CoV-2-nanoluciferase. We could visualize virus spread sequentially from the nasal cavity to the lungs and thereafter systemically to various organs including the brain, which culminated in death. Highly potent NAbs from a COVID-19 convalescent subject prevented, and also effectively resolved, established infection when administered within three days. In addition to direct Fab-mediated neutralization, Fc effector interactions of NAbs with monocytes, neutrophils and natural killer cells were required to effectively dampen inflammatory responses and limit immunopathology. Our study highlights that both Fab and Fc effector functions of NAbs are essential for optimal in vivo efficacy against SARS-CoV-2.

immunology↗

A single BNT162b2 mRNA dose elicits antibodies with Fc-mediated effector functions and boost pre-existing humoral and T cell responses

The standard dosing of the Pfizer/BioNTech BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine validated in clinical trials includes two doses administered three weeks apart. While the decision by some public health authorities to space the doses because of limiting supply has raised concerns about vaccine efficacy, data indicate that a single dose is up to 90% effective starting 14 days after its administration. We analyzed humoral and T cells responses three weeks after a single dose of this mRNA vaccine. Despite the proven efficacy of the vaccine at this time point, no neutralizing activity were elicited in SARS-CoV-2 naive individuals. However, we detected strong anti-receptor binding domain (RBD) and Spike antibodies with Fc-mediated effector functions and cellular responses dominated by the CD4+ T cell component. A single dose of this mRNA vaccine to individuals previously infected by SARS-CoV-2 boosted all humoral and T cell responses measured, with strong correlations between T helper and antibody immunity. Neutralizing responses were increased in both potency and breadth, with distinctive capacity to neutralize emerging variant strains. Our results highlight the importance of vaccinating uninfected and previously-infected individuals and shed new light into the potential role of Fc-mediated effector functions and T cell responses in vaccine efficacy. They also provide support to spacing the doses of two-vaccine regimens to vaccinate a larger pool of the population in the context of vaccine scarcity against SARS-CoV-2.

immunology↗

Longitudinal analysis of humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2 Spike in convalescent individuals up to 8 months post-symptom onset

Functional and lasting immune responses to the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) are currently under intense investigation as antibody titers in plasma have been shown to decline during convalescence. Since the absence of antibodies does not equate to absence of immune memory, we sought to determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2-specific memory B cells in COVID-19 convalescent patients. In this study, we report on the evolution of the overall humoral immune responses on 101 blood samples obtained from 32 COVID-19 convalescent patients between 16 and 233 days post-symptom onset. Our observations indicate that anti-Spike and anti-RBD IgM in plasma decay rapidly, whereas the reduction of IgG is less prominent. Neutralizing activity in convalescent plasma declines rapidly compared to Fc-effector functions. Concomitantly, the frequencies of RBD-specific IgM+ B cells wane significantly when compared to RBD-specific IgG+ B cells, which increase over time, and the number of IgG+ memory B cells which remain stable thereafter for up to 8 months after symptoms onset. With the recent approval of highly effective vaccines for COVID-19, data on the persistence of immune responses are of central importance. Even though overall circulating SARS-CoV-2 Spike-specific antibodies contract over time during convalescence, we demonstrate that RBD-specific B cells increase and persist up to 8 months post symptom onset. We also observe modest increases in RBD-specific IgG+ memory B cells and importantly, detectable IgG and sustained Fc-effector activity in plasma over the 8-month period. Our results add to the current understanding of immune memory following SARS-CoV-2 infection, which is critical for the prevention of secondary infections, vaccine efficacy and herd immunity against COVID-19.

microbiology↗