I24-Microfocus Macromolecular Crystallography
|
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[31800]
Open Access
Abstract: Aspects of how Burkholderia escape the host’s intrinsic immune response to replicate in the cell cytosol remain enigmatic. Here, we show that Burkholderia has evolved two mechanisms to block the activity of Ring finger protein 213 (RNF213)-mediated non-canonical ubiquitylation of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), thereby preventing the initiation of antibacterial autophagy. First, Burkholderia’s polysaccharide capsule blocks RNF213 association with bacteria and second, the Burkholderia deubiquitylase (DUB), TssM, directly reverses the activity of RNF213 through a previously unrecognized esterase activity. Structural analysis provides insight into the molecular basis of TssM esterase activity, allowing it to be uncoupled from its isopeptidase function. Furthermore, a putative TssM homolog also displays esterase activity and removes ubiquitin from LPS, establishing this as a virulence mechanism. Of note, we also find that additional immune-evasion mechanisms exist, revealing that overcoming this arm of the host’s immune response is critical to the pathogen.
|
Jun 2024
|
|
I24-Microfocus Macromolecular Crystallography
|
Peter T.
Buckley
,
Rita
Chan
,
Jeffrey
Fernandez
,
Jinquan
Luo
,
Keenan A.
Lacey
,
Ashley L.
Dumont
,
Aidan
O’malley
,
Randall J.
Brezski
,
Songmao
Zheng
,
Thomas
Malia
,
Brian
Whitaker
,
Adam
Zwolak
,
Angela
Payne
,
Desmond
Clark
,
Martin
Sigg
,
Eilyn R.
Lacy
,
Anna
Kornilova
,
Debra
Kwok
,
Steve
Mccarthy
,
Bingyuan
Wu
,
Brian
Morrow
,
Jennifer
Nemeth-Seay
,
Ted
Petley
,
Sam
Wu
,
William R.
Strohl
,
Anthony S.
Lynch
,
Victor J.
Torres
Open Access
Abstract: Treating and preventing infections by antimicrobial-resistant bacterial pathogens is a worldwide problem. Pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus produce an array of virulence determinants, making it difficult to identify single targets for the development of vaccines or monoclonal therapies. We described a human-derived anti-S. aureus monoclonal antibody (mAb)-centyrin fusion protein (“mAbtyrin”) that simultaneously targets multiple bacterial adhesins, resists proteolysis by bacterial protease GluV8, avoids Fc engagement by S. aureus IgG-binding proteins SpA and Sbi, and neutralizes pore-forming leukocidins via fusion with anti-toxin centyrins, while maintaining Fc- and complement-mediated functions. Compared with the parental mAb, mAbtyrin protected human phagocytes and boosted phagocyte-mediated killing. The mAbtyrin also reduced pathology, reduced bacterial burden, and protected from different types of infections in preclinical animal models. Finally, mAbtyrin synergized with vancomycin, enhancing pathogen clearance in an animal model of bacteremia. Altogether, these data establish the potential of multivalent mAbs for treating and preventing S. aureus diseases.
|
Apr 2023
|
|
Krios III-Titan Krios III at Diamond
|
Pranav N. M.
Shah
,
James B.
Gilchrist
,
Björn O.
Forsberg
,
Alister
Burt
,
Andrew
Howe
,
Shyamal
Mosalaganti
,
William
Wan
,
Julika
Radecke
,
Yuriy
Chaban
,
Geoff
Sutton
,
David I.
Stuart
,
Mark
Boyce
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[21004]
Open Access
Abstract: Rotavirus assembly is a complex process that involves the stepwise acquisition of protein layers in distinct intracellular locations to form the fully assembled particle. Understanding and visualization of the assembly process has been hampered by the inaccessibility of unstable intermediates. We characterize the assembly pathway of group A rotaviruses observed in situ within cryo-preserved infected cells through the use of cryoelectron tomography of cellular lamellae. Our findings demonstrate that the viral polymerase VP1 recruits viral genomes during particle assembly, as revealed by infecting with a conditionally lethal mutant. Additionally, pharmacological inhibition to arrest the transiently enveloped stage uncovered a unique conformation of the VP4 spike. Subtomogram averaging provided atomic models of four intermediate states, including a pre-packaging single-layered intermediate, the double-layered particle, the transiently enveloped double-layered particle, and the fully assembled triple-layered virus particle. In summary, these complementary approaches enable us to elucidate the discrete steps involved in forming an intracellular rotavirus particle.
|
Mar 2023
|
|
Krios I-Titan Krios I at Diamond
|
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[20223]
Open Access
Abstract: Rabies virus (RABV) causes lethal encephalitis and is responsible for approximately 60,000 deaths per year. As the sole virion-surface protein, the rabies virus glycoprotein (RABV-G) mediates host-cell entry. RABV-G’s pre-fusion trimeric conformation displays epitopes bound by protective neutralizing antibodies that can be induced by vaccination or passively administered for post-exposure prophylaxis. We report a 2.8-Å structure of a RABV-G trimer in the pre-fusion conformation, in complex with two neutralizing and protective monoclonal antibodies, 17C7 and 1112-1, that recognize distinct epitopes. One of these antibodies is a licensed prophylactic (17C7, Rabishield), which we show locks the protein in pre-fusion conformation. Targeted mutations can similarly stabilize RABV-G in the pre-fusion conformation, a key step toward structure-guided vaccine design. These data reveal the higher-order architecture of a key therapeutic target and the structural basis of neutralization by antibodies binding two key antigenic sites, and this will facilitate the development of improved vaccines and prophylactic antibodies.
|
Aug 2022
|
|
I04-Macromolecular Crystallography
|
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[25402]
Open Access
Abstract: The induction of interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes by STATs is a critical host defense mechanism against virus infection. Here, we report that a highly expressed poxvirus protein, 018, inhibits IFN-induced signaling by binding to the SH2 domain of STAT1, thereby preventing the association of STAT1 with an activated IFN receptor. Despite encoding other inhibitors of IFN-induced signaling, a poxvirus mutant lacking 018 was attenuated in mice. The 2.0 Å crystal structure of the 018:STAT1 complex reveals a phosphotyrosine-independent mode of 018 binding to the SH2 domain of STAT1. Moreover, the STAT1-binding motif of 018 shows similarity to the STAT1-binding proteins from Nipah virus, which, similar to 018, block the association of STAT1 with an IFN receptor. Overall, these results uncover a conserved mechanism of STAT1 antagonism that is employed independently by distinct virus families.
|
Feb 2022
|
|
I03-Macromolecular Crystallography
|
Chang
Liu
,
Daming
Zhou
,
Rungtiwa
Nutalai
,
Helen M. E.
Duyvesteyn
,
Aekkachai
Tuekprakhon
,
Helen M.
Ginn
,
Wanwisa
Dejnirattisai
,
Piyada
Supasa
,
Alexander J.
Mentzer
,
Beibei
Wang
,
James Brett
Case
,
Yuguang
Zhao
,
Donal T.
Skelly
,
Rita E.
Chen
,
Sile Ann
Johnson
,
Thomas G.
Ritter
,
Chris
Mason
,
Tariq
Malik
,
Nigel
Temperton
,
Neil G.
Paterson
,
Mark A.
Williams
,
David R.
Hall
,
Daniel K.
Clare
,
Andrew
Howe
,
Philip J. R.
Goulder
,
Elizabeth E.
Fry
,
Michael S.
Diamond
,
Juthathip
Mongkolsapaya
,
Jingshan
Ren
,
David I.
Stuart
,
Gavin R.
Screaton
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[27009]
Open Access
Abstract: Alpha-B.1.1.7, Beta-B.1.351, Gamma-P.1 and Delta-B.1.617.2 variants of SARS-CoV-2 express multiple mutations in the spike protein (S). These may alter the antigenic structure of S, causing escape from natural or vaccine-induced immunity. Beta is particularly difficult to neutralize using serum induced by early pandemic SARS-CoV-2 strains and is most antigenically separated from Delta. To understand this, we generated 674 mAbs from Beta infected individuals and performed a detailed structure-function analysis of the 27 most potent mAbs: one binding the spike N-terminal domain (NTD), the rest the receptor binding domain (RBD). Two of these RBD-binding mAbs recognise a neutralizing epitope conserved between SARS-CoV-1 and -2, whilst 18 target mutated residues in Beta: K417N, E484K, and N501Y. There is a major response to N501Y including a public IgVH4-39 sequence, with E484K and K417N also targeted. Recognition of these key residues underscores why serum from Beta cases poorly neutralizes early pandemic and Delta viruses.
|
Nov 2021
|
|
I02-Macromolecular Crystallography
I03-Macromolecular Crystallography
|
Sander
Herfst
,
Jie
Zhang
,
Mathilde
Richard
,
Ryan
Mcbride
,
Pascal
Lexmond
,
Theo M.
Bestebroer
,
Monique I. J.
Spronken
,
Dennis
De Meulder
,
Judith M.
Van Den Brand
,
Miruna E.
Rosu
,
Stephen R.
Martin
,
Steven J.
Gamblin
,
Xiaoli
Xiong
,
Wenjie
Peng
,
Rogier
Bodewes
,
Erhard
Van Der Vries
,
Albert D. M. E.
Osterhaus
,
James C.
Paulson
,
John J.
Skehel
,
Ron A. M.
Fouchier
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[9826, 13775]
Abstract: In 2014, an outbreak of avian A/H10N7 influenza virus occurred among seals along North-European coastal waters, significantly impacting seal populations. Here, we examine the cross-species transmission and mammalian adaptation of this influenza A virus, revealing changes in the hemagglutinin surface protein that increase stability and receptor binding. The seal A/H10N7 virus was aerosol or respiratory droplet transmissible between ferrets. Compared with avian H10 hemagglutinin, seal H10 hemagglutinin showed stronger binding to the human-type sialic acid receptor, with preferential binding to α2,6-linked sialic acids on long extended branches. In X-ray structures, changes in the 220-loop of the receptor-binding pocket caused similar interactions with human receptor as seen for pandemic strains. Two substitutions made seal H10 hemagglutinin more stable than avian H10 hemagglutinin and similar to human hemagglutinin. Consequently, identification of avian-origin influenza viruses across mammals appears critical to detect influenza A viruses posing a major threat to humans and other mammals.
|
Oct 2020
|
|
I03-Macromolecular Crystallography
Krios I-Titan Krios I at Diamond
|
Jiandong
Huo
,
Yuguang
Zhao
,
Jingshan
Ren
,
Daming
Zhou
,
Helen M. E.
Duyvesteyn
,
Helen M.
Ginn
,
Loic
Carrique
,
Tomas
Malinauskas
,
Reinis R.
Ruza
,
Pranav N. M.
Shah
,
Tiong Kit
Tan
,
Pramila
Rijal
,
Naomi
Coombes
,
Kevin R.
Bewley
,
Julia A.
Tree
,
Julika
Radecke
,
Neil
Paterson
,
Piyasa
Supasa
,
Juthathip
Mongkolsapaya
,
Gavin R.
Screaton
,
Miles
Carroll
,
Alain
Townsend
,
Elizabeth E.
Fry
,
Raymond J.
Owens
,
David I.
Stuart
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[19946, 26983]
Open Access
Abstract: There are as yet no licenced therapeutics for the COVID-19 pandemic. The causal coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) binds host cells via a trimeric Spike whose receptor binding domain (RBD) recognises angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), initiating conformational changes that drive membrane fusion. We find that the monoclonal antibody CR3022 binds the RBD tightly, neutralising SARS-CoV-2 and report the crystal structure at 2.4 Å of the Fab/RBD complex. Some crystals are suitable for screening for entry-blocking inhibitors. The highly conserved, structure-stabilising, CR3022 epitope is inaccessible in the prefusion Spike, suggesting that CR3022 binding facilitates conversion to the fusion-incompetent post-fusion state. Cryo-EM analysis confirms that incubation of Spike with CR3022 Fab leads to destruction of the prefusion trimer. Presentation of this cryptic epitope in an RBD-based vaccine might advantageously focus immune responses. Binders at this epitope may be useful therapeutically, possibly in synergy with an antibody blocking receptor attachment.
|
Jun 2020
|
|
I03-Macromolecular Crystallography
I04-Macromolecular Crystallography
I24-Microfocus Macromolecular Crystallography
|
M. Fleur
Sernee
,
Julie E.
Ralton
,
Tracy L.
Nero
,
Lukasz F.
Sobala
,
Joachim
Kloehn
,
Marcel A.
Vieira-Lara
,
Simon A.
Cobbold
,
Lauren
Stanton
,
Douglas E. V.
Pires
,
Eric
Hanssen
,
Alexandra
Males
,
Tom
Ward
,
Laurence M.
Bastidas
,
Phillip L.
Van Der Peet
,
Michael W.
Parker
,
David B.
Ascher
,
Spencer J.
Williams
,
Gideon J.
Davies
,
Malcolm J.
Mcconville
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[13587, 18598]
Open Access
Abstract: Parasitic protists belonging to the genus Leishmania synthesize the non-canonical carbohydrate reserve, mannogen, which is composed of β-1,2-mannan oligosaccharides. Here, we identify a class of dual-activity mannosyltransferase/phosphorylases (MTPs) that catalyze both the sugar nucleotide-dependent biosynthesis and phosphorolytic turnover of mannogen. Structural and phylogenic analysis shows that while the MTPs are structurally related to bacterial mannan phosphorylases, they constitute a distinct family of glycosyltransferases (GT108) that have likely been acquired by horizontal gene transfer from gram-positive bacteria. The seven MTPs catalyze the constitutive synthesis and turnover of mannogen. This metabolic rheostat protects obligate intracellular parasite stages from nutrient excess, and is essential for thermotolerance and parasite infectivity in the mammalian host. Our results suggest that the acquisition and expansion of the MTP family in Leishmania increased the metabolic flexibility of these protists and contributed to their capacity to colonize new host niches.
|
Sep 2019
|
|
I02-Macromolecular Crystallography
|
Frank
Lennartz
,
Yvonne
Adams
,
Anja
Bengtsson
,
Rebecca W.
Olsen
,
Louise
Turner
,
Nicaise T.
Ndam
,
Gertrude
Ecklu-Mensah
,
Azizath
Moussiliou
,
Michael F.
Ofori
,
Benoit
Gamain
,
John P.
Lusingu
,
Jens E. V.
Petersen
,
Christian W.
Wang
,
Sofia
Nunes-Silva
,
Jakob S.
Jespersen
,
Clinton K. Y.
Lau
,
Thor G.
Theander
,
Thomas
Lavstsen
,
Lars
Hviid
,
Matthew K.
Higgins
,
Anja T. R.
Jensen
Open Access
Abstract: Cerebral malaria is a deadly outcome of infection by Plasmodium falciparum, occurring when parasite-infected erythrocytes accumulate in the brain. These erythrocytes display parasite proteins of the PfEMP1 family that bind various endothelial receptors. Despite the importance of cerebral malaria, a binding phenotype linked to its symptoms has not been identified. Here, we used structural biology to determine how a group of PfEMP1 proteins interacts with intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), allowing us to predict binders from a specific sequence motif alone. Analysis of multiple Plasmodium falciparum genomes showed that ICAM-1-binding PfEMP1s also interact with endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR), allowing infected erythrocytes to synergistically bind both receptors. Expression of these PfEMP1s, predicted to bind both ICAM-1 and EPCR, is associated with increased risk of developing cerebral malaria. This study therefore reveals an important PfEMP1-binding phenotype that could be targeted as part of a strategy to prevent cerebral malaria.
|
Mar 2017
|
|
