Cell penetrable human scFv specific to middle domain of matrix protein-1 protects mice from lethal influenza

Viruses. 2015 Jan 14;7(1):154-79. doi: 10.3390/v7010154.

Abstract

A new anti-influenza remedy that can tolerate the virus antigenic variation is needed. Influenza virus matrix protein-1 (M1) is highly conserved and pivotal for the virus replication cycle: virus uncoating, assembly and budding. An agent that blocks the M1 functions should be an effective anti-influenza agent. In this study, human scFv that bound to recombinant M1 middle domain (MD) and native M1 of A/H5N1 was produced. Phage mimotope search and computerized molecular docking revealed that the scFv bound to the MD conformational epitope formed by juxtaposed helices 7 and 9 of the M1. The scFv was linked molecularly to a cell penetrable peptide, penetratin (PEN). The PEN-scFv (transbody), when used to treat the cells pre-infected with the heterologous clade/subclade A/H5N1 reduced the viral mRNA intracellularly and in the cell culture fluids. The transbody mitigated symptom severity and lung histopathology of the H5N1 infected mice and caused reduction of virus antigen in the tissues as well as extricated the animals from the lethal challenge in a dose dependent manner. The transbody specific to the M1 MD, either alone or in combination with the cognate human scFvs specific to other influenza virus proteins, should be an effective, safe and mutation tolerable anti-influenza agent.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Viral / genetics
  • Antibodies, Viral / therapeutic use*
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell-Penetrating Peptides
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype / drug effects*
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Molecular Docking Simulation
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / drug therapy*
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / pathology
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / virology
  • Peptide Library
  • Recombinant Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
  • Recombinant Proteins / therapeutic use
  • Single-Chain Antibodies / genetics
  • Single-Chain Antibodies / therapeutic use*
  • Survival Analysis
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Viral Matrix Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Cell-Penetrating Peptides
  • M1 protein, Influenza A virus
  • Peptide Library
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Single-Chain Antibodies
  • Viral Matrix Proteins
  • penetratin